40 Years Old, 5'4" 143lbs., 32G - Finally doing this!!! - Aliso Viejo, CA

Hello everyone,
I've been on this site for a few weeks now, and decided to finally share a little bit about myself. Like most of you, my breasts began to grow when I was young, in 5th grade. I can't recall what sizes I wore at certain points in my life, but I'm pretty sure I was a full C by 8th grade. The teasing and taunting was unbearable for me, and many days I would come home from school crying not wanting to go back. High school was easier, maybe because I developed a thick skin, or maybe because I wasn't one of the only girls with a big chest anymore. Of course I still got rude comments and a lot of unwanted attention, but I think I was so used to it at that point, it was easier to ignore. I never played sports because it was uncomfortable and I felt awkward. And running? Never.
I've never had a problem with self confidence, but I've always been insecure about my breasts, if that makes any sense. I have done my best to hide them, wearing minimizers and layering clothes. I have curves, and it's difficult to find tops that don't make me look 20 lbs. heavier or matronly. Sigh. What I would give to wear thin straps, or strapless maxi dresses!
I turned 40 this year, and I feel that I'm at a point in my life to finally do this. I've thought about breast reduction surgery for almost 10 years, and in that time I had consultations with 3 different surgeons. The first was in 2007. My insurance denied it. I went back to the same surgeon a couple years later when I had different insurance, and they required 6 weeks of documented treatment (physical therapy, chiropractor) which I did not have, and couldn't afford to do at the time. Surgeon #2 was in 2011 and ended up being out of network. I think I didn't pursue it because surgery is scary to me. I have never had surgery, ever!
So now here I am with surgeon #3. He told me right off the bat that my insurance wouldn't even consider my case unless I had 3 months of PT. So I did it. I just finished my PT last week and saw my surgeon this morning. He took photos to submit to my insurance, and said he isn't worried about me getting approved. He said we have everything the insurance requires, and that I'm a strong candidate for the surgery. On the flip side of that, he did warn me that he's submitted cases he felt were a sure thing that got denied by insurance. He said if that were the case, we will appeal. It's just a waiting game at this point. I hope 3rd time's a charm! I really like my surgeon, and am hopeful that I will finally get to do this.

Today is 2 weeks since my consultation. I decided to call Aetna today just to confirm that my paperwork was received, and if any additional documentation was needed. After a 20 minute phone call (most of it on hold), I was told they haven't received anything. I then called my PS's office to follow up, and was told that the girl who submits the paperwork for the doctor is on vacation, and if I had been in during the last 10 days (which I had), then my paperwork hasn't been submitted yet. Most likely the first day of her vacation was the day of my appointment. Of course.
So now I must wait for her to return, and even then I have no idea how long it will take, given that she probably has a ton to go over once she gets back. I was so over being on the phone at this point, I forgot to ask when she got back from her vacation.
If I'm approved for this surgery, I don't plan on scheduling it until November or December, so waiting for the surgery itself isn't so much the issue. What is driving me crazy is that I want to go shopping! I need new bras and tops, but I've been holding off because I don't want to waste my money buying big sizes if I'm fortunate enough to have this surgery!
I want closure, too. This is the closest I've come to doing it after wanting it for over a decade. I just want to know if I'll be free of this weight and back pain, or if I have to resign to the fact that I'm stuck with these ginormous boobs for the rest of my life.
Okay, I know I'm whining. It's only been 2 weeks. But I'm back to square 1 knowing that nothing has been submitted yet. I just need patience. God please give me patience. And small boobs.

Yesterday I received a call from Julie, the scheduler at my PS's office. She was so nice. She called to touch base with me, and apologized for the delay with my paperwork while she was on vacation. She assured me that she had submitted all my documents to my insurance and told me we should have an answer in about 2 weeks. Because my surgeon wants me to stay overnight in the hospital, she said my surgery will be on a Thursday. She asked if I'd like to go ahead and schedule a date because Thursdays book up fast. So I chose Thursday, December 10th at 7:30am (which means my check-in time at the hospital is 5:30am-ah!). We also scheduled my pre and post- op appointments. I can enjoy Thanksgiving and have 2 weeks of recovery under my belt in time for Christmas. Part of me thinks I'm crazy for scheduling between holidays, but we shall see! Now I just continue to wait, and keep my fingers crossed that I'm approved so I can keep my date!