u/BluPoisonDartFrog

She wore a brilliant, bright pink bathing suit and practised front crawl. That means there were two trans people in the pool today. And would you believe it - nothing exploded. Nobody even cared. We smiled at each other but focused on our training, just like everyobody else.

I wonder if she saw my scarred chest and felt that same community, that same notion of not being alone in this.

What are your favourite unexpected moments where you encountered other queer people irl?

Hello you there, lovely person who just made it through Top Surgery!

Congratulations, you made it, I hope the pain is okay and the drains arent being too annoying. Listen, before you enjoy your movie marathon with your mastectomy pillow and your drinking straw, theres something I need to tell you

ITS BLOATING.

You look like you ate 'em? Its bloating!

You usually have a thin waist and now you feel like obelix? - Its bloating!

Youre usually a lil chubby but now you feel much bigger? - Its bloating!

You feel like youre seeing your belly for the first time? - Its bloating.

But you feel like youve gained weigh- ITS BLOATING.

Bloating is common and normal after surgery.

How long will it take to go down? Up to three months or more.

Should you eat less to lose the weight? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Your body needs nutrition to heal, now more than ever. Get those proteins, those vitamins, those fibres, those fancy micronutrients, and those tasty snacks.

What can you do to make it go down? Hydrate yourself, eat some fibre (nuts, seeds, oats, what have you...), get some gentle movement in (like a short walk, not a marathon).

Oh, and friend - you look fantastic. Congratulations on your top surgery. Happy Healing.