Hi,
I had a single mastectomy & diep flap reconstruction 5 months ago.
I was absolutely terrified of surgery & put on a stone with stress eating in the weeks leading up to my surgery.
Im now 5 months post op, delighted to be alive & happy with my results.
Surgeon told me they’d make my reconstruction slightly bigger as it could shrink from radiotherapy. I dont think it did.
Anyway i have now lost 2 stones (without trying) since my op. I just feel so much more relaxed & like myself.
“Problem” is that my reconstructed side now looks quite a bit bigger than my natural side. If i lose further weight will my reconstructed side get smaller or am i going to be left with one big reconstruction & a much smaller natutal breast?
Really dont think i could go through another surgery to reduce the reconstruction
Any advice appreciated
Hi @Luskentyre1,
I am sorry you haven’t had a response to your question - it sounds like you’re in a confusing situation and it’s natural to want to know what your body will look like after further surgery.
I am sure someone will be able to share their experience with you. In the meantime please know that our nurses are here for you any time, here on the forum on the Ask our Nurses your questions or over the phone 0808 800 6000.
Sending our love,
Alice 
Thanks for your reply but i think youce misunderstood my question.
My question is will i lose weight from my reconstructed breast or will it always be the same size in which case i may need to consider further surgery
Hi I’m 6wks post op from DIEP flap and reconstruction I went for the full lot even reduction of my other breast all at the same time I thought if I’m going to be in pain I might as well have it all at once or I might never want to go back for my reduction. My op was twelve hrs they have done a marvelous job I’ve even still got my skin of my old boob no scaring only the anchor cut under boob my scars are healing well I’m putting bio oil on them after every shower. The most thing I’ve had a problem with is my feet and calfs I’m still getting out of bed putting my surgical stockings on to try calm them down any one else had this problem?. My stomache is still tight and I’m still walking a tiny bit banana especially when I’m tired. I’m usually quite fir zumba / 12hr walks etc it’s killing me having to recover I’m still not driving yet my surgeon said at least 8wks before I can drive so it’s hard relying on others to run me to appointments. After my op I ended up going back down to thertre 2days after due to the end of reconstruction not working they took the end of my boob off and was happy with the inside so stitched it up and all was well. I’ve been to see my oncolagist and they are happy I’m going to start ZOLEDRONIC ACID injections in 6wks time when uve had clearence from my dentist. And also have to take my Letrozole for 10yrs now plus calcium tablets. Im not gonna lie the op wasn’t plain sailing the pain wasn’t please t getting in & out of bed sleeping on my back sitting position for 5weeks it was heaven when I could sleep on my side again. The big thing at first was controlling my meds due to serious rash and itchy back/constipation but got there in thee end I’m am now down to only one pain killer at night time and next week I will stop all together. I’m so happy with my new perky little boobs due to hating my big droopy boobs before 
. My stomache is still tight and flat but the feeling is numb and could be left with this feeling. I’m numb all under my arm and round the back due to having all lymph nodes removed. My imunne system isn’t good I only need to sit in hospital waiting room & know I will be ill the next week I’ve now got covid 
but not to bad I’m sleeping lots so won’t hurt me will help me more with healing. I’m dying to get back out there walking and zumba I’m doing small walks and people keep telling me how good I look and I’m doing so well but wil my body ever feel the same again? The nerve damage pains or horrid and especially the pains in my feet I have developed planter fatiitus they say trauma of my operation and nerve damage the pain is horrid… But I put it down to being flat footed no shoes. After op for weeks. I will never know. When I look back I can see how I’m recovering but it’s taking a while… I don’t want to over do it and undo what I’ve achieved so one day at a time. I had breast cancer in 2015 and had a lumpectomy and radio therapy this is why this time I had to have the DIEP FLAP. Any one else having any trouble with legs and feet most when I get into bed I have restless legs anyway but the pain now is worse than ever can feel the nerve damage… Take care every one your all doing marvelous stay strong 
cancer sucks x
So much of your message tallies with my own experience… it took me at least 4 months to got over the immediate pain of the DIEP flap reconstruction and I am only now after 9 months feeling like it is my body again. So be patient and don’t expect to bounce back too quickly. Other people telling you “You look really well!” is not helpful when you don’t feel the same inside. My other slight grouse is that my reconstructed breast has a crease right across the middle so looks a funny shape. It’s fine in a bra and i don’t want to feel ungrateful so I@m waiting for my 12 month checkup with the surgeon to see if I want some tweaking to the shape and maybe a reconstructed nipple? But not sure if it’s worth it! Glad to be alive and healthy so trying to be positive about the small things!! All the best to you x
Has anyone here had stage 2 reconstruction after DIEP flap? Had diep a year ago now going in to fat graph the diep foob and nipple reconstruction. It’s day surgery and I’m told just “uncomfortable” and no exercise for 2 to 4 weeks. Any advice?
There are concerns about weight loss after DIEP flap reconstruction. It’s a big deal, and everyone’s body reacts differently. I’ve heard from others that staying active and focusing on a balanced diet helps maintain a healthy weight post-surgery. Also, some folks found that working with a nutritionist made a huge difference.
One thing to remember is that your body just went through a significant change, so give yourself some grace as you adjust. It’s all about finding what makes you feel good and what works for your body. If you ever think about supplements or ways to enhance your fitness, just research. I came across this site that talks about options: buy steroids in canada.
Hello chilt7777
It was so useful to read about your experience. I am now 9 days post -op. Single mastectomy with bipedicle diep flap reconstruction. I am really struggling. I feel upset looking at my body and the tightness and soreness of my abdominal skin is horrible. Feel like I’m carrying a ten tonne weight round my middle or like I’m about to burst. I also have a suspected haematoma in my wrist from the radial artery cannula. It’s pressing on a nerve and is excrutiatinf at night. Taking oramorph so I can sleep in batches. I also have a prolapsed disc in my back which has been so much more painful since the surgery and having to sleep sitting up. I just can’t get comfortable at all. At the moment I’m regretting the recon as I think this is the lowest, illest and most in pain I’ve ever felt. I had chemo for five months before but this is so much worse. Any words of encouragement or reassurance that I will feel different in a weeks time would be great. I too can’t stand up straight which causes so much pain in my back. Sorry for the rant/moan
So sorry to hear youre finding it tough.
It may not seem it juat now but youre absolutely over the worst of it. You will feel tight for a wee while but it will ease off.
The wrist & back pain doesn’t sound good but youre doing the right thing by sleeping in small batches. Try a snooze on the couch too as it may be more comfortable sitting in the chair rather than being propped up by cushions innbed.
You will get through this. In a fortnights time you will look back & feel so much better.
Sending lots of love & positive thoughts
Thank you so much for the reply 
Sleeping in bed is tricky with all the cushions but nothing to grab onto to get leverage to change position. I really miss that hospital bed!! I’ll try the sofa a bit more. Got my leuprorelin injection today. I’ll focus on one day at a time but good to hear in couple of weeks it will be lot better. I’m also sad that they didn’t seem to be able to get enough tissue from my abdomen as new boob is significantly smaller and that’s with the swelling as well . Just doesn’t feel like my body at all atm.
It takes a wee while to adjust to your new body. When youre all healed you’ll be recalled to the surgeon to see if you want/need any further surgery for cosmetic reasons. They offer a whole host of things; tatooed nipples, constructed nipples, fat grafting to make one side bigger or smaller etc.
Get through recovery, concentrate on sleep, eating healthily & getting moving.
Let your new body settle & be ready with a list of questions/requests for cosmetic enhancement when youre recalled by the surgeon.
Youve got this x