Top Surgery Recovery Updates (a place for all members to update after surgery)

[JandJ]

Thanks for the reply

The main reason I have NOT canceled this is because I have talked to a few others that have used this surgeon and all have had glowing reviews.  At the moment, I am without a primary care provider.  I have an appointment scheduled with a new (hopefully) primary, but he couldn't see me until the end of the month (a couple of weeks post-op). I hear you with the cocky/overconfident (most definitely) vs. negligent!  At my pre-op I completed all the questionairs with complete honesty and was prepared to discuss my past medical issues - I was never even asked.  I was able to work in some of my prior history but still did not raise an eyebrow.  I had a copy of my latest labs with me to give them, but again never asked. 

Six days to go and trying not to over think things!

As someone who works at a hospital... This attitude concerns me :C  Are you able to call the office and talk with someone about it? Have you known anyone who has gotten this kind of surgery from the specific surgeon you are seeing?  It's one thing for a surgeon to be a bit cocky/overconfident as that is generally the personality one has to have to literally be holding people's lives in one's hands.  However, this sounds like it's getting into negligent areas rather than simply confident?  How does the doctor that handles your lab work feel about this?  I know it's an important surgery but I have concerns for your health and safety if they aren't even doing some basic screening pre-op, unless they are secretly getting your lab work without your knowledge, whcih should NOT be happening!

[AleksiJason]

yeah ive got scars from when i used to cut when i was 15 (13 years ago) that look a hell of a lot worse, darker (and raised) than my top surgery scars which were just over a year now.....but i didnt use anything on my arm scars....i have a scar on my scalp u cant see cause of my hair but when i pull my hair away it looks horrendous from a benign brain tumor that was removed when i was 20

i went to garramone and stayed at new beginnings and had a mixed experience there....there were positives and negatives.....i know most guys would like highly recommend it but i had some bad moments there......for example Leland kept pushing me to make my bandages looser the day after my surgery but i was not comfortable with loosening them so soon

so a few days after surgery i agreed he can loosen them.....so he re-wrapped me

when i went to my post op appt dr. garramone looked shocked at my bandages....he asked why the ace bandage was so low on my chest (all my white gauze was popping out) and why it was so loose

i told him Leland rewrapped me and he looked hella ->-bleeped-<-ing pissed and rolled his eyes

i knew there was a problem when he rewrapped me because the ace bandage was so loose it was falling down my chest onto my stomach and all hte white gauze on my chest was showing

it didnt even cover my chest

my dad took me for my top surgery and when i was waiting in the waiting room for my Pre-Op appt... Leland came in looking for new "recruits" and talked to me and my dad and was SOOOOO nice and personable and just seemed like a great guy

but once we payed him for my week's stay he started getting rude and passive aggressive and i just got a bad vibe

[AleksiJason]

They (Leland and wife) live in a mansion in Florida.....both are nurses but i dont think Leland even works as a nurse anymore....and nurses dont make enough money to afford a mansion

there is no way they can afford that gigantic beautiful house if it was not for all the guys they take in (not even legally) after surgery to recover

Leland even said we couldnt tell anyone about it and i couldnt go outside without my chest fully covered and buttoned up....they dont have a license to make their home a recovery center

[aleon515]

They are licensed for business in FL. I don't know how they are licensed. I believe it would be classed as a BandB. I think they would say they have a nursing background, but if you have real problems, they won't handle it. Most people stay in a motel, so it doesn't require any actual nursing. Of course, they could not afford a 5-7 bedroom house, nor would they need one. 

They live in a housing development. So the problems they may face are more to do with various Housing Associations. But they are licensed as a private business in FL.

I am very surprised that incident happened. Leland loosened my bandage, what it amounted to was unwinding a tiny bit and rewinding a little looser. To totally rewind and reapply would have taken a LONG time. It took 3 minutes or so for what he did. Dr Garramone didn't notice it. It didn't loosen them very much at all.

--Jay

They (Leland and wife) live in a mansion in Florida.....both are nurses but i dont think Leland even works as a nurse anymore....and nurses dont make enough money to afford a mansion

there is no way they can afford that gigantic beautiful house if it was not for all the guys they take in (not even legally) after surgery to recover

Leland even said we couldnt tell anyone about it and i couldnt go outside without my chest fully covered and buttoned up....they dont have a license to make their home a recovery center

[Aazhie]

Thanks for the reply

The main reason I have NOT canceled this is because I have talked to a few others that have used this surgeon and all have had glowing reviews.  At the moment, I am without a primary care provider.  I have an appointment scheduled with a new (hopefully) primary, but he couldn't see me until the end of the month (a couple of weeks post-op). I hear you with the cocky/overconfident (most definitely) vs. negligent!  At my pre-op I completed all the questionairs with complete honesty and was prepared to discuss my past medical issues - I was never even asked.  I was able to work in some of my prior history but still did not raise an eyebrow.  I had a copy of my latest labs with me to give them, but again never asked. 

Six days to go and trying not to over think things!

Okay that sounds better though...
If they have good reviews, that makes me feel better.  Perhaps they had you sign over old medical info for them to review?  If you filled out all the questions regarding medications and history generally that stuff will tell them a lot.  If that was as complete as you could get it, I am more reassured that they have relevant info.  Some doctors are not great at social stuff, just like any other person can be.  They're also overbooked in most facilities these days so things like consultations usually have to be quick.  Your surgeon may prefer to get his details from the paperwork rather than in person.  Professionally, as well, I think there's a need to be detatched from the patient's emotional state.  I imagine it can make the job more complicated if you are focusing too much on the person rather than the physical act of surgery and this often reflects in a bad bedside manner.  While I believe all healthcare professionals need to be, well, professional, there's a lot of interpretation of the word.  Nurses and the daily care staff are usually much better educated on how to interact with patients as people, since the surgeon usually only sees you for a consult, then on the table.  I feel like for how unnatural it is to cut someone open and do surgery, it's probably better in some ways for the doctor to not get too concerned for the person versus their actual body, as their job is to get your body taken care of first and foremost. 
Take care and do your best not to stress- I hear that being calm and realistic can help the short and long term healing process. Stress hormones can linger in your body longer than the stressful event lasts, so deep breathing and chillout sessions would be a great ideas for you to work on.  Best wishes and take care of yourself!

[makipu]

Are you removing them, washing them and then leaving them to dry, every 24 hours?

Yes, I did. I don't know if this makes a difference but I used antibacterial soap.  It's odd because not all of the pieces are falling, only from the scar areas that seem raised.

[JandJ]

Thanks Aazhie.  Trying to stay positive.  He has a nurse that does the majority of the Pre-Op appointment for him.  I've seen the surgeon for a total of MAYBE 5 minutes iIn my two appointments - I understand that, to a point.  She spent a good bit of time going over post-op instructions with me etc.  No - they have requested no prior medical records from anyone and I have signed no release (only an ABN for payment).  Hopefully my concerns and my families fears are unfounded and all will go well - but I did have my SO take out a life insurance policy for April, just in case LOL

I do appreciate your reply Hopefully, soon I will appreciate the scar treatment conversation more

Okay that sounds better though...
If they have good reviews, that makes me feel better.  Perhaps they had you sign over old medical info for them to review?  If you filled out all the questions regarding medications and history generally that stuff will tell them a lot.  If that was as complete as you could get it, I am more reassured that they have relevant info.  Some doctors are not great at social stuff, just like any other person can be.  They're also overbooked in most facilities these days so things like consultations usually have to be quick.  Your surgeon may prefer to get his details from the paperwork rather than in person.  Professionally, as well, I think there's a need to be detatched from the patient's emotional state.  I imagine it can make the job more complicated if you are focusing too much on the person rather than the physical act of surgery and this often reflects in a bad bedside manner.  While I believe all healthcare professionals need to be, well, professional, there's a lot of interpretation of the word.  Nurses and the daily care staff are usually much better educated on how to interact with patients as people, since the surgeon usually only sees you for a consult, then on the table.  I feel like for how unnatural it is to cut someone open and do surgery, it's probably better in some ways for the doctor to not get too concerned for the person versus their actual body, as their job is to get your body taken care of first and foremost. 
Take care and do your best not to stress- I hear that being calm and realistic can help the short and long term healing process. Stress hormones can linger in your body longer than the stressful event lasts, so deep breathing and chillout sessions would be a great ideas for you to work on.  Best wishes and take care of yourself!

[AleksiJason]

They are licensed for business in FL. I don't know how they are licensed. I believe it would be classed as a BandB. I think they would say they have a nursing background, but if you have real problems, they won't handle it. Most people stay in a motel, so it doesn't require any actual nursing. Of course, they could not afford a 5-7 bedroom house, nor would they need one. 

They live in a housing development. So the problems they may face are more to do with various Housing Associations. But they are licensed as a private business in FL.

I am very surprised that incident happened. Leland loosened my bandage, what it amounted to was unwinding a tiny bit and rewinding a little looser. To totally rewind and reapply would have taken a LONG time. It took 3 minutes or so for what he did. Dr Garramone didn't notice it. It didn't loosen them very much at all.

--Jay

Aleon they are definitely NOT licensed....because Leland even told my dad and I they were not licensed and we could not tell anyone

I'm glad he re-wrapped u right but he screwed up mine big time and Garramone was pissed as ****....my swelling was enormous because i had no compression on my chest

i dont know WHY they are not licensed....he didn't say....but im assuming they may have to pay a lot of money to become licensed and dont wanna fork over any of their profits.....OR u cant even get a license to run a recovery center from their house.

*mod edit- watch language please.

[Bimmer Guy]

They are licensed for business in FL. I don't know how they are licensed. I believe it would be classed as a BandB. I think they would say they have a nursing background, but if you have real problems, they won't handle it. Most people stay in a motel, so it doesn't require any actual nursing. Of course, they could not afford a 5-7 bedroom house, nor would they need one. 

They live in a housing development. So the problems they may face are more to do with various Housing Associations. But they are licensed as a private business in FL.

I am very surprised that incident happened. Leland loosened my bandage, what it amounted to was unwinding a tiny bit and rewinding a little looser. To totally rewind and reapply would have taken a LONG time. It took 3 minutes or so for what he did. Dr Garramone didn't notice it. It didn't loosen them very much at all.

--Jay

Aleon they are definitely NOT licensed....because Leland even told my dad and I they were not licensed and we could not tell anyone

I'm glad he re-wrapped u right but he screwed up mine big time and Garramone was pissed as ****....my swelling was enormous because i had no compression on my chest

i dont know WHY they are not licensed....he didn't say....but im assuming they may have to pay a lot of money to become licensed and dont wanna fork over any of their profits.....OR u cant even get a license to run a recovery center from their house.

*mod edit- watch language please.

Hey, Jay, I believe that they aren't licensed, which was Garramone's issue.  I do know that they had problems with the Housing Association (at the first house).  Honestly, if you are living in a fancy neighborhood, you might not appreciate 7-9 new faces a week walking around your neighborhood.  That can make people uncomfortable simply for safety issues.

Leland was a nurse, I don't know if he still has his license.  Bonnie was/is a "massage therapist" (I don't know if she just calls herself that or is actually certified), and I see that she is now touting herself as a "life coach" on their website (anyone can call themselves a "life coach", btw.  no training required).

I was very pleased with how Leland loosened my bandage as well.  I swear that alone made it worth the price of staying there!  Garramone told us we could loosen it a bit after a day or so, but I never would have trusted myself to do it right, so I am sure I would have just suffered!

I think the license issue is that where they were living was a residential area, it wasn't zoned as a business, so that was the problem (this was at the old house.  I know nothing about the "new" house).  A bit shady?  Probably.  Am I glad that I stayed there?  Yep...for a lot of reasons!

Anyway, we are getting off track from the purpose of the thread...

[aleon515]

Leland told me he had a business license in FL. But I doubt he is licensed as a B&B (which is what I think they are, regardless of the "recovery center" concept. I doubt there is such a license. Not sure how business licenses work in FL. When I got a business license in NM, I had to state the nature of my business, but that may all be separate (B&B vs business license). (BTW, I never saw the license so...)

Housing Associations have rather strict rules, but they aren't "laws". It's rather an agreement you make. I lived in a condo with one, and i got to say they are a royal PITA.
But I would gather they don't tell the HA what they are up to. So I agree  with Brett (not surprisingly) re: somewhat shadiness.

Yes very happy to have the bandage loosened. Was worth the price of admission. Yes, it's something he says you can do after a couple days. You unwind around the body twice, and rewind. That's why I was surprised that would be noticeable. There are at least 20 winds around the body, I'd think.

Perhaps someone would like to start a new thread.


--Jay

[SyrBigDog]

I'm 9 days post op.  Had the drains out 3 days ago.  Dr. said I'm supposed to wear the binder vest a solid 2 weeks and as much as I can for a 3rd.  It's the biggest pain for me.  What is everyone elses results and experience with the time frame that they wore their binders post op?

[AleksiJason]

i had an allergic reaction to my ace bandage that made me break out in hives and itched and was sore....it didnt start happening though until about 8 or 9 days post op....so i stopped wearing mine

but if u arent having a reaction i highly suggest u listen to your doctor's advice

[Bimmer Guy]

I'm 9 days post op.  Had the drains out 3 days ago.  Dr. said I'm supposed to wear the binder vest a solid 2 weeks and as much as I can for a 3rd.  It's the biggest pain for me.  What is everyone elses results and experience with the time frame that they wore their binders post op?

Hi, SyrBigDog, like AleksiJason, I didn't have a binder vest since I went to Garramone.  Sorry I can't answer your question!

I popped in here to tell you that you may get more responses if you make a new thread in the top surgery section.  Although I assisted in keeping this sticky thread off track the last couple of days (my bad), it is mainly for just updates/pictures and not problems related to healing (in  general).  My point is, I don't know that everyone reads it (just those interested in results), so you may get more bang for your buck writing in the top surgery section and not this sticky.  The issue will also "stand out", more.  Good luck.  I would have hated having to wear a vest!

[Konnor]

I'm 9 days post op.  Had the drains out 3 days ago.  Dr. said I'm supposed to wear the binder vest a solid 2 weeks and as much as I can for a 3rd.  It's the biggest pain for me.  What is everyone elses results and experience with the time frame that they wore their binders post op?

Congrats on post op! It's a great feeling. I wore my vest for 3 weeks after surgery, and then switched to an abdominal binder just around my stomach. The reason I'm still doing compression is because I'm retaining fluid at my stomach/love handle lipo sites, nothing to do with my actual chest. This was my first week of the abdominal binder and expect to have to wear it at least 1-2 more weeks. So I would say your plan to wear your vest for 2-3 weeks post op sounds right. Hope this helps!

[SyrBigDog]

Congrats on post op! It's a great feeling. I wore my vest for 3 weeks after surgery, and then switched to an abdominal binder just around my stomach. The reason I'm still doing compression is because I'm retaining fluid at my stomach/love handle lipo sites, nothing to do with my actual chest. This was my first week of the abdominal binder and expect to have to wear it at least 1-2 more weeks. So I would say your plan to wear your vest for 2-3 weeks post op sounds right. Hope this helps!

Thank you!   Dr. switched me to a wide bandage and doing much better now. 

[SyrBigDog]

Not a great pic or angle but wanted to post the 2 week post op mark.

[JandJ]

Well, I finally get to join this thread:) my surgery was Monday, April 13th with Dr. Morehouse in Albuquerque.  Still much too soon to admire, but Dr. Morehouse wanted to see me in his office the day after surgery.  At that time He told me that my surgery went very well! And I got my first look at my new chest!

[FTMax]

Yay, you guys are looking great! I hope you're both healing up nicely. I'll be joining the club next week!

[JandJ]

Drains removed today! Yeah!  Nipple packages to be removed Tuesday.  Doctor says everything looks great so far. The pics I took when I got home from the drain removal don't look so great to me - more like I was cut in half and sewn back together LOL but I am VERY happy to have the drains out!

I am kidding (somewhat) - everything looks pretty much as I expected for only 4 days post-op.

[aleon515]

I imagine everything went well as I haven't gotten any frantic texts or calls.
Happy you are looking so good, and happy for you that the drains are out. Drains suck. LOL, well literally.  If you need to get out, let me know. (We are both in ABQ).

--Jay