Reducing Unwanted Tissue, Increasing a Healthy Lifestyle!

I started this journey four months ago, when I decided to visit a plastic surgeon in St. Louis. My hope was to get a breast reduction since exercise and diet change did not alleviate the neck, shoulder and back pain I'd experienced for years. Although, the doctor introduced other services he thought would benefit me (tummy tuck etc...) my focus remained on breast reduction. The goal was to use my insurance, but that failed when I was denied. They denied on the basis that there wasn't sufficient tissue removal. The doctor and staff seemed less interested when I asked for offi notes and asked that the doctor resubmit information. In fact they were rude! I refused to give up, and visited my primary doctor. We went over my health plan, that included exercise (back stretching techniques and cycling) and diet change. My primary suggested breast reduction and referred me to a plastic surgeon. This time was different because the doctor was focused on breast reduction, and explained that his goal was to get insurance approval for the procedure. He succeeded! After a couple of adjustments, I was approved! I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow. I decided to just do it as soon as possible. For months I've connected with real women at real self . It's been very enlightening and quite therapeutic. I can't sleep, but that's fine since I will be able to sleep tomorrow. I have to check in at 6 am, and surgery is scheduled for 7:30. I packed a bag for me and my husband, since I have to stay for 23 hr observation. There's a nearby hotel that my husband can stay at to be close to me. He's very nervous, but supports my decision. I look forward to a new and improved life! I'm a 36ddd, hoping for a B or C cup. I will share more of my story along with before and after pics later.

I arrived for surgery at 5:48 and was checked in and prepped. Mercy hospital staff was super nice and professional and highly recommend this institution for services! My doctor came in and talked with me and drew on my new breast and communicated with me about size preference, procedure, and outcome. We started the process on tine at 7:30 sharp. My surgery was done by 10:45 (3.25 hrs). Afterwards I felt soreness and thought I’d had my first daughter again (emergency c-section for placenta previa)! It was hilarious! By noon I was in my room, and by 1:00 I was eating a salad. My throat was very sore and I was extremely groggy. I had a very large private room with a sofa sleeper for my husband. This experience was so wonderful to have my husband share with me. We had booked a nearby hotel, but had my daughter and granddaughter stay there instead. It worked out great to have my family there. I only had two doses of the hydrocodone after surgery. Day 1 after surgery, I started with Tylenol and ibuprophen every six hours. I was released at 10:00 the next day and am home resting comfortably. I find staying relaxed, moving your arms as little as possible helps keep soreness discomfort down. I never felt any pain, just soreness. My breast look tiny compared to before. I’m no longer hanging! Yay! I did not need drains and am super excited about that!

Day 3; I'm feeling really good, but not taking thus procedure for granted. I'm resting and keeping up with meds. I'm only taking 600 mg of ibuprofen every six hours. I decided that if I didn't need the stronger meds, I'd do without them. I haven't had any bowel activity and am drinking prune juice to remedy that. My daughter changed my bandages, it was not painful and everything is dry. I can't shower for two more days ????! This too shall pass...Feeling blessed! Thank you everyone for your support and advice!