Has anyone had reduction surgery?

[julia & nicks mom]

Sherri,

that totally sucks!!!!! I would be really upset too!!! I am glad that you called them and found out though.

Call the surgeons office and find out what is going on but if I were you, I would seriously consider finding another surgeon. I saw two before i had mine. The first one was not very supporive and made me feel bad for wanting. The second one was woman and the one who did the surgery. She just made me feel so much more comfortable and completely understood why I wanted it.

Finding a surgeon you trust and like is SO important! If you went to see another doctor right away, you wouldn't be any further behind in the insurance process at this point.

When I had mine - I got one of two responses from women "can I have a transplant?" or they asked me all about it b/c they wanted one too - it amazing how many people want them done!! I am so glad I did mine at 22 - the day I got mine done - they were also doing one on a 75 year old woman who had finally had enough!!

Those of you thinking about it - make your appointment today - you will not regret it and you will be surprised at how frequently insurance pays for it!!!

 

[Good Ol Gal]

I called my insurance company directly this morning, the pre quailifacation department. I am so upset I can't even tell you. I was actually crying because the whole 7 or so weeks I have thought the ball was rolling on this. It turns out that they don't even have a record of the request. So what happand to the pictures the Doctor took? And now if they were lost do I have to get more done and do I have to wait over another month for approval? I can't tell you how much pain I am in. I feel really let down by the Doctor. The Docctor is in a nice area and probably gets people coming in paying cash and getting all sorts of things done that my procedure is just a drop in the bucket to him, had I known this I would have gone somewhere else. The really nicel lady at Bluecross that I spoke to said that it is procedure for them to get a call from the Surgeons office, but not one call was made. I am having a really bad morning and now I have to go to work and put on happy face and I am in tears. And yes I no there are worst things in life. If anyone could give me any advice as to where to go from here I would appreciate it.

Oh Sherri I am sooo angry for you!!! Something like that happened to me too! I was approved but neither my ins. or Dr. let me know!

You may want to get another consultation done. You can see how comfortable you feel with both Drs. and pick a good one you feel is working FOR you!

This is a GREAT website for BRs. It saved me during that time. It's like the DIS but for BR. You can even check to see about Drs. in your area... complaints, praise, etc.

All I can say about it is AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME!!

I hope you add you to the Over Rainbow club real soon!!

 

[Good Ol Gal]

double post.... sorry.

 

[Sherri]

Thanks so much everyone for the support. When I went to work today my intentions were to keep this to myself, but then when someone asked if I was okay I said and went on to do my job. My friend (boss) asked again later if everything was okay and I said I just had a really bad headache but then went on to tell her, by then another teacher had joined the group and was listening. They both told me to call the Doctor right then and get answers. Very interesting the one teacher told me she had used that Doctor before and LOVED him. He was one of the top 10 in the Philadelphia Magazines list of best surgeons. She said she thought it had to be an office error. I told them I would call at noon when I get home from work but they insisted that I call right then as today is Friday and it might be a short day for them.
Okay, to make a long story short they checked my folder only to find that they had it all ready to send but it was never sent. The person I spoke to was VERY sorry as she said it was her job and some how never got the chart.
She said she would now rush the process by telling them that we have a surgery date of May 19th and that will sometimes put a rush on things. We don't really have a date but who knows maybe if they approve I could get it done then, that would be great. Should I follow up at the end of next week with the insurance company? They were really, really nice.
I guess what gets me the most is I called a few weeks back and was told that they didn't hear anything. I guess nobody bothered to check my chart to see it wasn't sent. Atleast I know the end will be near soon with all of this no matter what the outcome may be atleast I will have an answer.
I can't thank you guys enough for all of your help.

 

[julia & nicks mom]

Sherri -

sounds like they are willing to accept responsibility for their mistake and maybe they can help move the process along! I hope you get answers soon!!!

 

[Pembo]

Sherri, I'm reading this with interest. As for the doc's office, I've had probs with office staff many times in the past, with no fault to the doc. Hang in there and keep calling both the ins and the docs.

 

[Good Ol Gal]

Thanks so much everyone for the support. When I went to work today my intentions were to keep this to myself, but then when someone asked if I was okay I said and went on to do my job. My friend (boss) asked again later if everything was okay and I said I just had a really bad headache but then went on to tell her, by then another teacher had joined the group and was listening. They both told me to call the Doctor right then and get answers. Very interesting the one teacher told me she had used that Doctor before and LOVED him. He was one of the top 10 in the Philadelphia Magazines list of best surgeons. She said she thought it had to be an office error. I told them I would call at noon when I get home from work but they insisted that I call right then as today is Friday and it might be a short day for them.
Okay, to make a long story short they checked my folder only to find that they had it all ready to send but it was never sent. The person I spoke to was VERY sorry as she said it was her job and some how never got the chart.
She said she would now rush the process by telling them that we have a surgery date of May 19th and that will sometimes put a rush on things. We don't really have a date but who knows maybe if they approve I could get it done then, that would be great. Should I follow up at the end of next week with the insurance company? They were really, really nice.
I guess what gets me the most is I called a few weeks back and was told that they didn't hear anything. I guess nobody bothered to check my chart to see it wasn't sent. Atleast I know the end will be near soon with all of this no matter what the outcome may be atleast I will have an answer.
I can't thank you guys enough for all of your help.

I would be calling every couple of days.. but that's just me. I can be a real pain the bu** when it comes to follow through. You should see all the notes I take when I'm on the phone!!

 

[carone0318]

I had a reduction in Aug 2002. I remember that I went to the Plastic Surgeon in Feb 2002 and I have my surgery on Aug 11, 2002. I was approved the first time it was submitted.

I had about 3lbs removed total. I told my dr take as much as you can without compromising my blood flow. I told her if I wanted to be bigger that is what padded bras are for. I am now a comfortable 36C/38B. As most have said best thing I ever did.

I had the regular anchor type incision and had a perfect recovery. Never a spitting stitch or anything. I was probably ready to go back to work full-time in about 2 weeks, but I had already taken 6 weeks off from work.

There is a wonderful site on-line that I suggest that you go read, it was the best thing for me during my process. www.breasthealthonline.com
They will help you go through the appeal process if you get denied by your insure, seems to be a common thing.

Good luck! You can PM me too if you have any other questions....

 

[Sherri]

Now that I know the ball was dropped once or twice I plan to stay on top of things. I am calling the insurance company on Wednesday to see if they can tell me something.

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

I'm reading this with interest. I am one of the LBG's (Large Busted Gals) at a 40JJ (Just Jinormous!) and have considered a reduction, however I'm also larger all over and with my bustline I'm perfectly proprtioned. *chuckles*

I'm sorry that this has happened to you, Sherri. I'm sorry that the girl at the office dropped the ball. I think she invested in a bit of CYA when she told you she didn't get the file, and now you're going to have to wait longer. Good luck and please keep on top of things (and us posted)

I wish you the best of luck in this endeavour!

 

[Denine]

Things will work out. I am one of many that had their pictures "lost" and had to resubmit. At least your stuff wasn't sent by accident.
By the way, I had about 4 pounds total removed. I love being a 36 C!

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

Sherri,

I just had one done. My surgery was on 4-12-06. You can PM me if you have any specific questions about it. I have an HMO and I guess I was lucky. The initial appointment with the PS took several months but I was approved on the spot at that appointment. Its the surgery scheduling that took about 6 more -months but I was only required to pay 100.00 co-pay. And by the way this was my second reduction. The other was 7 years ago. For some reason they didn't take enough then and then they grew a bit too.
With both surgeries I have had over 5 lbs taken out!!! I don't know my true size now but hopefully it's a small C. I am still swollen and healing and have my 4 week post-op next week. My surgery was as an out-patient this time - the time prior it was overnight. There is pain BUT it is worth it.

Again PM me if you have any questions and good luck.

 

[Chris2597]

I dont know if I would meet the standard for the surgery....I am a 40D....probably could go to a DD....My back, shoulders, neck hurt everyday. I get a horrible shooting pain from my shoulder to my elbow and have indents in my shoulder....Finding a bra that is comfy is about impossible....The wires poke me, elastic band cuts into me...
I guess I am afraid of being turned down....after getting up my courage to go in the first place....

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

I dont know if I would meet the standard for the surgery....I am a 40D....probably could go to a DD....My back, shoulders, neck hurt everyday. I get a horrible shooting pain from my shoulder to my elbow and have indents in my shoulder....Finding a bra that is comfy is about impossible....The wires poke me, elastic band cuts into me...
I guess I am afraid of being turned down....after getting up my courage to go in the first place....

Darlin, it sounds like you're wearing the wrong bra all the way around. Go up to a 42 D and see if that doesn't feel better. The pain your describing sounds like you're pinching the nerves in your shoulders, caused by your straps being too short.

 

[Sherri]

I dont know if I would meet the standard for the surgery....I am a 40D....probably could go to a DD....My back, shoulders, neck hurt everyday. I get a horrible shooting pain from my shoulder to my elbow and have indents in my shoulder....Finding a bra that is comfy is about impossible....The wires poke me, elastic band cuts into me...
I guess I am afraid of being turned down....after getting up my courage to go in the first place....

I would definatly build up the courage and go. I was just approved and I am so happy that I finally listened to the pain and swallowed my pride (i'm kind of shy) and went. Good news is that I am approved, the bad news is I can't get in into July 18th the day after I get back from Disney. They had mid June, but we are leaving for our vacations June 27th. But atleast I will be comfortable for my August Las Vegas vacation.

 

[julia & nicks mom]

Sherri - that is great news!!!!!

I know you will be so happy after!!!

 

[Shannon G]

I wouldlove to have a reduction (and a lift!) but don't think I would qualify to have insurance cover it. I've always been large-busted, but I did end up smaller after having my kids. I've also lost quite a bit of weight in the last couple of years, so the girls got smaller too! I'm now a 32D (tough size to find, let me tell you!) - I'm small around (hence the 32 band size), and wear a size 6 (sometimes a 4, on a good day) but still in a D cup. I count my blessings that I'm not as large as I once was (when I was nursing DD2 I went up to a G cup), but sort of wish I were just a little bit bigger still so I could get the insurance to cover it - I would LOVE to be a small C!

 

[Sherri]

If you are of a smaller frame and have a larger chest (D seems to qualifY) and you have back or neck problems then you just may. May be worth mentioning to your Doctor at your next visit.

 

[MOMOFMNM]

I am getting a tummy tuck this summer
paid for in full by ME...

I am considering a reduction or lift as I am 130 pounds, 5'3 and wear a 34DD.

I lost about 40 pounds and never lost the girls or my flabby belly!!!

so I am saying GOODBYE...soon!!

could not be happier.

I may wait til next yr for the reduction though due to insurance reasons but I do think I would qualify.

FWIW apparently they use to cover tummy tucks but anymore they are almost NEVER covered and even written out of policies. And mine is one of the worst I have seen and still a NO answer, so I am paying OOP...the same summer we go to the Poly!!

dear lord we are going to be so broke!!! BUT happy!!!

 

[Sherri]

I am getting a tummy tuck this summer
paid for in full by ME...

I am considering a reduction or lift as I am 130 pounds, 5'3 and wear a 34DD.

I lost about 40 pounds and never lost the girls or my flabby belly!!!

so I am saying GOODBYE...soon!!

could not be happier.

I may wait til next yr for the reduction though due to insurance reasons but I do think I would qualify.

FWIW apparently they use to cover tummy tucks but anymore they are almost NEVER covered and even written out of policies. And mine is one of the worst I have seen and still a NO answer, so I am paying OOP...the same summer we go to the Poly!!

dear lord we are going to be so broke!!! BUT happy!!!

Good luck on your tummy tuck. I bet you will be so happy with it. Are they very expensive??????