surgery in 45 hours.... a bundle of nerves!

7-9-05 I have been meaning to get caught up, but couldn't seem to find the time. I am having a breast reduction, & an abdominoplasty revision done on Mon. 7-11-05, at 7:30 AM. I will be staying overnight at Harbor Hospital in Baltimore. The surgery is scheduled to last 8 hours! I have been very concerned about what would be the 'right' cup size for me. I started this journey out wearing a 48F. Now, I wear a 38F. My surgeon & I have discussed my desired out come at great lengths. I want to remain a full C to a D. I can't imagine being smaller then a full C, for myself. However, the main reason that I am paying $9200.00 (out of pocket) for this procedure, is because my backs hurts me so badly, constantly. I tried to get ins to pay. They would only pay if I had 5 lbs of breast tissue removed. My surgeon said that would make me a B cup! I appealed their decision & was denied, again. So, here I am having it done self pay. Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Thanks & may God continue to bless us, all. Hugs, Karen

Right now I am a 52FF and I would like to be a 42 DD/E. I can't see being any smaller than a D cup because of my height and bone structure. Asking you to go below a C is a bit much.But if they only offer you a B-then you have to decide if comfort is more important than anything else.. Melanie..

Doesn't insurance take into account that you are having a reduction from an F to a C? The only reason why that much tissue might not weigh five pounds is that when you lose as much weight as you have, your breasts deflate like balloons! I would keep at them if I were you. Also, make sure your surgeon weighs what he removes - it might turn out to be five pounds after all. Good luck, and congratulations on your fantastic weight loss!!

I had breast reduction a few years ago and went from a DDD to a nice full C and insurance covered it at 100% due to the back issues. I'm shocked that they won't pay with you starting at an F. Ironically, I had the reduction well before I even considered the RNY. I've already gone from a full C down to a smaller C!! Hopefully I won't need implants.. hahaha! It is good you are going to get what you want and can pay out of pocket. You asked for words of encouragement - think about focusing on the end result and visualize how you will look once you heal. I bet you are going to look amazing and it will all be worth it! Good Luck!

HI STAYCE...MY HUSBAND AND I ARE MILITARY AND JUST GOT TO FORT MEADE A LITTLE OVER A MONTH AGO. CAN YOU TELL ME WHERE I CAN FIND GOOD SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS? THANKS SO MUCH AILEEN

If you can get to Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, they have both pre-op and post-op support groups/seminars every month. Dr. Gandsas, who is the head of Bariatric Surgery at Sinai, is frequently at these meetings. The post-op seminars are at Sinai in the Zamoiski auditorium from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month. If you're interested, the pre-op seminars are at 6:00 p.m. at the Timonium Holiday Inn the First Monday of every month (this month it's on 7/11 - tomorrow - because of the holiday last Monday). There are a lot of people who had surgery with other doctors who come to Sinai's support group meetings.

Welcome to MD Aileen! My surgeon hasn't started support group meetings yet so I started an online support group that you are welcome to join. It is more specific to Dr. Kligman's patients but you are welcome to come hang out with us anyway. You can go here to sign up - http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/kligmankrew/join I know Bayview Hopkins runs regular monthly support groups and they have a nice group. I'm sure they would not mind if you attend.

ohh.. and in case you missed this other thread - check out the group in Pasadena - http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/state-forums/MD/postdetail/14367.html?vc=0