43 Years Old, Wanting a Breast Reduction for 20 Years - San Mateo, CA

I am 43, no kids, 5'7", 150 lbs. My bra size is a 34 F/G, depending on the brand.
I'm active, muscular; I run 10 miles a week. I've wanted a breast reduction for what seems like forever. Years ago, when I had Kaiser, I was told a br would absolutely aesthetic and not covered, so I gave up. I changed insurance to Cigna a few years ago and decided to at least try to have the procedure covered. What I discovered is, unless you are incredibly large for your frame, you need to provide a lengthy history of suffering and alternative treatments you're unlikely to get coverage. I cannot provide this history, and at this point in my life, I don't want to spend a couple of years building a case.
The procedure will cost me about $10,000: $7,500 for the PS, $1,400 for the OR, and $1,100 for the anesthesiologist. Seems high compared to what others have paid, but maybe that's just what it costs in the Bay Area.
After reading at least 100 reviews in this site, I feel like I should share my story too. Having this br is symbolic for me; it represents a change in how I want to live my life - living in a way that I think is best for me.
My surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. I'm a little nervous and excited. Trying to stay focused on the cute clothes I will get to wear when I am more proportional. Stay tuned for more!

It's been just about 24 hours after surgery. The staff at Mills Peninsula was fantastic; everyone was polite and professional.
The scariest part for me was walking into the OR. The operating table, all the equipment, the massive lights, you realize how serious surgery is. I tried to take deep breaths and stay calm until the anesthesiologist put me under.
And then, boom, it's over and you're in the recovery room. The surgeon flushes the whole area with local anesthetic, so there is little pain. The worst part was being so incredible thirsty. I was given a muffin and juice. No way I could swallow the muffin; it just stuck to the inside of my mouth - must be caused by the anesthesia. Also, I had and still have, a terrible sore throat. They put something in the back of your mouth to keep throat open. I was warned of it before surgery.
I'm feeling okay, some pain and discomfort from the compression bra. I started chephalexin this morning, and have been taking Percocet. The antibiotics seem to be giving me a stomach ache.
At this point it is hard to have any idea of what "after" will look and feel like. I feel a little lighter, but maybe because of the swelling, it's hard to judge size. My button down shirt definitely fit better leaving the hospital.
Thank you SO much for the kind thoughts and wishes. It's hard for some people to understand what it's like to have to constantly have to "deal" with a large chest. It means a lot to me to hear from others who get it.

I've been pretty uncomfortable since the anesthesia wore off. So I've been taking 1/2 Percocet every 4 hours, even at 4 am. When it wears off, I tend to putter around which I'd like not to do.
I'm completely bored and curiosity got the better of me, so I removed the compression bra. I can see now that some tape and the drains are the main source of discomfort. I look forward to having them removed Monday.
As far as what size I am, I'm not sure. I wavered between going a little smaller and a little fuller, so I asked my PS to aim for ideally proportional. He called it a "perfect C". Compared to my original size, it seems pretty small. Can't say I don't like them though. They're looking pretty beat up now; I'll have to wait and see.