POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
(2 mo. Post Op Update) Bye Bye Big Boobies! Hello Perky Cute Breasts!
ORIGINAL POST
I have had large breasts since I entered puberty. ...
$5,000
I have had large breasts since I entered puberty. I had my first child as a teen and two other children since, my baby is now 16; I am 42. I have a smaller build but have very large breasts; 5' 4" tall, 130 lbs and 34DDD possibly 34E since my left boob is pouring out of my minimizer bra.
I have thought for many years to have a breast reduction, I spoke with my doctor about 10 years ago and he referred me to a surgeon for a consultation but I never went; life got in the way. Since then I had many life changes, I got divorced, was a single mom for two years then met an amazing man and we have been together for 7 years, now married for two.
Three years ago, in 2009 I decided to compete in my first sprint distance triathlon, 5k run, 400 meter swim and a 10k bicycle ride. I did it! It felt great until I saw pictures of myself in my tri suit and my boobs were HUGE... the rest of me was fit but you couldn't see any of that beyond my chest that was stuffed into a sports bra and tri-outfit. It honestly was disheartening but I tried not to think about it... it was just reality. That same year my dad became ill and ended up passing away in December 2009. It was a challenging time and I didn't train for any events. In 2012 I decided I needed to get back on track and train again, I did it... I felt good and I bettered my time from three years prior. My reality check came in when I ran a 5k race just prior to the triathlon. It was a highly sponsored race and after it was all over I received an email saying "watch yourself cross the finish line!" I very eagerly clicked on the link and watched this clip of some 'person' crossing the finish line. I had to watch it three times before it really sunk in that it really was "me"!
I felt so strong and confident crossing that finish line, I was very proud until that moment. Don't get me wrong, I was still proud to finish that race with a decent time BUT I NEVER thought I looked that way. I watched the video and I saw a person in a white running shirt with a wall of boobs sliding up and down on their chest. You couldn't really see my waist, my legs or much else... all you could see was a wall of boobs! I actually felt sick to my stomach, sad, embarrassed and a little dejected watching that. Thinking, what would I say or think about this person as they cross the finish line... something like "wow, that girl has big boobs!" or "wow, how can she run comfortably with a chest like that"... honestly I don't know if "I" would say those things but I could easily imagine other people saying those type of comments. Bottom line, I became very self conscience.
I had always been aware in my business attire to dress appropriately, to wear minimizer bras and select tops that didn't emphasize 'the girls' primarily to not draw attention from men. I learned very early on that if I didn't want men to talk to my chest I had to hide them. It wasn't a big deal... it was just what I had to do to be respected in my job. Whether that is real or not; it was what I felt I had to do and it has worked for me. I am respected in my profession for my ability, not for my physical features.
So that feels really good to me on a professional level but when we talk about things on a personal level it really gets challenging! You all know that we have to be mindful of the shirts we wear, we are envious of the girls in catalogs that model clothing; any type because we know when we buy the same top it doesn't look the same because we have big breasts and they are a "B" cup, if that! Then when we talk about bathing suits... I ordered one years ago from Victoria's Secret, it was so cute, it was a halter type with underwire and was made for women with larger cup size... I got it and tried it on... the weight from my breasts caused the knot on the halter straps to dig into the back of my neck! It was awful! And again, disheartening.
Okay, enough ranting on things that you already know, because odds are that you are reading this because you are considering a reduction or have already had one, so let's get on with where we are today...
In July I found this site and started reading reviews, one in particular stood out to me... the woman was about my same build and was taking the plunge and doing something so brave it inspired me to call my doctor again. Ironically, my husband asked me about a reduction around the same time; I was 'complaining' about my swollen breasts right before my period was going to start. I had shared with him years earlier about my desire for a reduction and he was supportive. He simply said "I don't know how you do it, they seem to impact so many things in your day to day life. If you want to change them, I support you; what ever makes you happy and allows you to do the things you want to do."
In July I made the call to visit my gynecologist; he had delivered my three children and acted as my primary doc for over 20 years. I am very healthy and if I have ailments I see a acupuncturist/chiropractor or work to heal myself naturally with herbs and supplements. Anyway, I visited with him, went back into my notes and found our original conversation 10+ years ago and gave me a referral to a surgeon. He said to talk with the surgeon and see what are the requirements to have insurance pay for the procedure because it was clearly a medial necessity. I did it! I called an made an appointment with the surgeon for a consultation; I was so excited!
I went in and we spoke, he did a physical exam and he and his assistant overwhelmingly agreed that I was a definite candidate and once insurance approved it the surgery could be scheduled, no problem! The took pics, like we see on this site..."Wow! That was quick!"
Now the next step was insurance. His office told me that I needed to gather documentation showing I have had a chronic medical condition for more than 6 months... "okay, I really have to think about this" The woman at his office said, gather as much as you can right away, it will reduce the possibility of the request being rejected. They said to document, indentions on my shoulders (check), head, neck, back pain (check) any chiropractic, acupuncture or massage related to these symptoms (check) and document instances of chaffing, under my breast, next to my chest - fortunately I did not check this box but I did have enough to move forward confidently. So I called my acupuncturist.
They gathered my records and I didn't realize that I have been seeing him for 10 years! my very first visit showed i had upper back, neck and lower head pain... in hind sight; all tied to the pressure from my bra straps! They gave my all my records and I felt really good.
The next part was difficult. Before doing my first triathlon I established a relationship with a primary physician just to do blood work and establish a base line and make sure everything was good before I started training; and it was fine. But I had only seen her twice in three years so I called up and made an appointment, told her my story and she did an exam and wrote notes to document my physical features and this is where the emotions kicked in...
She said "there is a term for enormous breasts" I quickly pulled out my smart phone and googled it, she pulled out her books and began searching. We found the word and she documented it on the chart. "Hypertrophy of Breast" - Look it up! She documented everything and in closing said "let me know if we need to document more, if insurance companies are willingly doing surgeries so men can have erections, they should approve this because you are wanting to improve your health to continue to stay healthy by exercising and being fit and your breasts are impeding that effectiveness". I left very confident and assured that my insurance would fix my "enormous breasts"!
But when I got into my car I just sat there, I felt sad. I felt abnormal. I wondered why hadn't I addressed this sooner. Why was it so obvious that my breasts were such a factor in my life but I hadn't done something about them sooner AND the victim began to echo in my head a little... why me? I had to kick that person out quickly and turn myself around and say "this is where you are today and how do you want to deal with it? Do you want to deal with it or are you okay with yourself and just stop this process? No one is making you do this, in fact, everyone is supporting you." Which in hind sight is what made it feel scary.
These emotions have lingered in my head, on and off through out this process and I am working my way through it. I did decide to submit the paperwork to my insurance. They told me it would be 4-6 weeks before we knew and after 2 weeks we got an answer... they approved it! YAY! and WOW! This is really happening.
I had to look at my calendar and talk with the surgeon and make sure everything is timed right before scheduling the surgery... November 11th is the date! I have become so excited, a little nervous but each time I read posts on this site I know it will change my life for the better.
It's getting late and I need to sleep, so good bye for now and I will post more soon. I will also post pics next time. I have been thinking about my before and after pics for this site!
Til next time...
I have thought for many years to have a breast reduction, I spoke with my doctor about 10 years ago and he referred me to a surgeon for a consultation but I never went; life got in the way. Since then I had many life changes, I got divorced, was a single mom for two years then met an amazing man and we have been together for 7 years, now married for two.
Three years ago, in 2009 I decided to compete in my first sprint distance triathlon, 5k run, 400 meter swim and a 10k bicycle ride. I did it! It felt great until I saw pictures of myself in my tri suit and my boobs were HUGE... the rest of me was fit but you couldn't see any of that beyond my chest that was stuffed into a sports bra and tri-outfit. It honestly was disheartening but I tried not to think about it... it was just reality. That same year my dad became ill and ended up passing away in December 2009. It was a challenging time and I didn't train for any events. In 2012 I decided I needed to get back on track and train again, I did it... I felt good and I bettered my time from three years prior. My reality check came in when I ran a 5k race just prior to the triathlon. It was a highly sponsored race and after it was all over I received an email saying "watch yourself cross the finish line!" I very eagerly clicked on the link and watched this clip of some 'person' crossing the finish line. I had to watch it three times before it really sunk in that it really was "me"!
I felt so strong and confident crossing that finish line, I was very proud until that moment. Don't get me wrong, I was still proud to finish that race with a decent time BUT I NEVER thought I looked that way. I watched the video and I saw a person in a white running shirt with a wall of boobs sliding up and down on their chest. You couldn't really see my waist, my legs or much else... all you could see was a wall of boobs! I actually felt sick to my stomach, sad, embarrassed and a little dejected watching that. Thinking, what would I say or think about this person as they cross the finish line... something like "wow, that girl has big boobs!" or "wow, how can she run comfortably with a chest like that"... honestly I don't know if "I" would say those things but I could easily imagine other people saying those type of comments. Bottom line, I became very self conscience.
I had always been aware in my business attire to dress appropriately, to wear minimizer bras and select tops that didn't emphasize 'the girls' primarily to not draw attention from men. I learned very early on that if I didn't want men to talk to my chest I had to hide them. It wasn't a big deal... it was just what I had to do to be respected in my job. Whether that is real or not; it was what I felt I had to do and it has worked for me. I am respected in my profession for my ability, not for my physical features.
So that feels really good to me on a professional level but when we talk about things on a personal level it really gets challenging! You all know that we have to be mindful of the shirts we wear, we are envious of the girls in catalogs that model clothing; any type because we know when we buy the same top it doesn't look the same because we have big breasts and they are a "B" cup, if that! Then when we talk about bathing suits... I ordered one years ago from Victoria's Secret, it was so cute, it was a halter type with underwire and was made for women with larger cup size... I got it and tried it on... the weight from my breasts caused the knot on the halter straps to dig into the back of my neck! It was awful! And again, disheartening.
Okay, enough ranting on things that you already know, because odds are that you are reading this because you are considering a reduction or have already had one, so let's get on with where we are today...
In July I found this site and started reading reviews, one in particular stood out to me... the woman was about my same build and was taking the plunge and doing something so brave it inspired me to call my doctor again. Ironically, my husband asked me about a reduction around the same time; I was 'complaining' about my swollen breasts right before my period was going to start. I had shared with him years earlier about my desire for a reduction and he was supportive. He simply said "I don't know how you do it, they seem to impact so many things in your day to day life. If you want to change them, I support you; what ever makes you happy and allows you to do the things you want to do."
In July I made the call to visit my gynecologist; he had delivered my three children and acted as my primary doc for over 20 years. I am very healthy and if I have ailments I see a acupuncturist/chiropractor or work to heal myself naturally with herbs and supplements. Anyway, I visited with him, went back into my notes and found our original conversation 10+ years ago and gave me a referral to a surgeon. He said to talk with the surgeon and see what are the requirements to have insurance pay for the procedure because it was clearly a medial necessity. I did it! I called an made an appointment with the surgeon for a consultation; I was so excited!
I went in and we spoke, he did a physical exam and he and his assistant overwhelmingly agreed that I was a definite candidate and once insurance approved it the surgery could be scheduled, no problem! The took pics, like we see on this site..."Wow! That was quick!"
Now the next step was insurance. His office told me that I needed to gather documentation showing I have had a chronic medical condition for more than 6 months... "okay, I really have to think about this" The woman at his office said, gather as much as you can right away, it will reduce the possibility of the request being rejected. They said to document, indentions on my shoulders (check), head, neck, back pain (check) any chiropractic, acupuncture or massage related to these symptoms (check) and document instances of chaffing, under my breast, next to my chest - fortunately I did not check this box but I did have enough to move forward confidently. So I called my acupuncturist.
They gathered my records and I didn't realize that I have been seeing him for 10 years! my very first visit showed i had upper back, neck and lower head pain... in hind sight; all tied to the pressure from my bra straps! They gave my all my records and I felt really good.
The next part was difficult. Before doing my first triathlon I established a relationship with a primary physician just to do blood work and establish a base line and make sure everything was good before I started training; and it was fine. But I had only seen her twice in three years so I called up and made an appointment, told her my story and she did an exam and wrote notes to document my physical features and this is where the emotions kicked in...
She said "there is a term for enormous breasts" I quickly pulled out my smart phone and googled it, she pulled out her books and began searching. We found the word and she documented it on the chart. "Hypertrophy of Breast" - Look it up! She documented everything and in closing said "let me know if we need to document more, if insurance companies are willingly doing surgeries so men can have erections, they should approve this because you are wanting to improve your health to continue to stay healthy by exercising and being fit and your breasts are impeding that effectiveness". I left very confident and assured that my insurance would fix my "enormous breasts"!
But when I got into my car I just sat there, I felt sad. I felt abnormal. I wondered why hadn't I addressed this sooner. Why was it so obvious that my breasts were such a factor in my life but I hadn't done something about them sooner AND the victim began to echo in my head a little... why me? I had to kick that person out quickly and turn myself around and say "this is where you are today and how do you want to deal with it? Do you want to deal with it or are you okay with yourself and just stop this process? No one is making you do this, in fact, everyone is supporting you." Which in hind sight is what made it feel scary.
These emotions have lingered in my head, on and off through out this process and I am working my way through it. I did decide to submit the paperwork to my insurance. They told me it would be 4-6 weeks before we knew and after 2 weeks we got an answer... they approved it! YAY! and WOW! This is really happening.
I had to look at my calendar and talk with the surgeon and make sure everything is timed right before scheduling the surgery... November 11th is the date! I have become so excited, a little nervous but each time I read posts on this site I know it will change my life for the better.
It's getting late and I need to sleep, so good bye for now and I will post more soon. I will also post pics next time. I have been thinking about my before and after pics for this site!
Til next time...
TriGirl2013's provider
UPDATED FROM TriGirl2013
17 days pre
Pics!
Here are some pics, I am going to use the tops for before and after pics. My left breast is definitely larger than my right. I always wear minimizers, 34DDD probably should be 34E given that leftie is busting out. I will be so happy when I can wear a bra that supports my breasts and not one that has to hold up so much weight. My doc is pretty sure that he can remove 1lb from my left, probably more and possibly 1lb from my right, that is a lot of weight for my poor little shoulders!
I received my pre-op paperwork today, I am so excited! It is really happening!!! In all the documents the amount I have to pay was not provided so I called my doc. They said all I have to pay on surgery day is the hospital fee, nothing for the doc. He will bill insurance and if they don't pay anything then I will be billed... so that was a big relief, I was beginning to get concerned that I was going to have to come up with a lot of money on surgery day.
Family has been very supportive. Hubby is getting a little nostalgic, mom is worried, my kids are worried, constantly checking in. I am staying positive even though reality is starting to hit hard. When I look in the mirror I think, in a few weeks these will be different, still mine but different. It's hard to fully grasp until it's here.
I have started to tell people at work because projects I'm working on will have to have a lot of work done prior and do work while I'm recovering. I am taking off three weeks from work, fortunately the third week falls in with the Thanksgiving holiday so I get paid holiday leave for those days. My coworkers have been supportive also but it is a little strange talking with some because they are so young, guys in their 20's. One said "you know, people pay a lot of money to get those" and I laughed... I said "they have served me well, now it's time to move on!" he laughed.
In the last few days I had been dealing an unexpected dental surgery, it happened on Tuesday; so it has thrown a curve in my workout but over all I've done well with my eating so I'm happy. I did have to eat pasta, which I hadn't had in about 2 months, it's didn't taste great, at all but I needed some carbs to absorb some of these awful meds... almost through this!
Anyhow, I need to sign off and watch the last of game 2 of the World Series... oops! it just ended, St. Louis just won!
I received my pre-op paperwork today, I am so excited! It is really happening!!! In all the documents the amount I have to pay was not provided so I called my doc. They said all I have to pay on surgery day is the hospital fee, nothing for the doc. He will bill insurance and if they don't pay anything then I will be billed... so that was a big relief, I was beginning to get concerned that I was going to have to come up with a lot of money on surgery day.
Family has been very supportive. Hubby is getting a little nostalgic, mom is worried, my kids are worried, constantly checking in. I am staying positive even though reality is starting to hit hard. When I look in the mirror I think, in a few weeks these will be different, still mine but different. It's hard to fully grasp until it's here.
I have started to tell people at work because projects I'm working on will have to have a lot of work done prior and do work while I'm recovering. I am taking off three weeks from work, fortunately the third week falls in with the Thanksgiving holiday so I get paid holiday leave for those days. My coworkers have been supportive also but it is a little strange talking with some because they are so young, guys in their 20's. One said "you know, people pay a lot of money to get those" and I laughed... I said "they have served me well, now it's time to move on!" he laughed.
In the last few days I had been dealing an unexpected dental surgery, it happened on Tuesday; so it has thrown a curve in my workout but over all I've done well with my eating so I'm happy. I did have to eat pasta, which I hadn't had in about 2 months, it's didn't taste great, at all but I needed some carbs to absorb some of these awful meds... almost through this!
Anyhow, I need to sign off and watch the last of game 2 of the World Series... oops! it just ended, St. Louis just won!
Replies (17)
October 25, 2013
Thanks for the update - I will be 6 days ahead of you on the surgery - I look forward to following how you do. Great that you have 3 weeks off!
October 25, 2013
Yay! Congratulations. We have the same surgery date. I look forward to following your updates and having someone in the same recovery phase as me.
October 25, 2013
it will be great to compare our progress! I think we are going to do great! what is your current size and what are you hoping to achieve?
November 7, 2013
I'm hoping for B… C will be okay but I really want to be a "b" My doc said that several factors play into it; primarily blood flow and the need to maintain a healthy nipple and breast integrity. They said "you will definitely be smaller, you will have breasts and you will look like a woman, your health and long term success is the primary motivation". I am an athlete and I want to look like one!
November 9, 2013
Are you getting excited? I am and I have a check list a mile long to do this weekend before monday!
October 26, 2013
Great review - all the best!
November 7, 2013
Thanks so much! I'm doing my best to be honest and tell a real story that can help someone else. When is your surgery?
November 7, 2013
I had mine Oct 29 so read mine if you want a B :) I'm a bit bigger around so hopefully when I lose more weight I will feel like they sit better- a bit small at moment- it is a drastic change- don't underestimate it but you will feel fantastic - all the best :)
November 8, 2013
I'll read yours now… Wanting a B, I have several people telling me "don't go too small" I don't know… Plus my surgeon said his primary function is my breast health, more over than the size. meaning to not lose feeling in my nipples and to have them look and feel natural.
November 8, 2013
yeah my surgeon told me that too that's why I nearly fell over when I saw myself in the mirror the next morning lol - I'm feeling good left nipple feeling like it's coming to sensation and my PS said it would come back) You will love being a B especially being an athlete- you may feel like they are too small for your body (something that I feel especially as I am not at my goal weight yet) so bare that in mind :)
November 7, 2013
Good Luck ♥
November 8, 2013
Super Exciting! Things are starting to get real for me now! Work, home, and in my brain.
UPDATED FROM TriGirl2013
4 days pre
Let the countdown begin!
5 days from now I will be recovering from surgery earlier that morning… too cool!
This past weekend I went to Kohl's to purchase two support bras, soft cup, no underwire… as I walked into the bra section I got so happy! I was so excited about the possibility that very soon I will be able to buy a bra at a normal store! I can buy a bra that fits me at Victoria's Secret or anywhere! Right now I can't; I have to go out to the outlet mall to the Bali, Hanes, Playtex store… they are the only local place where I can find 34 DDD and the supply is so limited… ANYWAY… that doesn't matter because in a very short time here I can buy pretty, cute, colorful bras from any store! I am SO excited!! :)
I am at a conference right now for work, I am hosting meetings with people I work with and having to tell them that I will be unavailable for the rest of the month of November… I say it rather vague and so many people have asked me… "Where are you going on vacation?" or "I hope you are doing something fun!" I tell them about my upcoming surgery and their reaction has primarily been (as they look at my chest)… "Really? I never really noticed." Then I proceed to point 'them' out and then they understand. I obviously have done a real good job of not making my boobs be the focus of my attire; yay, successful deception! Several people shared stories of people they know who have had the procedure done and other have shared their desire to have surgery to alter their breasts, more commonly for an augmentation. I have had several women say "Can I go in with you and get some that they are going to take out of you!" It's so funny, really seems like the grass is greener. It's been a fun ride so far!
I find myself looking at pictures on this site and watching the healing process that everyone has gone through; I truly hope and pray and absolutely believe that my healing will be quick and seamless. I see what some of you have gone through; infractions, splitting incisions, and the need for skin grafts…. that seems so scary… I know you all have managed it but my hope is that things will be perfectly fine during my recovery. (Can you tell I'm put 'positive thoughts' out there? Feeding the law of attraction.) I am a very healthy person, I eat well and exercise often so I know I will have a speedy recovery; like many other women on this site have had.
I will keep updating my review and I thank each of you for reading this and especially thank you for commenting on my post!
This past weekend I went to Kohl's to purchase two support bras, soft cup, no underwire… as I walked into the bra section I got so happy! I was so excited about the possibility that very soon I will be able to buy a bra at a normal store! I can buy a bra that fits me at Victoria's Secret or anywhere! Right now I can't; I have to go out to the outlet mall to the Bali, Hanes, Playtex store… they are the only local place where I can find 34 DDD and the supply is so limited… ANYWAY… that doesn't matter because in a very short time here I can buy pretty, cute, colorful bras from any store! I am SO excited!! :)
I am at a conference right now for work, I am hosting meetings with people I work with and having to tell them that I will be unavailable for the rest of the month of November… I say it rather vague and so many people have asked me… "Where are you going on vacation?" or "I hope you are doing something fun!" I tell them about my upcoming surgery and their reaction has primarily been (as they look at my chest)… "Really? I never really noticed." Then I proceed to point 'them' out and then they understand. I obviously have done a real good job of not making my boobs be the focus of my attire; yay, successful deception! Several people shared stories of people they know who have had the procedure done and other have shared their desire to have surgery to alter their breasts, more commonly for an augmentation. I have had several women say "Can I go in with you and get some that they are going to take out of you!" It's so funny, really seems like the grass is greener. It's been a fun ride so far!
I find myself looking at pictures on this site and watching the healing process that everyone has gone through; I truly hope and pray and absolutely believe that my healing will be quick and seamless. I see what some of you have gone through; infractions, splitting incisions, and the need for skin grafts…. that seems so scary… I know you all have managed it but my hope is that things will be perfectly fine during my recovery. (Can you tell I'm put 'positive thoughts' out there? Feeding the law of attraction.) I am a very healthy person, I eat well and exercise often so I know I will have a speedy recovery; like many other women on this site have had.
I will keep updating my review and I thank each of you for reading this and especially thank you for commenting on my post!
Replies (4)
November 7, 2013
You are so positive and clear, and wonderfully open at work about what is happening, I am sure your result will be great. Not only smaller but more even too. Best of luck and keep us all posted. My surgery is 3rd Jan and it is the second time for me!!!! Had a reduction 37 years ago.
November 8, 2013
Wow, second time! It must not be that bad if you are willing to go through it twice! Did you find that your tissue regenerated?
November 8, 2013
I understand that having a reduction in your teens may mean there is still some growing to do, but think it was more to do with breastfeeding, weight gain and finally the menopause. My first reduction was great but boobs started getting bigger after having a child and breastfeeding. The menopause definitely had an effect, and despite the weight gain, I put more on my boobs than anywhere else and having lost some weight, nothing came off my boobs at all. I am not unique in having to have a second procedure 20+ years on.
November 9, 2013
That's good to know. I have heard of breast size increasing with menopause, which I haven't entered into yet… this is another reason for wanting to go smaller. I have a first cousin who had a reduction and after 10 years they have regenerated and I don't believe she has entered menopause yet either, she's about 45. Thanks for sharing! :)
Replies (6)
Welcome to the community. You can do this and will love the results. Our breasts should not define us and bring us down. I know exactly how you feel and I know that you are on the right track here. The girls gotta go!
I can't even begin to tel you how amazing you will feel when this is done. I cried after my surgery. It was tears of excitement and joy.
I am looking forward to following your journey and seeing your results.
:)