I started this journey four months ago, when I decided to visit a plastic surgeon in St. Louis. My hope was to get a breast reduction since exercise and diet change did not alleviate the neck, shoulder and back pain I'd experienced for years. Although, the doctor introduced other services he thought would benefit me (tummy tuck etc...) my focus remained on breast reduction. The goal was to use my insurance, but that failed when I was denied. They denied on the basis that there wasn't sufficient tissue removal. The doctor and staff seemed less interested when I asked for offi notes and asked that the doctor resubmit information. In fact they were rude! I refused to give up, and visited my primary doctor. We went over my health plan, that included exercise (back stretching techniques and cycling) and diet change. My primary suggested breast reduction and referred me to a plastic surgeon. This time was different because the doctor was focused on breast reduction, and explained that his goal was to get insurance approval for the procedure. He succeeded! After a couple of adjustments, I was approved! I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow. I decided to just do it as soon as possible. For months I've connected with real women at real self . It's been very enlightening and quite therapeutic. I can't sleep, but that's fine since I will be able to sleep tomorrow. I have to check in at 6 am, and surgery is scheduled for 7:30. I packed a bag for me and my husband, since I have to stay for 23 hr observation. There's a nearby hotel that my husband can stay at to be close to me. He's very nervous, but supports my decision. I look forward to a new and improved life! I'm a 36ddd, hoping for a B or C cup. I will share more of my story along with before and after pics later. Updated on 26 May 2018: I arrived for surgery at 5:48 and was checked in and prepped. Mercy hospital staff was super nice and professional and highly recommend this institution for services! My doctor came in and talked with me and drew on my new breast and communicated with me about size preference, procedure, and outcome. We started the process on tine at 7:30 sharp. My surgery was done by 10:45 (3.25 hrs). Afterwards I felt soreness and thought I’d had my first daughter again (emergency c-section for placenta previa)! It was hilarious! By noon I was in my room, and by 1:00 I was eating a salad. My throat was very sore and I was extremely groggy. I had a very large private room with a sofa sleeper for my husband. This experience was so wonderful to have my husband share with me. We had booked a nearby hotel, but had my daughter and granddaughter stay there instead. It worked out great to have my family there. I only had two doses of the hydrocodone after surgery. Day 1 after surgery, I started with Tylenol and ibuprophen every six hours. I was released at 10:00 the next day and am home resting comfortably. I find staying relaxed, moving your arms as little as possible helps keep soreness discomfort down. I never felt any pain, just soreness. My breast look tiny compared to before. I’m no longer hanging! Yay! I did not need drains and am super excited about that! Updated on 27 May 2018: Day 3; I'm feeling really good, but not taking thus procedure for granted. I'm resting and keeping up with meds. I'm only taking 600 mg of ibuprofen every six hours. I decided that if I didn't need the stronger meds, I'd do without them. I haven't had any bowel activity and am drinking prune juice to remedy that. My daughter changed my bandages, it was not painful and everything is dry. I can't shower for two more days ????! This too shall pass...Feeling blessed! Thank you everyone for your support and advice! Updated on 29 May 2018: Yesterday I had bathroom activity finally with the help of prune juice! I also had a shallow bath and had bandages changed. Today I had more bathroom activity and a light shower. I kept my back to the water, without allowing any to fall on my breast area. There's no oozing or bleeding and breasts are looking a little more normal. My daughter is a nurse, so the importance of bowel activity was strongly stressed. I am feeling no pain and am only taking 2 ibuprofen daily. I've only felt soreness and itching since surgery, and kept ibuprofen usage going since I was released. I realize I've had surgery and am relaxing, watching tv, and taking short walks. Updated on 31 May 2018: Yesterday and today I am feeling stronger and operating on no meds. I am not feeling any discomfort. I am still drinking a cup of prune juice daily, and as a result am having bathroom activity daily. Last night I was able to get comfortable and slept through the night for the first time since surgery. I went grocery shopping and to the pool to watch my granddaughter. I plan on returning to work tomorrow since I do desk work. I took my first dose of bromelain (thanks to a fellow #Real woman). Updated on 9 Jun 2018: Visited Doctor on Tuesday, eleven days after surgery, and all surgical tapes was removed. My doctor was pleased with progress. I am feeling good with no pain. I am working, driving, and can't wait to start my cycling classes in 4 weeks. I am very happy with my new breast size and feel motivated to continue an even healthier lifestyle. Updated on 16 Jun 2018: I am anxious to start working out, but I have 3 weeks to go. I try not to overdo it with daily processes, but it's a habit. Of course I get the reminder when I feel more tenderness in my breast. My scarring is gradually fading, but itchy. Updated on 16 Jun 2018: Everything was $30,000 initially, but after Insurance, my share is $1,200.00. This is amazing because I stayed at a great hospital and received the best care. I am feeling blessed! Updated on 16 Jun 2018: Not sure of my breast size, but I am much lighter! Updated on 16 Jun 2018: Unsure of my breast size because I’m still swollen, but I’m feeling so much lighter! Updated on 19 Jun 2018: My Doctor said goodbye to me today! I am officially released! He says I still need to take it easy and don't run any marathons or anything! lol I can cycle, but no upper body activities yet! I am so excited about Summer and my new size. I still feel tenderness at times, which means to take it easy. I am good to go!