2 Weeks Away - Englewood, NJ

I am super excited to have this breast reduction. I have been wanting to do this since I was 17. When I was 12 I was developed into a 36C and every year I got bigger. I am now 27 190 lbs and a 36-38 J or H depending on the bra. I have wrapped up most of my identity in these things as that's how people mostly know me (small town) and talk about my gigantic breasts , it's always been a part of almost every conversation I have had since i was 12. I am now happily married and ready to move on and be the person behind the boobs. I sit at a desk 40 hours a week and am in constant pain. I so scared I'm going to end up hunched over permanently. Despite my boobs, I maintain a pretty active life, I was a cheerleader all 4 years of high school, I go to the gym (reg bra+sports bra always poss 2), I had the best time runnin the dirty girl 5k obstacle for breast cancer. I just wish it wasn't a struggle, a struggle to sleep with my 10 pills propping up my back, or to find clothes, most importantly to breathe. When I hold my breasts up, it's like a weight is lifted off my shoulders and I can breathe SO SO much easier.

So I have made the bold choice to finally do this. I have been researching this for years and I love this site, it's really helped me, and now I want to help other people. I'm going give my personal experience with this whole thing.

The one thing I haven't been able to find is about smoking more specifically anyone who smoked and their nipple didn't fall off. I smoke about 5-8 cigarettes a day for about 13 years. When my surgery was schedueled 8/7, I was told I need to stop completely. I have researched this up and down.. turns out there are the obviously possible complication with anesthesia and the healing process. I have been under general twice before as a smoker and had no complications (that obviously doesn't make it ok, I'm just sayind) So I have attempted my hardest to quit, I am now down to smoking 1/2 cigarette a day. I am trying really hard to stop completely, but it's the hardest thing ever. I promised myself I would not have one 48hrs before surgery and after till I am completely healed. I also have been trying to lose some weigh before surgery, but with quitting smoking, I find myself without control eating everything in site.

I can't wait for my pre-op appointment with my PS next wednesday to get all my last minute question out of the way.

Any advice or ideas for questions ( like ones you wished you would have asked but didn't) I'm all ears :)

So I basically drown my nicotine withdrawel/ anxiety with excitment over my new life as I like to call it. I don't want to set myself up for disappointment and I know the road is just beginning, but I keep imagining life without the these extra 3-4 pounds on my shoulders and I can't imagine how lucky the people are who never bare this burden.

I went to walmart last night to find a a front-zip sports bra, no luck. But I am a professional shopper and will certainly find a moderately priced one this weekend.

I've been slacking on working out, but I decided to make a last strong attempt and started my XBox 360 NikeFit 4 week training program. I know I can do only 2 week, but 2 is better than 0. So after I strapped on my extra bra's and did the workout I was exhausted. As I made my way to shower, and disrobed a familiar friend was there to great me. (i.e. my photo)

I have skin problems, it's definately genetic, but it's also due somewhat to my body type. I usually get the cysts or boils on my bikini line, but over the past 5-6 years they have been under my breasts. Definately due to my active lifestyle of creating sweat under my breasts. They swell, they pop, they hurt, they are hideous. I looked at them and I said "your gone in 2 weeks". Funny thing is my friends refer to them as " those things we get" so if you do too, your not alone.

I am a super-confident self assured person. I think I am wonderful lol. Ever since I booked the surgery, I look at myself (the self I've become accustomed to) and I think, they aren't that big, they fit my body, am I doing the right thing? Then when I take everything off and I look in the mirror I'm unhappy and excited. I see exactly how disproportionate they are, and how unhealthy they look. Then I lift them up, where they should be (about 4-5 inches not sure) and feel the weight lifted from my ribcage and take a great big easy breathe, and I know I'm doing the right thing for me.

Supposed to work today...but woke up with the worst sore throat ever and mikd congestion... Super scared im going to have to cancel surgery.. Call the ps.. He said as long as i dont have a fever i will be ok... Start a hot tea coufh droo