42Y/o 5'2Mom of 3 with 38GBreasts (Fastly Approaching the Next Size) ThinkingAbout BR and Something Tummyrelated. Huntsville, AL

Hi RS Family,
Sorry for the long post but here goes. I "think" I've finally decided to take the plunge and get a BR and then a TT or some other lower parts procedure thereafter.
Breast History: I've had large breasts (perky I might add) for as long as I can remember since developing, but was still always active with dance, sports, etc. However, after my 3rd baby about 8 years ago, the "girls" just never recovered. What once had been big and perky and considered shapely, had now morphed into long, pendulous, heavy, mammoths on the front of my body. Low back pain, mid back pain, and just plain pain with bra pinching/digging and ye old 4 boob syndrome has been my story since then. My GP did a Thermagram Breast Cancer scan about 2 years ago and once he was done talking with me about my cancer results being negative, he then launched into telling me how my entire back showed severe inflammation where my breast were pulling on the muscles and causing them to show-up redder than fire on the scan. He then told me he thought I might want to consider a breast reduction. I passed it off and continued to suffer over the next two years until about 6 months ago when I just became sick and tired of fighting with my bras (especially sports bras or lack thereof), never fitting clothes, and not being able to do a lot of exercises because of the heft in front. Embarrassingly, my sons tell me that my top part gets in the way when we are playing and jumping, etc. My hubby is good with how I am right now, but he supports me if I decide to do this and just wants me to be happy, pain free, and able to comfortably exercise. I've had 3 consults with 3 different PS' over the past 3 months (and been approved by my insurance for each) here in my town and after finally deciding on the PS I might allow to do the surgery, I get a letter stating that the PS will be relocating to another state this week!! Back at square 1!!!
Tummy History: Before I was 1 year old, I developed an inguinal hernia. The doc recommended to my mom that the hernia be removed as it was protruding quite a bit and would likely only get bigger. As with lots of belly-related surgeries in that day and time, I was cut across from hip bone to hip bone. Fast forward over the course of my life, I can't ever remember having a flat stomach or being able to achieve one. I've always had a lower pooch even while running track, doing crunches, doing aerobics and basically being physically fit and active in every other sense. I think this might be related to the fact that my muscles were cut and weakened during that surgery long ago. Now after 3 kiddies and a partial laparoscopic hysterectomy (still have my ov's), my tummy is out of control. While carrying the last baby (he really did a number on his mommy, but he is so sweet I can't be mad at him!!), my OB/GYN told me that I had developed a hernia under my belly. There was literally a lump sticking out of the area where my pubic hair was!! We never addressed the hernia again. So, I was chatting with my cousin about 6 or 7 months ago (a few months after having her last baby) and she told me that she was having a TT because she still looked as if she was preggers half a year after having her daughter and it was due to a hernia. It got me to thinking...is that what is wrong with my tummy??? I promise, I still look like I'm 8 months preggers and it has been 8 years since my last son made his debut!!! Granted, I now weigh 208 pounds (I've lost 4 pounds in the last 2 weeks as I'm trying everything I can to lose some weight - I need to lose about 40 pounds to feel comfortable) but when I have lost weight, I still have this tummy. So bummed...
I'm including some very embarrassing pics of how I look now....this was very hard for me...I manage to girdle up and batten down pretty well when I'm in my clothing, but nude...I feel disgusting...
So, RS Family, now that you know my story, can some of you share your thoughts regarding what I should do about:
A. As a 5'2 curvy hourglass woman, what size should I go down to from a 38G? Somehow, I plan to lose weight and hopefully get down to a curvy 170 or so (by the way does anyone have any suggestions for weightloss plans/programs for over 40 women??). If don't meet my goal, I still want to look balanced since I do have hips, etc. I promise there was a waist under there somewhere!!

B. Given my belly and the history/pics I've posted, what kind of lower part procedure do you think would work best for me? TT, Lipo, etc.? Would insurance cover this?

C. To my ethnic sisters out there (especially those of AA and Hispanic decent), if I happen to keloid, what can be done?

Any advice and feedback is welcomed. Thanks so much and please have any awesomely blessed day!!

So, I went to another BR consult today in the next town over....AND....I think I'm finally going to go for it!!! I met with Dr. James Grotting and his staff at Grotting & Cohn Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, AL and it was a fantastic appointment. Dr. Grotting is very knowledgeable, calm, and reassuring and doesn't mind questions at all. I felt very at ease chatting with he and his nurse and believe that I will get great results. He says that he will likely remove about 500 g per breast which will take me down to a "full D" cup. I may ask to go to a "full C" or a "small D" but we'll see how it goes. I trust his opinion from what he stated about my body shape/type without me having to say anything. I've tentatively scheduled the surgery for Friday, December 5, 2014 and hope I won't chicken out before then. Insurance has already approved the BR so now it's hurry up and wait.

In terms of the tummy, he suggested a TT with flanks done also. Unfortunately, it looks like that will have to come out of pocket so it might be a while before I am able to get that done. I've been trying to lose some weight and have been successful at going from 212, to 208, now down to 205. Doesn't seem like much, but my goal is to be under 200 pounds, maybe around 180-190 before the BR surgery. I'll update again soon. TTFN!

I'm nervous as HECK!!!! The PS called today to confirm that we are still a go for the BR for December 5, 2014. Their office is in a town about 1.5 hours from me and I'm just a teensy bit concerned (okay, ALOT concerned) that my surgery is outpatient and I won't get to stay in the hospital overnight. I also won't see my PS again until the day before surgery when I get marked. Among other things, I'm obsessing over the details like my post surgical garment, ointment/bandages, supplements, will my tummy stick out bigger than my ta-ta's after surgery, and on and on. Praying for a calm spirit and for protection. Anywho, I'm now T-Minus 1 month and a week. I'll update again later. TTFN!! (I love these unintended puns....T-Minus.....Ta-Ta for Now, lol)