From a DDD/E to a C!

This Wednesday my insurance approved my breast reduction only a week after I submitted my request. I can't believe it! My breast reduction is scheduled for December 31.

I cried when I got the phone call. I put off applying for a few years because I feared that I wouldn't be approved. It was nice to keep that option open and if I had been rejected, it would have been like a door slamming closed.

Large breasts run in my family, but mine quickly grew past my mom's and my sister's and became unmanageable. I begin to dress to hide, always in oversized shirts or sweatshirts. When you are 5'3 with DDD/Es, you can't hide them very well.

I've always been made fun of for it, too. Never could wear what my friends can, always had to wear a bra. Bras always hurt me, too. Even after getting properly fitted, the underwire cut into my ribs.

I guess I should also mentioned I suffer from fibromyalgia. I'm regularly in a lot of pain and my large chest makes it even more difficult for me to walk!

I'm very anxious for the surgery. Not about pain or scarring because I could care less about looking perfect. I just want to finally feel like I'm not a walking boob. I want to be able to exercise and take of a little extra weight that has accumulated. I'm hoping for a B cup (I have a small frame), and very nervous for the results. I have this (probably irrational fear) that my surgeon will forget I want to be a B and make me a D instead. I've suffered for so long, this just means so much to me.

I'm a student and a part time worker and will be getting surgery over winter break. I wish it was sooner, though. Sixty-six days seems like a lifetime and is causing a lot of anxiety.

This site is so inspirational. It also worries me and raises questions so I figured I would throw myself into the fray! I'll post pictures at some point. Thanks for reading. :)

I had my surgery on December 23 and am just updating now. On the day of surgery, I got up early and washed with my surgical soap. My fiance and I headed five miles down the road to the clinic. They had me change into a gown and take a pregnancy test. A while after, the surgeon came in to mark me up. Everyone was super friendly and put me at ease. Then I said goodbye to my family and walked to the operation room.

It was a bright room with a lot of people milling around. Again, everyone was super nice. I climbed on the table and they wrapped me with warm blankets. Next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery. I wasn't in any pain when I woke up, just thirsty and a little nauseous. In total, the surgery lasted five hours. I had four pounds of breast tissue removed total - two from each side. The minute I woke up, I felt so much more comfortable. I rested for a while and then had some 7up and headed for home. I had a pillow under the seatbelt but the bumps in the road didn't bother me. When we got home, I nestled in the couch to rest. The pain wasn't bad at all and my fiance was there to get me whatever I needed. My chest was bandaged up with gauze and an ace bandage.

The day after surgery, I got my bandages changed and was given surgical bras to wear. I can't say enough good things about my surgeon, Dr. Lugo. From my first consultation, I knew she was the right surgeon for me. She always had a positive attitude and was willing to do whatever she could to make the process easier. She also was responsive if I had any questions or concerns.

I spent the week post op just resting and watching Netflix. I was able to celebrate Christmas with my family on the 25th. I spent most of the day sitting on the couch and icing my chest. I was tired and sore, but it was manageable.

All in all, recovery wasn't bad at all. I was fortunate to have my mom and fiance around to take care of me. I was able to eat real food immediately after surgery. I also was up and moving around a few days after. I never had any zingers or numb areas. I also have full feeling in both breasts, which I am thankful for. I did have a tight feeling in my chest if I didn't take my pain pills on time, but nothing terrible. I was on pain meds for a little longer than normal because I had trouble sleeping with the pain but I have a low pain tolerance due to fibromyalgia. I also felt a bit sad/depressed two weeks after surgery, which I am told is normal.

Today, five months later, I am in the scar management stage of my recovery. Everything is healing nicely and I don't have anymore pain. In total, I went from a DDD/E to a C. I'm perfectly happy with this cup size and can't even begin to describe how thankful I am.

My back pain is nearly gone. I think I have maybe 25% of the back pain I used to have. I've been able to buy cute bras and wear normal sized shirts. I've also been able to run for the first time in years without feeling like bricks are strapped to my chest.

If I had any advice for girls considering the surgery -- just do it. The journey was a long one but the results made every step of the way worth it. It was really a big weight off my chest...and my back...and my shoulders! The process may seem a little daunting, but it was nothing compared to living in constant pain.