The "girls" have been large since they 1st came in. I can't remember them ever being small. I have 2 kids and they got larger every time. Past 8 years I have had severe rib pain, neck pain, gnarly back pain, and nasty headaches. I'm not a lazy person, I miss going on hikes and doing even the simple house chores. The extreme weight on my chest makes everything uncomfortable. I'm 5'2 with 38 GG, I'm ready to be smaller. I want to enjoy life again! Due to pain and discomfort, I'm always angry. I've had to take off work numerous times due to all this. As of lately I finally have a PC that has been trying to help. But do to me being on Medi-cal, getting this taking care of has been a Rollercoaster. I have been searching several Plastic Surgeons to find help. Thanks to Realself, I have come across Dr. Murphy in Reno. I have read amazing reviews and found out I know someone that recently went to him. She has told me awesome stuff about him and staff. I made the call and now have a consultation on Aug 1st. I'm super excited and can't wait to meet with him and see what miracles he can work. I will keep everyone posted! Updated on 30 Jul 2016: Just a question ladies or doctors...I get numb feelings in the muscles around my shoulder blades, will that go away after breast reduction? It's such a discomfort! I hope all this discomfort in my muscle goes away after "girls" get reduced. Updated on 3 Feb 2017: It's been awhile since I've posted on here. After getting married and having name changed and getting insurance situated, I'm now starting this journey over again! I have a consultation on Feb 13th 2017 with Dr. Lynne Hackert. I'm SUPER excited! I'm tired of pain. I'm tired of not sleeping well due to pain. I'm just tired. I've read great stories from here. All make me excited about me getting mine chopped off. Fingers are crossed, hopefully I get great news on the 13th! Updated on 12 Feb 2017: Consultation is tomorrow! I'M SO NERVOUS AND WORRIED! Worried they'll say "No". Insurance approved consultation, so hopefully whatever plastic surgeon says, insurance will approve surgery. My fingers, my toes, my eyes, I'll even cross my boobs in hopes to have this surgery! Updated on 13 Feb 2017: So excited! Hope to hear good news today:) I took 2 pictures. Front and side view. If all goes well and I hear I make a good candidate. I will continue with sharing my journey. Updated on 13 Feb 2017: My consultation went great! Dr. Lynne Hackert was so sweet and funny! She explained the surgery and what could possibly happen. Where she would cut. She was very confident about getting insurance to cover. I am in need of reduction! She sees I'm looking for better health and not doing this for cosmetic. Updated on 15 Feb 2017: Received a call today from PS office, surgery is set for July 18th!!! Haven't heard if insurance approved yet, but the office wanted to get the date set up so I'm locked in! I even have my name on the cancelation list in case anyone cancels, I can possibly have it sooner:) PS office is confident I'll get approved for surgery. With all the notes I have from PC and PS. I'm super stoked and ready for any advice I can possibly get. Before surgery advice, most comfortable way to sleep after surgery, bras, exercise, I mean ANY advice. Thank you! Updated on 2 Mar 2017: Update: so I called insurance to see if they received my request for a procedure. Insurance said no. I asked how long is the approval ok'd for and insurance said 90 days. So with that in mind, I figured that's why insurance hasn't received procedure request from surgeon office due to the fact my surgery date is set for July 18th. That was next opening for they are booked til then. Few days after that, I called surgeon office to confirm my thought. I was right! Yay! The very nice lady explained why she didn't want to send request in just yet due to it being too soon. But she does have my pre-op (June 21), surgery date (July 18th), and post op (July 20) set up so I can be on calender for when I do get approved. (This office is very confident I'll get approved) I am super excited for all this! My body is trying to hold on. My ribs scream for the weight to be taken off! My neck, my nerves, my back, shoulder bladestrap. Let's just say I'm trying to imagine what it's like to be pain free. Just seems like a dream! Until I have my surgery, I will continue reading the good and the troublesome journeys on this site! For they have been extremely helpful!!! Continue healing ladies and best of luck on your journeys! Updated on 8 Mar 2017: So the past few months I have been an at home mom/ caregiver for my husband's Grandfather. In these past few months I quit wearing bras due to the fact they hurt! I was playing with bras today (my way of saying "goodbye" to the over the shoulder boulder holder). Even in the brief seconds I was wearing them to due photoshoot, my head hurts from the straps pulling on them and pinching. Now with me not wearing bra, I hurt too due to the weight pulling on shoulder blades. Either way sucks! I admit, each passing day I get more and more excited! My husband and I have been doing a pro/con list, we have yet to find a con. He knows how much I suffer. He is really ready to hold my hand to the hospital and get me on that surgery table! Updated on 15 Mar 2017: With the surgery so far out, reading all these reviews and advice (which have been very helpful) I'm starting to feel "numb". Surgery is 4 months away and yes I feel like a kid for saying this " seems like forever" away. I'm trying to focus on losing weight. Working out is rough with the "ladies" bouncing and putting strain on my back and neck. I'm thinking more walking? I do live in the mountains, so that means hills...hills...and hills! Lol! Any suggestions? Updated on 17 Mar 2017: I received a wonderful phone call this morning. MY SURGERY DATE IS CHANGED TO MAY 9TH! Later I'll be getting a phone call with the final details:) time for them to turn all paperwork to insurance!! Boobs are crossed I get approved:p Updated on 24 Mar 2017: I'VE BEEN APPROVED!!! Just Lil over 6 weeks away and BYE BYE BOOBIES!!! Updated on 5 Apr 2017: I though I'd take some pix today, see possibly where the ladies would sit after surgery. I actually DO HAVE a torso! Pre-op the 25th and surgery MAY 9th:) Updated on 6 Apr 2017: The clothing I was looking at for after surgery:) sports bras I was looking at, no way am I going to fit in them! But according to PS I will. Let just say I CAN'T WAIT! I'm holding back on buying clothes right now. COME ON MAY 9TH???? Updated on 17 Apr 2017: 3 more weeks til surgery! Let's just say, I CAN'T WAIT! I think my boobs know they are leaving cause they are punishing me worse:( the extreme strain on my neck, shoulders, and ribs! This surgery just seems too good to be true! Come on 3 weeks:) Pre-op next week and also my birthday! Updated on 17 Apr 2017: So I found dead out earlier my insurance has been terminated! WTF...get approved for surgery then week later it's terminated! I don't get it. So today I've been trying to find out what the hell is going on Updated on 22 Apr 2017: As it stands surgery is still on. Everyone I talk to at insurance has a different story about my situation. Talking to the PS office lady that deals with insurance, she sees I'm still covered. So we're treating it like I still have surgery. I have pre-op on Tuesday! 2 weeks from that day I have surgery!! I can't wait. Updated on 29 Apr 2017: It's just so weird! Updated on 1 May 2017: Still so hard to believe I just might fit these lol the pink one, as long as I didn't breath it stayed zipped hahahaha trying to wrap my brain around it still:) Updated on 2 May 2017: Love when life throws lemons...lets make that lemonade! I'm trying so hard for this road block to not affect me!!!!!!! Updated on 7 May 2017: Rough night last night. My left shoulder blade was pinched and spasmed so bad. I had to tell myself it's ok surgery is soon. Then the thought of no it's not. Your insurance is lagging on a decision that was already made by another insurance. The toss and turn of good and bad thoughts is breaking me down. Tomorrow I'm hoping I hear AWESOME news that will end all this suffering and confusion.... I pray I hear that surgery is still on for Tuesday May 9th. Updated on 8 May 2017: After emotional times and a nerve wrecking wait, I have come to the conclusion to cancel May 9th appointment. We didn't hear from insurance in time. Surgery was going to be set for sometime in November but there was a cancellation and now I'm back to July 18th! That's enough time to hear from insurance. Come on approval! Let's finally get this done Updated on 11 May 2017: Approved for July 18th...again. just seems like this date was meant to be:) Updated on 10 Jun 2017: So, love when Medi-cal sends me letters saying my insurance ends at the end of the month. I love I have to call and ask what's going on now? I was told I'm on a shared cost. "Oh, well there's no note saying you wanted that" Uh, yes we've discussed this and explained to me what it is. "Ok then, we will tell your Rep. Call next week". Why why why do they like to do this few weeks before surgery. Updated on 13 Jun 2017: I'm over the games that are played. Called today found out due to husbands income (which didn't change since last to me I have info) we are not eligible for medi-cal shared cost, now we have to change to Covered California. I don't know what the hell is going on but all the info I have was fine a month ago to have shared cost but now it's getting closer to surgery I have to change again!. Oh the frustration I've been going through. This emotional rollercoaster is insane. I'm hoping to God this will be the last time I have a hiccup in insurance and I WILL have surgery July 18th!! I don't know how much more confusion I can take. How much more I can take being played with. Updated on 15 Jun 2017: Pheww...so I was able to find something under the Covered California. Call PS office and spoke to the lady (Veronica) who's VERY familiar with all that's been going on. She mentioned the insurance I picked they don't accept. She told me the one they do accept under Covered California. Called them back was able to make a switch! So now I make 1st payment on 27th to be in affect July 1st. Now, i have never had insurance i pay for. I've never had deductibles. I'm so confused how it works. I'm hoping I can pay deductible and then make payments on my portion of the surgery cost...? It's definitely been a rollercoaster ride. I must say my patience has definitely been tested. PLEASE let this be the final straw:) Updated on 26 Jun 2017: Made my 1st premium payment. Insurance will be in effect July 1st. PS office will send out for another approval on the 1st see if new insurance will cover it. If I understood the lady in billing, I pay deductible, then make payments for surgery after surgery. What!? That sou.ds awesome to me:) I've never paid for insurance before so this is all new to me. I have a good feeling about all this! If I get approved, 3 weeks til surgery!! Updated on 4 Jul 2017: Ps office called yesterday. They ran my new insurance see if I'm active, I am. So now they have re re submitted referral for approval. FINGERS ARE CROSSED!! I am so ready for this. Feeling extra positive. Over the pain and frustration. Ready for a new me:) PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! Updated on 5 Jul 2017: I got APPROVED!!! Updated on 10 Jul 2017: I made my 1st payment last week. Got my actual approval letter today:) Tomorrow will be cleaning the house. This weekend grocery shopping for when I'm down and can't cook. Oh man the excitement I feel! Updated on 13 Jul 2017: So far we have house cleaned, son's room REALLY cleaned and him ready to go with the grandparents for the rest of summer. This weekend plan on getting food preparation for the husband to cook while I'm down. Monday plan on heading down to hotel to have surgery at the hospital Tuesday morning:) Updated on 19 Jul 2017: Surgery was July 18th approx. 8:45 in am. I checked in 7:15am. Check in was a breeze:) front desk ladies were a joy. Preparation ladies was a joy. They really like to make sure you are comfy. Anesthetic gentleman was AWESOME! Honest, straight forward, break it down to where you understand what's going on. Surgeon Lynne Hackert, love her! I haven't seen what the "ladies" look like, I'm bandaged up. I do have post op July 19th at 10am. That's when I'll get the bandages off and put in sports bra. Throat doesn't hurt as bad as I thought from breathing tube. Seriously ladies, up to surgery and surgery was a breeze. I walked in OR, later on table, nurse was explain she was putting on leg brace, and that was that. Woke up in recovery, was coming out of dream I guess, wasnt sure what the heck was going on til I felt SICK. Nurses started administering anti nausea meds. I threw up. Realized " Oh yeah, I had surgery" Gave me some pain meds. I was in and out of sleep for I don't know how long. From what I've been told surgery went little longer than 3 hours. Like I said not sure how long I was in recovery. I know I was back at hotel about 3pm right down the road from hospital. Surgeon explained to my Dad little over 900 as taken out of each breast ( about 4 lbs) altogether. Man do I feel the difference. I was able to sleep night before. No nervousness. I was ready for this! So far no regrets. I feel great. I've been on too of meds. 1 Norco every 6 hours so far. Honestly, feels like bra wire digging in the center in between boobs. I had no lipo. I can lift arms slowly. Let the healing begin!! Updated on 19 Jul 2017: Updated on 22 Jul 2017: Feeling good. Was able to shower day after surgery. I'm already off the Norcos. I'm on Tylenol extra strength every 6 hours. Was able to change some of the tape last night after shower. I am able to lift arms just not lift. I slept without a bra the other night. I feel better sleeping with one. I get weird sensations in my boobs every now and again. Not painful. Still have swelling. So glad I made this choice! All the waiting I did was worth it! Updated on 25 Jul 2017: Updated on 1 Aug 2017: It's been 2 weeks, I feel awesome! I'm able to sleep on my sides (FINALLY)! I've been doing that for possibly a week now. I completely stopped taking meds. I only took meds for 1st week. Honestly, I've experienced no pain. Some discomfort, yeah. Like your wire in your bra digging in skin. I can tell when I'm doing too much, my boobs will feel hard as a rock. I just lay down and rub them gently to soften muscle. I just wear sports bras. Closed front ones are starting to irritate in between boobs. I'm going to try a pull over one tomorrow. I've had some bruising, not much though. How am I taking care of wounds...? I shower, make sure sutures are completely dry before putting on bra. I still have tape on incisions. If a piece is lifting, I cut off the none sticky piece and just add another piece on top. I do not rip off tape. I don't want to tear off healing skin.
Had my consultation with Dr. Hackert and I felt confident that she was the one I wanted to do this procedure. She answered all of my questions thoroughly and her quick wit settled my nerves about her capability to think quickly (a good trait to have in surgery.) We are planning for a double incision with nipple grafts as I have a large chest and don't particularly care about retaining sensation. Dr. Hackert mentioned she had been trained to do this procedure but is still fairly new to doing them so I'll be reporting back on all results so that anyone after me won't have the guessing game that I've had. (Can not find ANY reviews about this surgery from this doctor.) Wish me luck! Updated on 24 Apr 2018: Surgery is tomorrow! Nervous as hell but I still feel very confident in the team I've chosen. I've worked with two different doctor assistants and both have been competent, helpful, and friendly. Went over medications, history, check-in time, surgery time, travel arrangements, and what to bring for surgery. Can't wait for tomorrow. Updated on 26 Apr 2018: So my insurance tried to throw a curve ball the day before surgery to deny my surgery and Dr. Hackert's office worked their butts off for HOURS calling them, faxing documents and fighting to get it approved, including working overtime to get the paperwork. I can not thank them enough as they came through. Surgery happened the next morning! Updated on 26 Apr 2018: Had surgery yesterday morning and everything went smoothly. Double Incision with nipple grafts and no drains. Even went home a couple hours after. My pain was almost non-existent and still is a day later. The outpatient surgery team at Sutter Medical Roseville was amazing, compassionate, fun, and managed my care flawlessly. The nurses that prepared me for surgery were kind, funny, and thoroughly helpful. The anesthesiologist came by to introduce himself and see if I had questions, as well as the surgeon's assistant. Dr. Hackert came in full of enthusiasm and energy to set me up, explain the procedure again, talk about goals and possible outcomes, and of course, to answer any questions I might have. The nurse who took care of me after surgery was attentive and I felt very comfortable in recovery. Honestly, I am shocked that something as hard on your mind and body as surgery could have been so pleasant. I'm almost reeling from how well it went. I have my first follow up on Monday and will update then with pictures of my chest, as that's when I'll get to see it as well. Here's to hoping the results will be as amazing as my care was! Updated on 30 Apr 2018: Five days post-op and had my first check up with the surgeon. We removed the gauze and wraps to see my results! So far looks awesome! Nipples are dark, which is expected at this stage, but we'll placed and symmetrical. My chest looks smooth and evenly contoured, if very smollen. Not sure how much of the current size is tissue vs swelling but the difference is night and day! So excited to see how this heals!
I have officially booked my Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery which will include an umbilical hernia repair and correction of my 5cm rectus diastasis. My surgery will be performed by two different surgeons. My general surgeon Dr. Palmer will correct my umbilical hernia while my plastic surgeon Dr. Hackert will perform the abdominoplasty with the correction of rectus diastasis! I'm extremely nervous but excited! Updated on 10 Feb 2017: To give you some background on why I have decided to take the plunge... In July 2008 i had twin boys via csection and my stomach has never been the same. I was 105lbs and a size 1 when I got pregnant so my belly stretched straight out! In July 2016 I had my daughter via VBAC and once again stretched straight out in front because my diastasis is approximately 4". The separation of my abdominal muscles has cause severe back issues for me. I regularly see a rheumatologist for this. While pregnant with my daughter I also developed a umbilical hernia. Approximately 6 months after having my daughter I visited my primary care doctor complaining about the pain my hernia was causing me. He referred me to a general surgeon who then advised that although the hernia was causing issues it was the diastasis that was the big trouble maker and suggested I get a consult from a plastic surgeon.... The plastic surgeon advised that I would be a great candidate for a tummy tuck and by the graces of GOD my insurance has approved to cover my hernia repair and tummy tuck! So here I am...a single mother of 2 and 86 days away from the biggest surgery of my life and I couldn't be more excited and nervous! I have been reviewing stories on here for ages and now I am one of them! I am working on loosing 18 more lbs before surgery, so wish me luck! I am currently 5'4" and 148lbs Updated on 30 Apr 2017: Well it's hit me that surgery is 1 WEEK AWAY!!! I think I've hit panic mode! I feel like there is so much to be done around the house to allow me the time to not go crazy when I'm not able to do it for a while! Being a single Mom of an 8 year old and a 9 months old and preparing for this surgery is no easy task. I didn't loose all the weight I wanted but I feel like there will be time to tone later. Eeeeeeek I know there is things I need but all I have is dry shampoo, compression garment, a foam wedge pillow and freaking pads! I need to pull it together! It's go time!! Updated on 9 May 2017: Surgeons said surgery went well. Unfortunately due to the amount of damage to my abdominal wall and belly button they advised they were unable to save my belly button. I haven't seen it yet but I'm a little bummed. Might have to figure out an awesome way to create one later or tattoo something. I wish I would've taken anti nausea meds because I got home after surgery and puked my pain meds....ya that freaking hurt! Today I was able to hold down some scrambled eggs and yogurt and finally take a norco....hopefully tomorrow brings healing vibes!! Updated on 11 May 2017: Saw my surgeon today and she said I'm healing beautiful! She is seriously amazing!! Minor swelling but otherwise looking good!! As I mentioned before I lost my belly button but at this point I don't even care!! Still sore, especially around my ribs because of the extensive muscle repair but the more I sleep the better I feel!! Here is the only photo I've been able to take so far. I will continue to update as I feel better!! Updated on 12 May 2017: When your surgeon says do whatever it takes to keep it flowin....LISTEN!! Sure I was taking stool softeners but that apparently isn't enough...yesterday I did Miralax....still constipated! finally today I added a morning cup of coffee and chased it with a glass of prune juice.....HELLO that did the trick but almost too much. Now I have a gurgle tummy, food sounds gross, and I have diarrhea lmao but I'm not constipated so I'm chopping this one up as a win! Feeling more swollen today, but that's what I get for getting frustrated and trying to do too much! It's hard being a single Mom and trying to recover and not "over do it". Did I mention my youngest is 10 months....hardest part is not being able to hold her ???? Time to drink some water and rest for a while... Updated on 14 May 2017: Don't get me wrong people....nothing feels better then after you're showered and finally dressed and feel clean and refreshed. But the mission it takes to get me that way is exhausting!! Today in the shower my tape fell off and I got to see my incision completely for the first time...and I think it looks quite nice. No open areas right now, although I am VERY swollen today! I can't wait to get these damn drains out lol Updated on 16 May 2017: I've noticed a redness tinting my skin on my tummy since 2 days ago. I'm hoping it's normal for the healing process and look forward to asking my doctor at my appointment two days from now. I'm also currently experiencing the "swell hell" so I'm buckling down on my diet to hopefully help get rid of it. Updated on 18 May 2017: Got my drains out today thank goodness!!! Didn't hurt like I thought it would! Pictures are from right wore drains were taken out and one right after. Still in swell hell but doc said I'm looking 2 weeks ahead of schedule!!! Updated on 21 May 2017: Any recommendations to get on top of my swelling?? Updated on 23 May 2017: Here are some two weeks update photos. I'm still pretty sore and swollen but I'm back to work (from home for now) and driving! I feel like the scar looks high but maybe that's just the swelling and no belly button throwing me off lol Updated on 27 May 2017: Just wanted to drop this comparison photo of last week and today! Swelling is starting to go down and I'm starting to love my results! Updated on 16 Jun 2017: I'm still quite swollen and the tissue in my lower abdomen is still quite hard. I'm told this is normal for the healing process and eventually will go down so I'm trying to stay positive! On the upside my pain is minimal and mainly only in my muscles near my ribs. I have not started any scar treatment yet. Updated on 20 Jul 2017: Starting to get a lot of strength back in my core finally, although most of my stomach is still numb and quite hard. I can feel a little fluid retention so I'm hoping it will go away on its own before my next appointment. I'm still swollen which I assume is quite normal for the amount of muscle repair that I had. I feel like most cases on here look way better than me by now so I'm feeling a little defeated. And wearing compression tanks in 110 degrees hasn't been fun either!! My scar seems a little high and can't completely be hidden in bikini bottoms, maybe it will lower once I'm healed more? I'm still trying to get used to the no belly button thing. I have tape over my scar in these pictures. Updated on 13 Sep 2017: I finished my tattoo belly button today and I'm so happy! I feel human again!!!
