Introduction
Welcome back to my blog series on my breast reduction journey. In my first post, I shared my decision to undergo breast reduction surgery and the factors that led to this choice. Today, I want to delve into the steps I took to schedule my surgery for May 2024, despite being initially told it would be a two-year wait. I’ll also share the blessings and positive experiences I encountered as I prepared for this surgery with complete certainty and confidence.
The Challenge: A Two-Year Waitlist
When I first raised the idea of wanting breast reduction surgery, my family doctor said, "Great. Once you are ready, I should be able to get you a consultation with a surgeon within 2 weeks, and then surgery would likely be within 2 to 3 months from there." I told her that I needed to get healthier and lose some weight before scheduling it, so we left it at that. Fast forward 2 years (following a pandemic), and I decided it was time to make this goal happen.
I created a clear vision of what I wanted my health to look and feel like (e.g., what weight I wanted to be, what clothes I wanted to wear, what pain I was ready to let go of in my back and shoulders). I began replacing one habit at a time with healthier options. Reflecting on my past experiences with weight loss, I knew I wanted to avoid the shame, restriction, and limitations that didn’t work long-term. As a side note, I have been dieting and yo-yoing with my weight for about 20 years.
I thought, "Okay, I want this experience to be easy, fun, and simple to follow. What are 3 things I know will make me healthier that I can start today at my current weight (around or exactly 213 lbs ha)?" Considering my back and knee pain, the immediate ideas were: 1) walk 10,000 steps a day, 2) journal my nutrition daily, and 3) drink about half my body weight in ounces of water per day (100 oz). No magic, nothing complicated. The best part was seeing the benefits almost immediately. I committed to these 3 habits daily and chose 3 to 5 inspired actions weekly to move me closer to my ultimate health goal vision.
I was eager to return to my family doctor's office, proud to share my progress with my overall health and weight loss. My incredible doctor was happy for me and shared my enthusiasm for my progress. Then I told her I was ready to move forward with my breast reduction surgery. At first, I was disheartened to learn that there was now a two-year waitlist. This seemed like an insurmountable barrier, but I was determined to make it happen sooner. I left her office knowing this would be my next goal. I set a goal to have my surgery completed by the last week of April and, in the meantime, prepare my body to be as healthy for surgery as possible.
Here’s how I navigated the process and turned the impossible into reality.
Step 1: Research and Persistence
Thorough Research:
- I began by researching all available surgeons in my area and beyond. I called the surgeon my doctor referred me to, and when they confirmed the two-year waitlist, I asked who that surgeon would recommend. I followed this list of recommendations and called each office to see what their waitlist was. This also included reading reviews, checking credentials, and understanding their reputations.
- I also sought out and spoke with women who had previously had breast reduction surgeries to gather insights and experiences from others who had undergone similar procedures.
Persistence Pays Off:
- I reached out to multiple clinics and surgeons, explaining my situation and expressing my eagerness to have the surgery sooner.
- I made it a point to follow up regularly, showing my commitment and determination.
- Finally, one surgeon's assistant informed me that I could go to a private clinic and pay for the surgery as an option.
Step 2: Flexibility and Availability
Being Flexible:
- I made it clear to the clinics that I was available for any last-minute openings or cancellations. This flexibility increased my chances of getting an earlier date.
- I kept my mind open and made sure I acknowledged that the consultation and surgery appointments would happen exactly when they were supposed to and that I would be ready when the dates became available. I did not allow any room for fear, doubt, or worry in my thoughts, assumptions, or expectations.
Proactive Follow-Up:
- I called one of the private clinics recommended by the public surgeon's office to inquire about a consultation for breast reduction surgery. I felt affirmed and grateful when they told me there was a consultation date available in December 2023.
Step 3: Visualization and Positivity
Positive Visualization:
- I practiced visualization techniques, imagining myself successfully booking and undergoing the surgery. This mental preparation helped me stay focused and positive. It felt great to think about.
- I also journaled daily about all aspects of my goal and filled it with images and affirmations related to my surgery and recovery. This was a fun and creative exercise that brought the right kind of energy to my focus.
Maintaining a Positive Attitude:
- I stayed optimistic and confident, believing that the surgery would happen by the end of April 2024. This mindset helped me handle perceived setbacks and keep pushing forward.
The Blessings Along the Way
As I prepared for the surgery with complete certainty and confidence, I experienced several blessings that reinforced my decision and journey.
Unexpected Experiences:
- I had craved wearing a belt as it seemed like a "skinny person" accessory. I accepted that this was simply a belief I previously held, bought a belt, and now feel like a rockstar every time I wear it.
- I tried on a size of jeans that I hadn't been able to wear for a couple of years, and when I was able to pull them up and zip them with ease, I burst into tears of gratitude.
- My husband and I became a million times more flirty with each other because I was feeling more confident and initiating more interactions. Once he saw that I was feeling better in my own skin, he immediately responded by matching my flirty energy. So fun!
- I was able to remove a beautiful ring gifted to me by a good friend. I had felt so much shame around my inability to remove this ring in the past but refused to have it cut off. Having it slip off my finger one day left me feeling complete pride and gratitude.
Professional Guidance:
- The medical professionals I interacted with were supportive and responsive. Their guidance and reassurance helped me feel confident in my choice and the steps I was taking.
- With the support and experience of professionals, I discovered that I had ADHD, anxiety, depression, and a binge eating disorder. They were brave enough to ask me the questions and guide me through these discoveries.
- I learned there was a difference between my limiting thoughts, self-shaming, and self-doubt versus mental illness.
Personal Growth:
- The entire process taught me patience, persistence, and the importance of self-advocacy. These lessons have been incredibly empowering and have positively impacted other areas of my life.
- I discovered the power of making decisions about my health and what I believe my baseline to be. From there, I thought of ideas or "sparks" as I refer to them, for how to do whatever it takes to make it happen.
Conclusion
Securing my breast reduction surgery for May 9, 2024, (just 9 days past my goal date - pretty good!) despite the initial two-year waitlist, was a journey of determination, positivity, and strategic action. By researching thoroughly, leveraging connections, being flexible, and maintaining a positive outlook, I was able to achieve what seemed impossible.
As I prepared for the surgery, I felt blessed and confident in my decision. I look forward to sharing more about my journey and the outcomes in future posts. Thank you for following along, and I hope my experiences inspire you to pursue your goals with confidence and perseverance.
Stay tuned for more updates, and feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below.
xo Kate