45yo, 36 F/G, So Ready For This! Fayetteville, GA

I've always had larger breasts. I was a D cup by the time I was 13, and it only got worse from there! I've been a 36 F/G (depending on the bra) since my 20s. In my early 30s, I started having back trouble. I never really connected it to my breasts - it was all in my lower back, and I was told I had mild scoliosis and that an accident I'd had years previously was also affecting it. In my late 30s, I gained a lot of weight, which led to even more back problems.

Fast forward to my 40s: I started having a lot of neck and shoulder pain when I was about 42, and finally started putting it together that my breasts could be part of the problem. I wasn't interested in a reduction as anything but a last resort. I went to the chiropractor weekly to monthly for years. I tried physical therapy. I bought more supportive, wide-strap bras. Then, at the end of last year, I finally decided that it was getting to be too much and I turned to my second-to-last resort: weight loss. I was 223 pounds when I began, and I'm 173 now. But you know what's coming, don't you?

Rather than making my neck and shoulder pain better, the weight loss has actually made it worse. I've lost 50 pounds and not a single ounce of it was from my breasts. As a result, even when doubling up the sports bras I'm now incapable of really vigorous exercise because it's just too painful. My arms get numb. The exercise I do often leads to rashes and breakouts under my breasts. So, last month I decided to turn to my very last resort and start researching breast reduction.

First I spoke with my chiropractor, who agreed it was a good idea and recommended a plastic surgeon. Then I spoke to my primary care physician, who also agreed but sent me to an orthopedic surgeon "just in case." Then I spoke with the plastic surgeon's office and set up a consultation. By mid-August, the orthopedic surgeon had ruled out any other possible cause of my pain and agreed with my other doctors that breast reduction was my best option. I met with the plastic surgeon and was very impressed with his candor and professionalism. Next step, submitting the request for approval to Cigna. That didn't go so well.

It only took them two weeks to deny me, so I guess at least I wasn't waiting around too long. I was somewhat prepared for that, though, because I'd read about so many other people's experiences here at RealSelf. The denial letter gave a whole laundry list of reasons and seemed very cookie cutter, which made me feel like they deny everyone at first just to see if you'll go away. I didn't! I sat down and wrote a two-page letter stating my case point by point. I included every physician's letter recommending surgery, documentation of my weight loss, additional photos of my breasts, even printouts from Amazon showing the types of bras I've been purchasing. I felt like it was a really good letter and the plastic surgeon's office agreed, but I was still afraid that I'd be denied again.

Now for the really good news :) I wasn't! It took a little over two weeks this time, but today I received a letter telling me that I won my appeal - my breast reduction is approved! I don't know how long it will take to get it scheduled, but I'll definitely be on the phone trying to get that done first thing Monday morning. I cannot wait!

I so appreciate everyone who has shared their experience here. You've really helped me in making the decision to get a breast reduction, and in knowing what to expect. I hope that my story will help others as much as yours have helped me!

I'll update as soon as I know when my surgery is scheduled, and I'll get some photos up as soon as I can.

I've called the PS's office Monday, Wednesday and today, and still don't have an appointment set. How frustrating! Everyone there is very nice and the doctor comes highly recommended, but it takes forever to get a return phone call, and apparently they are in no hurry to get new clients' procedures on the books.

Have a couple of "before" photos. Hopefully I'll be scheduled soon and can post some "afters"!

I feel like I was overly harsh in my last update. Everyone at the PS's office really is very nice and I'm scheduled now, so please ignore my previous whining :)

Since my insurance is covering it and I've paid my out-of-pocket maximum for the year, my only cost is going to be for the lipo of my "side boob" fat. Now I just need to gather my supplies and wait!