Having loitered around this site for years, I finally decided to put my story on here after some posts and really lovely responses from ladies on the forum (thanks to all of you). I am 39, live in the UK and don't have or plan to have any kids. Currently I weigh probably about 160lbs and wear a 32G-34H Uk bra size depending on brand. My boobs seemed to appear overnight when I was 13 - from being more or less none existent to a D cup. They didn't stop growing for a few years and for most of that time I was wearing the wrong bra sizes which doesn’t help much. Of course, being at school with big boobs is hideous, and school age boys find it endlessly fascinating, so I started trying to hide them quite soon. In fact, I recently realised to what extent I have been hiding them, even from my husband, maybe even from myself. I can't bear to see them ‘dressed’ without a bra, and always wear a bra until just before sleeping, then put one back on straight away as soon as I get up. I am sure you are all familiar with the 'around the house' bras - you know, those stretched out not so supportive ones that are just there so that you have the minimal support but not feel to tightly strapped in? These bras don't look anywhere near presentable enough to leave the house in, and I have spent hours online looking for the perfect comfy house bra; i don't care what Bravissimo say, an ‘in-built bra’ in a top just doesn't do the job! Anyway, in the last few years I started exercising, although running is difficult I am not one to let the boobies hold me back, so despite the pain and hassle I got into running and loved it. Long live the Enell bra - it is like fabulous tight armour!! (although the inside of that thing after a run is pretty gross, with the boobs all squooshed together inside with the sweat, haha!) Anyway, the exercising has made me realise how big an effect these things have on my posture - my spine is curved at the top and I literally have a rounded shoulder look. I didn't realise it was the case, but when I mentioned to my husband I discovered he had already noticed that, but assumed that’s just the way I stand naturally. I hold this posture It is partly because the weight stops me standing straight but is mainly my way of hiding the breasts, and to be fair it does work, no-one believes my bra size when I tell them - they know they are big but don’t know quite how big! (don’t you hate that thing where you tell someone with 'normal' sized breasts your bra size, and they are shocked that they make bras in those sizes?!). The second thing that exercising taught me is that when I started to take more notice of how my body feels, this feeling of neck pain, tight shoulders, bad, and endless pulled muscles is not normal. My PT mentioned to me that I should get a sports massage, and that was amazing! But I can't get rid of the feeling that this uncomfortable feeling should not be there. One fun thing we like to do round our house is that my husband stands behind me and holds my breasts in his hands (we joke that this could be his salaried job!) and while he holds the weight, I try to straighten my back and shoulders etc. It is AMAZING, the pain goes away, back still tight from years of strain, but I can stand straight and the relief is massive - anyone who hasn’t had the surgery yet, I recommend you should try it (just don’t ask a stranger!) Also the headaches and migraines…. it is only recently I realised that it is possible that the migraines i started to get around age 15, and headaches that are now almost constant, could be related to the neck pain caused by holding up these boobies (I say possible, as I won’t know for sure until after the boobies have gone….) So a while I plucked up the courage to go to my GP and ask if I could get an NHS funded reduction. Lovely doctor (very young and new) and to cut a long story short I went for tests, but only hit 2 out of 3 criteria or something so didn’t get funding. I know I could have carried on and appealed etc, but i gave up at this point and thought I would leave it there. However, 3 years on the neck and back pain is worsening, and I feel so frustrated with the situation. I can see that the older I get the worse the pain is going to get, hand the harder exercise will be - I really do need to exercise if I want to carry on eating fabulous food! (I love food!). Men staring, women staring, all the ladies on here all know the the score, and it makes you feel abnormal - you can ignore it, but for me, all that confidence goes again as soon as I see a photo of myself with one big boob across the front of my chest - the rest of me fades into the background really so I don’t blame people for staring to be honest, it is only natural (if very rude!!). Shirts? What are they? they are not for people like me! Bra shopping, so much fun, and tops long enough not to show my (not very toned ;)) tummy? Nope, these things do not exist! Everyone here will be familiar with the above, and it’s a nightmare, but for me the main thing is to feel comfortable in my skin, I am not hoping for a model figure (well I am, but I am a bit more realistic than that!). So, that’s the story until recently, when I booked my initial consolation with Mary O’Brien at Derby Royal. She was great, very much to the point, and answered all of my questions. She did all the measurements etc and says I am an ideal candidate for the surgery. I have to admit it was scary, to hear the details - pain I can cope with but I am a bit squeamish about the cuts etc. My husband was with me and the seriousness of it all really hit him that day. After the consultation, it took probably one day for me to decide that I was still ready to go for it, knowing all of the risks and details. I have had to gently and gradually break this to the husband, as he is a real worrier and does not want me to be ‘cut up’ as he puts it. The having smaller boobs doesn’t worry him at all, and he completely gets the pain and discomfort issues, but that doesn’t stop him worrying. So another long story short(ish), he is now fully on board and of course he is going to be a big help in the weeks after surgery. SO I BOOKED IT!!!!!! 22ND APRIL!!!! Excited? Just a bit!!! (ps. I will add photos at some point, but will need to work up the courage first :)) Updated on 15 Jan 2014: I hated taking these, ugh! Have put little explanations by each as I think they need them, and hope they are useful. To give a bit of background, my posture is awful, and I only just realised. Think it is a subconscious effort to hide the chest area, but it doesn't look good I can see that, and also it could go some way to explaining why I have so much neck pain and back pain. Updated on 15 Jan 2014: Here are the other pics... Updated on 17 Jan 2014: hi everyone Ok, so this is my first real update since the initial review to which I have to see I was so pleased to get so much support and empathy from ladies on here. Taking the pictures and posting them was difficult, but it is only fair to post them as most people do and I have found it helpful to look at others. In fact, it will be great to see before and afters, as sometimes the mirror can lie somewhat... I always knew my posture wasn't great, but this made it soooo clear. I am trying so hard to work those back muscles now, and keep my back straighter during the day in preparation for when i have the op in April, when is should be easier, but hopefully then my back will be prepared for how it has to straighten. To this end, I am doing a trial of this chair for work: http://www.hag-uk.co.uk/products/hag-capisco/ - I am at a desk at least 8 hours per day, so sitting slumped in my broken ikea affair was not the best idea! This one seems really good so far. Really different, and makes you kind of perch on there. The best thing is that it has arm rests at the back which makes you really open up the chest area and tight the back muscles. I am trialing a few so will keep updating as to which is the best for posture. I can't stop thinking about the surgery at the moment. I lie in bed at night thinking about it. When my husband thinks I am watching a film with him my mind is wandering to such a time that my back and neck don't hurt so much, and I can wear a vest top! I am not sure how I am going to wait until April for it, although I have waited so many years already you would think a 3 more months would be nothing, but it draaaaags! I am making lists of what to take to hospital, what I need afterwards, and I already ordered a genie bra - when that comes I will assess if I need any more straight off or whether to wait. I am not sure whether to get something front fastening too, then whichever of those fits after surgery I can get more of online. I am hesitant to get anything else really because how will I know if it will fit? My PS told me just to use my usual sports bras after surgery... seems strange to me. My sports bras are the panache sports one, which the back is pretty tight on so that it stays in place - so I don't think this will be comfy for wearing round the house, and also it has been cups (even a bit big for me now!) so the new boobies would be swamped. The other one I have is the Enell - it doesn't have separated cups and also is extremely tight - whether that would be ok after surgery I don't know, as the tightness is also in the band... I think the PS must think I wear stretchy over the head tight bras (as if!). I am still alcohol free after what is now 17 days. I started this to get my drinking under control - not that I think it is a real problem, but I just noticed I have been drinking more than I think I should over time. Also I am trying to get as fit as I can before the surgery. The daily exercise is going ok. Even if I can't be bothered to go and run, I am doing hula hooping for at least 20 mins per day. Food continues to be a vice however ;) Something else I thought of that I always wondered but does sound a bit silly.. I will say it anyway... do any of you find that the only place you are truly comfortable is in the bath ?! Lately i have started to think perhaps the boobs are the reason for me always having loved having a bath and staying in for ages! The back and chest are supported in a way they are not anywhere else, even propped up in bed. Perhaps this points to swimming being a good option for exercise I have not considered. I am a rubbish swimmer, but maybe I could get better. Although then I would have to find a swimming costume to fit, grrr... Have a lovely day ladies, and once again thanks for the support, you are all so lovely on here and I check my email all the time new posts! Updated on 1 Feb 2014: hi everyone I have been reading so many interesting reviews that I became embarrassed at how infrequently I have updated! Just not too much to say now, its all in my head really, as I think about the surgery and the after surgery tbh, all the time. I am so sick of waiting already, but am filling that time with planning.... So I bought a Genie bra, and in my current state it is little more than a small, stretchy, ineffective hammock for my boobs ;) It is a medium but i am hoping it will be ok after surgery. It is just right around the ribs anyway so thats good. Also going to get a Royce one I think too, just not sure which yet... Would love a Marena bra, but they are harder to get in the UK than in the US, and being as I might have to send it back if it isn't right... Won't worry too much I read about one of you (sorry I dont remember who it was now!) who bought 6 and none of them were right so perhaps no amount of planning can guarantee me to be fully prepared! Regardless, I still have an ever growing list of things I need to do and buy (I like to plan, like chickens!). At the moment my husband and I are planning the months ahead socially, work and holidays, as we do, and it has to fit round the surgery, which has brought up the question of who to tell. I told a some people, one friend who knows how long I wanted it and though she is completely flat, she is really understanding in fact. Another couple of friends, one being my ex personal trainer, so she knows the physical effects and really understands. Someone else I told said something along the lines of 'oh well if it is for health reasons' in a way that made me think that really she didn't think it was, and was judging me as vain. That might be paranoia, as I really don't want to think of myself as vain, and although I don't judge those who feel they want to have more cosmetic surgeries (I don't consider BR cosmetic at all) I personally wouldn't be comfortable doing that as I prefer to try and work from the inside to accept what I am and what I have physically. Easy to say, harder to do of course! That said, having a nose you hate, or crows feet on your eyes (getting those!), I get it that those things can get to you emotionally, I really do, because a no small part of wanting the BR is due to the psychological effects. However the point I want to make is that when those psychological issues that come from the physical are topped off with daily pain and discomfort that effects everything every part of your life, the suggestion that this is a vanity issue is really quite galling. I am aware this could easily turn in a big old rant, so will stop there, but suffice to say I am not sure who else I want to tell which brings me to my next hurdle... do I tell my mother in law? My husband and I are both quite close to his parents, who live a couple of hours away. I am not close to my own parents, and the MIL and I have had a big battle to get to be the good friends we are now. She is difficult woman in a lot of ways but very caring and supportive when you need it. I was hoping to tell the in laws, and anyone else, only if they notice and dont put the change down to weight loss. Probably I will tell them afterwards in fact. My in laws are the type of people who are quite judgemental about looks, and a lot of comments in the past have been made about my weight and every time I see them they see 'oh you look good have you lost weight' even if I haven't! MIL has normal sized boobs, and I know 100% that she will NOT get this, I know it! She will support me after the initial shock, but in the meantime there will be a lot of 'oh why don't you just lose weight' and worry about me dying in surgery and I know that they will try to dissuade me from going ahead. There is no going back for me, this is a life changing operation that I am 110% for, that's not the problem. However, my other half is scared, really scared, about the operation and the recovery and I have spent months getting him to be fully on board. His controlling parents may well hinder my hard work and scare him more. He is understanding about my neck and back pain, and frankly I think he will be happy he doesn't have to massage my neck every night any more! However, the fear he has threatens to override that… We live in a rural area and i dont have good friends who are close enough to where we live to rely on heavily. If the truth be told I dont want to rely on anyone but my husband as he understands me so well and I am a bit embarrassed to have help from others. I really need his support, not just physically for day to day stuff after the op (and I am really really bad at not being able to do things for myself!), but also emotionally as I have a feeling this is going to be the hardest thing for me. On the one hand, I feel I should tell his parents so that he has some support himself, which is what he would like and at the moment I have vetoed telling them at all. I think maybe I am being selfish to expect to 100% lean on him whilst stopping him from having someone to support him. At the moment I am expecting him to help stump up the money, support me beforehand, wait on me afterwards and do it all with a smile ;) On the other hand, if he tells the in laws in fact I think that what he hopes will be supportive could actually be a hinderance, as they will panic and get flustered and tell him to try and stop me going ahead. That will just confuse him and then we both have to deal with that. Also I considered telling them like the week or the day before, because OH’s main worry is that he wants someone to talk to about it when I am in hospital (PS says 1-4 days). What if they freak out the day before though? I actually feel like we are both 40 this year, so we should be able just to deal with this together. Am I over thinking this? Maybe I should have booked it sooner so I wouldn’t have time to think so much about everything! Well my hands are freezing up and the laptop is on 13% so i need to wrap this up now. It is unbelievable how writing for you girls here on real self is so easy. Each time I write it kind of clarifies how I really feel and it is so nice to be able to do that. Thank you all again for all of your support. Finally, I would like to say a big ‘congratulations!!!!!’ and get recovered soon to all the girls who have had recent ops - I have been thinking about you all and have been reading your reviews fervently. The pictures are great and really inspiring. Some of the accounts are so funny that I lie in bedding giggling so much noone would guess I was looking at a breast reduction forum! xxxxx Updated on 1 Feb 2014: all that ranting and moaning made me forget the best thing that happened this week! I had a sports massage on upper back and neck and it was AMAZING! Really anyone with big boobs and neck pain, if you haven't done this already book one now! It is the best thing I have done for myself for ages. It hurts a bit but afterwards I felt like a new woman - the days afterwards have been great, more energy, better posture and i feel kind of freer physically. Be warned, it is very tiring for a while afterwards that day, and strangely my eyes and face went all puffy (attractive!) but it was more than worth it. I am going to go at least once a month now. x Updated on 4 Apr 2014: Hello everyone I have been consciously avoiding real self for a while because I was getting just so impatient for my surgery to happen and finding it difficult not to obsess - but I am back now and ready to organise myself! Some really fantabulous results around - have just been checking out other updated reviews and it is really encouraging for those of us getting closer to our own dates I think. I almost have everything I need and am now about to choose what to eat in hospital - doesn't look promising. Have spent the last couple of months trying to get as fit as possible for surgery, and have shaped up a bit due to a big change in diet - lots more protein (I was veggie for 25 years... long story) and much less crappy carbs - i.e. something similar to Paleo in a way - 'clean eating'. Feeling amazing on it in fact, I didn't realise how badly i was eating, because I eat organic as much as poss, and dont eat much junk food or processed stuff, I thought that was ok, but seems I wasn't getting nearly enough protein and way too much bread ;) Anyway that has been a fantastic help (kudos to my new PT) in making me feel better, more energy and more ready for surgery. Also I have been going for much needed sports massages - oh my giddy aunt, that is amazing. Really really helps with back, neck, posture, as well as overall well being. I dont think you realise what toll a big chest takes on you generally, I suppose in trying to keep them held up, and simultaneously some of us also trying to hide them (as if it was possible!), doesn't do the back much good. My physio told me not to take it the wrong way, but my posture is creating a 'dowagers hump'!! Apparently there is no permanent damage, as I can still still completely straight, but in old age if I carry on like this I will have a hump. How very lovely! Am trying to stand straight now anyway, which does tend to thrust out the chesticles in an alarming way, so I try not to do it in public to much ;) Also I decided not to tell people any more about the surgery - dont like the reactions I was getting - although I have found a few people who really want to have the surgery themselves are very interested and of course more understanding. Otherwise, I am just keeping it 'in house' and people can think what they want afterwards. If i decide to come clean about why I have smaller boobies, I will do so at the time, if not, who is going to ask that question???!! And finally, here is my list of things to have ready for hospital and just after (dont even get me started on my 'to do' list: Magazines Painkillers Royce bra Arnica oil for scars Gauze Herbal laxative Baggy nightdress & leggings for hospital Dressing gown for hospital Tissues & wet wipes Headphones Phone & charger (playlists, podcasts & audiobooks) Water Pillow for car Thanks again all of you for your support, it is going to be very much more needed as I get closer to the 22nd, regardless of excitement, I am still quite nervous on top, so it is much appreciated when I hear from others in different stages of the process. Oh and Maz, I forgot to say when I commented on your new photos - nice puppy (the dog I mean of course!) I have put a piccy of my fur baby as my profile pic - about to eat a yoghurt (yes he is a bit weird!) xx Updated on 11 Apr 2014: Ok so I am going for my pre-op in a few hours. Not really sure what this will consist of, but am going armed with a list of questions (as always!) and a picture of my Royce bra, which annoyingly has not turned up yet. Will also take a sports bra that personally I don't think it suitable (its one I use at the moment) but my PS did say I should use an old sports bra afterwards, so I am going to show her it just in case. It is very tight. Also I am taking my list of supplements etc, to check they are ok to take: Bromelain for swelling Omega 6 & multivitamin I take all of the time Multidophulis (am pretty sure these are ineffective with antibiotics, but will need them when ab stop to rebalance my stomach) Arnica gel for later Although I am very excited about the whole thing now, I am not really interested in this part, seems a bit boring, but necessary ;) Maybe we could go for a nice lunch afterwards... that would make it more fun! Will update after preop :) Updated on 11 Apr 2014: Ok so the pre op was muuuch longer than I expected.... First I had a long chat with my PS, which was brilliant actually. She answered all of my questions as fully as I could have hoped for. Some of the questions probably were a bit silly, but I would rather ask than not (for example, does 'no fizzy drinks' before op include sparkling water!!) and she was happy to give proper explanations for all. I showed her my sports bra, which I didn't think was suitable for after the op, but she said it was perfect so what do I know! Also a pic of the Royce bra (which annoyingly has not yet arrived...) and also she said that was good. A couple of things I am really relieved about, firstly that the drains are definitely coming out before I leave hospital. Second, my stitches will be dissolvable, hurrah!!! I thought i was going back for stitches out later, so that is great. Most of my supplements etc got the thumbs up (well, no thumbs down anyway - but I don't expect a doctor to actively encourage non prescription stuff hehe) - the only one that she wasn't keen on my taking was the Bromelain - because of the possible blood thinning. It could be that she is ok for me to take it later, thats a 'suck it and see' by the sounds of things. Then I went to have blood taken - always a challenge with some digging around in my arms as the veins are deep or something, ECG, weighing and swabs galore. The anaesthetist then came to have a chat with us, and I found out something else that I liked, that the drip wont be in for long at all, as soon as I can drink water freely (so I will drink like a fish as soon as I can manage it!). He was great, really put me and OH at ease and with that and PS being really good with all my questions, we both felt massively less worried about the whole thing. I do believe that my OH may have even been smiling at one point...which is a great improvement as he is more scared than I am about me going into surgery ;) For some reason I am now worrying about something else instead.... What if I should have booked lipo under my arms as well? A lot of people seem to have that, but I am assuming that I can work it off with exercise and diet instead.... I hope so, I dont want to regret not doing both at the same time, although that was never my intention. But then, I guess there is always more you can do once you get your head round the surgery, maybe my eyes, muffins, arms..... But one thing I have always know for sure is that I need and want a breast reduction and lift, from being a young teenager. Good luck to any of you about to go in, and good healing to anyone who is out the other side - i cannot wait to join you all over there!!!! Updated on 17 Apr 2014: ... with waiting! I should be working really, but haven't been able to concentrate thinking about surgery date. I think I have everything ready now, and most things packed in my bag ready for Tuesday. The only thing missing is my Royce bra for after surgery which is coming in the post on Saturday allegedly ;) I have another sports bra any way that the ps says is fine, but I prefer to wear the royce one as it looks more comfy, and it will be put straight on me before I wake up. I have got the dog walking sorted (want to leave husband free for visiting me/looking after business for a few days...) so that's great, as I want the dog to be kept entertained so that he doesn't notice I have disappeared (he is a bit spoilt!). Even have a few food things frozen ready for next week to ensure I don't get ready meals all week. That said, a miracle has happened and my OH has spontaneously started to make our tea this week which I like. He loves cleaning (weirdo), but doesn't usually do cooking, so not sure what is going on but I am not complaining of course :) Work has gone haywire, after 5 deathly quiet weeks - sod's law that it will happen that way, but I will work over the easter weekend and then things will be all ready for when I can't work. Have had some of thinking time since I am prepared, and am not worried about the armpit fat/sideboob or whatever it is. Its part of the rest of me that needs to be a bit slimmer, but not something I am not too bothered about. As long as feel the weight of these boobies lifted I am going to feel so much better I hope. Am also really really looking forward to running again, but this time with a bit more ease, and to get properly fit. Speaking of which, I will try to find time to take some new pictures as I lost a little weight and want to get a good before and after surgery for you guys (and for me to look at later!!). All in all, I'm ready, so bring it on!! Updated on 22 Apr 2014: just a really quick update, as i am too many painkillers to be able to write well - just wanted to let all you lovely supportive girls that I am out of surgery and all went well. sleepy time now, better update to come in next few days x Updated on 24 Apr 2014: OK so I don't really recall writing the message above, so its probably good it was short!!! Anyway, all good, I am at home in bed at the moment, although I have been up and about plenty round the house, and managing pain well. So everything went really fast, and I can't believe I am at the other side already! The day of the op was a whirlwind. We had to get up and out of the house for 6.40am, to arrive for 7.30 to see the anaesthetist, who didn't turn up till 9am. My PS came in first, marked me up and talked me through things. Honestly, I was not really very nervous, only a little, although I had been a bit the day before more so. More than anything it was all a bit surreal. The nurses and surgeon were all lovely, and I didn't have to wait long at all before being walked down to the waiting room for the theatre. Everyone else looked really scared, like I know I was the last time I had to have an operation, but I was quite happy just waiting. The anaesthetists assistant came to take me in, and was quite excitable about it, as she had had the same procedure a few years earlier and said it changed her life - so it was really nice to be reassured like that just before going in. I was asleep before I knew it, and the next thing I was awake and feeling really sick! Lots of people talking to me and I recall saying I had pain in chest and stomach, and them asking me to repeat it again and again. When I woke again I was in my room (a massive room by the way, with sofas and a big tv etc) and my husband was sitting on the sofa I think. I remember two things clearly, saying I didnt want a catheter when someone mentioned it... and a very kind person repeated that at intervals, I think to make sure they didn't put one in when new people came along, I'm not sure. But I am just glad I didn't get one! The other thing is that when I first woke up my brain was a bit befuddled, and I was completely convinced that there was a large sheep asleep under my bed and could hear it snoring! It seemed quite normal so i just ignored it ;) So after that I just sleep and listened to the TV that my husband was watching over the other side of the room. I heard him asking questions of the nurses and remember he looked really relieved and said I didn't look too bad. The rest of that day was just sleepy, and I dont remember the pain after the initial wake up - although I was nauseous so had to have anti sickness stuff a few times. I insisted on getting up to go to the toilet, with help, and that made me actually sick but that just brought about the end of any nausea for the rest of the time really. The night was not great - the pain was pretty bad, and the nurses gave me different types of morphine etc. I knew they were going to wake me at 2 so didn't sleep up to then, then the pain got worse so it took a while to get that under control and get to sleep. Yesterday morning was a difficult start, probably a lot to do with the fact that I hadn't slept much. PS came in first thing and told me that if I got up and about I was likely to be able to go home that evening. Throughout the day I got a bit impatient when it was painkiller time, and had to always make sure I knew what was coming when and what I could get extra! Seemed impossible to me that I would be able to manage that at home but it isn't, its just fine. I basically packed my bag before the surgeon came to make it clear I was off home, and it worked! Oh, something I haven't mentioned that was possibly the worst thing about the whole time in hospital was my damned bra! I took along the lovely Royce silver bra, which is soft and lovely, but also the Enell sports bra -which is a tough, compression bra. The surgeon liked the look of the Enell at my pre op so that's why I took it for after surgery, as she insisted that was the best one. Well it was so tight, and seemed to get tighter during the day - it has always been tight, for running, but with the pain it was awful, however she said it was the best thing for swelling and healing and I should keep it on the whole week! Well when I had the drains out, the most painful thing about that was the nurses getting the bra back on - they couldn't believe how tight it was and both had to pull one on each side. So, I think they must have mentioned to the surgeon because when she came in the evening she wanted to look at it, and she saw it was making blisters and took it off my and put the royce one on - what a relief!! I have never felt so happy to take a bra off! About the drains, I was all psyched up for the possibility of it being really painful having those out, and was pretty happy when I found out they would come out so quickly. Also the answer I got each time I asked if it would hurt was a suspicious sounding 'it will be uncomfortable' [nb that means yes probably!). I think the thought of it was worse that the reality though - the right side was really quick and nothing much to write home about, the left was in much further, so I really felt it come out. The thing to remember though is that it is so fast it is not worth worrying about, like taking of a plaster. I am sorry if this is all coming out in a jumble, but I am just writing as I remember, and this is the first time I have not felt mashed by the codeine! I am trying to have just the Paracetamol this afternoon and evening so am a little more with it (although I may have the 10pm codeine to get me through the night). Right so about the boobs! The strangest thing is that I was expecting to look down and be surprised, and I was, for about 10 seconds, and since then I just have felt like they have always been there - by 'there' I mean, high up!! I mean it really hasn't taken any getting used to, and I feel like just this is what they are supposed to be like. I expect there to be a period of adjustment, but maybe that will come later on. I can't see much in the way of wounds, blood, etc, as the drains took most of the fluid and my dressings and pretty big and covered by the bra. I can look down the cleavage a bit, but nothing much to see there so I can't get any photo's yet. My dressings come off next Tuesday, so lets see how that goes... Hope it isn't too gory! Oh, and I have feeling in both nipples, so thats a bonus. The thing that is really bugging me right now is that my stomach is not right - it is antibiotics (they always knock out my digestion etc) and the codeine which I believe causes the bloating and constipation. So I really want to get that sorted and have started taking the acidophilis to help put things right and hopefully can get off the codeine sooner rather than later. Really hope this makes some sense and is helpful. Good luck to those of you about to go in, it will be over in a flash! Thank you to all of your for your nice comments below, it was really nice to see all the congrats and good wishes coming in even though I wasn't able to reply properly [RS bleep] Updated on 25 Apr 2014: It is amazing what just what a difference a few days can make, and I am having to try very hard to hold back and not do too much today as I am feeling much improved. I had a bath, almost all by myself, just with a little help for hair washing. Felt much better after that, until I realised I had to put the 'TED' socks back on. Don't recall anyone else mentioning this, but I have been given these attractive dark green compression stocking things that I have to wear 24 / 7 for two weeks. I dont mind how they look as I am inside at the mo, but they are sweaty and annoying, especially as I dont usually wear socks. The pain is not so bad now, although I am taking each hour as it comes really because I can feel great one minute, then a little later been exhausted and in pain. Usually when it is around time for the painkillers. Have cut right back on the codeine though, which helps the stomach a lot. About the pain, I would say don't underestimate how painful it will be initially. Possibly I did a little, and I felt I was constantly pressing that buzzer for more painkillers in the hospital. The bad pain really doesn't last so long though so dont let it put you off - also, I am coming at this from the perspective of not having had any babies, and the only surgery in my life was a laproscopic appendectomy. All things considered, I would say the appendectomy was harder, which I would put down to not being prepared (I was mega prepared for this, both with my numerous lists and mentally!). Also I think just at the moment it is helping a lot to have my supplements, drinking stacks of water, and eating really well. I am getting braver at looking at the new boobies - I am happy indeed! The PS told me just before that she really thought a small D would be better for my frame than a C cup, which I agreed to because honestly I wanted a big reduction, but I didnt want to be out of proportion and my shoulders are kind of wide, not Dynasty style ;O) but enough to need something big enough there.... I put my trust in her and felt it was the right thing to do that as she did give me the confidence in her ability and judgement. She also said there were several people, one of them the lady who had had her own reduction, giving their opinions on the size and shape, so I really thought that was reassuring. Anyway, it looks like I will be a D cup, and am in 34 D Royce bra now - D!!! I can't believe it! I am glad actually, because after the swelling goes down a bit, I do think that C would be a little small for me. OH, and I tried on my favourite most beautiful cardigan, that has never fit me. It buttons up perfectly now so that's so nice. One thing I am finding a bit difficult today, is that I have a different back pain; the strain on my neck nd upper back isn't there any more but lower down it is aching pretty badly. It could be the way I am propped up for sleeping, or perhaps the back muscle adjusting to the new kind of balance (and I do feel I have to learn how to balance when walking again!). We will see, that might ease off in the next week or so I hope. Another sleep now I think, then I will need to ring that bell to get a new cup of tea!! love to all of you, and congrats to those of you just coming out look forward to seeing you back here! Updated on 25 Apr 2014: Oh, I forgot to say something else that has been quite important: my mobility generally has been good - moving my arms has been a lot easier than expected, I have a lot of mobility there, and can stretch etc (dont get me wrong, I am not doing pushups or anything!). Also working on that core must have helped because I can raise myself up without to much arms - that is actually easier than before (I was practising before!), I think because of the weight gone from there. Updated on 26 Apr 2014: Yesterday turned out to be an emotional roller coaster. Unlike a lot of people on here I haven't taken an awful lot of notice of the size and shape of my new boobs until yesterday. Am wearing a really baggy tops, that are easy to put on, and even so it is very obvious to me how small they are. But I wasn't really taking it in... Yesterday though I started to pull in my top, looking from the side and front, and saw what a massive difference it makes to my overall silhouette. Before I very much felt like someone had pumped up my frontage with a bicycle pump, and it just always felt very wrong, like a big dfs sofa. It seriously looks like I have been deflated, in a good way! So I was getting quite excited about this, when the reality started to hit home, and I am thrilled about it. My husband has had many boring 'viewings' of me standing in front of him pulling my clothes about saying 'look, look', but I think it also just hit him yesterday too, as he was staring in a kind of surprised way at my side view saying oh yes, it really is a big change ;) Anyway, that's all good but later on I started to think about a lovely jumper I had tried on, way too expensive, but it was absolutely perfect for me - it has lovely zig zags on, and a red stripe - colour and style just suited my style and colouring, and i really loved it BUT (there is always a but with big boobies!), the boobs just meant I had to try the larger size, and even when i got the size that fitted them in, they were just like on display, and completely ruined the overall effect. Hubby was there when I tried it too, and although sometimes he thinks I see the boobs more than other people do (not convinced that is the case...) he had to agree that it wasn't right. I didnt sulk, I am used to it, and you will all know that feeling. So I started thinking about that jumper, and I think it is now in the sale... I literally imagined trying it on in the shop, with hubby there, and that it will probably look amazing. Then I thought that I dont think I can try it on because I might cry, and then I started, and couldn't stop! I dont think I realised how much having these massive boobs has affected me psychologically until I suddenly saw them gone. It is true that the increase in back and neck pain was the straw that broke the camels back, so to speak, and I dont think I would have actually had the op if it wasn't for that. The reason being that I don't like to think of myself as vain person, or superficial, and in a way, I would think of myself that way if I had what is called 'cosmetic' surgery (although is it, really?!?) without physical (i.e. pain) reasons. I can see now that that is wrong, and I wish I had realised years ago that I didn't need to hold myself back from doing it, shouldn't have in fact. It isn't vain, for god's sake I don't even get my nails done or anything like that (partly laziness, but partly because my life is more dogs, wellies and gardening, than parties etc!). But, as an example, there is something very silly that I have always worried about since I was 15 or so - if there was a fire or flood in the house, would I have time to get my bra on before leaving? I wouldn't care that much in that situation if I was naked otherwise, as long as I had a bra on! How mad is that? And that is just the tip of the iceberg. Does anyone else have a massive sense of relief about stupid things like that, just not having to think about them any more? I can hardly get my head round it (and obviously I can't tell people this kind of thing, it is just not normal!). On the other hand, I am only just financially able to have done this privately, which I am really glad I did. Also at nearly 40 I think perhaps I am more emotionally able to deal with the whole thing better than I would have been at 20. So all in all, I know I have done the right thing, in fact, I never had any doubt if I'm honest. One thing that is puzzling me now is that I looked on other reviews and saw that most people had a lot more 'weight' taken out of their boobs than I did. Mine was 281 an 211 grams. 400 each seems average. I don't care about, as I can see there is a BIG change, and I am happy with the size don't get me wrong, it just makes me wonder if perhaps there was a lot more skin and 'lifting' than actual reduction, in comparison to others. Or does my breast tissue weight less?! seems impossible!! And finally, I am planning a ceremonial bra burning! I have the Enell bra, which gave me blisters after surgery, but served me very well for running for years. It is so tight and hideously uncomfortable though that i won't keep it. then I have two remaining bras that are too tatty to ebay, so I am going to burn them all together when i feel up to it! I am not going to fall into the trap of trying them on at a later stage, we all know how confusing that can be ;) Have a great day everyone. Happy healing to those on the other side, and good luck to those going in and just come out. [RS bleep] Updated on 27 Apr 2014: Yesterday and today have been good days. I went out for the first time yesterday, just into town to for coffee and came back home quite soon as it was exhausting but it was great to get out in the sunshine and fresh air. Today went to a local garden centre for a little while, then sat out with a magazine and watched my OH do some small garden things I usually do. lovely! Now I have been just sitting looking at magazines (gave up on tv and films a day or so ago!) and listening to music and it is very relaxing. I had only one codeine tablet yesterday, along with the usual paracetamol and ibuprofen, and didnt have one at night as I had before, but still got through ok. No codeine today so far, and much less of the others. Also had antihistamine, that completely got rid of the annoying itching, which was a real godsend, couldn't do without that on hand. I kind of expected that having done a bit more yesterday I would be more achey and tired and in more pain really first thing at least, but that wasn't the case. Must try hard not to let this give me false confidence and start doing too much - I am already wondering how long it will be until I can garden, train, bake, run, etc etc. I took off the silly socks yesterday, but got scared and put them back on today ;) I will ask my PS on tuesday if I can take them off as I am walking about loads and see what she says. Speaking of tuesday, I am getting more curious as to what things will look like under there, as I haven't seen much at all, unlike some of you girls I haven't taken the bra off myself at all, and when it was done for me in the hospital I closed my eyes as I wasn't ready. I will be ready by tuesday, but am not sure whether I am excited or nervous or both! In a way, I don't know how much to really think about what the shape and size of my boobs is because I know there should be a lot of change to come over the next weeks and months, so what I see on Tuesday isn't 'end product' anyway. I am so happy with how things looks even with all the padding and surgical bra on, that maybe I don't want to see without... Haven't done any measuring etc, like Raboobsel did! I really thought I would do that obsessively, but can't really be bothered I'm afraid, I am just happy to be smaller and thats that really. Even through the zinging pains and the annoying pain from the lower back still, the weight lifted from my shoulders is really obvious, so I can only imagine how good that will be in a few months. Anyway, not such a long post today - I have button up shirts to peruse online! xx Updated on 28 Apr 2014: Today wasn't so good. Not awful, but no on as much of a high as I was! Did a little work :[ - only from bed on the computer :) Mooched about the rest of the day a bit bored really, but did go out in the car (not driving myself) for a bit. I haven't had any painkillers all day, then realised about 8pm that it was getting quite bad so had a codeine. One thing that has got me down a bit today is that I feel like my boobs are not much smaller than they were... now up until today I KNEW they were much much smaller, and all my tops are too big, yet today they look nearly the same as before in the top i have on... I am wondering if I have been a bit busy doing stuff when I shouldn't have and they have swollen, or maybe they would have swelled anyway. Either way I feel a bit odd about it. I have seen a few ladies say they are not happy with the size, but seriously I really was until this afternoon. Maybe I am just losing my mind! Anyway, the dressings come off tomorrow afternoon, so we will see! Updated on 29 Apr 2014: Today, I woke up in a mood ;) Was still feeling swollen and irritable and also quite nervous about having the dressings off today. However... My PS and a nurse came to get me, and seemed really happy with how well I was walking and carry my bag etc. They quickly got down to taking off the bra and dressings (I brought another clean bra to change into, as I have had this one on all week.) Bear in mind that I have hardly looked down my bra at all, and certainly seen nothing in the way of wounds or bloody bar the blisters from my first bra. IT WAS AMAZING!!!! My boobs look so good I can't believe it. Sounds odd, but in a way I expected when everything came off that my old boobs would be there underneath - I know I am a bit mad sounding, but that's why I was so surprised when these fabulous new chesticles miraculously appeared from underneath the bra! The wounds were healed really well, hardly even a bit of blood on the dressings at all (even though these are the same ones that went on straight after surgery). My PS did explain to me how she did something with nerve endings that helps make sure not fluid and blood come out, even in the drains. I didnt take it in exactly, but I am thrilled that it did the job. There is a little yellow bruising, and when I say a little it is really a LOT less than I expected. The was a little dried blood, but again, it is almost unbelievable how much it has healed. It wasn't a bit shocking and I had been dreading it if I'm honest (at the same time as being excited if that makes sense), but for no reason at all, it was great. I was a little faint at times, simply because of the exertion of getting up and ready this morning chatting to a friend who came round, then the journey in the car. The nurse and my PS were saying how great they thought I looked, and completely agreed, although it was so surreal I was almost speechless really and must have seemed a bit gormless, what with the brain fog I have at the moment when tired! We did the undressing behind a curtain as my hubby was there and I wanted to see it alone first (if it was too gory I wouldn't have shown him yet). He couldn't stand the suspense and asked to come and have a look, and seemed really impressed ;) However, although I know how won't say it, I know he will need time to get used to the new me, as will I I guess. So, happily I now have nice clean dressings on, clean white Royce bra, and am confident now taking the bra on and off to have a look. Although I am supposed to keep it on all the time anyway. She prefers I carry on bathing the way I have before, because the dressings are just 'splash proof' so she doesn't want me to get the wet if I can avoid it. That works for me anyway, as long as I can go in the bath that's fine. I am sorry i haven't put pictures up yet, but I have exhausted myself now and need to find a bit of time when i have enough energy. I don't intend to ruin the good recovery I have had so far by overdoing it now. Hope you 'after' ladies are all happy and healing well, and if you are 'before' then you have a lot to look forward to! x Updated on 30 Apr 2014: So here are my pictures. I can hardly believe this is me, it is still a bit dreamlike! I will go and have a look in a minute to compare myself, as I haven't done that yet :) Just a bit of info, ok so I took them in similar positions to before, so that you can see the overall difference. I will put on the same clothes later on too, to compare in that stripy top, as that is what i found most useful. I do have an idea now why people don't do that so much - because all the tops look a bit shapeless and I don't feel I want to put them on so am just wearing 'lounging' stuff. Also moved my arms about a bit so you can see other areas. The red blotches above the breasts, and round the sides, are blisters and little blemishes from the tight bra I had on initially, and from where my current bra digs a little on particularly swollen days. (although this is no more than my day to day bra marks, so not complaining there!). Under the right breast is what looks like a mole, but it is just actually a blister from last week, the Enell bra again, which got rubbed a bit. Looks a bit manky but doesn't hurt. Both are swelled up a fair bit on the sides, as you can see. They were smaller there a couple of days ago. The PS says this is normal swelling though, nothing more than expected. For anyone look for 'after' results to get an idea what to expect, I would also say that my breasts before were set quite wide apart, and still are. These things are more noticeable once you start looking at them all the time (like I do now!). This is part of what my surgeon told me about the shape etc being very much determined by what you already have, so this is almost exactly what I expected (but nicer in real life!). I think at the start of my research I may have had the idea that it would be like choosing new breasts from a catalogue, and replacing the old ones with those ;0) Obviously that is mad, but this way they are going to look like my own breast, in fact they are starting to already.... Posture: I think from the side views that my posture looks a bit better but needs work still. The pics were taken without my pulling shoulders down etc, and I haven't yet taken any with 'improved' posture as I did for the before shots. This is with no effort at the moment, but I do feel that it is better regardless. Size: they are bigger at the sides than they will be, I can even feel it swelled up there. However, I am extremely happy with the size, if they stay like this, or go down a bit, I am happy. I expect to be D, small or large D I don't yet know. Oh, I should also say that the bit under the bra, ribcage, is really quite swollen. It isn't very obviously from the pictures, but is with the bra on (am usually 32, this is a 34d and is tight). What happened was, after I said I wanted a C cup, my surgeon gently said 'yes, C to D', and I was going to insist on a C cup, but realised that I didnt really know what a C cup was like!! So after discussion, on the day of the surgery, she said a little more assertively 'I really think a D cup is right for your frame, are you happy for me to trust me on that?' - I said yes, and am SO happy I did. I now realise that however much weight I might lose in the future, and however small my ribcage is, or is in future, my shoulders are relatively broad, so smaller would mean I would not be curvy at all. It is tempting to just go really small (and that is right for some people) but I never wanted that, curvy works for me, its just pumped up like a DFS sofa like before that doesn't!! I liked my PS a lot, and trusted her, so I now see how vital that was. Hope this helps, and hope you think I look ok, its a bit scary!! [RS bleep] Updated on 1 May 2014: Pain is different today, no worse, better in fact first thing, but there is nipple pain which is quite different to the general aches. Not complaining, its ok, and I haven't had to resort to codeine yet today and will only do so if I can't sleep. I sent my OH out tonight to a soiree he wanted to go to, and wanted me to go along to also - I was tempted but thought I better hadn't as it could be a long night and I am tired today. He has been AMAZING since my op, answering my every call for water, coffee, chicken with spinach, it must get tedious ;) I didn't think he could actually cook, but now that cat is out of the bag! I really miss cooking myself, but it is really good for us both for me not to have complete control of the kitchen and such like, a nice break for both in a way. It is highly likely that I am a control freak! For some reason I was really worried about him coping, as if he is a child and not a grown man, which is ridiculous. Although the dog is getting very fat I notice... Usually we do almost everything together, so it is very boring for him being in here all the time as I can't do much, so it is good that he is out. However, amongst all the other ups and downs, now, as I previously anticipated, I am really really bored! I can't focus on books, the magazines are all read now, and am sick of tv and films. Am considering making a cake... it wouldn't be strenuous really, as the mixture is already there, i made it a week ago - but if I make a cake, then I would obviously have to eat the cake ... Trying not to think about the boobs, as I start to worry about things, and obsess over stuff, so I am more or less chilled at the moment just keeping my mind as occupied as possible. Updated on 2 May 2014: Had a lovely morning, went out for breakfast, slow saunter round town. Then decided it might be a nice idea to try on some clothes in a nice shop.... hmm, it wasn't. Although I must admit that things look much better, more streamlined, less 'look at my boobs' which thrills me ;) I have found that I am completely and utterly clueless, as I have no idea what I like or what suits me. I wasn't expecting to suddenly be a supermodel who can wear a bin bag and look good, but adjusting to a new shape is more difficult than you might think until to have to do it. To the onlooker there is probably barely any difference, but I feel like aliens took away my old body and replaced it with a strange new one I don't know what to do with!! Every item of clothing I have bought in the past has had the primary criteria of 'hide or detract from boobs'. What i pick from the shelves in the first instance, is always based on that, and what I like comes after. Although I thought I had very strong views on my style (love bright colours and unusual stuff) I stood in that shop like a frumpy 40 year old who has never been shopping before!!! My husband was with me, and gave me honest opinions, which he always does for better or worse ;) And insists that he will go back and buy a jumper for me that I couldn't have before because it was 'booby' and now it isn't. I just couldn't see it, but he says it is amazing and really suits me, but I was sulky and wanted to go home. First world problems I know, and feel a a bit silly, but I am put off now and feel like my baggy tops are here for a while to come. I have had a 'shopper' come with me for the day before, so I may just have to do that, as I found that to be brilliant, and actually saved me money as I didnt buy things that I won't wear. Only two tops in my wardrobe still fit, and dresses I loved so much are just ridiculous now, so I might do that later - but it will be ages before I am ready for that kind of exhausting day out :( Partly this mood is of course because I am too tired, and hormonally challenged. Should have knocked the shopping on the head sooner. Also my sides ache. boo. Good some good new magazines though, looking on the bright side :) Updated on 2 May 2014: oh, and I forgot to mention, i don't recommend clothes shopping in a surgical bra ! Updated on 5 May 2014: Have had the in laws round for the last few days which is why I haven't updated - its not really fair to only update my review when I have to get a bad mood off my (small) chest! If you have read my review from before the op, I was unsure whether to tell my MIL about the surgery, for a variety of reasons, and decided to wait until afterwards if at all. So, it had to come out in fact as she tried to give me a massive hug soon after they arrived so I had to screech 'please don't squeeze!!!!' - kind of gave it away ;) She was a little upset I think that I didnt tell her before, but I explained that it isn't a easy thing, and then later showed her the new boobies in all their glory so that made up for it I think! She was very impressed in fact, and said she really thought I had done the right thing, so that was nice. After my shopping nightmare I just got into relaxing clothes and stopped thinking about it; was a little miserable but watched crap TV for a day or two and things evened out. Had a breakthrough on Saturday night when I changed into my Genie Bra. I think the discomfort of the Royce at the moment was making me a bit moody. The royce was great to start with, but I have swollen at the sides and underneath, and on top a bit and I can just feel it so much rubbing on there that I couldn't stand it. The Genie is great, but I need to check I should be wearing this all the time, as there is not so much support. I change into the Royce at night anyway, to keep things 'safe'. This change of bra has really REALLY cheered me up. I cannot describe how much ! I think that pain can be dealt with if necessary with painkillers, but discomfort is a bit different - kind of grates on you when it is constant. So, today and yesterday have been so great. I have done lots, but slowly. Nothing extravagant, but just enjoying feeling more like me again. Today, if it wasn't for the feeling in my breast, (which by the way is really minimal) I wouldn't know I had major surgery less than two weeks ago. I even made that cake (well, lots of little madeleine cakes). I still feel it is necessary to have hubby do the very 'stretchy' things, and obviously the lifting or heavy carrying is a no-no, but I know what i can do easily now. Some things, like lifting my arms above my head, I can do, but it doesn't do me any good and I know about it later - just cos something doesn't hurt doesn't make it ok. So mood = good, Pain is fine, haven't felt I want to take anything for it - there wouldn't be any point. My stomach is better, thanks to prunes and acidophiolus. My back hurts, in odd places, which I think is my posture sorting itself out. I stand straighter a lot (not all) the time, almost instinctively, so my muscles are probably getting a work out. Husband is having a rest now, due to overwork apparently ;) The only bad points really at the moment are 1. Back sleeping and 2. I have not been eating properly 'clean'. Naughty! Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend / bank holiday and feeling good and happy x (ps. did I mention, i have GREAT boobs!) xx Updated on 6 May 2014: Did this last night, was great fun, but brought a little tear to my eye (in a good way!). God only knows what the neighbours think ;) Updated on 6 May 2014: pics didnt upload on the last post for some reason - here goes again... Updated on 7 May 2014: I am paying for my great weekend now I'm afraid! Nothing major, just more pain due to swelling which tells me I did too much, particularly on BH Monday. Oh well, thats a lesson (it was worth it to feel normal for a while anyway!). So I am taking it slowly for a few days now. Although I am back at work as of yesterday, I work from home so I just do as much as I can and as soon as my brain fog reappears, take a long break. There is nothing physically strenuous about my work so I am lucky. Although it is surprising how much a couple of hours on the computer can really tire the side areas, under the arms and sides of boobs. I am wearing the Genie bra more and more now, although I do try to change back into the Royce for a time, I think while I am this swollen it is just a bit small and the position of the band rubs on the incisions. So for the sake of comfort and sanity I will generally keep the Genie on. Will ask the PS about that on my next follow up which is Friday. Really wish I had been given the ok to take Bromelain. It sounds like it is doing wonders for many people, but my PS gave me a definite no because she isn't happy with the blood thinning properties. I will go with her advice because I feel everything has gone pretty smoothly so far so don't want to jeopardise that. Maybe I will ask again, but she is probably getting sick of seeing this little jar come out of my bag by now! Will also ask for her recommendation for Swelling as I am not seeing any improvement yet. FYI: Back sleeping is improving, a bit ;)<b
Thank you for your question. It is very early days after a major operation. The breasts can feel a little numb at this early stage due to swelling. This usually settles down over a few weeks. It is usually helpful at this stage to wear a supportive sports bra. In a small proportion of patients, numbness may persist. Most patients however find that the sensation returns to normal.
