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!