I'm down 77lbs and an old problem has returned with a vengeance.

Just a little bit of background on the situation. Around 2002 I was having a lot of back problems, specifically on the left side under or next to my shoulder blade. It was agonizing. I don't know if it was due to having large, dense breasts and the weight of my breasts was causing the problem, if I had a pinched nerve, if any of it might have been caused by tissue damage from when I had Shingles in that horizontal band of lymph nodes. My OBGYN would give me shots of Xylocane, which would provide relief for a week or two. Then I would go back for another and another, etc. At that time I weighed around 160-170 lbs. I gained a lot of weight in the following months and the problem was not as severe. That is also about the time I moved to another state and gained a lot more weight.

Having large breasts has always caused periods of discomfort. When I exercise I have to wear two or three sports bras at once to provide enough support.

I don't know if this is related either, but I am always wound up or "wired" very tightly. I do not relax. I have a very stressful leadership position, and I'm always going back to school for another degree in something. It could be stress related.

To get more specifically to the point, I have had a LOT of back pain since I've lost the total of 77 lbs since my pre-surgery date. My breasts have not changed in cup size, but my torso has. Before I wore underwire bras with a 44" measurement around and now I'm either 36 0r 38". I just started wearing some old bras that I already had that were about that size.There is no more protruding stomach to help hold all of that up. I have gone to a massage therapist, who was confused as to why she could not work the tension out of my back. I carry around tennis balls to place against a wall and try to lean against it to work out the knots.

I saw my GP this week and discussed this with him and if he thought that a breast reduction would be a viable option. I discussed all of previously related history with him. He prescribed to muscle relaxing related medications for the next 6 weeks to see if that would help me to relax more and he said we could discuss it at my follow-up appointment, but that breast reduction was "big" surgery.

After that appointment I went to the mall to see if purchasing a new bra would help. Nothing at Victoria's Secret fit so I went to Cacique (a Lane Bryant related store) and my current bra size is a 38F cup. I'm only 5'3" and that just seems huge. Right now I weigh 144lbs and am about 8 months out with the desire to lose another 10-15 lbs.

Apparently, for insurance to pay for breast reduction, the pain should be in the upper shoulder area.

Anyone have any experience with a similar problem or know someone who has?

I know lots of ladies who have had breast reductions with great results, a little pain for much relief later.

Get those puppies reduced! I have 42 DDDs and if they don't go down to D's or even better, C's, they are coming off. I don't have pain, but just for the ability to see my scale without smashing in my boobs, and to be able to wear a buttoned blouse that actually fits...

I don't have much hope for them shrinking. I am also 5'3 and I have had DDs since I was 108 pounds in high school.

The problem is, for insurance to cover it, I need the approval and recommendation of a doctor. My GP is not very gung ho about it at all.

Find a doctor that will work with you.

As you go down in weight document and take pictures of your body. Especially if there is rubbing and chaffing that cause skin problems. The information allows you to present it to your doctor and insurance. Especially the insurance company, they always want a history of the problem.

All the best to you.

Go to a plastic surgeon. They can write the recommendation that it is not a cosmetic surgery. If your GP doesn't want to help, go to one that will. As patients we have the right to choose a doctor who will work with us. We don't work for the doc. Their job is to provide medical assistance. Not push their beliefs or personal agendas on us.

The problem is' date=' for insurance to cover it, I need the approval and recommendation of a doctor. My GP is not very gung ho about it at all.[/quote']

Find a different doctor! Absurd to me the stance your GP is taking. I am 5'7" and am still a G cup after 40 pounds lost...however, I haven't ever had pain from my ample ta-tas, but have had many friends who have had reduction and are extremely pleased w results.

That said, reduction is a more extensive surgery than enlargement, but that alone does not outweigh all of the other positives that can come from reduction.

The problem is, for insurance to cover it, I need the approval and recommendation of a doctor. My GP is not very gung ho about it at all.

Get a new doc and complain, a LOT!

I'm a 36 f and I hear you. My aunt had the surgery and she's not in pain now. Bigums run in the fsm

I'm a 36f now and no dr will approve a reduction. I'm 5'3 and 145lbs. I guess it must look "right" on my frame. I was told to work with weights to strengthen my back.

Go to a plastic surgeon. They can write the recommendation that it is not a cosmetic surgery. If your GP doesn't want to help' date=' go to one that will. As patients we have the right to choose a doctor who will work with us. We don't work for the doc. Their job is to provide medical assistance. Not push their beliefs or personal agendas on us.[/quote']

So true. Get a doctor that will help.

Get those puppies reduced! I have 42 DDDs and if they don't go down to D's or even better' date=' C's, they are coming off. I don't have pain, but just for the ability to see my scale without smashing in my boobs, and to be able to wear a buttoned blouse that actually fits...

I don't have much hope for them shrinking. I am also 5'3 and I have had DDs since I was 108 pounds in high school.[/quote']

Every time I lose weight, the last place it comes off is my boobs. I am shorter than you and was in a 46DD. Since being sleeved in March, my weight is coming off there- down to a 44D in 3 mos. I am thrilled- would love to get to a C. I have always been full breasted so I don't think a B is in my future.