Finally doing something for me... at least wanting to! (42, 5'6", 215lbs, 2 kids)

I had my pre op appointment with Dr Samuels and her staff yesterday. Once again, was reminded of how terrific they are!! We thoroughly reviewed meds, supplies, consents, questions, size preferences, etc.

In the few days prior to this appointment, I found myself more and more worried about having a free nipple graft. Dr Samuels was so great about really listening to my concerns and my preferences. She detailed again why a graft might ultimately be necessary but we agreed that she will attempt the pedicle procedure first and will change to a graft if it necessary. She did stress that a graft might still be needed though. I feel so much more at ease with the nipple topic now!

So I'm a little over 10 days out from my surgery date and getting more and more excited (and maybe a little nervous too) every day. I guess it's a good thing I have a ton going on that will keep my very busy until then!

Another thank you for the support and comments so far!

I met with my PS yesterday. I immediately remembered why I think so much of her. She and her staff are the nicest, most personable medical professionals I've ever encountered. And if you're anything like me, the consultation is a pretty tough (emotionally) appointment to get through.

After putting on a very pretty robe (that didn't have enough material to close across my breasts), then measuring, lifting, taking pictures, sweating under the girls, talking through everything I find embarrassing about the girls, etc. Dr Samuels gave me the news - we are a go! And I will feel a lot of relief when all is said and done with chest heaviness, back, neck and shoulder pain and the shame I feel (for some stupid reason) related to the monster boulders hanging from the front of me.

The only thing that really threw me for a loop is that she recommended free nipple grafts rather than attempting to keep them attached. She was wonderful about explaining the process and asking me how I feel about it. It's so nice when, as a patient, we get a chance to think things through and have a meaningful discussion with a provider rather than being talked AT about what is going to happen. After really thinking about this option I hadn't even considered before, talking it through with my husband and taking into account the doctor's explanation related to my nipples currently living so very far away from their blood supply, I have decided to in fact have the FNGs and am at peace with that decision.

About my weight... I had to bring it up. And that was after she told me we are a go. I told her I thought she might say I had to lose X pounds before we could schedule or something like that. She said her only concern related to weight would be if I planned to lose a very large amount in a very short time after the surgery because that would result in significant sagging. She said she would be fine with any weight loss I prefer after surgery if I do it slowly allowing the skin to stay caught up. Whew, what a relief on this topic.

I'm private pay and the total price is a little more than I had set aside but not because the price is high, I just hadn't done this before so I was off on my guesstimate. It was just under a thousand more than what I had saved so I looked at my budget and moved things around so that I could make up for the difference. It might be tight for a month or two (sorry kids, no eating this month - hahaha [just kidding by the way]) but I know I would kick myself if I did not seize this opportunity now. I honestly do not think it will happen again for me.

So we've picked a few possible dates. 8/21, 9/11 or 9/18. Now just waiting to hear back as to which of those dates the surgical center has available. Of course, I'm really hoping for 8/21! I'm ready to get this party started! :)

Thanks for the comments!!! It's so good to not be alone on this journey! I have great support in my family, friends and even my bosses but there is nothing like sharing back and forth with others who have some of the same struggles.

I'm going for my third consultation for breast reduction surgery this coming Thursday. The first time I went it was with my surgeon of choice when my first child was one. I had started struggling with back, neck and shoulder pain and was clearly top heavy. At that time, I weighed somewhere around 150 or so and only one breast qualified for insurance coverage so it was denied by insurance and I could not afford to pay out-of-pocket. I went again to another PS near my then office in 2012, after dealing with more back and shoulder pain and shoulder deformation from bra straps. My kids were then 11 and 5 and I weighed around 190. That PS told me I absolutely would meet any insurance criteria and she would send in the info for a prior auth right away. After three weeks, I called and was told they forgot to send it in. After four more weeks and multiple attempts to get someone to call me back with an update, I received a letter from the PS stating my ins plan did not have a benefit for such surgery. I felt defeated an gave up.

Here I am now at 42, around 215 lbs and have been battling severe back pain that recently landed me in the ER then to a spine MD. I finally have the funding to pay for the surgery myself if need be and I'M GOING FOR IT! My kids are almost 16 and 10 and can manage with the help of my husband and mom while I recover.

So the stars have aligned... EXCEPT, I'm very worried about my body beyond my breasts. It's been quite something in my late 30s and early 40s trying to lose weight and change my body while being extremely limited by very large breasts and a very touchy back because of them. It's been kind of a vicious cycle of one thing making the other worse and vice versa.

I only wear extreme minimizer bras and have for many years now. Contraptions without underwire laugh at my breasts! I won't even wear a bathing suit without also wearing a minimizer bra. Not a good look and since I usually only own one "wearable" bra at a time, that leaves little time for the bra to dry before I need it again. Needless to say, I don't attend many gatherings with my friends in the summers. (Sad, but true)

I'd like to end up pretty small in the bust. I'm guessing for maybe shooting for a C cup and then if my life can become more active without the limitations of large breasts and I lose a little weight, maybe I'll be a B cup. I'd love some thought from others on this! With my weight where it is today, am I being unrealistic?

Anyway, Thursday's consultation is with the original surgeon that I know and trust. I'm sure she'll tell me what will be best. I'm just really hoping she doesn't say weight MUST come off before she will entertain doing the surgery. I really feel like the time is now. I'll keep you updated on what is to come!!