I'm Approved for BL/BR

I can't believe it! My insurance company approved my breast lift/reduction today. I called the PS to see if they heard anything yet and they said they just got the authorization about an hour before I called. I then told them that we needed to hurry up and get it done because I found out I am going to have to find another job by the end of September . I am a government contractor and the government code that I work for doesn't have a contract in place with my company and they can't get one done before I run out of money. I know I will be with this company until the end of September so my plastic surgery is now scheduled for Sept. 18th!!!!! I can't believe this is actually happening. I'm still about 15 lbs away from goal but my Doctor told me it wouldn't matter too much. But I am going to really get my eating in gear between now and then and maybe I'll be within 5 lbs of goal by my surgery date. On another note, I bought a size 8 pair of shorts Friday and then fit great!!!! Then I went to the gym and after my PT session, I ran - yes, ran - 1 mile on the treadmill without stopping! Life is good, even when it's not. Thank you God for all the blessings you have given me in my life. And Thank you fellow surgery buddies for all your support. Susan

Congratulations! yippppeeeeeee that is just wonderful!!!! keep us posted and good luck with with your NEW job!! hugs, Britt

Thanks, Britt! I'll keep everyone posted on what's going on. Exciting but scary! I've always wanted to get rid of my big boobs but now that the time is here I'm very nervous. What if I don't like my new boobs? Even though WLS was a major surgery, the outside of my body didn't look any different. Now I'm getting rid of some body parts sort of and it is now the point of no return. I've wanted this my whole life but now I'm worried about the outcome. I know I'll come through the surgery fine and with no complications but I'm scared I won't like my new breasts. Does that make sense? I know - just rambling! Susan

Wooooooooo Hooooooooooo!!!!! Congrats Susan!!! WTG!!! I am so excited for you... so much good news in one post.. I am sorry about your job, but at least the doctor is working with you so you can get it all completed before you have change jobs.... how exciting.... SIZE 8!!!!! WTG!!!!! I am sure you are thrilled.... I am amazed that you can run a full mile without stopping... I get on my treadmill for a mile and a half, but I only run 1/8 of a mile at a time, then I walk 1/8 of a mile then run.. and so on... I want to be able to run a full mile one of these days, but I have to work up to it. I have not exercised much since my surgery and just started about a week ago... I will get there.... I just can't imagine it.. my hubby can't believe I do what I do... I will have to tell him about your accomplishments.... Congrats again... you are an inspiration!!! Shawn M.

Thanks, Shawn! I know it was a lot of stuff in one post but I felt like I was going to explode if I didn't tell someone! You'll be running a mile before you know it. Actually though, I have heard (and believe) that running/walking like you are doing is better for you than just running. I just wanted to see if I could do it. I have been exercising since the doctor okayed me after surgery. This is my second 3 month session with my personal trainer and if it weren't for him pushing me I probably would have slacked off. But when I have an appointment it makes me get there no matter what, which keeps me accountable. I think that is why my weight is slow to come off also. I'm exchanging my fat for muscle but the scale doesn't really like that. But my body has changed drastically even though the scale is stuck. Just keep plugging along and you will get to where you want to be. Just don't give up and remember to take it one day at a time. Hugs, Susan

Susan, Wow, you got insurance approval without a hassel? That, my friend is God's hand at work. Insurance companies love to deny us at every opportunity. You are truly blessed. Please keep us up to date on your progress. You are probably the first of our Nov 2006 group to have plastics. We are all anxious about the process and the outcome. I am sure we will have lots of questions and I hope you won't mind us being curious. Congrats, Valorie

I know - I can't believe they approved me. But they approved my WLS in about a week with no problems either. I really hate leaving this job because of the great insurance I have. Oh well. I hope I'm about finished with surgeries anyway! lol. I'll keep everyone up to date with my upcoming surgery. If anyone has any questions just ask and I'll see if I can answer them or at least point you in the right direction. Hugs, Susan

Susan, I just read about Shawn wearing a size 8 and now I read you post too!!! How wonderful and exciting! Sorry about the government contracting job. I hope you can get another one soon and something challenging, secure and very well paid!!! I'm surprised the insurance company was so cooperative regarding your breast lift/reduction! I was going to save breasts til last but now maybe there is some hope! What did the PS say to convince them? Good luck, keep us well informed and have a quick and painless recovery!!

Thanks, CeCe. I'm so happy about being in a size 8. I can't even remember when the last time I wore as size 8 was - probably before puberty! I don't know how my PS got it approved other than coding it correctly and giving them lots of information and pictures. I also had 2 letters - 1 from my PCP and 1 from my GYN, both stating that I had chronic infections under my breasts, the shoulder pain, and the self-consciousness. I used to be a 42DDD and now I am a 38C but they look like water balloons and feel like they weigh 5 lbs each! So whatever my PS said and did worked because I am scheduled!!! My PS also wants me to have a LBL and he told me he would do whichever one I wanted first so I chose my breasts because they have always made me feel self-conscious. Plus I knew there was a chance for insurance to cover the procedure and my LBL is going to be self-pay. I'm lucky that I don't have the drooping panni but I've got the hips and extra skin going on which doesn't look that great. But I can live with it for a while until I can save up enough money to pay for it. Susan

That's great news! Remember that you can probably COBRA that great insurance for awhile after the job ends if you need to. I can't wait to hear how things go. Keep us posted!