"Pain"

Just wanted to write a quick post about pain associated with this surgery.  Several women I know(including myself) have said that the fear of the pain of the surgery has prevented them from pursuing it.

Well, I am hear to say, it really shouldn't.  There are good reasons to choose not to have the surgery, but "pain" is not one of them. And the reason it is not a good reason is because there is hardly any (especially in comparison with the pain of living with large breasts).

For those of you who have breastfed a baby, this surgery is much less pain and discomfort than nursing.  Unlike nursing, you can take pain medication to help with any discomfort.  Also, the pain is all gone in a matter of week--not months.  So, be encouraged, if you have overcome that hurdle, you can easily get through this sort of ordeal.

Another good way to think about the "pain" you might feel with this surgery is that the "pain" which is really better described as "discomfort" is extremely temporary.  After a few short weeks of recovery, you will feel totally normal, even more so than before.  

So as you think about this surgery remember:

The pain and discomfort of large breasts is constant and lasts a lifetime.  Breast reduction discomfort only lasts a few weeks, and is soon forgotten in light of a new life.

Moments of Freedom: Privacy

It may seems strange, that a new found freedom of this surgery is privacy--especially in light of the fact that basically my breasts now have their own blog and that many of my conversations discuss my breasts and such.  However, it is true.  I now feel more...private in that area.  Let me explain.

A few weeks after the surgery I was helping prepare for Liam Davids birthday party.  I had errands to complete in the Bay Hills Shopping Center (a strip mall near my parents house).  As I walked form one store to the next I realized I would have to walk though a group of seedy looking men in order to get to my next stop.  As usual, I braced myself: "Just walk confidently, and keep your eyes straight ahead".  I usually do this kind of self talk to help me deal with the inevitable stares, and to avoid ANY mixed messages.  If you aren't careful, these types of characters will think that you enjoy their attention and desire more.

And as I passed, I could see in my peripheral vision that not one man was starring.  They didn't even notice me.  

I felt so free.

It is so freeing to not attract the attention of less then honorable men.  

It is even more freeing to not attract the attention of honorable men.  Before, my breast were so large that it would be difficult for any man, even the nice ones, to not look.  I could see it and sense it in church and small groups, good guys trying not to look.  I tried to make things less...attractive, but there is only so much a girl can do to disguise 5 lbs of breasts, you know?  I feel so much more comfortable and less distracting to the men I encounter.  Such a relief.

And because my breasts are no longer "out there" for everyone to see, they have become much more private and secretive.  I enjoy that they are now only for me and my husband, and not the shady men on the street.  So even though I may share lots of information about my breasts, my privacy is totally maintained in their new size and shape :)  It's fun to have smaller breasts.

Operation Freedom Q&A

Lately, I have received many inquires from friends and friends of friends who are considering breast reduction surgery. And I love it! I’m so glad other women are thinking about doing this! I love this surgery and what it has done for me and my family. Because of these positive life changes, I feel every large breasted woman should consider this surgery for herself. The following blog is a Q&A of real life questions interested women have asked me. Hopefully the answers will serve as an encouragement to any woman considering this for herself and her family.

Q: Did you have to have documented visits with the doctor about back pain, etc to get insurance to cover it? Did insurance cover it?
A: After we decided that we wanted to pursue the surgery, I made an appointment with my general physician to discuss the possibility. Also, we researched plastic surgeons and settled on Dr. Adam Basner. At the general physician appointment, she immediately agreed that I should have the surgery, and told me she have never had a friend or patient regret the surgery.
We called our insurance company to find out more details about coverage and our doctor etc. And like most calls to our insurance company, we couldn't get a straight answer. One person said, "It will be covered" another person said, "We will cover up to 1, 700". Ultimately the answer was they couldn’t say how much it would cost us until we were billed. Super.
We did more research and found that the average cost of this surgery was around $3,400, but that our surgeon charged $6,800 dollars. And, with a little more research, we found out that with this type of surgery, you get what you pay for. Therefore, we decided that even if we had to pay ALL $6,800, plus meds (not to mention travel) it would be worth it to get it done now and get it done right.
In the end, we haven't paid a dime for the surgery. That's right, even though we were prepared to pay for it in full--it was TOTALLY covered. What a HUGE answer to prayer.

Q: What other doctor appointments did you have to make?
A: I flew to MD for a free consultation with Dr. Basner. It was wonderful. He put me totally at ease and he and his staff assured me that I would greatly benefit from the surgery. At that appointment I was scheduled for surgery one month later. Also, I had a pre-op physical with my general doctor one week before surgery.

Q: What size did you start out?
A: At the time of the surgery, I was filling out an H cup. However, you by no means have to be THAT large to have a breast reduction. I know women who were a D cup who benefited from the surgery. It not just a reduction, but a lift as well. Hanging breasts, no matter how large can cause back pain and other unpleasant side effects. There is a certain amount that must be removed for some insurances to cover the procedure, but I was told it was such an insignificant amount that it isn’t anything to be concerned about. But definitely something to ask an insurance company about.

Q: What size did you end up?
A: Well, I'm not certain, cause I haven't gone new bra shopping yet (but I'm going on Sat). I asked to be a small C, but I think I may have ended up a full/large C. My doctor said he would try to get as small as possible, but ultimately he wanted to make me proportional. I honestly don't care what the cup size is, because they look AMAZING. They match and look totally natural—even more than before! NOTHING hangs down or burdens my shoulders. I am totally free.

Q: How will this effect breast feeding?
A: I am told that there is an 85% chance that I WILL be able to breastfeed. But from other research I’ve done, even if I can breastfeed, there is a very small chance that I would be able to breastfeed exclusively—meaning I would have to supplement with formula. I am kind of an all or nothing kinda girl, so I am getting used to the idea that I may have to formula feed my other babies. However, I want what is best and most healthy for my family (one of the reason I had the surgery in the first place), so I think at first I will try nursing, and if it is too much pain for me or not enough milk for the baby, we will stop. But obviously, I’m gonna have to cross that bridge when I get there. If anyone has helpful information about BFAR (breast feeding after reduction) let me know ☺!

Q: What was recovery like? How long were you in pain?
A: The pain and recovery process was really not a big deal. I set aside 3 weeks, which was plenty of time. I felt immediate relief after the surgery. I had the drains removed after two days. The stitches came out a week later. There was certainly some significant swelling and tenderness for the first two weeks. But, honestly, I found this experience to be less painful, and certainly shorter term than say breast feeding. Plus, with this you get to take pain medication.
On a side note, the only complication I had was that I discovered that I have an allergy to adhesive. So I was especially itchy from the surgical tape. But that cleared up quickly. That might have been the worst of it. Looking back, it wasn’t really a big deal at all. I would’ve endured much worse to have the life I have now.

Q: When could you start exercising after?
A: I started walking slowly on the treadmill a few days after the surgery. I was given permission to get back to my regular exercise (but not running) after two weeks.

Q: How did this effect your work?
A: I was not able to take care of Liam(1 yr. old and not walking) at all for the first week, as I would have had to carry him and such. I was staying with my mom, and she did a GREAT job taking care of him, and I was happy to get a break—surgery or not. I think, realistically, I could have resumed my job after two weeks—but I’m thankful I got three weeks of full recovery. If he had been a little younger or a little older, it would’ve been easier for me to return to work sooner—but he was so big, and strong, and dependant that it was better for a healthy Mommo to take care. Which of course, she loved. ☺ We are so blessed.

Q: What did your husband think and feel before the surgery?
A: My husband, Sam, was totally supportive of this whole process. I was clearly not the only one suffering from this. Although he’d never admit it, the strain on my back forced him to pick up some of the slack around the house. Also, he had to watch me be in pain, which he hated cause he loves me. Also, he suffered from the negative body image I had—he wants me to feel as beautiful as he thinks I am. Anyway, even though it meant no more huge breasts (which he loved), he felt it was worth changing for the greater health benefits.

Q: What does he think now?
A: Sam is COMPLETELY happy with the outcome of the surgery—and not just the health reasons. I look SO much better than before—it is a dream come for him and for me. I admit, he stares at me twice as much now—he can’t keep his eyes off. He says, “I loved your body before, but now… I mean, you look so much better!” Plus, I feel more lovely. So, everybody wins.
Also, I am able to exercise much more effectively now, so everything is just getting better and better. I am finally losing some of that pregnancy poundage, and feeling great! I would NEVER have been able to do it before—but more on that later.

Okay, so let me know if you have more questions! I really want to be a helpful resource to ANYONE who is considering this procedure—I am not shy, so no question is “too personal”. I’d love to help!

Moments of Freedom: Movement

About a week and a half after the surgery, I was walking in the treadmill, sporting a new sports bra underneath my tee shirt.  I had get off for a second to pick something off the floor when I noticed something different.  Something good. 

You see, before the surgery, I would always calculate the effort and inconvenience it would take to bend over to pick something up.  Effort, meaning to strain on my back.   Inconvenience meaning the likelihood of my bra strap slipping off my narrow shoulders, then having to hoist it back up again--additional effort.

As usual, I calculated.  Seeing as it was my water bottle I needed, I figured it was worth it.

Then it happened.  

Nothing.

There was no back strain.  My bra strap didn't slip--racer backs can't (I've never been able to wear this style before).

My eyes welled up with tears as  I moved my arms and torso in all directions with out ANY negative consequences.  I know it seems like a small thing, but it is huge to me.

I have been enjoying picking things up, like Liam, liberally without calculating and without the prior the effort or inconvenience.  Freedom indeed :)

Moments of Freedom: Folded Arms

For those of you interested in my recent operation, I thought I'd follow up with the additional freedoms I now enjoy with shorter posts called "Moments of Freedom"

Today: Folded Arms

Just four or five days after the surgery, I was happily chatting in the kitchen with my mother and sister. I noticed my body language didn't match the lighthearted mood of the conversation.  You see, I was crossing my arms.  Never in my adult life have I been able to casually and comfortably fold my arms across my body.   When I realized what I was now able to do, I'm sure I interrupted someone and said, "I apologize--I'm not really upset, but LOOK!  I can fold my arms!  This is so great!"

My mom promptly took my picture :)  

So if you see me somewhere, arms crossed or folded or whatever it's probably not because I'm upset.  It's because I can.  And that makes me a happy lady.

Operation Freedom: Before and After

Needless to say, we LOVE the results of the operation. I have LOTS to say about this experience, which I hope to write about soon. Right now, I am thankful to be home with my love, Sam, and am keeping busy unpacking and whatnot. Thanks for checking in with us!

Update

Today marks day 5 of my new freedom.  Things are getting better all the time.  

I will say, though, after my last update(on the day of the surgery) things got a little worse. Meaning, the pain was a little more intense and was accompanied by some nausea.  On Thursday I had the drains taken out(not painful).  On the way home my nausea increased, but after a brief bit of vomiting, and another does of Zofran, I felt much better and have been feeling better ever since.  I honestly don't remember much about these past 5 days, but I am encouraged by the way my body is healing--even though it itches like crazy!

I didn't have the courage to look when they took off the first dressing, but Sam and my mom did, and were both stunned by the results.  Apparently, everything looks perfect.  No bruising. No puffy swelling around the incisions.  Everything fair and balanced.  Needless to say, we are all very glad for our doctor who did such a great job.  My mom keeps saying, "It's like artwork.  Totally amazing!"  I look forward to Tuesday when the stitches come out--I plan to take a good look then.  

When I climbed into bed last night, I realized that not once in the past 5 days have I "had" to lay down because my back hurt.  It's just so wonderful to feel free of that burden.  It turns out that nearly 3lbs was removed from both breasts. My mother-in-law noted that that is the equivalent of 12 sticks of butter.  So, yeah, it's a lot of weight to not have hanging around anymore.  I am SO glad I can't even tell you.

Sadly, Sam had to return to FL today.  I am very sad about it. But I know there is a happy happy reunion just two weeks away. So, I look forward to that, while I enjoy the rest of my time here with friends and family.  Let me know if you want to hang out :)

Also, please feel free to ask me questions!  I'd love to give you some answers if I can :)