Let me start by saying this: I was nervous, excited, and did I mention nervous again? My big day had finally arrived breast reduction surgery day and the girl was spiraling, but cute about it.

I had never gone under the knife before. Not even a wisdom tooth pulled. And while I had grilled my surgeon like I was hosting a medical themed episode of Hot Ones, there I was in my surgical gown, booty out, paper bonnet barely hanging on, suddenly hit with 1,000 more questions I swear I had already asked but needed to ask again just to make sure.

There’s something about lying in that cold pre-op bed, IV in your arm, that makes you rethink your entire existence and all your browser history. I was wondering things like:

• “Wait, what if I’m allergic to anesthesia and just never knew it??”
• “Did I sign up for the pretty perky package or the mini modest version?”
• “Did I tell everyone I love them just in case this goes sideways?”

But deep breaths were taken, edges were preserved, and the girls (the boobs) were about to clock out for good. But before that could happen, here are 5 things I did to prep for surgery that helped everything go way smoother emotionally, physically, and fashionably.

No Smoking or Drinking (RIP to My Inner Hot Girl Happy Hour Life)

Let me be real: I don’t smoke. Never have, never will. Hookah gives me a headache and makes me look like a confused baby dragon. So the no smoking rule was a breeze.

But no drinking? BABY. THAT HURT. I’m a social drinker through and through a girl who can throw back a cocktail with the best of them. So cutting out wine nights, margarita Mondays, and casual “let’s split a bottle just because” evenings was a personal attack.

My solution? Seltzer water. Yep. I started drinking it to curb the urge and accidentally became obsessed. Like… La Croix and I are in a committed relationship now. This little surgery detox started a fizzy habit that I’ve carried since 2021. Sparkling water >>> healing juice. If you’re ditching alcohol before surgery, find a sassy mocktail or new bevvy obsession to make it feel less like a punishment and more like a reset.

Closet Glow-Up Time

The second I made the decision to get my reduction, I was already manifesting my new wardrobe. My chest had always forced me to size up in tops, and it left me looking like a kid who raided their auntie’s closet not cute, not snatched.

So I started shopping early. Crop tops? Added to cart. Cute little bralettes? Bought in every color. Backless dresses? YES PLEASE.

I even Marie Kondoed my whole closet and donated half my old wardrobe. If it screamed “busty corporate auntie,” it had to go. Pre-surgery is the perfect time to start dressing the body you’re stepping into. Get excited about the transformation—it makes recovery feel more like a runway prep than a sick day.

Bracing for the Backlash

Now THIS…this part surprised me. The backlash from people especially men was loud, wrong, and unsolicited. You’d think I was personally affecting the GDP of the boob economy.

From men acting like I was destroying humanity to women giving side eye remarks about “being grateful for what I have,” it was clear: People love policing bodies that don’t belong to them.

Even though I anticipated it, I was still disappointed by how some folks in my real life (and the internet) reacted. But guess what? I did it anyway. And I’d do it again. Period. People will always have something to say. Do what’s best for YOUR body, YOUR peace, and YOUR wardrobe. Let the haters weep into their overpadded bras.

Pillows & Peas…The Real MVPs

When I tell you I became the queen of pillow fort life, I’m not exaggerating. I bought every single shape and size of pillow body pillows, wedge pillows, neck pillows, couch throw pillows you name it.

And let’s not forget the bags of frozen peas and corn that doubled as ice packs for my sore chest and shoulders. It was giving “produce aisle couture.”

The first 2 weeks post-op, you’ll basically live sitting upright like you’re in a throne made of cushions and pain meds. So stock up and thank me later. Buy a pregnancy pillow. I know, you’re not pregnant—but your healing body will be swaddled like a queen. Comfort > aesthetics.

Asking for Help (and Letting People Show Up)

I didn’t fake the strong independent woman vibe. I said: “I’m nervous, I need support, and please check on me.” And it made a WORLD of difference. I had people rotating through my apartment like it was a wellness retreat with snacks and gossip. And guess what? It worked. I felt emotionally supported, cared for, and lowkey spoiled. Also side note: By Day 3, I was outside drinking mocktails and vibing. Recovery went smoother than expected (more on that next week), but I’m so glad I wasn’t alone for that initial healing phase. It’s not weak to ask for support it’s smart. Healing isn’t just physical, it’s emotional too.

Bye Boobs, Hello Freedom

Surgery day was nerve wracking, but these 5 little prep moves helped me feel calm, confident, and lowkey excited about my new chapter. The reduction journey isn’t just cosmetic it’s emotional, empowering, and hella freeing.Next week, I’ll spill the tea on my actual recovery (and how I ended up at brunch way too soon lol). But for now, if you’re prepping for your own surgery or just curious I hope this helped, and feel free to drop your own tips below!

Let’s keep the convo going because T’yanna Tells, and she tells it all. 💋