28HH to 28F

My story is similar to many others' I have read here. I was a C cup in 7th grade, and I remember forgetting to put on a bra one morning and crying when I got home from school, because I had felt so gross all day. By the time I was 15, I was DDD, and I knew that I was going to get a reduction. It has taken me a little longer to get here than I would have hoped, but I was waiting on having good insurance. Now, Surprise! Insurance will not cover this. Even at a 28HH/30H, it is still considered a cosmetic procedure.

Like many, I have back pain on an almost daily basis. I also have frequent neck and shoulder pain, mostly later in the day. In the summer, I often get rashes due to the bras I have to wear. I am so glad that companies like Freya and Curvy Kate exist, but prior to the last 3 years I had no idea, and was stuck with ill-fitting, bland undergarments. And the cherry on the cake is that I cannot find clothes that fit me AND are flattering. Petite clothes typically seem to expect petite boobs. When I do find clothes that are flattering, I have inches of cleavage. Sometimes that's okay, I guess, but I would really like to be a little more modest, especially in public.

Up until a few years ago, I was very overweight (about 31.5 on the BMI chart). My bra size was a 34J UK. Over the next year and a half, I started to go on walks with my now husband ranging from 1-5 miles a day, and restricted my calories to just above starving, and got my BMI down to 23-24. I did also go down a few cup sizes! But I am still in the H-HH range today, and I don't think I will be able to get them down further on my own.

I had my first consultation in Feb 2015, but was not entirely comfortable with the surgeon, and his staff miscommunication a couple of things to me and my husband that cost me over a month of waiting. Then, I submitted the paperwork to my insurance company, United Healthcare, and they denied my claim, saying reductions are cosmetic procedures and therefore not covered. I appealed the claim, and it was also denied. This time, I did not receive the denial letter until after the 60 days were up, because the insurance company sent it to my old address. So at this point, it looks like insurance is a no-go. So, out-of-pocket it is! It'll make this next year a little tight on funds, but it has to be done.

18 days to go!

Last week I had my pre-op appointment, got my prescriptions, and had a chance to sit down with the staff at the PS office again and go over the plan. I love the office staff and the surgeon. They answered all of my questions and were very sweet.

While I like my surgeon, since I scheduled my surgery, I haven't been sleeping well at all. I toss and turn almost every night. I am really looking forward to being able to sleep through the night again. I am definitely looking forward to being smaller, but I am still really nervous about surgery, post-op, and the uncertainty about the results.

I have amassed most of my post-op supplies. I borrowed a recliner chair from my in-laws. I got a travel pillow as a Christmas gift. I bought a couple of soft cup bras in what I am guessing my size will be (Somewhere between a 30C and 30DD). I also took a trip to the library and got a stack of books, which will be one nice thing about being pretty much useless post-op.

Just 5 days to go.