Six Month Explant Surgery Post-Op Update

Let me just start off by saying….. what an incredible and miraculous six months it has been!

If we’ve just met and my Breast Implant Illness story is new to you, I highly suggest that you read this first and then come back to this blog.

Where to start, where to start.

Before I get into what’s improved, I feel the need to say a few things.

Explanting saved my life and my relationship. 

For the last seven years, since I chalked up my chronic fatigue and brain fog to being a new mom.

I was living in a state of survival and not by any means thriving or living up to my highest potential… in any area of my life.

I knew I had greatness in me and that I was meant for BIG things in this lifetime, but my lack of energy and focus always got the best of me.

  • If you are considering breast implants
  • If you have breast implants and feel off or like somethings not right with your body

Please download the guide I put together for you, Discovering Breast Implant Illness – What Now? 

Included in this guide are a long list of symptoms that you should look out for, that tens-of-thousands of us have experienced, such as:

  • brain fog and memory issues
  • chronic fatigue
  • low libido
  • vision issues/eye floaters
  • joint pains
  • gasping for air/shortness of breath
  • massive hair loss
  • anxiety/panic attacks out of nowhere
  • depression/suicidal thoughts
  • heart palpitations
  • gut and digestion issues/food intolerances
  • thyroid issues
  • immune system issues/always sick
  • weight gain
  • insomnia
  • and many more

Now as far as my symptoms, you’re not going to believe this.

ALL my symptoms are GONE.

Not just better or improved… G.O.N.E.

Over the last six months I did have two “flare ups”. One from seven – 12 weeks post-op and another one just last week for only six to seven days (I was losing my hair again, gasping for air and having breakouts).

After you explant this is totally normal and to be expected.

Your body is going through a lot of healing, repairing and detoxification, ups and downs. Be patient.

And don’t be too alarmed with how your breasts look immediately after you explant. They are going to change shape so much over the months. Mine “fluffed” out around four months. So instead of having sisters they now look more like twins.

On a day to day basis I feel like a brand new woman in a brand new body.

I have so many things I want to create and build, explore and seek – and I have the energy and motivation to do it.

I’m excited for the future again!

My relationship is better, my business is better, my health is better – and the only thing I changed was I took two toxic foreign objects out of my body.

I do need to acknowledge and give a huge thanks to Dr Dev from Aqua Plastic Surgery in South Florida. Him and his entire team is amazing. I wrote about my experience with him here.

If you’re waiting to explant, I’m here for you.

If you just discovered Breast Implant Illness and feel overwhelmed, scared and nervous, I’m here for you.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me by email at: Christina@SizeHappy.net or message me on social media.

Back in September 2018 I decided to create a community on Facebook where women just like me could gather, feel supported and heard and find answers and solutions. Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation and Education With Christina is my baby… it’s where I feel safe, validated and understood. It’s where I can bond with and encourage other women who are going through this journey wit me. I’d be honored if you’d join us! I go Live every Monday to be of service to you and answer your questions because I truly care so deeply for my community and members and just want you to know that you’re loved, fully supported and that everything will be ok.

If you’re on Instagram, I have an account solely dedicated to Breast Implant Illness and my explant journey – @SizeHappy_WithChristina. Follow me here!

What it comes down to is that EVERYTHING has changed!

And not just with my body.

My attitude, perspective, personality, excitement for the future, my circle/tribe, ambition, goals – everything.

And all for the better.

Oh, and if you’re wondering “are you happy with your results?” and “do you regret anything?”

The answer is: heck yes and heck no!

I will take being healthy and happy any day over looking (“womanly, attractive“).

This is the core message behind Size: Happy. ♥️

here’s to health, self-love and high vibes,

Christina

All About The Size: Happy Message and Movement

What is the Size: Happy movement & message?

❤︎ We embrace, appreciate & adore our body during every shape & size of our life’s journey.

 

❤︎ We don’t hinge our happiness on what the scale says, what our bra size is or what our jean size is this month. Our amount of happiness is not dependent upon numbers or sizes. Our jean and breast size do not define us whatsoever.

 

❤︎ We do not live up to society’s standards, or allow society to tell us what’s beautiful, in or trendy. We live up to our own standards and we define what beauty means to us.

 

❤︎ We do not wait until we have “the thing” or weigh “X amount” to be happy. We live in happiness now, making the most of the present moment, while continuing to work towards our goals and big dreams.

 

❤︎ We believe that every woman is beautiful in her own unique light. We are the uplifters, encouragers and collaborators who positively impact the lives of others and those who fan our flames.

 

❤︎ We take full responsibility for our health and our happiness. If we want something we’ve never had or if we want to change something about our present situation, we do something about it. We are go-getters and action-takers!

 

This is what we call in, embody and stand for. Join us! 

 

Show your support for the Size: Happy movement and become fearlessly apart of this growing community.

 

Get your Size: Happy tank top here, share a photo of you wearing it on social media and tag Christina using the hashtag #MySizeHappy 

 

here’s to health, self-love and high vibes,
Christian Roulund-Dennis
Leader of Size: Happy

 

The Best Essential Oils To Heal Mind and Body

Incorporating essentials oils into your day can be a great way to help boost your mood, improve your energy, relax and naturally cleanse your body.

When deciding on which company or brand to chose, you’ll want to make sure that it’s organic, 100% pure, therapeutic grade essential oil. 

There are so many knockoffs on shelves these days, like at Walmart or your local drug store, that you’ve really got to be careful or you could potentially just add more toxins into your body.

There are a few different ways to use essential oils:

  • diffuse them in a diffuser so that the tiny particles get inhaled
  • personal care, such as in baths and in cosmetics
  • in a roller bottle for topical use
  • internally/orally

Now with the last two, it’s very important to do extensive research to make sure that a particular essential oil doesn’t require a carrier oil and that the oil is safe to ingest.

If you find a non-toxic candle with any of the scents or oils infused in them, that’s one of my favorite ways as well. Not only are the flickering of candles a relaxing sight, their fragrances can be too.

This article isn’t going to be “A Guide To Safely Using Essential Oils“, so please, before using any essential oil that I recommend check to see:

  1. What are the health benefits of _______ essential oil?
  2. Are there any side effects with ________ essential oil?
  3. What is ________ essential oil used for?
  4. Will ________ essential oil interact or interfere with my medication?
  5. Can I apply/ingest _______ essential oil while I’m pregnant?

Here is Dr Axe Essential Oils Beginners Guide where you’ll find a lot of helpful information on how to apply them safely, carrier oils and the history of essential oils.

My Favorite Essential Oils To Help The Mind and Body Heal, Energize, Relax and more!

Energy and Fatigue:

  • Jasmine
  • Peppermint
  • Pine

Relaxation:

  • Bergamot
  • Frankincense
  • Lavender
  • Neroli
  • Orange
  • Rose
  • Vetiver

Depression:

  • Geranium
  • Jasmine
  • Pine
  • Patchouli
  • Roman Chamomile
  • Sandalwood
  • Ylang Ylang

Anxiety:

  • Copaiba
  • Jasmine
  • Neroli
  • Orange
  • Roman Chamomile
  • Vetiver

Mental Clarity:

  • Bergamot
  • Frankincense
  • Rosemary
  • Ylang Ylang

Insomnia:

  • Helichrysum
  • Jasmine
  • Juniper Berry
  • Lavender
  • Roman Chamomile
  • Spikenard

Cleansing the Body:

  • Eucalyptus
  • Grapefruit
  • Lemon
  • Palo Santo

Immune Support/Antioxidant:

  • Clove
  • Geranium
  • Helichrysum
  • Hyssop
  • Jasmine
  • Juniper Berry
  • Lemon
  • Oregano
  • Palo Santo
  • Spikenard
  • Tea tree
  • Vetiver

Stimulate the Lymphatic System and Circulation:

  • Frankincense
  • Grapefruit
  • Lemon
  • Thyme

Skin:

  • Frankincense
  • Geranium
  • Myrrh
  • Orange
  • Rose
  • Tea Tree

Hair Growth/Thickness:

  • Rosemary
  • Lavender
  • Clove
  • Tea tree
  • Spikenard

Inflammation:

  • Copaiba
  • Frankincense
  • Ginger
  • Myrrh
  • Orange
  • Pine
  • Palo Santo
  • Turmeric

Digestion:

  • Ginger
  • Hyssop
  • Marjoram
  • Peppermint
  • Roman Chamomile
  • Wintergreen

Arthritis/Joint Pain:

  • Copaiba
  • Ginger
  • Hyssop
  • Helichrysum
  • Palo Santo
  • Roman Chamomile
  • Turmeric

Hormonal Balance:

  • Geranium
  • Jasmine
  • Marjoram
  • Neroli
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Vetiver

Libido:

  • Clary Sage
  • Fennel
  • Jasmine
  • Rose
  • Vetiver

Treats Herpes and Other Viruses:

  • Eucalyptus
  • Lemon
  • Melissa
  • Oregano
  • Peppermint
  • Rosemary
  • Tea Tree

I listed a bunch under each symptom because some scents you’re not going to like. This way you have options and can choose one or more that works for you.

 

I personally use and trust Young Living Essential Oils.

Here are my 20 absolute favorite “blends” (instead of buying five separate essential oils):

You can order any of these Young Living Essential Oils directly through my Virtual Office

Step 1: click on the purple link above (my Virtual Office)

Step 2: once you’re on the website, checkmark which one you want – “Member” or “Retail Customer” and then hit the purple button on the bottom right that says “Continue”

Step 3: hit “Continue” again on the little pop up that says “Introducing your Sponsor and Enroller Christina Roulund”

Step 4: order away!

Or call Young Living at 1-800-371-3515 and give them my Young Living ID 15281837 so that I can be your Sponsor/Enroller. They’ll handle everything and help you save money! I’m not techy, so this is what I do 🙂

If you have any further questions or concerns about these oils and could not find information online, feel free to contact me.

 

If you’re on Facebook join my Support Group, Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation and Education With Christina 

Not on Facebook? Find me on Instagram at SizeHappy_WithChristina

 

Here’s to health, massive self-love and vibing high,

Christina Roulund-Dennis

This information is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any diseases, nor should it replace the advice of your doctor or surgeon. Always research each oil first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, on blood thinners, or have any medical conditions. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food And Drug Administration or any other medical body. Christina is not a doctor, so none of this should be taken as medical advice.

The Facts About BIA-ALCL And Breast Implants

As of today, there has been a lot of media attention regarding textured breast implants and a rare cancer of the immune system called, Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, or ALCL for short

“Many studies have looked to estimate risk and, depending on the source data and country, the global lifetime risk of developing breast implant associated ALCL for patients with textured breast implants ranges anywhere from 1 in 3,817 to 1 in 30,000” the FDA (Fraud and Deception Agency) said.

New data from Australia indicates that as many as one in 1,000 with breast implants may develop ALCL.

Typical symptoms of BIA-ALCL include:

  • excessive fluid build up around the breast implant
  • itchiness on the breast
  • lesions on the breast that do not go away
  • swelling and redness of the breast that do not respond to or get better after antibiotics

BIA-ALCL, which was first identified in 1997, can initially appear in the skin, lymph nodes or in organs throughout the body.

Its said to take about three to 14 years after getting implants to start developing symptoms and signs of BIA-ALCL. This does not mean that you can’t or won’t experience BIA-ALCL until after the 10 year mark. 10 years is a ballpark answer and not a definitive, firm conclusion.

Breast implants are not life time devices. They should be replaced every eight to 12 years.

In the United States, textured breast implants make up about 13% of the market.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Plastic Surgery Foundation are each making a list of breast implant patients who develop ALCL. “The research will also focus on identifying potential risk factors and criteria detection and management of disease“, the group says on a website devoted to the matter.

Although doctors have confirmed and linked ALCL to a specific type of implant, manufactures like Allergan and Mentor have no plans to stop making them.

The FDA has been investigating reports linking breast implants with the cancer, and currently has over 400 reports about patients who have developed ALCL after undergoing a breast augmentation with breast implants, *including 12 who died.

How Is BIA-ALCL Diagnosed And Treated?

If you think it’s as easy as a needle biopsy or getting a mammogram, think again.

Oftentimes the only way to test for and confirm a BIA-ALCL diagnosis is to have surgery, remove the implant and send the surrounding fluid and tissue off to the lab to screen for CD30, a specific marker that indicates lymphoma.

In the news story that aired on November 26th 2018 on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, Michelle Forney had a mammogram that showed nothing abnormal. She had the implants removed anyway. Come to find out, the scar capsule around her implant was full of tumors and fluid. Michelle was diagnosed with BIA-ALCL after experiencing painful swelling around her breast and constant fatigue for three years.

Patients with BIA-ALCL generally undergo surgery to remove the lymphoma, the implant(s) and some surrounding tissue.

In the unfortunate event that the lymphoma can not be removed with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or brentuximab vedotin may be given.

After three years, 93% of BIA-ALCL patients are diseases-free when the condition is detected and treated early, according to ASAPS (American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) data. 

Below you’ll find more in depth, eye opening articles and studies regarding BIA-ALCL

Watch NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt talk about breast implants and BIA-ALCL

View the article written by Lauren Dunn and Maggie Fox for NBC Nightly News, Doctors, patients raise alarms about cancer linked to breast implants

Download The ALCL Fact Sheet Here 

NCCN Consensus Guidelines For The Diagnosis And Management Of BIA-ALCL

*What’s Your Micromort? A Patient-Oriented Analysis Of BIA-ALCL

 

If you’re in the need of support and education regarding breast implants, Breast Implant Illness, explanting and ALCL, visit Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation and Education With Christina

Not on Facebook? Find me on Instagram!

here’s to health and massive self love,

❤︎ Christina Roulund Dennis

 

Seeing Your New Breasts For The First Time After Explanting

No matter how confident and secure you are in your relationship or with your body, the thought of getting an explant and going back to a smaller breast size is scary.

“Will I be completely flat?”

“What if I end up deformed or misshaped?”

“What if I have big scars that never go away?”

I’d like to think that I’m a pretty secure woman who is confident and happy with her body, but we all have our moments.

Yes, even Beyonce and J Lo.

In this blog I want to share with you my perspective and give you some things to think about when it comes to your new breasts.

When I decided to explant I knew I’d be small because I have very little breast tissue and my skin is thin, both due to breast feeding my son for four months.

Honestly, I expected to be flat… and I was perfectly ok with that if it meant getting my health and life back.

My health, family, happiness and quality of life are what’s most important to me… not the size of my breasts.

Sometimes we have to make sacrifices and decisions that just don’t seem fair. And this was definitely one of those times.

I had to stop fronting, get really honest with myself and ask: Would you rather have these big breasts that are potentially making you ill and continue to live a mediocre life, or are you ok with having smaller breasts and living a freaking epic life? – you can’t have both.

Not in my case at least.

For me it was an easy decision!

I was willing to lose a physical (foreign) part of myself if it meant the emotional, mental and spiritual side of me would flourish and shine bright again.

And boy has it been!

I was glad to trade my breast implants and have some pretty scars for a brand new life full of unlimited happiness, health, success and adventures.

Ultimately I was done with the days of:

  • laying around, doing the bare minimum each day just to get by.
  • never wanting to do anything with my family because I didn’t have the energy or desire to.
  • watching everyone around me grow their businesses and succeed in life.
  • feeling like I was lazy, when I knew in my heart I am a very driven, ambitious woman.

No regrets. Not a single one.

Smaller breasts do not mean you’re any less of a woman, less worthy of love, less deserving or less attractive. I don’t give a flying flip what society or trolls on the internet try to tell you.

You’re beautiful just as you are. Your breasts do NOT define you.

And you wanna know something crazy? I am a more confident woman standing here before you today than I ever was with my breast implants.

I mean, I got breast implants because I wasn’t confident in the first place. You know?

Not only did I explant because I wanted to feel alive again, I explanted (without hesitation) because I now realize wholeheartedly that confidence does not have anything to do with a body part. Plus I’m a health coach and it felt so out of alignment to be teaching someone how to be healthy when I’m sitting here with two toxic foreign objects implanted inside of my body for the sake of vanity.

I was not being a good example of true health and loving your body as it is. That’s how I felt inside and I hated it. Alignment is everything to me

From my own personal transformation and in my own opinion, confidence stems from taking your power back, setting firm boundaries with everyone close to you, knowing and realizing your worth and falling madly in love with every inch of yourself despite what anyone else says or thinks about you.

What to expect after surgery and some of my best self-love advice

    1. When you first get out surgery you’re going to look down and things are going to look smushed and wrinkly. This is totally normal, don’t worry!

 

    1. How you look on day one is not how you’ll look on month one or  year one. Let your husband know…

 

    1. After your explant you’re going to feel so much better that your new breast size won’t matter at all (at least this is what I’m hoping happens).

 

    1. Be patient with your body. She just went through a serious surgery and is doing the best she can to heal and repair things, while still focusing on all your other bodily functions.

 

    1. I did a Live chat with my good friend Sarah Phillipe last month about self-love… here are our notes. This goes over a ton and are all the things I did to get me to where I am today on my self-love journey.

 

    1. From my own personal experience and after talking to a few women, your breasts after explant will jiggle more. Going over bumps and running are going to feel weird for a couple months. Just something I thought I should mention because it’s weird lol

 

    1. This entire process is an adjustment for your spouse too. At the end of the day he should be supportive and proud of you for taking control of your health. If your breasts are more important to him than your health, he’s not the one for you. I unapologetically feel this way. Being with a man who only cares about your looks is not healthy… I hope you understand this.

 

    1. Showing your husband your new breasts, especially if you had implants before you two met, is going to be uncomfortable at first. “What is he honestly thinking?” But just rock it! Own it. Show him the real you that is happy with her decision and not shaken by the looks of your new breasts (even if you are a little bit). I’m telling you, he’s going to find that quality about you so sexy.

 

    1. I’m the type of person who’s like “look at these and get used to them. I’m proud of myself and happy with my itty bittys… and you’re going to be too, darn it.”  😂 I’ve always made things funny or lighthearted in situations like this. What are you going to do anyways? You can’t change anything. Might as well embrace it.

 

    1. You have two choices – let it affect you and your relationship negatively or just have fun and laugh at it all. I choose to make the best of any situation, even if it’s not a good one to be in. I’m always joking about my small boobies. You’ll still find me looking down and saying “damn, that happened so fast! Where’d they go!?”

 

Knock your husbands socks off and show him that you’re a confident, powerful women and your breast size will not take that away from you or the relationship!

You’re a brave, beautiful woman and I’m so very proud of you!

❤︎ Christina Roulund-Dennis

If you’re on Facebook join my Group, Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation and Education With Christina

Not on Facebook? Find me on Instagram!

Exercising After Explant

So you just explanted – congratulations!

I bet you can’t wait to get back to the gym, lift weights and start losing some weight. Am I right?

Or maybe you’ve been ill and fatigued for so long that exercising had to be put on the back burner altogether.

Either way, this article is going to help you ease back into exercising after explanting.

 

Some of the most common symptoms of Breast Implant Illness include:

  • extreme fatigue
  • poor recovery after exercise
  • inflammation
  • weight gain
  • depression
  • achy joints (especially the hip)
  • muscle weakness
  • dehydration

which make it a challenge to get an effective workout in.

You’re probably going to feel good after you explant, but you want to be sure to not do too much, too soon.

I follow a lot of women’s explant journey online, so I see this kind of thing happen all the time.

They end up feeling so good that they just want to get up and go, go, go. Only to be left feeling completely drained and wiped out by the end of the day.

Slow and steady wins… be patient with your body. You just had a major surgery and went under anesthesia.

For the first two weeks all I did was literally slow laps around my couch for 15 minutes, twice a day.

Be sure you get clearance from your surgeon before you exercise, and go over with him/her about what to expect with post-op recovery to be sure that you stay safe and heal properly.

The thing about exercising after explant is you don’t want to trip and hurt yourself, pop a stitch, pull your muscle or raise your blood pressure too high – which can be serious.

I wouldn’t recommend doing any kind of weight lifting or pulling until you get cleared to. And even then, you want to be sure you’re using very light weights and doing the movements slow and controlled.

I got cleared to start lifting weights at six weeks out.

Here’s what I did.

Because my surgeon made it very clear to not lift anything over head or pull anything down from overhead for a solid five weeks, I started with isolation exercises such as:

  • overhead press with a 5lb plate x20 reps (shoulders)
  • bicep curls with 5lb dumbbells
  • rope pulldowns (triceps)
  • side raises with 5lb dumbbells (shoulders)
  • upright rows with a 20lb curl bar (shoulders & upper back)
  • overhead tricep extension with a 5lb dumbbell

I made sure I went very light and slow, feeling to make sure nothing was pulling or feeling weird.

It took me about 10 – 11 weeks to feel 100% normal, to where it didn’t feel like my right breast muscle was moving and not attached (it’s hard to explain the feeling).

I’m three months out and am finally at a point where my motivation to exercise and get in shape is high because I have energy, strength and I feel fully healed.

Some basic tips to get you started are:

  1. Wait to get permission and clearance from your surgeon. That’s number one.
  2. When you do start walking and exercising again make sure you start off slow, even if you’re an intermediate and expert lifter like me. Lightheadedness and weakness can happen fast, so I’d personally be somewhere where there’s a lot of people around, just in case.
  3. Your body just went through a serious surgery and trauma. Be patient with it. Healing and repairing takes weeks so don’t push it just because you’re feeling good. Ease into it.
  4. When you start lifting weights, keep your reps in the 20-25 range. Nothing heavy or too strenuous for your body. Use it more to get the blood flowing and strengthen your muscles and joints again.
  5. If anything feels “wrong” or painful, stop immediately. You don’t want to take any chances with rips or tears, whether internal or external with your incision.
  6. Thirty minutes, three days a week is a good starting point. Feel how your body recovers and then each couple of weeks add in more frequency (days) and duration (time spent exercising).
  7. Rebounding is fun and also has amazing health benefits!

If you just explanted, are looking to get back into the swing of things and would like some professional guidance – I’m a personal trainer & health and fitness coach. I currently work with women who struggle with binge & emotional eating, but fitness and exercise are still a big part of what I do – professionally and personally.

… Mind… Body… Soul, baby.

I’d be more than happy to create you a custom-tailored four or eight week exercise program. Just let me know.

Do you have any questions?

Comment below or ask them in my Facebook Group, Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation and Education With Christina

Not on Facebook? Find me on Instagram!

here’s to health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,

❤︎ Christina Roulund-Dennis

Health Benefits of Dry Brushing And how To

When was the last time you took 10 minutes for yourself?

 

Something that soothes me (plus it’s a cheap way to pamper your body with a numerous amount of health benefits) is called DRY BRUSHING.

Have you tried it?

🔅HOW TO:

So here’s the trick (it’s very important) — you must do long, gentle strokes towards your heart. Not short, hard strokes heading towards the tips of your body.

 

Your skin should be pink (not red) after a session.

 

Got it? Twice daily or before a shower for best results.

🔅Benefits of Dry Brushing:

 

1. Stimulates your lymphatic system helping it release toxins. Your lymphatic system is responsible for responsible for picking up bacteria, viruses, waste, toxins, cancer cells, etc. and killing them. To me the lymphatic system is just as important as your immune system.

 

2. A powerful detoxification tool without having to introduce liquids into the body (internal detox).

 

3. Helps remove dead, dry skin making your skin look younger and feel softer.

 

4. Boosts circulation helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite over time (if done consistently).

 

5. It’s invigorating and a great stress reliever (trust me).

 

It’s SO easy, right?!

 

Two things I would add to this would be rebounding & hydrotherapy.

 

If you’re on Facebook join my Group, Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation And Education With Christina
Not on Facebook? Join me on Instagram! 

 

here’s to health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,
❤︎ Christina Roulund-Dennis

How To Approach Your Friends About Breast Implant Illness

Bringing up Breast Implant Illness to friends and family can be a touchy and uncomfortable topic.

“My best friend knows my breast implants made me sick for years, but she won’t listen to me. She’s still going to get a breast augmentation.”

“My sister is ill and knows about Breast Implant Illness, yet she doesn’t want to hear it or admit that her implants are making her sick.”

I hear story’s like this every week.

And if you’re a warrior like me, who was sick for years and explanted, you just want everyone else around you to listen up and follow suit. Right?

It’s hard to fathom that women would continue to (or potentially) jeopardize their health and livelihood for larger breasts, but if you continue to hound your friends and family you’re just going to end up annoying them and possibly losing the relationship you have with them.

Here are my best pieces of advice for you:


1. All we can do is inform others. It’s then entirely up to them to do what they want with the information you presented to them. Some women will get it immediately, some might take some time and some might be so stubborn that they avoid you like he plague.

2. It’s not our responsibility or job to try and convince or manipulate someone else into doing what we think (and know) is right for them. Even though we’ve been through the fire and we know how good life is on the other side, it’s not right to keep pounding on the door when you were never invited in the first place.

3. When you approach a women about Breast Implant Illness be very mindful of your tone and body language. I’m sure we’ve all had those times where we said something with a little too much “energy” that got interpreted wrong just because of our tone. Acting nonchalant, yet assertive and concerned, is what I think works best.

4. Not all women are ready to admit or face the truth that their implants are whats making them sick. There are a lot of women who:
– aren’t confident in their own body as is
– lack self-love and self-worth
– feel insecure in their marriage or are with a “boob man” so they think their husband will be unsupportive
– just aren’t in the right mental space to take all this on
– aren’t ready to part ways with their implants for whatever reason

Tread lightly and have patience with these women. They’re going through enough.

5. If you happen to find an article online, a Facebook Group or any information about Breast Implant Illness, tag her in it. You never know, maybe something will catch her attention.

 

Here’s exactly how I would approach a friend:

Me: “hey, are you still not feeling well?”

Her: “all her excuses and reasons……”

Me: “did you ever stop to think it could be your implants? I know we were told back when we got them that they were safe, but since then there’s been a ton of research linking implants to a cluster of illnesses and symptoms, identical to yours. It’s called Breast Implant Illness – here, join this Group and just check it out for yourself. Whatever you decide to do is entirely up to you.”

That’s literally it.

Either she’s going to be open to receiving the information (like we were) and thank you, or she’s going to completely push it aside.

Both of which are her choice and decision.

I’m the type of person who wants to save everyone, so I get it.

But I can’t wear myself down and drive myself crazy trying to convince every women that it’s her implants making her sick.

I’m very protective of my energy and vibration, so for me spending too much time on people who don’t want my help (yet) isn’t worth it. 

You’re an adult, they’re an adult… and at the end of the day your health is your responsibility and her health is her responsibility.

They’ll know who to come to if/when they start feeling ill – trust and believe that. 🙏🏼

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this topic?

Have you had a similar experience?

 

If you’re on Facebook join my Facebook Group, Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation and Education With Christina

Not on Facebook? Find me on Instagram!

 

here’s to health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,

❤︎ Christina Roulund-Dennis

The Truth And Misconception About “The Recommended Surgeon Lists”

I get messages all the time about “The Recommended Explant Surgeon Lists” online and inside Facebook Groups, and what to do if a surgeon isn’t on the list.

While I think it’s a great general list to start with, it is NOT the “be all” list.

My advice to you would be:

* If you find a plastic surgeon who will do a proper explant (en Bloc & capsulectomy)… go with him/her. When it comes to explanting, this is essentially all you need to be concerned about – that they’ll get all the capsule out and take the implant and capsule out in one piece (en bloc). If they believe in BII that’s an added bonus… but if they don’t, as long as they treat you with respect, that’s what counts. 

* If you find a surgeon who is NOT on “the list” it doesn’t mean that they’re not qualified to perform your explant surgery. It just means that they aren’t that popular or not enough women have used that particular surgeon. 

* There are thousands of plastic surgeons all around the world that are NOT on “the list”, that are fantastic surgeons who will do a proper explant and give you an awesome experience. I know women who used surgeons on “the list” that had horrific experiences, and also women who went with a surgeon not on “the list” who had exceptional results and care. The best thing you can do is post “I’m thinking about going with Dr. ___ for my explant – has anyone used him/her?” inside of whatever Group you’re in and hear real experiences. You’d be surprised. 

The lists you see out there are simply general recommendations of surgeons who come highly recommended by women who have used them. That’s it. Do NOT allow anyone to coerce you into thinking that “a plastic surgeon is not qualified” just because they’re not on their list.

 

💖This is YOUR decision, YOUR body, YOUR health, YOUR life.

 

”The Recommended Surgeon List” in Support Groups and on websites tend to be causing way too much confusion and concern with women, prolonging their explant surgery. I personally see it almost weekly from desperate women who feel stuck because a surgeon they want to use, who might even believe in Breast Implant Illness, isn’t on “The Recommended Explant Surgeon List”. 

 

 

If you find a surgeon who can/will do an explant en Bloc with a capsulectomy – that’s your surgeon! Period.

 

At the end of the day I HIGHLY recommend to be your own advocate, do your own research, look at reviews online and do what’s right for you and your body.

 

You have my support… no matter which surgeon you chose ❤︎

 

 

Not on Facebook? Find me on Instagram!

 

here’s to health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,
 ❤︎ Christina Roulund-Dennis

Notes About Self-Love With Sarah Phillipe

I had the privilege to chat with Sarah Phillipe from Reversing Breast Implant Illness and her Group of 1,1oo women today! 

Here’s a breakdown of what we discussed.

What is Size: Happy?

Size: Happy is a movement and this is the message –

  1. We embrace, appreciate and love our body during every phase of our journey.
  2. Our worth and confidence isn’t determined by a number or size – it’s measured by all the things that make us happy and make us feel good.
  3. Happiness is something  that we are choosing to experience right now, no matter what our current breast size, jean size or body size is.
  4. We don’t wait until we achieve a certain size or have that tangible thing to live in happiness – we live with it here and now, while still working towards our goals and big dreams.
  5. We do not live by societies standards (or anybody’s opinions) of what’s in or considered to be pretty – we live by our own rules and make up our own minds as to what we feel is beautiful.

I’m a rebel naturally, so I don’t typically follow norms or conform to labels.

The way I see it, “whose to tell me what’s beautiful, in or trendy this season?” Not some magazine or celebrity gossip channel, that’s for sure.

Here’s the fact – you’re going to be “too much” or “not enough” for some people.

And oh-freaking-well. That’s their issue and not yours to carry around or believe.

 

What does self-love look like to you and what would you say to those who are struggling with it?

 

My definition of self love is doing anything that makes you feel pretty or makes you happy.

That could be anything from:

  • painting your own nails
  • taking a hot bubble bath
  • getting dressed up for no reason
  • getting a massage on your lunch break
  • saying no when you really want to say no
  • setting boundaries (this is super important)
  • eating in a way that serves you and your goals
  • playing with animals (one thing that makes me so happy every time)
  • watching a movie or reading a book instead of finishing your to-do list
  • eliminating, removing or decreasing all the things and people that don’t serve you

If you’re struggling with self-love, you might need to unravel a lot of old programming, limiting beliefs and negative self-talk that isn’t true, serving you or allowing you to grow and evolve.

We pick up a lot of things subconsciously throughout our life from the people closest to us, strangers and even tv and magazines.

Our past experiences, relationships and interactions shape up into who we are today.

One of the best things you can start with is to dig deep into understanding where these thoughts and feelings are stemmed from, and then identifying if they are in fact actually true (which 99% of the time they’re not).

As you go through this process, do not judge what comes up. Do not dwell on a thought or past experience for too long.

Allowing yourself to feel “negative emotions” is one of the fasted ways to heal.

You must feel to fully heal.

 

From your years of struggling with self-love and coaching hundreds of women, what are your best pieces of advice or things women can do to start living with more self-love and start fully embracing their new body?

 

  1. Ask yourself , What do I have control of? 

Your health, happiness, attitude and actions are four of the biggest ones.

Everything else that you don’t have control of, such as:

  • your breast size after surgery
  • what the pains going to be like
  • what happens to you on the surgery table once you’re under anesthesia

you need to release and let go of.

At the end of the day you’re going to have surgery and you’re going to have smaller breasts. That’s all you know for sure.

What’s in your control is the fact that you can pray that everything goes well, hand it over to whoever you believe in and have faith.

*trust me, I’m a control freak do this takes work

 

2. Change your thoughts and the words you use.

Thoughts are powerful. More powerful than you may know.

I talked about this in one of my other blogs,  but words like “can’t, scared, mad, ugly,”, etc. literally weaken the body, whereas things like “I’ll figure it out, I can do this, everything’s going to go smooth, I’m going to feel amazing” strengthen the body and carry a different vibrational frequency.

I know… it’s woo-woo, but it’s a fact.

On the topic of thoughts and words, social media needs to be brought up.

If you’re following an account and you notice that you’re always sitting there comparing your looks or body to anothers, which is leaving you feeling less then or not enough, I highly encourage you to unfollow that account.

You sitting there comparing isn’t allowing you to grow.

It’s keeping you stuck, destroying your mental health and brain washing you into believing that everyones lives are perfect and flawless – which is the furthest thing from the truth.

Next time you’re scrolling through social media, if what you’re seeing isn’t empowering, inspiring or motivating you, hit unfollow.

Your mental health and confidence will improve so fast within a month!

 

3. It’s about awareness and how quickly you bounce back!

We all have slips ups in our actions/habits and words/thoughts – and that’s ok.

For instance, I find myself comparing my body or breasts to anther woman at least once a week.

I now quickly catch myself, pull myself back into a loving state and remind myself that nobody else’s beauty diminishes mine.

This will take time, but as it continues to happen it’ll get easier and easier and you’ll catch yourself quicker and quicker.

It’s not about being perfect, it’s about realizing that when a thought, person or action/habit isn’t serving you and then quickly doing something about it.

Don’t let things simmer or fester. Just be patient with you body and self and know that you’ll always be a work-in-progress.

You never “arrive“. You will always be growing and evolving. That’s life.

 

4. Regarding your breasts and scars after surgery.

Yes, your breasts will look smaller and like a deflated balloon right after surgery.

Don’t stress.

Over the course of a year your breasts are going to change shape and fill out.

Once you see how good you feel, the size of our breasts aren’t even going to matter.

I’d much rather have my small A cup and feel amazing than to go back to a D cup and feel run down everyday.

For most of you, it’s only going to be you and your husband looking at your breasts and scars, I assume.

It’ll be an adjustment for the both of you, but it’s nothing you guys can’t handle.

Plus, I’m going to bet as soon as your husband starts to see how much better you’re feeling and how much more energy you have, he’s going to adore and appreciate you and your decision even more.

 

To watch the Live video, visit Sarah’s Facebook Group Reversing Breast Implant Illness With Sarah Phillipe.

Visit her website to learn more about her and how she can help you Reverse Breast Implant Illness.