So my surgery is TOMORROW! I really cannot believe it's going to happen. I have wanted this surgery for at least 9 years now, and the fact that it is TOMORROW is something I really almost can't believe!! I am having a breast reduction, and there is tons I can talk about on the topic, but I guess I'll just answer the most common questions I get when I first tell people I am having the surgery for now.
1.WHY?
Well..there are many reasons why someone would have a breast reduction. My reasons are personal and are as follows:
A. I HURT. My neck, shoulders, back, arms, etc. The weight from my breast causes so much added strain on my body. I can literally lift my breasts up with my hands and immediately I can breathe better and easier and can feel the stress come off of my back. I am so excited that the surgery will permanently do this for me! I also have tingling/numbness in my arms and fingers from time to time because of the pressure from my bra straps that are supporting my breasts digging into my shoulders (where I have indentions as well). After a long day at work (especially during the times when I have held down two or more jobs that make for super long days) my back bothers me especially bad.
B. My breasts hold me back from participating in things I really want to do. Since I know certain activities will cause me and my back to be in so much pain (jogging, hiking, etc.) I choose not to do them even though I know I am missing out on fun things. It's just not worth the pain.
C. I want to have the freedom to buy normal bras and swimsuits!! I really have never been able to. Have you ever looked for a size 36H-36J cup bra (size depends on the manufacturer) or cup sized swimwear when you were out shopping for yours? If not, I encourage you to try and find some next time you are shopping. Stores just don't carry them. I am so excited to never again make another trip to Breakout Bras in Greenville, or have to special order items online just so they'll fit my chest. In addition, I don't think I have ever paid less than $60 for one of my bras since the larger sizes are so expensive. I'm excited to not have to take out a loan to buy bras anymore!! (lol)
D. I want to feel better about myself. Not even trying on dresses or cute tops because you know without a doubt that they won't fit your breasts is not a good feeling. Trying on something I absolutely love only to have my breasts squish out the sides and/or top, making it something I cannot wear has left my discouraged and in tears in more than one occasion in a dressing room. I'm so ready to not have that to hold me back anymore, and being able to shop freely without shopping for things to fit my chest will be a great confidence/ self esteem boost!
E. I want to sleep comfortably. I have to sleep on my side most nights because my breasts are so large and in the way. I can't sleep on my belly comfortably because they are under me, and when I lay on my back they make it difficult to breathe and are in my face/ under my neck. (lol..it's okay to laugh..it really is ridiculous! haha)
F. I was teased a lot because of my chest when I was in middle/ high school. Because I developed so soon and my breasts were so large, boys especially would make comments about my breasts, and it was a lot of attention that I didn't want, and I became really self conscious because of those comments. Since then I have become a master at disguising just how large they are. I did a lot of research to make sure I have selected great bras that support my breasts, I wear compression undershirts to make them less noticeable under clothes, and I try to select and wear clothing that is not very revealing. I am an intelligent woman who is much more than a set of large breasts, and I don't want them to be peoples' focus when they see me!
In this picture I was probably 11-12 yrs old. You can see I started early in the breast dept.!! I was already a D/DD at this point in 6th or 7th grade.
2. Why don't you just lose weight? Won't that make them smaller?
The short answer is NO..and I tried that. I lost almost 40lbs in 2010, and my breasts remained the exact same size they were and still are. In meeting with my plastic surgeon, I learned that in young women, breast tissue is mostly fibrous and/or glandular-not fat. So, for a young woman like me, losing weight will not make much of a difference because there is not much in there that weight loss will remove. (That explained a lot) My large breasts are a developmental issue..I grew breasts way too large at a very young age, and they can only be made smaller with the reduction surgery.
3. How much does surgery cost?
I am very blessed to have insurance paying for my surgery 100%! It was approved through my insurance company in just two days! The only costs I am responsible for are my $1000 deductible and any prescriptions I need. My surgery was approved because I had notes from several doctors saying that the surgery would benefit me, along with photos and support documents from my plastic surgeon; so it was obvious to the insurance company that this surgery was medically necessary for me.
4. What does your family/ fiance think about it?
I could not ask for a more supportive family/ fiance!! They have all been a great source of support for me, and know how much having this surgery will benefit me, and they are excited for me too! They have seen me struggle for years with this issue and are glad I will not have to worry with it anymore.
This surgery and recovery I am about to start will be a long process. I have so many emotions leading up to tomorrow morning, but mainly I am excited and hopeful for a future with smaller breasts!
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