POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
36 Yrs old, 30G - 30D
ORIGINAL POST
I am a 5'5", 130lbs, 36 year old mother of two...
WORTH IT$9,000
I am a 5'5", 130lbs, 36 year old mother of two small children (1.5 & 3.5). I have had large breasts since I hit puberty. I can remember being a DD before going to university. Coming home for spring break already an F (freshman 15 hit me hard). I lost the weight that summer no problem but the boobs stayed. They continued to grow until just before I got pregnant with my first (30H at this point - ribcage flared a little with first to a 32) and have been pretty stable since (minus milk fluctuations). Actually, come to think of it, my nursing bras were 32J/K.
Got the ok from insurance to proceed with the procedure from two of my consultations. Both I think would be good choices so I went with the Dr that felt MORE right to me. My surgery is scheduled for October 2... However, I have two issues that need to be resolved prior to surgery:
(1) the deal breaker - I have just weaned my youngest off breast milk and my milk needs to dry up in 9 weeks total or he can't do the surgery. Cross your fingers for me.
(2) the potential bummer - once my milk production ceases I still need a certain amount to be removed in order to be covered by insurance. I'm hoping that since I was a 32H prior to having kids, that my deflated boobs still have enough weight to them to be covered. If not, I'll be out $9,000 plus incidentals. BUT my health and quality of life is definitely worth it for my kids and family and of course myself!
I NEED THIS!
I go back and forth talking myself out of the notion that I NEED THIS. Questions and comments like this make me doubt myself... "You hide them well" "You don't look like you have big boobs" "I would love to have that problem, I have no boobs" "What? You are not an H? Wait H? That's a bra size?"
Things like this remind me I'm doing the right thing...
I have:
- significant shoulder, neck and back pain that I haven't been able to relieve through any other methods, including wearing appropriate and supportive bras, acupuncture, massage, chiropractor, exercise.
- tingling down from my shoulder to my hands that is increasing in frequency. As well as through the upper portion of my back.
- a hunching posture with my shoulders being pulled forward. It is difficult to straighten up.
- knee pain most days.
- migraines 1-2x/month
- difficulties exercising, sleeping, and doing daily tasks (such as dishes, putting away laundry, carrying my children and playing with them on the floor).
- permanent shoulder indentations from my bra. Ribcage markings too.
- decreased lung capacity due to my bra pressing on my rib cage in order to be properly supportive.
- skin irritations such as chaffing and red marks underneath and in between my breasts and bra indentations around my back and under my arms each day.
- had to sleep in a bra for the better part of the last 20 years.
To top it off random big boob problems:
- University nickname: BigBoobsMcGee
- at summer camp when I was 16 we had a D-nial club (DD allowed)
- in junior high I stole my brother's basketball bc he wouldn't let me play, he sent his friend to retrieve it, I wouldn't let go, friend realized I had boobs and now wanted to be my friend! Boys!
- when I was 25 my friend questioned why my bras needed their own drawer, then she saw their size and structure
- specialty bra carrying case are too small, so expensive bras get smushed when traveling.
- I have to check my luggage even though I'm a phenomenally light packer!
- don't get me started on clothing limitations for those of us who don't want to flaunt it, fancy event - forget it. Like a style - too bad, you buy what you fit into. Especially true with swimwear!
- I have about $1000-1500 worth of VERY lightly used bras that fit momentarily -- or it was the best I could get after hours/days/weeks/months of searching - much easier in 2017 to find some support its true, thanks to Nordstrom, Amazon and some other internet specialty shops. But still an expensive nuisance.
- Want to go for a run? - sure, let me get the duct tape and three bras, I'll be a few minutes behind you.
- Not once have I left a movie theatre without popcorn in my bra!
ANYWAY... my pre-op appointment is scheduled two weeks prior to surgery bc of milk issues. Hoping everything checks out.
I'm also super nervous for recovery bc I have two little ones who love to run and jump on me. Any advice on caring for littles while caring for yourself would be appreciated. I do have help coming, but they will still want their mom eventually!
This site and all the stories that have been shared have been so helpful to me, I wanted to post my story in hopes that I can pay it forward. On that note, I will post pictures at some point.
Got the ok from insurance to proceed with the procedure from two of my consultations. Both I think would be good choices so I went with the Dr that felt MORE right to me. My surgery is scheduled for October 2... However, I have two issues that need to be resolved prior to surgery:
(1) the deal breaker - I have just weaned my youngest off breast milk and my milk needs to dry up in 9 weeks total or he can't do the surgery. Cross your fingers for me.
(2) the potential bummer - once my milk production ceases I still need a certain amount to be removed in order to be covered by insurance. I'm hoping that since I was a 32H prior to having kids, that my deflated boobs still have enough weight to them to be covered. If not, I'll be out $9,000 plus incidentals. BUT my health and quality of life is definitely worth it for my kids and family and of course myself!
I NEED THIS!
I go back and forth talking myself out of the notion that I NEED THIS. Questions and comments like this make me doubt myself... "You hide them well" "You don't look like you have big boobs" "I would love to have that problem, I have no boobs" "What? You are not an H? Wait H? That's a bra size?"
Things like this remind me I'm doing the right thing...
I have:
- significant shoulder, neck and back pain that I haven't been able to relieve through any other methods, including wearing appropriate and supportive bras, acupuncture, massage, chiropractor, exercise.
- tingling down from my shoulder to my hands that is increasing in frequency. As well as through the upper portion of my back.
- a hunching posture with my shoulders being pulled forward. It is difficult to straighten up.
- knee pain most days.
- migraines 1-2x/month
- difficulties exercising, sleeping, and doing daily tasks (such as dishes, putting away laundry, carrying my children and playing with them on the floor).
- permanent shoulder indentations from my bra. Ribcage markings too.
- decreased lung capacity due to my bra pressing on my rib cage in order to be properly supportive.
- skin irritations such as chaffing and red marks underneath and in between my breasts and bra indentations around my back and under my arms each day.
- had to sleep in a bra for the better part of the last 20 years.
To top it off random big boob problems:
- University nickname: BigBoobsMcGee
- at summer camp when I was 16 we had a D-nial club (DD allowed)
- in junior high I stole my brother's basketball bc he wouldn't let me play, he sent his friend to retrieve it, I wouldn't let go, friend realized I had boobs and now wanted to be my friend! Boys!
- when I was 25 my friend questioned why my bras needed their own drawer, then she saw their size and structure
- specialty bra carrying case are too small, so expensive bras get smushed when traveling.
- I have to check my luggage even though I'm a phenomenally light packer!
- don't get me started on clothing limitations for those of us who don't want to flaunt it, fancy event - forget it. Like a style - too bad, you buy what you fit into. Especially true with swimwear!
- I have about $1000-1500 worth of VERY lightly used bras that fit momentarily -- or it was the best I could get after hours/days/weeks/months of searching - much easier in 2017 to find some support its true, thanks to Nordstrom, Amazon and some other internet specialty shops. But still an expensive nuisance.
- Want to go for a run? - sure, let me get the duct tape and three bras, I'll be a few minutes behind you.
- Not once have I left a movie theatre without popcorn in my bra!
ANYWAY... my pre-op appointment is scheduled two weeks prior to surgery bc of milk issues. Hoping everything checks out.
I'm also super nervous for recovery bc I have two little ones who love to run and jump on me. Any advice on caring for littles while caring for yourself would be appreciated. I do have help coming, but they will still want their mom eventually!
This site and all the stories that have been shared have been so helpful to me, I wanted to post my story in hopes that I can pay it forward. On that note, I will post pictures at some point.
Replies (20)
August 23, 2017
Ugh. I'm dreading that. I know I'll get kicked at some point. My kids are so active. Its so great to hear that you were up and out so quickly. I keep telling my husband that it'll be 6+ weeks. I'd rather him be pleasantly surprised when I can do things than feel pressured to be all better before I am. Under promise, over deliver. That's my style. I've got help the first 10 days. And then sort of help days 15-25. So I think I'm set by the sounds of it. ;-)
August 23, 2017
I think you will be fine. My surgeon kept telling me it's nothing like the tummy tuck. No muscle involved. In fact my friend got implants placed under her muscles and she said she was fine after a few days
August 24, 2017
I think you'll be fine much quicker than you think. Just listen to your body.
September 5, 2017
For what it's worth from a stranger: you are doing the right thing for yourself! I did yoga today and it was really something good to do forward folds without my boobs smashing against my thighs. Not cleared for running yet but I know that will be 100% more comfortable. And, as you mentioned, it's a sea change when it comes to clothes shopping - no need to worry about looking like a circus tent. And you can buy off the shoulders and halter tops after! The small "cons" are more than worth it. Oh. When people say "you hide it well," do you really want to go thru life HIDING such a big part of yourself every day? No! I know, I was the same. People couldn't believe the size I was when I told them - or that I had over 3.5 POUNDS removed. I am excited for you!
September 29, 2017
I can't freakin wait to do yoga without mu boobs smashing against my thighs and preventing me getting deeper into my twists! I had been doing hot yoga for 2 years consistently but had to stop for the pasy year due to back and neck problems and it has been hard to deal with! I got my reductions to a B-C yesterday and I will be so happy when I can exercise again.
Replies (23)
August 16, 2017
What size are they?
August 17, 2017
Since my milk has dried up I have gone down 1-2 sizes and now they are a 30/32G.
August 19, 2017
You sound just like me! I'm just about to put on that Natori bra for a freaking Pilates class! 38, mom of 3, but I'm a 36g and a little over weight (5 foot 5, 170.) however I lift weights.. so I've got a lot of muscle and look great at 155. Trying t loose half before surgery October 13th.
What insurance do you have? Did they require a specific minimum? Mine did not, but only because my surgeon estimated 750 grams per side and when I called they just said the minimum is 400. (Even on the schnur scale im 480).
What insurance do you have? Did they require a specific minimum? Mine did not, but only because my surgeon estimated 750 grams per side and when I called they just said the minimum is 400. (Even on the schnur scale im 480).
August 19, 2017
Wanted to add I agree... just do it. Affects your life so much. I hate that feeling that I don't want to do something with my children because of them. I keep telling my friends that at the next bouncy house birthday I'll be in there going crazy! Haha!!
August 19, 2017
I have Blue Cross Blue Shield. They were very vague. I think its the same minimum of 400g per side. My Schnur would be 338g. I'm just crossing my fingers until my pre-op. My surgeon said I have medium density breasts, as opposed to heavy density, so that weighs less on a scale, sigh. Also, I have lost weight (not much) since my consultation which I think has also contributed to losing some volume (that's what you get for trying to be healthy for a quick recovery - right?!). I have just barely started some fitness also - I am not very strong and do not lift weights - just children. Have 44 days to get some muscle memory for post surgery.
October 13 - that's not far behind me. Looking forward to seeing how your recovery goes along with mine. I like how you pushed your date forward too - once you start thinking about it - you just can't stop and wait 4-6 months! I was planning to wait another 3-4 years... now every day I put on my giant bra, I curse it, then smile that I won't have to wear it anymore very, very soon!
Oh I can't wait to bounce away! Haha. Love it!
October 13 - that's not far behind me. Looking forward to seeing how your recovery goes along with mine. I like how you pushed your date forward too - once you start thinking about it - you just can't stop and wait 4-6 months! I was planning to wait another 3-4 years... now every day I put on my giant bra, I curse it, then smile that I won't have to wear it anymore very, very soon!
Oh I can't wait to bounce away! Haha. Love it!
August 20, 2017
Yes bcbs of Tennessee here. I spoke to my surgeon about it in June at a post op (I had a ventral hernia repair and he did my tummy tuck, I looked 6-7 months pregnant!) I originally wanted to wait but I feel the same, cursing my bras! I'm nervous about my recovery but he assures me it's nothing like before. Let's stay in touch, I need a buddy! Lol
August 20, 2017
Btw I also just got my letter from bcbs today... nothing stipulates a minimum. Online it says minimum 400 grams per side and bmi under 35. I guess we have it easy. Under my plan I'm still paying a pretty penny but it's saving me around $3k
August 20, 2017
Sounds good buddy.
Yes also paying around $3000 even with insurance (I think - we will see).
I have an umbilical hernia that pops out and in, hasn't bothered me since I was pregnant so I ignore it. Not the same! I'm positive this recovery will be so much easier for you. How old are your kids?
Yes also paying around $3000 even with insurance (I think - we will see).
I have an umbilical hernia that pops out and in, hasn't bothered me since I was pregnant so I ignore it. Not the same! I'm positive this recovery will be so much easier for you. How old are your kids?
August 20, 2017
I'll be paying about $4000! But around $8000 without so I'm still glad it's covered. My kids are 11,5 and 2. The 2 year old just stopped napping. And the 5 year old is only half day k so I'll have to pick her up. But I'll have help the first week
August 20, 2017
Oh how nice an 11 year old would be right about now... I have help coming for about 10 days. So I'm glad about that. Luckily my almost 2 and almost 4 year old still have quiet time for 1.5hrs each afternoon. They are extremely active and passionate about most issues. Luckily when daddy is home that's who they mostly want anyway. If my insurance happens to change their mind, it'll be $9000 for me. yikes! Hope that doesn't happen!
August 20, 2017
Why do you think they will change their mind? Your kids sound like mine! My surgery is a Friday and he is taking a 4 day weekend, and then my parents will come the next few days.
August 22, 2017
Oops thought I had responded. Must have been interrupted by kids :-)
My Dr. mentioned that if there isn't enough (i.e.:400g to remove after my milk has completely dried up) they can use the fine print to NOT cover it. I don't think this is likely, just a thought in the back of my head and one that financially I need to be aware of.
My Dr. mentioned that if there isn't enough (i.e.:400g to remove after my milk has completely dried up) they can use the fine print to NOT cover it. I don't think this is likely, just a thought in the back of my head and one that financially I need to be aware of.
August 22, 2017
I don't think you need to be concerned if mine is estimating 750 per side. Of course at a 36 that's bigger but still. I think even if you were a 32ddd, it would take 450 for a C. They say at a 32/34 it's about 150 grams per cup and at 36/38 200.
August 22, 2017
You can look at my profile to find me review to compare! Lol. Mine are medium density.
August 20, 2017
I'm actually kind of happy to hear that because I always hear the opposite. "You don't look very big" "You hide it well" etc etc. Which makes me doubt my own experience and perceptions at times.
August 21, 2017
Wow really? I would think the opposite of that! Well I guess with a bra on and clothes you can't tell. But from the pics where you just let them hang and face forward you can see the density and sagginess so to me they looked bigger
August 23, 2017
I think wearing a properly fitting bra makes them look smaller because you aren't bulging out. Also we probably tend to choose bras that make them look smaller. Once I tried this Fine Lines memory foam bra that put them up sooo high and forward... I was so excited until I say how huge i looked!
October 3, 2017
Dying that we own the same bras! All your concerns above sound just like me!
February 7, 2018
nothing beats Natori bra also a size 32G here can’t wait to get my surgery early may
Good luck with it all x
Thank you so much for your comment/support/advice. It's nice to hear that you're happy with your decision. Minus size/swelling.
Yes I definitely need to be clear that I want to be small. I always think of things and then get shy or question myself. I'll be sure not to do that this time.
How active are you able to be now at 3 weeks post op?