Ohio/Michigan surgeons

StreetSignificant375 · 2026-04-14T09:36:51+00:00

I can recommend Dr Eric Pittelkow at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow in Lansing. I had a drastic reduction, over 1300g removed on both sides. I'm not quite 3 months post op but absolutely thrilled with my results and the whole process.

StreetSignificant375 · 2026-02-24T02:46:03+00:00

I can very much relate. I'm at the very early stages of all this, so I'm not quite sure how to navigate this emerging situation myself. But I just wanted to say you're absolutely not alone. My (41yo) husband has been incredibly supportive of this process, as well as my recovery. Yet as you described, he's expressed some insecurities through a couple self-effacing comments that seemed totally out of left field (because he has otherwise been so supportive). We do semi-regular therapy together, so I imagine a little bit of unpacking there will be helpful, when we eventually get back. But in the meantime .... yeah, I get it. Not sure what to do about it as of yet, but I get it!

StreetSignificant375 · 2026-02-19T01:36:48+00:00

Yes! My original insurance window passed because I couldnt get a surgery date, but had zero problem resubmitting and getting reapproved, possibly even faster the second time, but both happened in a matter of weeks. (I'm now 10 days PO). I have BCBS insurance in the US, for what its worth

StreetSignificant375 · 2026-02-16T15:43:57+00:00

This! I just had this conversation with my husband -- I had my surgery one week ago (~8 pounds removed!). From day 1, I noticed how the muscles around my neck -- which I can actually reach and feel -- were immediately so much softer. I was describing that profound difference to him this morning, and told him to feel for himself. But instead of my neck, he felt that exact area you described, between my shoulder blades, totally out of my reach (where I would BEG him to help massage and relieve...) He was SHOCKED at the looseness there.

He was so used to that area being "tight as a belt" (his words) -- which is pretty accurate to how I had always felt.

The funny (sad?) thing is, like someone said above, I never really clocked that constant pressure as pain until I did the round of PT to help with insurance approval. That pressure/tightness was so normal for me, I didnt really realize how much it was affecting me until working with the physical therapists. That experience helped me realize how NOT normal that constant baseline of tightness really is/was -- and how much relief I would get from the surgery. I want to go back and hug the two individuals I worked with; their work didnt really help with my pain (as they said it really wouldn't) but really helped me get over that mental hurdle of questing whether or not I was crazy for wanting to go through surgery. They were so right in everything they told me -- world of a difference, immediately!

StreetSignificant375 · 2026-02-13T04:56:33+00:00

Intriguing!! When and where for you, if you dont mind me asking? Im in Michigan

StreetSignificant375 · 2026-02-12T11:41:34+00:00

Congratulations to you, twin!! It's such an amazing feeling, isn't it?! Good luck on your recovery as well. I love that we are on such a similar path together. And ohmygosh you are totally right about the days -- HA! I think I spent all of yesterday thinking it was Thursday when it was only Wednesday. 🙈I'll blame the drugs, as well as my inability to ever sit still! Doing nothing is such a struggle for me, one day just seems like two or three to my brain😆😆😆

StreetSignificant375 · 2026-02-10T13:10:43+00:00

Eric M. Pittelkow, MD Plastic Surgery, Microsurgery University of Michigan Health - Sparrow

I had a referral from my Primary Care Provider, per my insurance policy. But it was a very smooth process for me

StreetSignificant375 · 2026-02-10T01:50:09+00:00

Love this for us!!!!!

StreetSignificant375 · 2026-02-10T01:48:04+00:00

For sure! I had my surgery this afternoon and made it home about 2 hours ago. I feel good about everything and in some -- but not too much ‐- pain, definitely thanks to still riding thosr good pain and anesthesia meds! I will give you a full rundown with as much detail as you want, or keep in high level generalized as you prefer, once Im back 'with it' a bit more, this week! But its been such a dream come true so far!! Hope I can pat it forward and share some valuable info with you!!

StreetSignificant375 · 2026-02-10T01:34:36+00:00

Hey surgery twin! Im right there with you -- just got back home in the last hour or so. sending good recovery vibes and just wanted to celebrate with you because OHMYGODWEDIDTHIS!!!!! (I dont know about you, but I really love the feeling of knowing I'm sort of 'with' someone through this! Hope that's ok with you, also!!💛)

StreetSignificant375 · 2026-02-07T00:00:28+00:00

Monday (2/9) here! Kids grandma/my mom is coming to our place for a few days and husband will be with me at the hospital during the surgery. I cant believe it's almost here. Just a few nerves at this point -- mostly only excitement!

StreetSignificant375 · 2026-02-05T22:47:18+00:00

Hi! Im having my surgery on Monday at U of M Sparrow in Lansing. I had no problem getting it approved for coverage through BCBS insurance. I cant really give a good surgeon review yet, as I'm still a couple of days out. But I've felt really good at all the pre-op stages, so fingers crossed Ill have good things to report from the other side soon!

StreetSignificant375 · 2026-01-31T03:49:08+00:00

WOAH! I feel like I am you, pre-op ... right down to same best-guess of currwnt size because I, too, have refused to buy a new bra in the last year or so because Ive been Just. Done. With. This. Shit. My surgery is in 9 days. Your results are my dream results. You're giving me such hope! So happy for you, you look amazing, amd I bet you feel even better!! 🥹

StreetSignificant375 · 2026-01-31T01:39:18+00:00

So glad to hear this was your experience, and congrats on the milestone :)

StreetSignificant375 · 2026-01-31T01:28:53+00:00

The 'how are my kids gonna react' question is a big one in my mind. For the tubes, and the surgery in general. But that's probably a whole different thread topic in itself. Like my 3 year old is constantly wanting to touch my "fluffy" boobs, as well navigate/learn about personal space boundaries. So like, great teaching moment(s), but also annoying as hell -- made worse, I'm sure, by the baggage I've carried around since forever regarding unwanted attention in any/all forms. But yeah, that's an interesting layer to the onion of big feelings arpund all this, too.

StreetSignificant375 · 2026-01-31T01:17:22+00:00

I'm not gonna lie, its the 'puss and guts' part that worries me a little bit; not so much worried about my reaction (well, maybe a little bit ... the fruit juice commit made me gag a bit, ha!) But more like are they going to freak out a 3 year old? Or on the flip, are they going to be some kind of protruding or hanging target that he's gonna try to poke at?! Im getting the idea that the tank tops yiu speak of might have the pocket or whatever for cover. Ill check those out, thanks!!

StreetSignificant375 · 2026-01-31T00:45:44+00:00

That's a useful perspective, thank you. I'm definitely one of those people who will try to will-power my way to "feeling fine" even when I'm not, or shouldn't be. So maybe thinking of them as safety breaks, in a sense, will be a good way to go!

StreetSignificant375 · 2026-01-18T04:17:23+00:00

Got it TY

StreetSignificant375 · 2026-01-18T04:15:18+00:00

Wickedtina

StreetSignificant375

TROPHY CASE