I know some you are looking at the title of this post like "huh" but yes, today is my "boob"aversary! (actually it was yesterday) We've talked about "Boob Issues" here before but I'd be remiss to ignore the issues that many women (regardless of size) face and it happens to be a subject that I've gone through myself.
On June 7th, 2004, a week after my college graduation, I had a breast reduction.
Spring 2003... Capetown South Africa, right before a back spasm that took me out of enjoying my trip for 2 days.
I've always been well-endowed - there were alot of junior high school boys who got their kicks by talking and staring at the "girls" instead of me (I really believe that some of them did it without, even thinking, I forgive you, lol) - they would never tell me when my button down shirt would decided unbutton because it gave them a mini peep show of my bra. I was overly self-conscious about my chest
My breaking point was my Uncle's 50th Birthday, I had come home from college for the weekend and I couldn't fit into any of my dresses because my breasts kept growing to the point where being a size 18 didn't matter and I was forced to put on a size 28 dress. This decision wasn't just cosmetic- being 5'3" with 46JJ's in the way was at times just plain painful. At the most random time a pain would shoot through my back that was so severe all I could do was lay down and wait for the pain to pass.
Something had to give and it was going to have to be the "girls".
2 days before the surgery...46JJ's gotta go!
I spent the spring of my college senior year imagining the major change that was about to happen, but nothing can prepare you until it happens. The day of the surgery I was in a fog- I didn't want to talk to anyone... what was I about to do????
The surgery came & went... from the moment I looked down at my bandaged self I started to panic! WHERE WERE MY BOOBS??? I had an anesthesia induced meltdown and if I wasn't the one having the tantrum I would have laughed... I was told that when the nurse came to check on me I looked at her chest and said "You big breasted b&^%!@ have all the fun! I want mine back!"
My recovery went well, but I dealt with alot of stares from people who weren't used to seeing a smaller me. In essence, I was dealing with the same thing - people were still focusing on the girls. I dealt with guys telling me that what I did was wrong, but of course it was for selfish reasons.I started to realize that for years, I looked to my breasts for my (at the time) still growing sense of sexuality and now they were gone. (Let me clarify, I am still very well endowed BUT nothing like before)
I made the decision because it was just painful, simple things were becoming difficult. My heavy breasts caused deep grooves in my shoulder that became sore to the touch from carrying the load and they were scarred. My back and neck were strained, which made carrying my books to class excruciating, not only was I carrying books but I was carrying my weight as well.
My conclusion was that this surgery had nothing to do with anyone else but ME. I was happier, a load had been lifted off of me and I wasn't as self-conscious as I was before. My shirts fit so much better, and even though I'm still pretty well-endowed I'm not in pain anymore. Everyone had an opinion but at the end of the day, I did what was best for me and have no regrets.
Some may think that this post is TMI, but I write this post knowing that alot of ladies, both small and curvy have breast issues and are apprehensive about making the decision to get a reduction. In the media we see many stories about people wanting breast implants, but what about those who are in pain because they have too much?
I am by no means a doctor, all I can do is share my experiences so I suggest that if you're thinking about getting a reduction seek out a professional for an evaluation and discuss the benefits and the risks with this kind of procedure.
2 weeks before the surgery.
So, let's talk! Have any of you had a reduction, have you considered it? What are your apprehensions? For the guys, do you have an issue if a woman had a reduction?
~Luvin' My Curves...
8 comments:
As you know, I had my reduction 6 months ago. For about a year, I told friends that I was getting rid of the girls. However, when I had to make the decision I got scared. For some reason, I thought that I would lose my identity. I didn't think I would be as sexy anymore. After all, the girls were part of the "hourglass" I was so proud of. I had to realize that my boobs did not make me sexy. It was my attitude. I also had to remember the pain I was having. As a matter of fact, I didn't even relate most of the pain to my girls until after I had surgery. Suddenly, I felt better. For about a month after surgery, I was a little apprehensive. I thought I had made a mistake. Six months later, I am loving it!!! The girls are sitting up at attention (thanks to the complimentary lift), I only wear one (very supportive) sports bra when I work out, and my back and neck feel so much better. It was one of the best decisions of my life. I thank you for helping me make that decision:)
I have been considering the procedure for years! Started developing at an early age ... C-cup at 9. I went for a consult in '06 (48DD) but my insurance would only cover it, after I lost weight. But even after losing weight I know that some of this has still got to go! I planned on bringing it up at my next PCP check-up appt this fall, to gather all that I need to do to hopefully have the procedure in 2010. It's just been a part of me, so ... that I've learned to deal with it (ignoring and working through the pain and discomfort), and imagining how free I'd be if some of this would be lifted off of me, excites me! I've talked it over with my fiance and he totally supports my decision - [he better, even if I have the surgery, I'd still be bigger than the chick he was with before me (I digress ... lol)] ... I've dropped down to a D cup ... but still see room for improvement. Despite how inappropriate this feels typing ... lol ... Happy Boob-aversary LMC!
When I was a teenager I hated my boobs so much would dress baggy and tomboyish to covber them up. I used to get chased round the housing estates etc cos boys wanted a feel. I have managed to find places I can find beautiful and supportive bras
I dont have any problems really. I do need to sort my weight out as my biggest cup size was a K and now they are around a hh/j but I need to lose weight more than anything and I am hopeful my boobs will reduce in proportion. no surgery for me.
Though happy for you. Such a big decision you made and it turned out good for you.
This is an excellent post LMC,so many women have these issues and not many people speak about it. I'm considering getting a reduction but my husband is so against it.
Sis!!!
I remember when you got your surgery, I wont lie I didn't understand. As a guy we don't get why a woman with a large chest would want to decrease her size, and even when you explained it I still didn't get it.When I told my housemates they didn't get it either.. (yeah I told them, sorry).
BUT, you are so much happier and not in pain. I don't have to bring you aspirin,ice cream and your other mood foods anymore on the days where you couldn't move so that's a plus.
I miss the girls though...
I had a reduction 4 years ago. I made the decision, my husband was supportive, my insurance paid for all of it (whew!) and I never looked back! I kept asking my Dr. to make them smaller than he planned but he refused, saying they wouldn't look right. My only regret is that they are not smaller.
My best friend's grandmother suffocated to death due to the weight of her breasts. This motivated my friend to have a reduction. She always said she had the same measurements as Raquel Welsh, but on a 5'4" body (she did actually).
She was stressed about the surgery, but so relieved afterward. Her backaches went away and her confidence went WAY up.
I'm a plus sized woman with a moderate sized chest, so I've never had to battle this, but I certainly felt my best friends pain.
==that redhead
Tristan here and as a man I just received a valuable education and insight in what a woman goes through with a large breast size! We never knew or understood! Just to hear reduction and breast in the same sentence is very traumatizing because we just love them so much! I may never look at breast the same again! But can you explain this...how does a man participates and helps when it comes to such a sensitive issue...some of us want to be an asset and part of the solution and not the problem????
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