Can anyone answer my question? (a woman's question)

I will be 8 months post op from open RNY March 19, 2006. My surgery was July 19, 2005. I have lost 78 lbs to date, having just over 110 to lose total. I started at 239 and want to be near 120 when all is said and done. I take this one day at a time, and my labs in January were perfect. However, I was 48DD size in bra, now down to a 38D. I am 46, and soon will be 47. I am single, and not getting any younger. Age and gravity has made my breasts sag like tennis balls in tube socks. Since I am under the care of my surgeon for the next couple years, I asked his nurse when I weighed in last week if he would refer me out to a plastic surgeon to have them reduced and lifted because my back hurts, and the excess weight keeps me from walking more and even jogging. His nurse called and left a message "Doc said he advises you wait until you are one year post op". That would be after July 19th, which is middle summer, and I would like to have it done before summer arrives so that when I'm at the lake I look better - granted I'll look better being thinner, but I just mean "better". A woman my age would possibly understand...I don't know. So what do you think? Should I contact my PCP and talk to her? She also had RNY surgery and knows more of my back pains and issues around this problem, and he may not. Or, should I consult his nurse again and mention my concerns and try to ask one more time? I just feel like everything has to wait, and maybe it does, but I don't think personally that getting my breasts redone is related to my gastric bypass surgery, BUT, I do respect my surgeon and his care means the world to me, and I want to honor his advice....do you think I should or bring it up one more time? Thanks for your answers.

Hi, I can't give you a womans point of view, but how about one from a man who is 40. If you want the operation because your back is causing you great pain then talk to your surgeon directly and stress that point. If its just too look better for yourself, take your doctors advice and wait for your body to heal. It's been through a lot. I understand you are anxious but look at what you have been through. Is a few more months really that much longer? If you are concerned about doing this operation to help you attract a man, he is not worth it. I've looked at your pictures and since I am a stranger I will be honest. You look very pretty in all of your pictures (before and after), the only difference in the newer one is that you look thinner and happier, but you are still as pretty as before. Your comment "Age and gravity has made my breasts sag like tennis balls in tube socks." made me laugh. As a man I will let you in on a secret- we see a lot of this effect on women of all ages, it's nothing new. We are fastinated with breasts and like them in every shape and size. The only change you've done so far that will help you attract someone is that you are happier with yourself. Be proud that you are a 46/47 year old, beautiful woman. If that isn't good enough for a man you meet, then he is not worth bothering with. Please note that this is coming from a guy who is not gay, just grown up. All the best.

Wow Brian. Thanks for saying what you did. I'm not looking to attract a man by doing this, I simply want the change for myself. What kind words you have said, honest and clear, and appreciated very very much. Thank YOU.

From experience I can tell you that it will help your pain more than you would ever have thought to have a reduction. And the lift is usually part of the reduction. I had an excellent surgeon in Petosky Dr. Kane. I actually got a referal from my chiropractor to see him and then went from there. You have to meet certain criteria for insurnace to cover it, but you can check with them on the items that they require. As for your surgeon saying to wait, I think you might want to ask him why before you do anything, it might be so you don't lose more weight and have to have a second surgery if you lose more weight. I would atleast ask him or her why they have said to wait. BUT, when the time comes and you get the "go ahead" do it! its one of the best things I have ever done for myself (pain relief wise) P.S.....You have already skipped the # one thing my surgeon made me do "lose weight" prior to surgery. Good Luck with whatever you decide. Melissa

i would do what your surgeon says............in addition to breast weight causing back pain--there is also pain that may develop because of change of posture due to the weight loss and how your frame bears the weight as it shifts..............i'd say tighten those tube socks and let those girls be until you have your weight off-then the reconstruction will be great! good luck rae

Wow. Tough question,,,, I'm gonna answer without looking at any replies to see if I measure up later. In the way of health you should act asap. Pain is not good and the sooner you get relief the better. However you probably haven't stablized your weight loss yet and having PS when you may loose more - and you said another 40 lbs if I count right - that's 50% more to what you've lost already and that may be early for you. That's pretty substantial and your ps may not give you the results you want in the end. So you have a lot of thinking to do. I am not an expert on womens clothing. Are there support garments availiable for folks in your situation? something that may buy you some time? I know back pain and that's just not cool at all. Yeah, talk to him again and talk about the pain aspect. good luck. kp @ goal

At this point I am about 40 lbs from goal. Estimated. And the pain could be from posture as earlier posted, but I have 7 fractured ribs as mentioned earlier. Yes, there are things women can wear but in jogging and walking I prefer to wear a sports bra and can never find one that fits just right to keep things from bouncing all about. Ok so I was blessed when I was younger with a large chest but now, tucking them in and pretending they don't exist is easier said than done!!!!!!!!!! I believe that he (my surgeon) may NOT be aware of the things I feel so after reading all your posts I am going to schedule a meeting with him to further discuss it and ask why I need to wait, etc. The referral is simply because that is how my insurance works and I do not feel the regards to coverage is important as prior to surgery I was experiencing the same thing I am now. Pain in my back, my ribs, and shoulders. So I don't believe this is related to my surgery in any way. Thanks to all who answered my question and your honesty.

You WLS probably aggravated the situation, right? Like Rea said, we shift around pretty good. If you go now will you have to do it again in 40 lbs? Now that's your goal but what happens if you, like me, blow past your goal? Let's say to 50 lbs more. You are in a rock and a hard place. A guys solution would involve duct tape. kp @ goal

I don't know what insurance you have. Is it a referral you need? Why wouldn't you go to your pcp and ask? I'm sure since your pcp had rny herself, and she's seen you for your back pain, that she would refer you herself. Is the back pain documented? I always go through my pcp before my surgeon, besides my checkups. As for the sagging, i so understand. What works is buying a push up bra. I was in the same size bra as you pre op, and am now down to a 38c. I was shocked. But the push up bra looks great. I am in the same boat as you, my pcp is looking for a good ps for my tummy tuck because of all the back pain i'm having . It's from all the excess skin pulling. I hope you find something out soon, the pain sucks. Hugs Linda

I can relate to this having gone from a 44DD to a 34D. We're also close to the same age so I can relate to the tube sock comparison. One thing I do when exercising is wear a zip-up sports bra over my regular bra for much more support. Also I have bought several new swimsuits called "Miraclesuits" that some in underwire D cup.There're pricey but worth it for the support.