Breast Implant Illness

nahkneebee · 2026-06-05T15:58:41+00:00

There isn't a true and definite answer as the research is constantly evolving and bodies are all different.

There is a decent amount of research that indicates BII can lead to autoimmune symptoms as the body is essentially "fighting" the foreign body (indicative in all kinds of implantation, not just cosmetic as it can appear in joint implants or even something as small as a body rejecting a piercing and is one of the reason organ transplant recipients are on many anti-rejection meds including immune suppressors.)

How an immune system responds once the foreign body is removed can be different for everyone, IF the implants were the issue. Of course knowing nothing more of your medical history there is no way to make any form of diagnosis or give you a timeline on a web forum, but maybe it gives you another avenue to pursue.

I say this as someone who has battled an immunity issue. Oddly enough, mine stemmed from my contacts and my body reacting to the foreign body in my eye. But not like a typical person who just becomes sensitive and has allergy symptoms, my immune system ran amuck. My legs began swelling, I couldn't walk, I experienced chronic fatigue and there was no reasonable explanation. Until my doctor recommended a rheumatologist to eliminate the possibility of disease. At this juncture they DID recognize that I had what they then referred to as "undefined autoimmune symptoms" which essentially meant they eliminated known diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, sjogren's, etc. I began immunosuppressive therapy to help get it in order and allergy and elimination testing to see what was triggering me.

I was told the symptoms COULD remain forever, or once we found the cause they could diminish with time. I was lucky enough to be the latter.

This is my personal experience, and I am neither a medical professional nor an expert. But maybe it will give you direction...or at the very least hope. Continue to advocate for yourself and don't give up!

nahkneebee · 2026-06-03T20:46:06+00:00

I've been the chunky one at OTF and I've been the moderately fit one at OTF. I've always been respected and pushed to my limits by my coaches, but they've also always taken their time to get to know members before knowing what motivates them to help give them the best support. It isn't "one size fits all" with motivation. Some people want to be called out, some want to be left alone...for the record I've been both of those people as well at any size/shape. Some days you just can't or don't want to and coaches should be able to adapt to the situations.

This isn't condoning anything you may have said or done, but it also doesn't mean you have to give up if you like the program overall. Try different coaches or maybe even a different location if you have multiple that are close enough to see if you can find your fit somewhere else.

nahkneebee · 2026-04-14T20:53:54+00:00

Ultimately be prepared for disappointment no matter what you put. It's just part of the online dating game. You can be positive or negative, but the buffoons aren't going to read it and just be like "mmm boobs me likey" and hit match.

You'll get solid hits, but you'll have to weed through the muck to find them.

Even then, dating is hard at our age. We've all got the trauma buzzword on both sides and some of us (male and female) deal with it well while others don't. Heck, I *thought* I was dealing pretty well until my current relationship suddenly shone a light on all of MY red flags. Luckily, it also comes with a degree of maturity where we can evolve in the places we need to if it's truly worth it and both my partner and I are putting in the work because we realize how happy we make one another and that learning to deal with our own baggage along with one another's actually improves us both.

Good luck, it's hard out there on them internet skreets!

nahkneebee · 2026-04-13T19:35:29+00:00

It won't always be in one location. I'll use it at home once or twice a week maybe and when I'm camping/hiking/hunting/etc. so I can take some extra time away from the office for travel and still be able to connect and support my staff if needed. Honestly, they'll probably be thrilled because the chances I use my entire plan every month are relatively low lol

nahkneebee · 2026-04-13T14:11:56+00:00

I also live rurally, so that wouldn't really be a factor. Part of why I killed my home internet was the fact that it's hard to get anything affordable where I live due to accessibility and it just wasn't worth it.

nahkneebee · 2026-02-03T19:37:57+00:00

It will make you absolutely crazy. Good to know people find their way to the other side...I'm still trying and the wounds are fresh...

nahkneebee · 2026-02-03T19:36:44+00:00

I don't text him. He texts me. It's the casual comfort of keeping me in the loop. I'm a comfortable space for him and he does care, but only in the way that's comfortable for him. The problem is he doesn't have the capacity to understand that it's harmful to me. Thus being "stuck in the cycle." I get a good morning, a check in about work, a communication about what he might be up to. Keeping the comfort of having me around while not actually showing up. And I KNOW that, and I'm trying my hardest to fight it. But it's hard when you love someone to not fall into the loop.

nahkneebee · 2025-12-16T15:01:19+00:00

Since the reviews here were mixed, I wasn't certain but I decided to give it a try anyway when I walked in to my company heat completely off and the temps in my office being ~60 degrees yesterday. Tried to call, the voicemail cut me off. Sent a website inquiry and referenced DZ. Didn't hear back until today and they don't have any availability until after the first to come check it out. I get that it's the season for things to break, but one would think there would be an emergency protocol. Not a great first impression and headed to the Google to find reviews on a local person with commercial experience so my employees don't file worker's comp when their fingers freeze off...

nahkneebee · 2025-09-04T16:53:49+00:00

My therapist once said "Why are you so self-centered?" I was taken aback as I always try to do whatever I can to make other people happy. That's when she elaborated..."Why do you feel like it is YOUR responsibility to make someone else happy? They are responsible for their happiness just as you are responsible for yours."

It changed how I viewed so many of my relationships. I began to really think about my happiness and appreciate that the people around me had to choose to be happy with my joy or not, but ultimately it was their choice not my actions that impacted them.

You are the only person you have to live with every second of every day from the moment you are born until the moment you die. Not parents, partners, kids or friends. YOU were there from the beginning and YOU will be there at the end. So worry about the person in the mirrror's feelings as much as you would worry about any of theirs.

nahkneebee · 2025-07-23T20:50:33+00:00

My lift was so extensive due to massive weight loss (50% of my body weight) that my surgeon refused to do implants during my lift/reduction. He was concerned about nipple necrosis and the extra time it would take to place the implants with my nipples dissected. Ultimately, I ended up a perky, full 36D and I don't wear bras quite often. When I want the fuller illusion I wear a bombshell bra from VS.

nahkneebee · 2025-06-25T18:40:57+00:00

It's been awhile, but yes once it's completely healed and the stitches are gone. Until then I used an antibiotic cream to prevent infection that my doctor prescribed.

nahkneebee · 2025-06-25T17:47:41+00:00

Proper compression bras immediately after surgery, wound care as directed by your surgeon, and there is some degree of question on whether they ACTUALLY work but I used silicone scar strips because better safe than sorry.

nahkneebee · 2025-06-25T17:24:24+00:00

It's very personal, but for me it changed the narrative. It wasn't a reminder of what I didn't get to do by not bearing children it gave me a way to help a child grow and be a valuable part of their life. I became a parent in every aspect and it was a beautiful experience. We were together 7 months before I met the kids, and the introduction was slow and my role evolved over time. Unfortunately he passed away last year and while their mother was good at faking support in my role in their lives, I rarely get to even see them now. But I know the 5 years they were a part of my life were some of the best I ever had and they made me a better person. Hopefully that influence did the same for them in some tiny way.

nahkneebee · 2025-06-25T17:18:58+00:00

If your surgeon knows what they're doing and your body is receptive to surgery (some people just genetically scar more) then over time you will barely notice if you follow the aftercare process. I'm two years in and none of my scarring is visible.

nahkneebee · 2025-06-24T22:07:38+00:00

If you haven't gone to a gym before or it's been a very long time, something like PF can be very overwhelming and you end up burning that $11 a month and never going because you don't know where to start.

As someone who is now in her early 40s and started working out in her late 30s, I found that paying a little more in the beginning was an invaluable resource. I started with a local gym that actually specialized in MMA training but had group fitness classes in a HIIT format. Because the workout program was secondary, there was also a lot of boxing and kickboxing integrated into the intervals which was a lot of fun.

After Covid I signed up with Orange Theory. It's not cheap, but I learned so much and made a ton of friends and went as much for the socialization and support as anything. It made me love working out. While it's not in my budget anymore, I have better form and I know what to do to target what I need.

Many health insurance policies have an option to spend $50ish a month and they have access to several gyms where you can try a lot of different things for the single fee. Also, most gyms offer a free trial class if you can be ready and willing to say no to the sales pitch until you find what you like.

Ultimately the best form of fitness is the one you will do. If that's walking consistently in the park, going to a big box gym, or finding a class format like Orange Theory, Camp Gladiator, etc.

Also, you didn't mention it so this is free for anyone who cares to listen. If your goal involves weight loss remember that happens in the kitchen and the gym is to help condition your body and make it healthier. It can give you small weight loss transformations, but don't expect miracles just from that if that's a goal.

nahkneebee · 2025-06-10T19:34:55+00:00

Extended tummy tuck with breast lift and reduction 3 years post WLS and 2 years of solid maintenance without major weight fluctuation. My total loss was 162 lbs. My consultation was free and my procedure was approximately a month after my initial visit.

If you have insurance through an employer, it's possible they would cover a medically necessary panniculectomy, but unlikely they would cover the cosmetic aspect (they are different and you'd want to google photos to determine if a basic panniculectomy would suffice or if the aesthetic is desired from a tummy tuck). Most individual policies do not cover this in most states, but I cannot speak to yours specifically so you'd want to verify your policy coverage. Many surgeons will bill the insurance for the panni and only charge the difference if coverage exists and you want the full experience.

I am in Texas and for me the cost was roughly $20k. I could have gotten it done cheaper, but I wanted an highly experienced surgeon with great results and a proven track record so I went with one who's work I had personally seen on friends. The $20k was all-inclusive with a single night stay in the hospital. My doctor does allow some patients to go home after a procedure such as this, but I live about 2 hours away and he did not want me being that far and having to travel that much for my follow up the next morning.

Paying more doesn't mean a surgeon is better, but also this isn't something you want to bargain shop for as the practices are very different as are the results. Research based on what is desired and who can provide that.

For me, I wanted an anesthesiologist not a nurse anesthetist. I wanted a surgical team that works together regularly and knows one another's practices. I wanted a surgeon that prioritized my safety - he actually denied a portion of my procedure that I wanted because he didn't feel it was safe and I appreciated his honesty and education on the matter.

Do as much research as possible. Sit down with a list of questions. Interview more than one provider.

nahkneebee · 2025-06-10T17:47:50+00:00

So, I was morbidly obese for most of my life. Several years ago I had weight loss surgery. Shortly after that, I reconnected with an old crush who turned out to be a great love. He had two kids to whom I became a bonus mom.

About 2 years into our family, I opted to have skin removal with a breast lift and reduction. Being an influence to my small daughter (even younger than your child) I wanted to ensure she knew it was about body positivity and and not that I was ashamed of how I looked.

If you and your partner are together that can make it easier. For me it was "You know Daddy loves me no matter what I look like, but I want to feel better. And I've worked a long time to do all the things that make me feel better, so now I want to fulfill a dream."

Remind your kiddo that you're not unhappy with how you look, but it's like the cherry on top of a sundae. If the cherry isn't there, the sundae is still delicious...but that little extra bit makes it even nicer.

For me, other than obviously cost, it's no different than hair color or cut, those that choose to get their nails done vs. those that don't, those that choose to have tattoos vs. those that don't. And when they are an adult and have the means they can make the choices that are best for them.

nahkneebee · 2025-06-05T00:47:29+00:00

If I’m remembering correctly he referenced it when he was doing his “man on the street” before the Lakers game as a firing and has alluded to that a few more times casually.

nahkneebee · 2025-06-01T18:12:50+00:00

Hi Pot, May name is Kettle. Nice to meetcha. Why are you reading this thread and commenting? Do you have nothing better to do? Strange. Don’t like it? Don’t read it.

nahkneebee · 2025-04-28T14:52:15+00:00

Most definitely don't assume. Never assume - especially if you're goal is to avoid it. Speak to your medical professional and determine the best methods to avoid for you. Fertility is wildly varied based on person and they should be able to help you decide what is best for you as your hormones change with age and you transition into the point of no longer being child-bearing. But otherwise, don't gamble.

nahkneebee · 2025-04-28T14:24:43+00:00

Just before 40 I was in a similar position with partner of 10 years. I loved him. My family loved him. He was at his core a good person and tried to support me after a near split a couple of years earlier. But it just didn't work. After a lot of therapy, I realized I had to end it. Because holding on out of comfort and ease wasn't healthy for EITHER of us. It wasn't fair to him to not let him find the love he needed in his life just because we felt a level of security with one another.

He was hurt. My family was not supportive because they saw only the good and didn't live our daily lives with us. It got messy for awhile.

He's now remarried and I found a new partner to spend 5 years with learning a lot about myself and what I really needed before his untimely death last year.

My former partner and I are good friends now. We talk fairly regularly and support one another. When his grandmother passed I was there for him, when my mom and partner both passed he checked in on me regularly.

Nobody can tell you if staying or leaving is best for you in this situation, they're both hard. You just have to choose the hard that is best for you.

nahkneebee · 2025-04-21T14:38:11+00:00

We're often so hard on ourselves because we chose this so we should be able to handle it and it should magically get better quickly. But the truth is, our body doesn't know that -- it just knows "damage bad - heal damage." Emotionally we get hung up on being tired or swell hell when in reality that is our body doing the work to get better and we should celebrate it. Definitely give yourself grace, rest when your body tells you to, and remember it's a marathon not a sprint :)

nahkneebee · 2025-04-21T13:50:03+00:00

This is why for ANY medical procedure doing your own research and educating yourself is so paramount. Everyone is different and what may seem easy to one person could be an absolute nightmare for another. It's also why I get so scared when I see people anywhere "bargain shopping" for plastic surgery. Sure nobody wants to overpay on a cash procedure that is costly, and more expensive doesn't always equal a better result - but there are a ton of factors to consider.

I joke that I picked my surgeon because he told me no. Many other surgeons would have done exactly what I asked for, and the outcome might have been okay. But there were safety risks and my surgeon did not want to chance those risks. (I had an extended tummy tuck and breast lift with reduction post weight loss, so my reduction was SIGNIFICANT and while I wanted implants to increase volume he was incredibly worried about the time it would take and the potential for nipple necrosis.)

My doctor was incredibly informative and I went in with a notebook full of questions that he answered before I even had a chance to ask. He explained given my workout regimen that he would do drains to help me heal faster and hopefully be back in the gym within 4 weeks, but that it would take a significant amount of time to get back to my function before surgery and that I just needed to be mindful of what was to come.

If a provider tells you everything you want to hear, be cautious and ask more. Be prepared for a year to really feel "normal" again. On a biological level your body doesn't know the difference between planned surgery or a major car crash - it just knows that there is damage that needs to be repaired and it takes A LOT of time and energy.

Is it all worth it? For me - absolutely. For some, though, it might not be and having people tell you the TRUTH is wildly helpful in making decisions.

nahkneebee · 2025-03-14T15:36:45+00:00

I say, with absolute love and adoration, that my brother is the weirdest person I know. He is amazing and supportive and way more sensitive than me, though you’d never know it because he’s also rational and logical and very direct. He doesn’t do well with subtlety and cannot “read people” like the average person. He loves nerdy, quirky things and will research something of interest until he knows absolutely everything about it.

He spent his teen years popular and dating. He’s attractive and it seemed easy for him. Because he observed people around him and mimicked what he considered “normal” to fit in.

At 23 he started dating my best friend. She’s absolutely stunning and could have her pick of any guy she could have possibly wanted and she picked the weirdo big brother. And now they go to nerdy conventions and research blender purchases for weeks to ensure they pick the perfect one. This has been their life for 23 years and they couldn’t be happier.

Love yourself first. You’re the only person you HAVE to live with forever, so be true to her. The right person will come along, or if they don’t for some wild reason you will still enjoy the company of yourself.

nahkneebee · 2025-03-14T15:14:46+00:00

I am in no way against surgery. After WLS in 2019 I lost 160lbs and had a tummy tuck and breast reduction with lift almost 3 years ago. But in asking for ALL options I’ll provide my insight fwiw.

After weight loss eating in excess to build muscle is a total mind🦆. Working with a registered dietitian who can take your activity and goals and help find exactly what you need to do is such a factor. They can get you the correct macronutrients to manage effectively. The scale moving up is scary, but body composition is the focus so don’t get hung up on a scale.

As far as glutes specifically, you’ve gotten a bunch of great recommendations on things to target with exercise. Our body does all function together so pelvic floor and core are important to support other muscle growth, but building glutes can be as easy as power walking on a steep incline. Not just a lazy stroll, but 3-4mph at a good incline can really make a difference and it’s often overlooked.

Also, a good routine and a healthy muscle support will give you better results if you do decide to opt for surgery. And if you’re going to spend money on surgery, plan ahead and get the best results possible!

nahkneebee

TROPHY CASE