POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
45, 34f - Asheville, NC
ORIGINAL POST
OK...... About me: 34E/F/G or 36DDD/E/F MY BMI is...
AVL123June 6, 2015
WORTH IT$5,000
OK......
About me:
34E/F/G or 36DDD/E/F
MY BMI is 26
I go to the gym regularly (3 times or more a week)
I have been to PT for back, neck, shoulder issues
I am doing resistance training to try to help my bones, posture, shoulder, and neck
I walk between 8 and 15 miles a week. I would like to play soccer again (with out 3 bras) or go dancing (without 3 bras)
This is my Pre-Op Experience so far..
The first have of this post was written about 2 weeks ago, and the second half was written today.. My surgery is fast approaching.
First visits, it has taken me years to get to this point. At 14, my family wouldn't let me do this. At 18 I didn't have insurance. At 30 my job didn't have the time off (though insurance would have covered it then), and NOW... NOW I CAN DO THIS!
I had my first meeting 2 weeks ago with one Doctor. Then I had another with a different Doctor.
My insurance isn't going to cover this, because the rules have changed, so my back pain, dislocated shoulder (about 4 times now), my neck pain, my notches in my collar bones, and migraines are not enough. Apparently it has to be a removal of percentage of body weight (for UHC).... so, ... I am doing it any way.
I am so excited to have found this site, and see all the postings, it has helped me tremendously.
NOW, for the first visits, I have chosen my Dr.
Dr. number 1 had a nice office, and a great team of people working with him. He did the disclosures, and details, and explained why insurance wouldn't cover it. He marked me up, measured, and was clear on what I could expect. He was able to give me an idea of the total amount we could remove, and gave me options. I left feeling good, and nervous.
InNetwork Dr. Dr. number 2.
Again, nice office. Again nice staff. He made it clear that apparently I am not sagging enough to have a good breast reduction. Said he couldn't estimate what we could remove, and that my size and dimensions may not change. He indicated that my nipples were where they were supposed to be (within an inch or so), and therefore not much could be done. He didn't give me a ball park estimate of size, nor volume. It was both vague and disquieting. He said that the area of my chest that the breast covers (like from edge to edge of the seam) couldn't be changed, and that is why this would be minimal change at best. Now, I have broad shoulders, my breasts do go across my chest. I had thought that was normal??? I mean, it is tissue from in-front of the pectoral muscles! (I also did a physical job for over 20 years, so my shoulders and arms are strong, the muscles are fairly developed) This also is why I have broad shoulders/back.
Soooooo....
I then looked through all of the pictures available on both Dr.'s websites.
then...
I went on line, and researched further. Found people on this site, size similar to mine, who have done this. I have looked at the images. My hope has returned.
I have decided on Dr.1. The breasts look good and healthy and I can see that he has done some surgeries on those of my dimensions as well as those that are larger. I find the shape of the breast that his images show to be more flattering, with a bit of lower curve, and upper lift.
Reading the posts here, I realize that I did the right thing speaking to more than one DR. Dr1 was the first recommendation, and now I think I understand why.
My pre-op is next week. I will document, and photograph then.
AND.. for all of you who have posted your stories here.. THANK YOU! I am soo excited to read and see what is shown here. It is scary, incredible, and inspiring!
My Pre-Op is in exactly one week, and my Surgery is in 3.
I will post after Pre-Op with images
6-6-2015
HOLY COW, my surgery is in a few days! I am excited, I am scared, and .. just WOW. I have to go get the pillows today, (to keep myself at an incline). I am also going to see what water filter/purification systems are available near by.
So today, I was going to run all the errands before surgery Thursday AM. Now, I have started to make a list of things I can do during the week, rather than today. So I don’t know if I am being reasonable, or procrastinating due to panic, or what. LOL..
I need the pillows to sleep at an angle
Ice
Drugs (Pharmacy)
Surgical tanks and bras
Button down shirt
Hmmm.. what to do, what to do???
So, I also waffle on the decision.. It isn’t quite a waffle, I want it, I have wanted a reduction for what feels like forever. But, I see all the pictures of the women who have endured soo much more than I, and I am grateful that I was blessed with being ONLY a 34E .. I think I am a 34 E
I just measured under my boobs, breathing in and it was 33/34 inches.. and 41+ on the across the boobs.
So, I just checked the websites to measure, and found that on the web, there are loads of bra calculators, and they all say something different. No matter what though, they say I am an F/G/H from 34 to 36 inches. One says 38F, but I know that is wrong, because I can slide a 38 bra over my legs and pull it over my head. It wouldn’t stay wrapped around my back/ribs unless I cut about 3 or 4 inches off of it and put the hooks back on, or perhaps tied it in a knot.
So… Sheesh, it is soo frustrating.
I took some before pictures, and I even understand a bit of what Dr. Number 2 was saying. They haven’t “sagged” much, especially considering my age and dimensions, but they are HEAVY, they hurt, I have notches in my collar bone, my shoulders have dislocated, my back is curling forward, my shoulders are always tired, my back hurts, I do physio therapy, and go to the gym at least 3 times a week. I dance, I hike, I try to make sure I do weights 3 times a week, at least 12miles at 4.2 on the treadmill, and walk an additional 8-12 just to and from the market or friends … But ..
Well, it is how they FEEL, and they are AWEFULL! But they “LOOK” fine.. Grrrr.. I don’t want to post the before, because I fell like it would be silly, and I don’t want to either diminish what those who have done this, and those who have carried much more than I have done..
I guess I just feel silly and self conscious. Thankfully I have my mothers support, and my friends. They also don’t realize my actual size, but then there is the fact that we have no choice but to buy clothing that fits, which means fits our largest dimensions. I don’t think they will realize how much is coming off until the swelling goes down and I can wear clothes that fit!
I will refrain from pictures now, until the after. Perhaps then the visual will be easier to explain, when there is a difference that can be seen or measured, rather than just an image of surprisingly large but not droopy boobs.
*sigh* I think of the 20 years I have heard my mother say, “I know ladies that would LOVE to have what you have”… *sigh* They didn’t dance, didn’t have to stop playing soccer, haven’t gotten stuck trying to get in or out of a compression bra, (and I mean stuck, twisting to try to get it on or off, wishing there were an acceptable way to ask a stranger in a locker room to give a hand or something.. and then, when I get stuck alone, the other day, I nearly dislocated my shoulder trying to get my bra off, I considered just taking a shower in it, or cutting it off. Which I may do next time since I won’t need it much any longer!) don’t have to wear 3 bras to play a game or a sport.. Compression bras are too tight once you are running, ..
grrr
OK…
Well, it is my last Saturday with big boobs, so I am going to sit outside and read my tablet and have a cuppa herbal tea.
NOW, on a good note
I have been completely healthy, and taking all the right supplements, and stopped the blood thinning ones (like glucosamine and MSM, and only a third of the Turmeric).. In prep. This is scary, but .. if I don’t look at my self without cloths on, it all makes sense.
Funny, the pictures in the clothes, with the tops stitched closed. With the stretching across the top, and all that fun that goes with it. THOSE pictures show the size and the issue much better than my before surgery boob pictures of the flesh. Those.. don’t seem to show the disproportion like the clothed ones do.
OK, blueberry tea and a nice book.
About me:
34E/F/G or 36DDD/E/F
MY BMI is 26
I go to the gym regularly (3 times or more a week)
I have been to PT for back, neck, shoulder issues
I am doing resistance training to try to help my bones, posture, shoulder, and neck
I walk between 8 and 15 miles a week. I would like to play soccer again (with out 3 bras) or go dancing (without 3 bras)
This is my Pre-Op Experience so far..
The first have of this post was written about 2 weeks ago, and the second half was written today.. My surgery is fast approaching.
First visits, it has taken me years to get to this point. At 14, my family wouldn't let me do this. At 18 I didn't have insurance. At 30 my job didn't have the time off (though insurance would have covered it then), and NOW... NOW I CAN DO THIS!
I had my first meeting 2 weeks ago with one Doctor. Then I had another with a different Doctor.
My insurance isn't going to cover this, because the rules have changed, so my back pain, dislocated shoulder (about 4 times now), my neck pain, my notches in my collar bones, and migraines are not enough. Apparently it has to be a removal of percentage of body weight (for UHC).... so, ... I am doing it any way.
I am so excited to have found this site, and see all the postings, it has helped me tremendously.
NOW, for the first visits, I have chosen my Dr.
Dr. number 1 had a nice office, and a great team of people working with him. He did the disclosures, and details, and explained why insurance wouldn't cover it. He marked me up, measured, and was clear on what I could expect. He was able to give me an idea of the total amount we could remove, and gave me options. I left feeling good, and nervous.
InNetwork Dr. Dr. number 2.
Again, nice office. Again nice staff. He made it clear that apparently I am not sagging enough to have a good breast reduction. Said he couldn't estimate what we could remove, and that my size and dimensions may not change. He indicated that my nipples were where they were supposed to be (within an inch or so), and therefore not much could be done. He didn't give me a ball park estimate of size, nor volume. It was both vague and disquieting. He said that the area of my chest that the breast covers (like from edge to edge of the seam) couldn't be changed, and that is why this would be minimal change at best. Now, I have broad shoulders, my breasts do go across my chest. I had thought that was normal??? I mean, it is tissue from in-front of the pectoral muscles! (I also did a physical job for over 20 years, so my shoulders and arms are strong, the muscles are fairly developed) This also is why I have broad shoulders/back.
Soooooo....
I then looked through all of the pictures available on both Dr.'s websites.
then...
I went on line, and researched further. Found people on this site, size similar to mine, who have done this. I have looked at the images. My hope has returned.
I have decided on Dr.1. The breasts look good and healthy and I can see that he has done some surgeries on those of my dimensions as well as those that are larger. I find the shape of the breast that his images show to be more flattering, with a bit of lower curve, and upper lift.
Reading the posts here, I realize that I did the right thing speaking to more than one DR. Dr1 was the first recommendation, and now I think I understand why.
My pre-op is next week. I will document, and photograph then.
AND.. for all of you who have posted your stories here.. THANK YOU! I am soo excited to read and see what is shown here. It is scary, incredible, and inspiring!
My Pre-Op is in exactly one week, and my Surgery is in 3.
I will post after Pre-Op with images
6-6-2015
HOLY COW, my surgery is in a few days! I am excited, I am scared, and .. just WOW. I have to go get the pillows today, (to keep myself at an incline). I am also going to see what water filter/purification systems are available near by.
So today, I was going to run all the errands before surgery Thursday AM. Now, I have started to make a list of things I can do during the week, rather than today. So I don’t know if I am being reasonable, or procrastinating due to panic, or what. LOL..
I need the pillows to sleep at an angle
Ice
Drugs (Pharmacy)
Surgical tanks and bras
Button down shirt
Hmmm.. what to do, what to do???
So, I also waffle on the decision.. It isn’t quite a waffle, I want it, I have wanted a reduction for what feels like forever. But, I see all the pictures of the women who have endured soo much more than I, and I am grateful that I was blessed with being ONLY a 34E .. I think I am a 34 E
I just measured under my boobs, breathing in and it was 33/34 inches.. and 41+ on the across the boobs.
So, I just checked the websites to measure, and found that on the web, there are loads of bra calculators, and they all say something different. No matter what though, they say I am an F/G/H from 34 to 36 inches. One says 38F, but I know that is wrong, because I can slide a 38 bra over my legs and pull it over my head. It wouldn’t stay wrapped around my back/ribs unless I cut about 3 or 4 inches off of it and put the hooks back on, or perhaps tied it in a knot.
So… Sheesh, it is soo frustrating.
I took some before pictures, and I even understand a bit of what Dr. Number 2 was saying. They haven’t “sagged” much, especially considering my age and dimensions, but they are HEAVY, they hurt, I have notches in my collar bone, my shoulders have dislocated, my back is curling forward, my shoulders are always tired, my back hurts, I do physio therapy, and go to the gym at least 3 times a week. I dance, I hike, I try to make sure I do weights 3 times a week, at least 12miles at 4.2 on the treadmill, and walk an additional 8-12 just to and from the market or friends … But ..
Well, it is how they FEEL, and they are AWEFULL! But they “LOOK” fine.. Grrrr.. I don’t want to post the before, because I fell like it would be silly, and I don’t want to either diminish what those who have done this, and those who have carried much more than I have done..
I guess I just feel silly and self conscious. Thankfully I have my mothers support, and my friends. They also don’t realize my actual size, but then there is the fact that we have no choice but to buy clothing that fits, which means fits our largest dimensions. I don’t think they will realize how much is coming off until the swelling goes down and I can wear clothes that fit!
I will refrain from pictures now, until the after. Perhaps then the visual will be easier to explain, when there is a difference that can be seen or measured, rather than just an image of surprisingly large but not droopy boobs.
*sigh* I think of the 20 years I have heard my mother say, “I know ladies that would LOVE to have what you have”… *sigh* They didn’t dance, didn’t have to stop playing soccer, haven’t gotten stuck trying to get in or out of a compression bra, (and I mean stuck, twisting to try to get it on or off, wishing there were an acceptable way to ask a stranger in a locker room to give a hand or something.. and then, when I get stuck alone, the other day, I nearly dislocated my shoulder trying to get my bra off, I considered just taking a shower in it, or cutting it off. Which I may do next time since I won’t need it much any longer!) don’t have to wear 3 bras to play a game or a sport.. Compression bras are too tight once you are running, ..
grrr
OK…
Well, it is my last Saturday with big boobs, so I am going to sit outside and read my tablet and have a cuppa herbal tea.
NOW, on a good note
I have been completely healthy, and taking all the right supplements, and stopped the blood thinning ones (like glucosamine and MSM, and only a third of the Turmeric).. In prep. This is scary, but .. if I don’t look at my self without cloths on, it all makes sense.
Funny, the pictures in the clothes, with the tops stitched closed. With the stretching across the top, and all that fun that goes with it. THOSE pictures show the size and the issue much better than my before surgery boob pictures of the flesh. Those.. don’t seem to show the disproportion like the clothed ones do.
OK, blueberry tea and a nice book.
AVL123's provider
UPDATED FROM AVL123
2 days post
WOW..
AVL123June 13, 2015
So.. A bundle of nerves, a friend took me to Surgery on Thursday. And picked me up, and kept me at their flat for 2 nights. SUCH GOOD FRIENDS.
I Think I am still recovering from the Anesthesia. What a doozy.
Ice is my friend, my very, very close and lovely friend right now. And the wife of the husband/wife team who took care of me heard of, saw, and purchased these things called peas in the ice section of the CVS. (you know, the section with the re cool ice packs). These things are GREAT! The husband got me a second set today, but I will need a third set, simply because it takes longer to freeze them than to thaw them against the chest.
The nurse was right about using a zip lock baggy against actual frozen veg. The frozen peas worked well, and the frozen corn (smaller bags) also worked well. The frozen corn bags leaked, so with out the zip lock baggies, I am afraid I would be smelling a bit like cream corn. Now I have ice baggies and the "Peas" from the gel pack section, and am doing well.
My body (meaning the dizzy-ness) keeps reminding me that I am healing. Slow to get up, slow to the bathroom, slow from.. but I can get up, and if I move slow it is not so bad.
I moved everything from the high shelves that I could for this coming week. So I wouldn't have to reach.
I will try to get a picture or two and post them before Monday. If not, Monday will see a flurry of images. Monday I get the drains out, and I do look forward to that.
And even with the ice, swelling, staples, and strange shape, I am thrilled. Even with all that I am already smaller than I was, and I am very, VERY happy about that!
Pictures in next round, I promise.
For now.. I hear a nap calling me!
I Think I am still recovering from the Anesthesia. What a doozy.
Ice is my friend, my very, very close and lovely friend right now. And the wife of the husband/wife team who took care of me heard of, saw, and purchased these things called peas in the ice section of the CVS. (you know, the section with the re cool ice packs). These things are GREAT! The husband got me a second set today, but I will need a third set, simply because it takes longer to freeze them than to thaw them against the chest.
The nurse was right about using a zip lock baggy against actual frozen veg. The frozen peas worked well, and the frozen corn (smaller bags) also worked well. The frozen corn bags leaked, so with out the zip lock baggies, I am afraid I would be smelling a bit like cream corn. Now I have ice baggies and the "Peas" from the gel pack section, and am doing well.
My body (meaning the dizzy-ness) keeps reminding me that I am healing. Slow to get up, slow to the bathroom, slow from.. but I can get up, and if I move slow it is not so bad.
I moved everything from the high shelves that I could for this coming week. So I wouldn't have to reach.
I will try to get a picture or two and post them before Monday. If not, Monday will see a flurry of images. Monday I get the drains out, and I do look forward to that.
And even with the ice, swelling, staples, and strange shape, I am thrilled. Even with all that I am already smaller than I was, and I am very, VERY happy about that!
Pictures in next round, I promise.
For now.. I hear a nap calling me!
Replies (2)
June 14, 2015
Congratulations, thanks for sharing, glad you are on the other side. Mine is scheduled for 10th July. Can't wait.
UPDATED FROM AVL123
3 days post
OK.. First pics
AVL123June 14, 2015
OK.. first pics..
now for some chicken stock, and a cuppa ice tea, and more .. rest. I am napping more than a house cat!
It is day 3, so I will assume this is normal? Feeling just now starting to return, little pins and needles, pulls and tugs, wee bit of tiny burning sensations. Only on acetaminophen and reduced ice packs. So I think it is all good.
Post op tomorrow at 3:45 pm. Hopefully the drains will come out, they are uncomfortable and I am trying really hard NOT to accidentally pull them. (that happened on day one and two, so I got some waterproof tape that you may see at the side of my ribs, trying to prevent pulling)
now for some chicken stock, and a cuppa ice tea, and more .. rest. I am napping more than a house cat!
It is day 3, so I will assume this is normal? Feeling just now starting to return, little pins and needles, pulls and tugs, wee bit of tiny burning sensations. Only on acetaminophen and reduced ice packs. So I think it is all good.
Post op tomorrow at 3:45 pm. Hopefully the drains will come out, they are uncomfortable and I am trying really hard NOT to accidentally pull them. (that happened on day one and two, so I got some waterproof tape that you may see at the side of my ribs, trying to prevent pulling)
Replies (4)