Breast Reduction: Stories

The last few weeks have been very overwhelming. I have not considered having breast reduction because it was something that I could not afford. Since this is an elective surgery, I never thought insurance coverage was a possiblity. I am just starting this journey and if my insurance does not cover the surgery, unfortunately I will not be going any further. I hate to get my hopes up at this point because I don't want the let down. After reading so many posts in the forum, I don't feel as bad as some women. I'm currently a 40DDD and can buy bras off the rack. I can't imagine being E, F, G or H.

Another week has passed with no word from BCBS. I don't know if that's a good or bad sign. The waiting is the worse part and I've convinced myself that they will deny so I'm not so disappointed. One good thing, I had my first mammogram and everything came back normal. So if I've gotten anything out of this, it was that.

It's like a dream come true! My insurance company has approved my procedure and I have surgery scheduled for December 26th. I think I'm still in the shocked stage and haven't really thought about what this involves. I will have a whole month to worry!

Can't wait to start running again. My goal is to lose 50 pounds after the reduction. Personal goal - run in a half marathon in August 2013.

Well, here I am 13 days post-op. I NEVER thought this would happen and now that it has, what a great thing! All the pain and discomfort is so worth it, even this early in the game. I have never been this happy with my body even though I'm overweight and need to work on that. This reduction just gives me a whole new outlook on my life & health. I've hidden behind my big boobs so much that it began to define me. Wear big sloppy sweatshirts and no one will notice. Well, life has changed!!

My surgery was uneventful. I went to a same day surgery center where it is their business to get you in & out as soon as possible. I seriously do not remember leaving the building I was still so out of it. I remember throwing up in the recovery room but that's about it. My husband was with me and answered most of the questions for me. Putting my clothes back on was a challenge. There was time on the ride home that I thought "what did I get myself into?" but no regrets now. I would say that I am healing very well. Still have swelling when I do to much with my arms. Yesterday was my first day back at work and I cried on the way home because my right boob was so swollen & hot. Today I'm taking it easy and feel much better. Tomorrow at work, I will try very hard to not push myself to get caught up. I vacuumed 1 room in my house today and took down my Christmas tree. Just need to remember it doesn't all have to be done right away.

It has been wonderful to read all the advice and reviews. However, everyone is different and don't expect things to happen to you that have happened to someone else. Listen to your doctor and take it slow, that is the key. I had no choice but go back to work this soon but have to remember that supper may not get made by me when I get home. Luckily its just my husband & myself so the only one out is him! He has been so good and understanding.

I had my 1 month appointment today and have been given the go ahead to light exercising, no longer have to sleep in a bra and can start the scar treatments. The PS was very happy with my progress and admitted to me that she was worried about me going back to work so early. I still have swelling in my righty but no fluid so no worries. My left nipple still has 2 bad spots that are pusy but should be clearing up soon. She thinks I'm a D cup and thanks to the lipo I should be a 38 band size. I see her again in 3 months and hope I have some weight off by then. I've posted new pictures of a bra I got today. A 38D and not coming out of it! So happy!

I had my 1 month appointment today and have been given the go ahead to light exercising, no longer have to sleep in a bra and can start the scar treatments. The PS was very happy with my progress and admitted to me that she was worried about me going back to work so early. I still have swelling in my righty but no fluid so no worries. My left nipple still has 2 bad spots that are pusy but should be clearing up soon. She thinks I'm a D cup and thanks to the lipo I should be a 38 band size. I see her again in 3 months and hope I have some weight off by then. I've posted new pictures of a bra I got today. A 38D and not coming out of it! So happy!