Bras 101: The Great Post-Exchange Debate

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited January 2011

    Re: insurance and bras... Nordstrom's may be covered for you BC BS gals.  I was told by my insurance (Oxford) that I'm covered as long as the store / seller has something called an HCPS#... perhaps that works for BC/BS as well?  In other words: Nordstrom's may have themselves registered as a specialty store for reconstruction patients; I went with a friend who has Cigna and Nordstrom's actually is going to submit her claim FOR her.  For me they filled out paper work that I can send myself.

    I would suggest that you call your local Nordstrom's and ask to speak with their specialist (for fitting BC reconstruction patients)... this person may be able to help you with insurance questions.

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  • LLL-6500
    LLL-6500 Member Posts: 80
    edited January 2011

    Has anyone heard of or have bought a bra called Coobie?  It was recommended to me to check out and wear during expansion process.  I too am confused about all the information about wearing a bra or not.  At this point, (just starting the fill process)  am only at 175cc and plan to take it slow.  PS says I don't need to wear anything and it feels fine right now. Although I wear baggy tops right now......   How many cc's before I look like I have "something"??????

    Also, as I read about all these names of bras, some I see are ordered online, but what stores are you ladies buying these bras at?  

    Thanks for your help.

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  • Estel
    Estel Member Posts: 3,353
    edited January 2011

    Hi LLL-6500 - I've never heard of a "Coobie" but I'd never heard of a Wacoal or Freya before I had BC!  Embarassed

    Whippetmom or Val or Lilah may have heard of it.

     RE "How many cc's before I look like I have 'something???'"  It depends on your body frame, weight, etc. 

    I've ordered most of my bras online.  I've tried tons on at Nordstroms, bought a few there and then gone over to e-bay to get them much cheaper.  Laughing

    I was only filled with 310cc's and I never wore a bra with my TE's.  I couldn't stand to have anything touching my skin.  The most I could get by with was wearing a cami with a shelf bra.

    Whippetmom has said that (forgive me and correct me if I'm wrong here, Deborah!) the bigger you go with the fills, the more support is needed.  We want to stretch the skin, but now overstretch it.  So .... right now you're fine without wearing anything, as you get bigger, you might want to wear something to support the skin.

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  • LG300
    LG300 Member Posts: 652
    edited January 2011

    JKZ, I hope you like the Fiona bras.  That's a great price you got on ebay!

    Lilah, that's good to know that Oxford covers bras.  I'm in NY and have Oxford as well; I'll have to call them to confirm that they're covered in my plan as well.  I ordered some bras online from Macy's when they were having a sale.  I don't think they have an HCPS#, although if Nordstrom's has one, you'd think other major department stores would as well, so I'll check.  Maybe I'll order future bras from Nordstrom's.

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited January 2011

    Well, what Oxford said was that the store needs to have an HCPS# and that I must submit... we'll see how much actually gets covered :)  I have to submit the forms.... stay tuned!  But I think they will... they had a similar sort of answer when I asked if my wig would be covered and it was to the tune of 90% of the cost!  (It may depend on your specific plan as Oxford has a few different kinds... but definitely worth a try!)

    Re: HCPS#...Nordstrom's has one because they have made a specific effort to help out women with BC and reconstruction.  I don't think Macy's has done the same.

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  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,920
    edited January 2011

    If anyone wears a 40D, you could likely get this Fiona for a total of $10.00...new with tags...

    http://cgi.ebay.com/Moving-Comfort-Fiona-Sports-Bra-/200569597678?pt=US_Women_s_Athletic_Apparel&hash=item2eb2e12eee

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  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,920
    edited January 2011

    My red VS sling bra arrived yesterday.  It is a pretty nifty device.  I actually think it would be perfect for a lateral support bra.  Wish VS would bring it back in stock.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2011

    Hey, ladies!  I was AWOL all weekend - at the lakehouse w/ the dh and thus no internet (or phone for that matter) - so my apologies.  Thanks, Deborah, for keeping those answers coming!   As for the Coobie bra, I had not heard of it until last week  - can't recall who mentioned it (thank you, tamoxifen!) - but I have looked at it.  It would be ideal for the expansion process - in fact, it's nearly identical to the little "bralettes" that my PS had me wear during my TE's.  During expansion, you don't want any pressure pushing the TE's upward (which could cause unnecessary expansion of the pecs, particularly important with the short-height TE's), and the bands on regular bras can do that.   I will say that I found mine at Penney's and at Target (the Target ones were cotton, though), but similarly priced except when they're on sale, of course.

    Believe it or not, I found another fantastic sports bra! (okay,not so surprising....Smile)   It's by lululemon - maker of the famed "Ta Ta Tamer" bra.  This one is called "The Bust Stops Here" bra. 

    http://shop.lululemon.com/The_Bust_Stops_Here/pd/c/520/np/520/p/2705.html     

    It's marketed as their most supportive bra, but I think it's not really any more supportive than the
    TaTa Tamer; this one just doesn't compress as much.  It's also lighter weight - mesh on the back - and has padded straps, which are nice.  It was on sale in our store, but I noticed there really aren't any on-line, so perhaps it's slated to be discontinued.  Although it doesn't have underwire, it does have an inner sling that does offer some excapsulation, though admittedly it would be more effective on natural breasts than foobs.   Just one more thing to look for on ebay, ladies!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2011
    Deborah - perhaps you could find a Dremel tool in red, too.....Wink    I knew you'd like it, though.  It really does give great lateral support.....would be great for sleeping......or whatever.....Smile
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  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,920
    edited January 2011
    I think it's the "whatever" Val....Smile, although the way I feel on Tamoxifen, I would RATHER be using my dremel....Frown
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2011
    or paint the ceiling.....Laughing
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  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,920
    edited January 2011

    ....tee, hee, hee...!Wink

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  • MBJ
    MBJ Member Posts: 4,352
    edited February 2011

    42Squared/Deborah:  I love Dr. Schooler and I did have to wear the the bra with the stabilizer--not so much fun but it does the trick.  It's because he likes the "natural look" with implants. 

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  • MBJ
    MBJ Member Posts: 4,352
    edited February 2011

    Deborah:  I am so glad you got yourself the red french sling.  Sexy, no? with or without the dremel, lol!

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  • jkz
    jkz Member Posts: 355
    edited February 2011

    Debra do you like the fiona bras? They look to be very supportive.

    Of course I just had my 2nd exchange surgery yesterday and a wearing a beautiful surgical bra :(.

     I will kep you all posted with my result. When I can I will post some more pictures..

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2011
    Regarding the Coobie bras.  I just rec'd mine (ordered from the internet link that was posted).  I love 'em!  Great color selection and SO comfortable.  I am in the middle of expansion and have been going braless (or just wearing a fitted camisole) and have a few months to go.  These are great to wear under certain shirts (especially when working out) because of the removable padding... I can hide the "look, I'm cold!!" chest announcement! Tongue out
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  • Claire82
    Claire82 Member Posts: 684
    edited February 2011

    OHH What colors did you get?

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2011

    jkz - how are you feeling?  Did everything go well with the revision?  Was your PS able to fix what you wanted?    

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  • jkz
    jkz Member Posts: 355
    edited February 2011

    Val the surgery went great. My PS thought that I would be in surgery for about ab hour to an hour and a half but it was a bit llonger. More like 2 -21/2  I am not complaining though she said she had to do some extra revisions.

    I won't know what the outcome is til Thursday when I remove the bandages and can shower. Just sponge bathing for now.. Can't wait to see the results though. I believe she went with the 650'sMentor High profiles. At least this is what she said before the surgery. I had 750's but they were just to heavy for my thin skin to handle.  I hope I get the results I want. And thanks for thinking of me :)

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  • LLL-6500
    LLL-6500 Member Posts: 80
    edited February 2011

    Thanks ladies for the info on the Coobie.  So much information to absorb in this whole process.  I appreciate this site and all who respond and are offering help to others.  Thank you.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2011

    Glad to hear everything went well, Jennifer!  I know what you mean about thin skin....I've got it, too....even had a small tear on the lower pole on my left side during my exchange that my PS had to stitch up.  I'll bet with the HP's you'll end up with a beautiful result!

    LLL-6500 - You're welcome!  Please do ask away, but just know that sometimes my non-BCO life gets a little crazy and I can't get to the computer; usually somebody (like our dear Whippetmom) picks up the slack and answers, though.....Smile

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2011

    Today is most definitely a "Snow Day" here!    All I can say is "BBBBRRRRRR!

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited February 2011

    Jennifer -- you've been in my thoughts as well... glad to hear the surgery went well and that you are on the mend!  Here's hoping your results are gorgeous!

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  • ArleneMarie
    ArleneMarie Member Posts: 152
    edited February 2011

    I just wanted to say thank you to whomever mentioned the donation of bras to Haiti.  I sent three barely used 34A bras to Linda's online yesterday since I am anticipating buying a 34B after my exchange surgery.  Also...thanks for all of this bra info.  There is definitely a lot to digest :)

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  • Katey
    Katey Member Posts: 733
    edited February 2011

    Hi everyone!  Haven't been here in awhile, wanted to report in on a great Nordstom's in the Westchester Mall in NY, definitely worth a trip for anyone in the tri-state area!  They have several reconstruction trained fitters and nicely handle the insurance forms.  The fitter was so good and sweet, first brought in a "fitting bra", then from there brought in a range to try on, she even brought me a (pink) t-shirt to try on over the bras. I ended up with a good selection. 

    I have 460 implants in style 45. The Natori 10110,10090 in 34DD fit perfect, and the Simone Perelle 131343 in 34E is just gorgeous and so comfy.  Made a mistake with one that I found myself on the sale rack a Josie/Natori 105951- I think Josie is a cheaper Natori model - too fun in red to pass up, by the end of the day one wire was poking me under my arm, ouch!

     

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2011
    Yippee for you, Katey!  New bras make the world a better place.....Kiss
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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited February 2011

    I agree Val!

    Ladies: I have graduated to underwire (or shall I say I've returned to them?)  I was doing wirefree per PS instructions but have decided that 9 months (or just shy of) is long enough for the healing process... and my BS, by the way, said she thinks it doesn't matter.  I have to say I really prefer the shape the underwire gives me (as a uni) -- really evens me out!  I got four very pretty bras (I went with Katey -- we had SUCH fun).... which if I can find some time I will take pics of and post on the bra thread on the picture forum!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2011
    Yippee for you, too, Lilah!   Isn't there just something just a bit sexier about underwire bras?  I probably only think that because I used to drool over them but never needed one.....Smile
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  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,920
    edited February 2011

    Lilah and Katey went together???  Oh you two - what fun!  Good for you!  I am so excited that you found some great bras. 

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  • Estel
    Estel Member Posts: 3,353
    edited February 2011

    Lilah - Yippee for you!  That HAD to be fun!  Congratulations!  It kind of feels like ... you've graduated, yes?!  :) 

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