Happy birthday omnis! May it be filled with that thing you like.

Happy Birthday omnis!

So, i went to dancing, and wasn't feeling it, and had this invite to a birthday party from this girl I know (but not well), and decided WTF, I'd go hit up her birthday. But then I drive all the way to West Seattle, and the bar is (a) mad sketch, and (b) all parked up. It had a tiny parking lot, but then was the only thing around on a busy road, so it's not like I could just park down the street. So I drove past it twice, and decided to chicken out and come home early. Sigh. I was hoping there'd be cute girls there to flirt with, but...

I feel you, Sean. Well, not like that.

This may be TMI, but I've been wanting breast reduction surgery for years, and will probably be in a solid financial place next year (within 18 months) to be able to at least finance the procedure, if not just pay it on a very low interest card from my credit union.

I don't have any idea how to begin researching a surgeon, here. I mean, I'm in the plastic surgery capital o' the world. There seems to be thousands of them.

It's possible that my insurance will pay for some if not all, but I'm also concerned about scaring, and would like them lifted. I'm unsure if my insurance will pay for anything more than a cheap reduction to relieve pain in my back and neck.

I understand that there will be some scarring, as well as a possible loss of sensitivity. I'm not going to be having children, so breast feeding issues aren't a concern.

How does one research a good surgeon. I don't need a rock star overpriced boutique surgeon, just a good one. How do I know if I'm talking to a butcher?

What sort of requirements exist for plastic surgeons?

All I know about plastic surgeons is that you want someone who is Board certified. And I would think you'd want someone who was trained as a surgeon first and foremost, not a dermatologist or some other related but not surgical specialty.

A friend of mine had a double masectomy with reconstruction last year. I could ask her about how she found her plastic surgeon. Have you asked your primary care doctor? If you like and trust your doctor, that's where I'd start.

In general I'd expand that to asking any medical person actively working within the medical system you know and trust. If not a doctor, a nurse or Physical therapist. (A good physical therapist you trust will generally know of good doctors in a variety of specialties.)

It's possible that my insurance will pay for some if not all, but I'm also concerned about scaring, and would like them lifted. I'm unsure if my insurance will pay for anything more than a cheap reduction to relieve pain in my back and neck.

My understanding, and I've only researched this haphazardly, is that there is one predominant technique used in the US that achieves both reducing and lifting. I think its pretty boilerplate.

My other understanding is that every single solitary woman I know who has gotten a reduction has been thrilled with it.

And definitely a few b.orgers have had and talked about the procedure.

It's a huge step, as all surgeries are whether elective or not, but YAY you. I've never known anyone who hasn't been really happy with the procedure. I wish you luck, fewer back and neck issues and a good experience!

I just got back from the gym. This may not sound like much, but I've made it every day since monday and have been on the treadmill for no less than 45 minutes each day. At least 35 minutes of that time (and usually closer to 45 minutes) has had my heart rate up to about 135 bpm, which is smack in the middle of cardio for me. This now has to be part of my routine 7 days a week. Three weeks in the hospital is a hell of a way to get a kick start like this, but there it is, life changes come in all sorts of ways.

Yay for recovery progress, Drew!