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!

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

I have two aunts that had the procedure, but that was twenty years ago. They were totally thrilled. I've read that one has to wear a special bra with no underwire for awhile after the procedure, that sounds like some sort of BDSM contraption. I don't care. I was fitted with an F cup last year. Crazy.

Good to hear you are on the mend, ND!

Sean, I'm with you. And I'm attending a wedding this weekend.

Just don't go on OK Cupid on your birthday.

Thanks everyone for the b-day wishes!

And one of my students brought me a pan of brownies! :)

Please point the student for me when I'm there to congratulate him/her on having brains.

Drew, glad to hear you're getting better!

Stephanie, much, much ~ma to you and your family during your husband's service. And much safety~ma to him and his unit. Your family will be on my thoughts this year.

Fred, tons of ~ma to Max. You're doing everything you can for him, and I'm sure he knows it. He's a lucky cat to have you and your guy to take care of him. You're all on my thoughts as well.

InmeNews, I am very stressed about not having a job (nothing disappointing as open 7 potential ads, and close them one after another when seeing what they need/want that I cannot provide). I'm starting to feel as if the universe doesn't want to me have a job next year. The market is in a bad shape as is to people who want to work full time, so to people who want to work part-time and/or actually getting paid for their work the situation is rougher.

Also, some things that I can do nothing about are getting on my nerves, from people who can't finish their sentences with a period on Twitter to parents with opinions I cannot change, while they don't understand why their opinions are making me angry. Yes, dad, I'm looking at you and how you think you're a feminist but you're really, really far from it.

Allyson, I my surgery was less than a year ago and I am beyond thrilled with the results.

My GP recommended my plastic surgeon. I went on a consult with her (awesome that it was a woman) and talked to her about it. Then I checked her credentials online--the state boards keep track of complaints and lawsuits against surgeons. Trust your gut. If you're talking to the surgeon and he/she seems like an asshole or doesn't take the time to explain the procedure or doesn't make you feel comfortable, you'll probably regret letting him cut on your boobs.

Word of mouth recommendation is also a good way. Ask for references and call them.

The recovery isn't fun but it's only the first week that sucks. I spent almost a month in the vest but it felt GOOD having it on. I haven't lost that much sensitivity. The worst of my scars are where my drainage tubes were. Those you get to hang on for a almost a week and emptying them is gross but doable.

I went from a large DD to a perky B cup. I can walk out of the house in a camisole AIFG!

Email me if you want more details.

How is it possible that we've worked together eight years?

Girl, I don't even know. I think it took us three weeks to find out our mutual love of Buffy, and then it was on like Donkey Kong.

She's the scarecrow!

Ah, but she has brains, heart, courage, and a wicked sense of humor to boot.

Drew, I know this is a massive transition for you, and a horrible way to kickstart it, but I'm so proud of you for making the hard decisions and committing to these changes. Much love, my friend.