23 Years Old, 5'0", 110 lbs, 30H - Charleston, SC

My story isn't much different than many other women with large breasts. I began developing at a young age, reaching a DD by age 14/15. Barely reaching 5' and weighing 110 pounds, my now 30H/I chest is quite literally weighing my otherwise petite body down. I've remained the size I am now for about three years and since graduating college have really begun to feel effects of my large chest. I've never hated my breasts, rather I find them to be beautiful; however, the daily back spasms, shoulder grooving, safety pinning of button-up blouses, neck pain, shoulder numbness and general inhibiting of my activity has to come to an end.

For all of my adolescent and adult life, I have felt defined by chest - I'm always remembered as the girl with the huge boobs and although I've never tried to hide my breasts in shame, as many other women do, psychological effects are not absent. Instead of hating my breasts and wanting to get rid of them, I've been afraid to be without them. Without my huge chest, will people remember me? How will they remember me? At the point I've reached in my life with a secure job and benefits, amazing partner, lovely home and the best health I've ever been in, I'm finally confident enough to do what is best for me - reducing my breasts.

I was approved through BCBS after an initial denial, followed by a thorough appeal and one and a half months. My preop appointment with my surgeon is tomorrow, Friday, December 5. I'm hoping to reduce down to a C, no larger, no smaller. My surgery is scheduled for 8:00 AM, Wednesday, January 7, 2015. I'm excited, anxious, nervous, impatient and frightened, as I'm sure is to be expected.

(I'm not comfortable posting bare-chested photos but I am so grateful for those that do. )

After my preop appointment two days ago, I'm not nearly as nervous as I thought I'd be. In fact, the only part I'm really nervous about it returning to work because all of my coworkers but one are male and I'm concerned that they'll be awkward around me after. Other than that I'm just so excited to take this positive step forward in my life.

I should be sleeping now. I have to check in at the hospital at 6:00 am and have to wash with the surgical scrub again before leaving. I haven't had green tea (I'm a huge matcha drinker) or wine in a week. I've been eating more protein and iron-rich foods than usual and have everything on my preop checklist. I've been so ready for this to happen and now I'm starting to get especially anxious. I know I'll be in great hands with Dr. Hagerty and that I will feel immediate relief in my back and shoulders but I have to admit that I am a little afraid. My breasts have quite literally been a huge part of who I am since early adolescence. I have to admit that I can't wait to try on my weddimg dress that is not exactly well suited to my bust currently. It's crazy to think that when I get married in September that my breats will pretty much be fully healed. While I am most certainly nervous, I truly can't wait for this new year and this new me.