Breast Reduction Reviews
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3.5 weeks PO Adding pics

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Spent: $236 in Tx

Comments (91)

Updated 8 Apr 2012

Posted 25 Jan 2012

Hey ladies! I got a TT in December, and now I'm scheduled to get a reduction on March 15. I haven't gotten an approval letter from my insurance yet and that makes me nervous. I got all of my documentation fom my chiropractor and all. I was wondering if anyone it there got approved with only 350 grams removed. I look forward to hearing from you!



Updated on 4 Feb 2012:
Whoooo- hooooooo! I got my letter from insurance today and was approved! I am so ecstatic. I thought I would have a hard time with approval because I'm getting 350 grams from the left and 300 from the right. I will upload pics shortly!

Updated on 13 Feb 2012:
I have a month and 2 days to wait for my breast reduction. I decided to upload a pic of my 36DDDs.

Updated on 29 Feb 2012:
Goodness gracious, great balls of fire! Do I really only have 2 weeks before these can goods are lifted from around my neck? I am so thrilled! I cannot wait to be able to stand and not haunch over. I got a letter of explanation for benefits yesterday. BCBS Health Select is covering 80%, and United Health Care will cover the rest. That means.... wait for it... I pay NOTHING! Whooo-hoooo! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I would love to answer anything you need me to.

Updated on 8 Mar 2012:
Hey ladies! I went to my pre op appt yesterday and preregistered for the hospital and all that jazz. We are still on for Thursday and I am beyond excited. There isn't a single nervous thought running through my mind. Just when I thought everything with Insurance was squared away, the unthinkable happened... I was punked! OR so she thought.

I got a call Monday morning from the person at my PS's office that does the insurance billing. She said I had to pay $607 by the next day at my pre op appt. I was really shocked by this because I have two inusrance policies and that was more than I had to pay to have a C section... Didn't make sense. I asked the girl if she contacted my 2nd policy holder. She didn't and rudely got off the phone to do so. When she called me back, she said nothing changed and I still owed the $607. I told her that wasn't possilbe and to give me the number of the person she contacted. She told me the number was on the back of my card. That really annoyed me because she should have just given me the number. I said something fly and she gave me the number (so I thought)

I called the number just to find that it was the wrong number! GRRR~ I looked on my insurance card, called and they told me that the most I should have to pay is $300. That sounded so much better. I called that idiot back and she had the audacity to tell me that I was wrong and if that was the case, I owed the $607 + $300. Was she for real? Then she told me that she didn't have time to argue with me and either I had money or I didn't, I better have it by the next day at my pre op appt or she was going to cancel my procedure. WHAT? Are you talking to ME like that???!!! I told her to put someone on the phone with some type of brain. And she did.

To wrap this story up, the office manager investigated to find that that dummy never even contacted my 2nd insurance simply because she didn't want to. I only owed $236.00 which was what I was expecting... The next day, I told the PS and had the entire dialogue typed out for her. I made sure the PS knew that I was a split second from chuncking the deuces to her and her company because of her smart mouth, silly insurance girl.

Whew... that's it. Besides that nonsense, everything is going well. I am excited. I paid the $236.00 and am ready to go in to the hospital with these cantelopes and come out with small grapefruits!

Updated on 15 Mar 2012:
Good morning! I'm heading to the hospital now to get the reduction. I'm not nervous at all. I'm just ready to heal and run. I cannot remember if I'm allowed to drink water since midnight or not. One thing for, I'm seriously parched! I will update you ladies this afternoon. Lots of love! Oh and my husband is sitting next to me praying away! Thank you Jesus for a praying man! With that, I extend my prayers to my fellow reduction friends:

Gracious a father, I glorify and magnify your precious name. You're the king of kings and lord of lords. Above your name, there is nothing greater. I pray for you ability and willingness to heal my friends and I during this time of recovery. I thank you in advance for being the surgeon's hands and wisdom during operations. You and only you are able to bring restoration to our bodies. I love you and praise your name. All this I pray in the name of your son, Jesus. AMEN!!!

Alrighty, I gotta go do this! 2legit2quit. Hey-Hey!

Updated on 15 Mar 2012:
Hey ladies!!! I'm here! I went into surgery around 7:35 a.m. The anesthesiologist came in and made me very comfortable. He looked like Prince. He just needed a shiny purple suit with matching sequence heels. Afterwards, I was marked all up by my surgeon who told me that she took care of that previous issues with her employee ( refer up top). She told me that she would take about two hours and all that good informative stuff.

I went to the back, the anesthesiologist said I talked a lot then things began to fade. I was out! In what seemed like 5 minutes, I woke up but was startled because I couldn't sleep. Apparently the anesthesiologist put an ointment on my eyes I case I woke up during surgery. That was so scary. Things are still a bit blurry.

When I woke up, I was ready to go, but I kept forgetting to breath. Watch for that, ladies. The RN reminding me to And would emphatically did so. He then said if I didn't I'd have to stay. Needless to say, that kept me there on oxygen for quite a while. I remember doing it too. It was like inhaling and instead of exhaling, falling asleep. Weird.

I finally went back to the little room with my sweet husband. Then I did the dumbest thing.... Forgetting I just had a breast reduction, I lifted my right arm to put on my shirt. Oh my did I quickly remember. That's been the extent of the pain. I feel pressure, minimal but present burning, and lots of air in my chest.

I havent seen the ladies yet but they're up high and definitely smaller. There was an instant relief to my shoulder blades and neck. I mean instant. As if I was carrying a heavy bag and finally put it down. Amazing! Just amazing! I'm praying for you guys. Oh yeah and the nurse said that when I woke up, I was quoting quite a few Psalms and said I was going to change my name to Maggie! Lol. Where did that come from?

Updated on 16 Mar 2012:
Good afternoon ladies! It has been a day and a half since the procedure. I feel really good. The worst part it under my arms. There is a tugging that's is quite intense. Again the pain is bearable. Just to answer some of the questions I had...
I have 100% of feeling in my nipples.
I had apprx 600 total grams removed
My surgeon did the anchor method of cutting
I had a shower today
I've slept in 5 hour increments since I've been home
I'm sleeping on the couch with pillows propped behind me and under my legs

I have to tell Bout my shower experience! I took the surgical bra off and expected the girls to collapse. Well they didn't! They stood straight out! I am still shocked. Right now they're still a big big to me. I held up an old-old 36D bra, and the cup size was a little smaller than my Ctual breast. They're full and even and pretty to me.

My shower was relieving. That's when I found out that my nipples had sensation. I wased across them and felt it. I will upload pics here shortly. Let me know if you have any questions.

Updated on 17 Mar 2012:
Today is the third day of healing. I feel pretty good for the most part. I took one pain pill today which was the hydrocodone. I am trying to be on Tylenol by tomorrow since I plan to return to work Monday! Ay-yi-yi~ I have a pretty laid back career, so I am not too worried about the strain of work. Besides, I am an extrovert and staying in this house staring at walls is driving me bonkers!

I have a post op appt on Wednesday. I will probably update then. The girls are still high up and lovely. I really am glad that I did this though I haven't clicked the worth it button yet. I want to wait until these stitches are gone before I decided that. The pain is minimal. It is more annoying and a reminder that I had a procedure done. Again, if you have any questions, please ask. I am logged on to Realself all day waiting on an update or something lol. Really, I do have a life... I do... I do I do....

Updated on 19 Mar 2012:
I am so confused on these days. I had surgery on Thursday and today is Monday. I do not know if today is considered the 4th or 5th day... Can you help clarify that one thing?

On to the reduction. I went to church yesterday and it was hard not to lift my hands during the worship part of the service. By the time I went home, I was sore under my arms. That was it though. I took Tylenol Extra Strength, took a nap and woke up refreshed.

This morning, I got up, got ready for work and here I am. So far so good. I have an office job, so I'm not too active. I've gotten a lot of compliments already. Many questions about weight loss. It is not a huge difference, but I am wearing a button up shirt that's fitted. It looks fantastic. I am also completely off of pain meds. I go back Wednesday to get staples removed. Yay~ I feel very normal!

Updated on 22 Mar 2012:
Whooo-hooo! I made it one week post op and I feel great! The only issue of concern is a blister I got on my right tata. I got it checked out yesterday, and the PS said it was normal and nothing to worry about. I say...

My post op appt was music to my ears. The PS said that I looked as good can be. I am healing well, so well that she left everything in place. My steri strips were still intact and clean and precise. So, all is well!

Updated on 5 Apr 2012:
Hey ya'll! Good afternoon! I am 3 weeks post op and just about to back to normal. I can now lift my little one, so that's a good feeling. I still cannot sleep on my stomach, but as fast as the last three weeks have gone, I should be doing that in no time.

I went to my 3 week appt and got my stictches removed. Apparently, I had a skin reaction to the steri strips and ended up with lots of little blisters. I couldn't feel them because I was numb, but I felt them being removed as the sticky strips were taken off. OUCH! They look polka dotted now. (my tatas). But that will fade also.

My scars are healing nicely, and I have no open wounds at this time. I am back into a regular bra because I didn't like the nipping look that I had going. That's when your nipples poke out incase that's not a real word. I had some 36D bras from my prepregnancy days. They're pretty and fit amazing.

I seriously will upload some pics tonight. I've been crazy busy lately and haven't had the chance. By ladies!

Updated on 8 Apr 2012:
Hey! I feel really good! I am just adding some pics. You will notice the little blister I had and the end results of them. They're the prettiest twins I've ever seen. Lol! If you have any questions, please ask!

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Comments (91)

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Iowa71 (RealFriend) 27 Jan 2012
Welcome to RealSelf. I have BCBS of Iowa and was approved in about 2 weeks. I had 450+ grams removed from each breast. What size are you starting at and what are you hoping to achieve?
2Legit2Quit 29 Jan 2012
Thank you for answering! I'm a 36 DDD. I guess that would put me at a 36D. I just keep reading that insurance companies require removing 500 grams. I guess your reply proved otherwise! Yay! I called bcbs and they hadn't received my paperwork yet. I will call again this week.
darkandlovely 29 Jan 2012
@3legit I believe the minimum amount of grams to be removed is based on your height and weight (schnuers scale) it doesnt have to be the 5oo grams ... Have you called bcbs to get the details on requirements to have it covered with your specific plan?
2Legit2Quit 30 Jan 2012
I actually did call them, but they told me that it varies based on individuals. They apparently have their own set of doctors that review the claims. Other than getting more than 350 grams removed, I meet the criteria. I have the shoulder grooves, back and neck issues etc. I have to admit that I really don't want to have any more surgeries, so if I get declined, I am just going to live with it... sigh... Thanks for responding by the way.
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 5 Feb 2012

Hurray!!!  Congratulations.  I am very happy for you:)

Iowa71 (RealFriend) 5 Feb 2012
WooHoo!
darkandlovely 13 Feb 2012
YIPPEEE!!! Congratulations on your approval.. Who do u have for insurance? I go to my first consultation on Friday, Keep me in your prayers for approval once I decide on the PS :-). May I ask what is your height and weight?
2Legit2Quit 13 Feb 2012
Thank you! I am 5'8 and 168. According to that schnur scale thing, I shouldn't be able to have it done. I have BCBS of Tx and United Health Care. I got approved with 300 on the right and 350 on the left. How much did they want to remove for you?
darkandlovely 13 Feb 2012
According to the scale a minimum of 370 grams will need to be removed for them to cover it. I will find out how much my PS says he recommends removing when I go to my consult on Friday..Did your PS say what size that would leave u at?
2Legit2Quit 13 Feb 2012
350 would leave me at a large C or small D. Still a good size. What are you hoping for?
Vivalv66 13 Feb 2012
They did not do my height or weight. I think the ins approved it with the pictures and doc notes.
2Legit2Quit 13 Feb 2012
I think the pictures make the world of difference too!
darkandlovely 13 Feb 2012
Viva, Who do u have insurance with?
Vivalv66 13 Feb 2012
Sound Health (First Choice)
Vivalv66 13 Feb 2012
They also approved me to have surgery at the Drs office and not at the hospital. Which I guess is a good thing as far as my PS is concerned.
darkandlovely 13 Feb 2012
I am hoping to be a Small C or even a large B Cup. I am ready to get rid of all this extra load I am carrying on my chest.
iwalktheline 13 Feb 2012
i got a referral from my Primay Doc stating I needed a BR. when i went to the PS he said "oh no, you will be flat as a board if i remove what the insurance wants. what you need is a breast lift" i was sooo disappointed. my breasts are so heavy and out of proportion with my body. i just don't get it, I am a 36 DD. I think I will try another doc
Vivalv66 13 Feb 2012
I would definitely get a second opinion. Can't hurt.
2Legit2Quit 14 Feb 2012
I went to a doc That said the same thing. It turned out that he didn't want to deal with insurance.
darkandlovely 2 Mar 2012
@2legit, can u post a side pic of ur breasts? I was wondering if yours were more dense than mines.,
darkandlovely 14 Feb 2012
@iwalktheline, what is your height and weight?
darkandlovely 29 Feb 2012
@2legt, Thats Great news... I see u were able to get your date moved up for surgery.. I will find out if I'm approved in about 2 weeks.. I wonder when should I start calling the insurance company to know if they've received my Request for approval?
2Legit2Quit 4 Mar 2012
I started calling ASAP ! No kidding. But you know thy told me they didn't have my paper work yet but theni to an approval letter. Those fibbers!
mariz 1 Mar 2012
hello there i have schedule for breast reduction this first week of april..pls let me know how u feel after your surgery..im so excited but nervous
2Legit2Quit 4 Mar 2012
You got it! My doc said I should be fine to o to work on the Monday after!

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