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POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS

31/5'4"/230/36J to 42DD! My incredible (to me) journey!

ORIGINAL POST

Since I was young, I have been large-chested. At...

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bosredux
WORTH IT
Since I was young, I have been large-chested. At first, I didn't really know what to do with it. Today, I know what to do with it, but I have too much to do WITH.

In the past year, I've experienced chronic back, neck and shoulder pain. Other parts of my body suffer as well. I have felt fatigued, not wanted to exercise, and generally cranky. Anyone who hasn't experienced chronic pain is very, very fortunate... and for those that have, I am so sorry for what you go through daily. ??

Back in 2007-8, I tried to initiate the breast reduction insurance approval process. Actually, I saw the exact same surgeon then! With Aetna as my insurance provider, I was advised that I probably wouldn't be approved the first time around, and would need to appeal.

I was denied, and appealed, and was denied again. I moved to Oregon about a year later, and didn't pursue a reduction while I was there.

Back in MA at 31, I'm ready to get on with my life. I can't remember life without giant breasts. Being very wide-set with low nipples, I'm often irritated or over-sensitized when I go braless. Bras from Elomi, Curvy Kate and others that serve the J cup market charge $60+, and never go on sale.

bosredux's provider

Katherine Hein, MD

Katherine Hein, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

bosredux

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Replies (4)

October 28, 2016

Welcome to the realself family.  I am happy that you are here with us for your journey.   

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October 28, 2016
Thank you, Kimmers! I'm so glad we have such a wonderful resource available for such a major life change. :)
January 5, 2017
I'm doing a breast lift and implants with Dr Heins this month. I'm really nervous about it but looking at your pics and seeing how happy you are has helped!. You look fantastic!
November 21, 2017
I think you're very lucky. I myself am 5 ft 4 and about 225 pounds and my bra size is a 42F and I suffer from back pain, shoulder pain, and numbness in my finger. I also have huge painful dents in my shoulders and when I had my breast reduction consultation the surgeon told me that my breasts have little to no fat and it's just my mammary glands that are large but he still insisted I lose 100 pounds. He claimed that it was highly dangerous and potentially deadly for a person like me (being 225 pounds) undergo surgery (he feared my heart would stop on the operating table) even though I have a healthy heart and I've actually had a history of low to moderate cholesterol according to my doctor and blood records/tests. One thing that ticked me off was he told me that I'm too unhealthy for a breast reduction surgery but healthy enough for gastric bypass surgery. Like wtf? Just wanted to say again that you're super lucky and I totally envy you. I wish I was in your shoes because even though you are 230 pounds you still got the surgery and I can't.
UPDATED FROM bosredux
18 days pre

Approved for my surgery on November 16!

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bosredux
I wanted to put this through as a separate update: I was approved by MassHealth yesterday, on the first shot! So much better than Aetna back in 2007.

The pre-op has been scheduled for November 7, with the pre-op phone screen on the 13th. Surgery happens on the 16th, AKA the first day of my new life!!

I've been reading a LOT of articles and reviews on RealSelf, and I am admittedly concerned about things like infections and other complications.

Recently, I had a ganglion cyst removed from my wrist under local anesthetic, and the scar is barely visible now, thanks to a vigorous regimen of tea tree oil and cannabis coconut oil (medical cannabis is legal in MA, and I am a cardholder!). My ortho surgeon was floored at how great the scar looked, and I even find myself occasionally admiring it! So if that's any indication, I think that I will heal successfully, and need to stay positive about that end. If complications happen, so be it. I have good support and help. Things will be okay. :)

T-minus 18 days! :D So excited!!!

Replies (8)

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October 28, 2016
I'm so excited for you...you truly deserve it. I'm in the consultation stage and interviewing Doctors for my BR. Please if you don't mind I would like to keep up with you for my journey...I love the fact of the coconut canibus but I live in Florida how do I get some of that??? I'm trying to prepare as much as possible...thanks and blessings..
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October 31, 2016
Absolutely, Biney! I'll be updating frequently, so bookmark my review! And thank you so much for your kind words, I've had a very rough past couple of years with the unexpected loss of my mom on my birthday in 2014, and a huge career transition last year. She passed away young, so I'm picking up the torch and finally taking charge of my life instead of what I'm given. :) If your state supports medical marijuana (I don't believe Florida does, unfortunately), making cannabis coconut oil is really easy - lots of recipes online. It gets kinda smelly so I wouldn't recommend cooking it in an apartment building or with a lot of people around that would mind. Basically, it helps speed up the healing process and keeps the scars moisturized so they don't dry out too much.
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October 31, 2016
Wow that was a tear jerker keep strong sister you got this and thanks for the recommendations I will def look into that have a great day.
October 29, 2016
My surgery is Nov. 16 also! I've never been under general anaesthetic before and am a very nervous person. I wonder if I'll have the nerve to go through with it
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October 31, 2016
This is my first major surgery, period, so I TOTALLY understand your nervousness. I'm thinking that this surgery is going to change my life for the better, though! I remembered yesterday that I'll be able to wear strapless shirts and dresses, and won't have constant boobage under my arms. Next year will be my first year EVER wearing a bikini, after 31 years of life. I can wear normal sports bras, and run without pain. I simply accepted that unreasonably large breasts were always going to be a fact of my life, but now I'm taking my life into my own hands. :) If any of those things sound like they would make your life better, I'd highly recommend sticking with the surgery!
October 31, 2016
You are totally right! Just hope my nerves don't get the best of me on the big day ;)
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November 6, 2016
Congrats you are finAlly getting the surgery you want. I pray it all works out for you. It is not easy but time heal all wounds
November 27, 2016
Cannabis oil works for scar reduction? I'll have to look into that.
UPDATED FROM bosredux
13 days pre

I put together some idea "after" photos

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bosredux
The top-left is me pre-surgery, the rest are wish pics. Think I could attain this? Going to show it to my PS at our pre-op appointment on the 7th.

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