POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
42 Yrs W/ a Two Yr Old. 32G to maybe a ...B or C?
ORIGINAL POST
The story of how I got here is not dissimilar to...
LalacanadaJune 1, 2017
$14,847
The story of how I got here is not dissimilar to everyone else's on this site. I actually started to develop later than some of my friends and was feeling left behind. I used to pray for breasts and did the Judy Blume 'I must increase my bust' exercises. Well apparently it worked too well because I started growing in grade 7 and by grade 9, I was a D. I recall the embarrassment of wearing the largest basketball uniform available and it still being skin tight - I was quite the show on the basketball court.
By the time things settled down, I was an F. Which went up to a g/h at my heaviest. I came by it naturally as both my sister ended up having reduction surgery in her 20's and my mother had her reduction in her 50's. They both thought it was a wonderful decision and were happy with the results. I never had much of a chance to consider it as I married quite young (met him when I was 19) and he was one of those guys who appreciated large breasts and so was a big fan of mine and thought reduction was crazy talk lol! So despite running half marathons and rowing, I hung onto my breasts and continued to spend a small fortune on bullet proof bras that were a feat of engineering and resembled body armor - and sports bras that flattened and smashed. I discovered a few wonderful bra lines while I was living in the U.K. and found that there were in fact beautiful bras for the large chested- but they were not cheap. And once I moved back to Canada I had to order from overseas. And of course as your body changes - weight, shape etc- you need to buy new bras to accommodate. So seriously, when I say a small fortune I mean a LARGE fortune on bras. My lingerie drawer right now could probably pay for a small car.
But while I accommodated them and learned to live with them, I always resented them. The clothes I couldn't wear, the tops that looked cute on my friends but looked trampy on me, the bathing suits that looked and felt like a bra, having to wear skirts and tops because a dress would never fit both the top and bottom of my body. The red raw bleeding, chafing from being active in sports bras. Feeling floppy without a bra so never being able to lounge in pajamas etc braless. The realization one day that my somewhat constant shoulder pain and the semi regular neck seizures that left me unable to move properly for a day or two, were in fact more likely caused by the boulders I dragged around all day, than the heavy purse I carry, as I had always attributed it to. So despite my husband's appreciation and how I'd accommodated them in my life, I still always felt that as soon as I had children and had breastfed, I would get a reduction. Heck I figured I'd need the lift part by then just as much as the reduction part. So I tried to hold out until then.
Well, after a divorce, a remarriage and then pregnant at 39 I realized the time was now. I actually got larger when I was pregnant- how unfair! Then of course the dreaded deflation post-breast feeding. While I had hoped they would shrink a bit as I heard can happen after pregnancy, they stayed the same size - just flatter and less full. Ah the cruelty...
This would be my only child and I had been able to experience the joy and loveliness of breastfeeding. I was tired of the sore shoulders and constant neck pain - all of my health spending account went to physio and massages for my shoulders, my new husband was supportive of the decision and I had plenty of family help and support nearby for the post surgery healing. It was time.
I asked my doctor for a referral - he had no idea what to do. He actually commented that I didn't look that big and 'aren't women funny - most of you spend their life wanting what you have and here you are wanting to get rid of them'... I didn't know what to say. He's lovely and I know he meant well but seriously... So typical to have to explain, that to the person who is responsible for carrying them around and supporting them all day every day, they are more than just an esthetic representation of femininity or just an attractive asset like great hair. But regardless, he was great and helped me find a surgeon who performed the procedure through Canadian MSP.
I was told it would likely be a 1 1/2 year process which left me incredibly disheartened. It was 6 months before I had the initial consultation appt at which time I was told the wait was about a year. I requested to be put on a cancellation list and would take any date. Was quite disappointed to have finally got the ball rolling and prepared to go for it, only to be told it was that far out.
As fate would have it, I was in the middle of wrapping up a very complicated and stressful project at work and saw a missed call. When I called back I said yes before the surgeons asst had even said the date. Two weeks out! Amazing!
The next two weeks were filled with a planned trip with my husband (I guess the inaugural tour of 'the girls') and preparing my life for the recovery time - personal and professional. Both were busy and my life with the two year old was going to be a challenge while recovering. No picking up and cuddling, no bath time, no getting in and out of car seat so no driving to daycare. A lot would rest on my husband's and parent's shoulders. But we all agreed we could make it work.
Fast forward to Monday night (just two days ago) and I was applying the disinfectant body wipes I had been told to purchase. Drank my clear fluid and put aside my front buttoning shirt for the big day tomorrow. Surgery was the 30th of May. All I was told was bring a front opening bra with 2 inch band so as not to irritate the lower sutures. I had a terrible time finding that- target in the states didn't have, the bay, Sears etc. finally found a post surgery bra at a lovely lingerie shop for $70. Sigh. The hospital was about an hour and a half drive. Dropped my two yr old of at daycare in the morning and my Mom drive me to the hospital for 10am check-in time. I went through the full disinfectant again, and then was given a gown with air pockets to be filled with warm air for the process (nice and toasty), gorgeous green knee-high hospital socks and blue paper slippers. I was then admitted to the pre surgery prep area where I was hooked up to my first IV, nose cleaning swab and blue light disinfectant. The surgeon came in- we had discussed what I was looking for during our initial brief consultation a few months before and I reiterated again hat I wanted a lot gone but I still wanted to have breasts and wasn't looking to be small - a large C was my preference. He stated that he doesn't go by cup size necessarily but removes as much as possible while still leaving breasts that are proportionate. He said he hasnt had a complaint yet. Sounds good. He and the surgeon in training with him (a lovely young lady) marked me up - quite fascinating how much is exact measurement and how much is just 'eyeballing' it and gut. The science and the art....
Into the OR - I found this all quite fascinating as I have never been in a hospital for myself (4 hours for child delivery and then home) so everything was new to me. Just like Greys anatomy!
Asked them if they listened to music while they worked and they said yes, I asked what kind and then the next thing I remember is the nurses putting on my post surgery bra and then nothing until someone saying Hi, you're in recovery.
That's all I have time for now- need to take my pain meds and go to sleep for a bit. Will finish with the post surgery update tomorrow. Here are my before pics for now
By the time things settled down, I was an F. Which went up to a g/h at my heaviest. I came by it naturally as both my sister ended up having reduction surgery in her 20's and my mother had her reduction in her 50's. They both thought it was a wonderful decision and were happy with the results. I never had much of a chance to consider it as I married quite young (met him when I was 19) and he was one of those guys who appreciated large breasts and so was a big fan of mine and thought reduction was crazy talk lol! So despite running half marathons and rowing, I hung onto my breasts and continued to spend a small fortune on bullet proof bras that were a feat of engineering and resembled body armor - and sports bras that flattened and smashed. I discovered a few wonderful bra lines while I was living in the U.K. and found that there were in fact beautiful bras for the large chested- but they were not cheap. And once I moved back to Canada I had to order from overseas. And of course as your body changes - weight, shape etc- you need to buy new bras to accommodate. So seriously, when I say a small fortune I mean a LARGE fortune on bras. My lingerie drawer right now could probably pay for a small car.
But while I accommodated them and learned to live with them, I always resented them. The clothes I couldn't wear, the tops that looked cute on my friends but looked trampy on me, the bathing suits that looked and felt like a bra, having to wear skirts and tops because a dress would never fit both the top and bottom of my body. The red raw bleeding, chafing from being active in sports bras. Feeling floppy without a bra so never being able to lounge in pajamas etc braless. The realization one day that my somewhat constant shoulder pain and the semi regular neck seizures that left me unable to move properly for a day or two, were in fact more likely caused by the boulders I dragged around all day, than the heavy purse I carry, as I had always attributed it to. So despite my husband's appreciation and how I'd accommodated them in my life, I still always felt that as soon as I had children and had breastfed, I would get a reduction. Heck I figured I'd need the lift part by then just as much as the reduction part. So I tried to hold out until then.
Well, after a divorce, a remarriage and then pregnant at 39 I realized the time was now. I actually got larger when I was pregnant- how unfair! Then of course the dreaded deflation post-breast feeding. While I had hoped they would shrink a bit as I heard can happen after pregnancy, they stayed the same size - just flatter and less full. Ah the cruelty...
This would be my only child and I had been able to experience the joy and loveliness of breastfeeding. I was tired of the sore shoulders and constant neck pain - all of my health spending account went to physio and massages for my shoulders, my new husband was supportive of the decision and I had plenty of family help and support nearby for the post surgery healing. It was time.
I asked my doctor for a referral - he had no idea what to do. He actually commented that I didn't look that big and 'aren't women funny - most of you spend their life wanting what you have and here you are wanting to get rid of them'... I didn't know what to say. He's lovely and I know he meant well but seriously... So typical to have to explain, that to the person who is responsible for carrying them around and supporting them all day every day, they are more than just an esthetic representation of femininity or just an attractive asset like great hair. But regardless, he was great and helped me find a surgeon who performed the procedure through Canadian MSP.
I was told it would likely be a 1 1/2 year process which left me incredibly disheartened. It was 6 months before I had the initial consultation appt at which time I was told the wait was about a year. I requested to be put on a cancellation list and would take any date. Was quite disappointed to have finally got the ball rolling and prepared to go for it, only to be told it was that far out.
As fate would have it, I was in the middle of wrapping up a very complicated and stressful project at work and saw a missed call. When I called back I said yes before the surgeons asst had even said the date. Two weeks out! Amazing!
The next two weeks were filled with a planned trip with my husband (I guess the inaugural tour of 'the girls') and preparing my life for the recovery time - personal and professional. Both were busy and my life with the two year old was going to be a challenge while recovering. No picking up and cuddling, no bath time, no getting in and out of car seat so no driving to daycare. A lot would rest on my husband's and parent's shoulders. But we all agreed we could make it work.
Fast forward to Monday night (just two days ago) and I was applying the disinfectant body wipes I had been told to purchase. Drank my clear fluid and put aside my front buttoning shirt for the big day tomorrow. Surgery was the 30th of May. All I was told was bring a front opening bra with 2 inch band so as not to irritate the lower sutures. I had a terrible time finding that- target in the states didn't have, the bay, Sears etc. finally found a post surgery bra at a lovely lingerie shop for $70. Sigh. The hospital was about an hour and a half drive. Dropped my two yr old of at daycare in the morning and my Mom drive me to the hospital for 10am check-in time. I went through the full disinfectant again, and then was given a gown with air pockets to be filled with warm air for the process (nice and toasty), gorgeous green knee-high hospital socks and blue paper slippers. I was then admitted to the pre surgery prep area where I was hooked up to my first IV, nose cleaning swab and blue light disinfectant. The surgeon came in- we had discussed what I was looking for during our initial brief consultation a few months before and I reiterated again hat I wanted a lot gone but I still wanted to have breasts and wasn't looking to be small - a large C was my preference. He stated that he doesn't go by cup size necessarily but removes as much as possible while still leaving breasts that are proportionate. He said he hasnt had a complaint yet. Sounds good. He and the surgeon in training with him (a lovely young lady) marked me up - quite fascinating how much is exact measurement and how much is just 'eyeballing' it and gut. The science and the art....
Into the OR - I found this all quite fascinating as I have never been in a hospital for myself (4 hours for child delivery and then home) so everything was new to me. Just like Greys anatomy!
Asked them if they listened to music while they worked and they said yes, I asked what kind and then the next thing I remember is the nurses putting on my post surgery bra and then nothing until someone saying Hi, you're in recovery.
That's all I have time for now- need to take my pain meds and go to sleep for a bit. Will finish with the post surgery update tomorrow. Here are my before pics for now
UPDATED FROM Lalacanada
3 days post
Surgery day
LalacanadaJune 2, 2017
I apologize if the information provided doesn't have a great flow in terms of timeline - I'll be jumping back and forth a bit because I started the review after the actual surgery. Mainly because I didn't intend to post anything and then it all happened so fast I ran out of time!I've been researching on this sight for over a year and have found it incredibly informative. Everyone's stories really helped me prepare for my surgery- psychologically and logistically. So I feel like I should give back a bit now by sharing my experience. Plus any feedback from other members as I go through my recovery process will be welcomed and hugely appreciated.
So on the day of surgery I wore very loose leggings and a long loose button up shirt. No socks and slip on shoes, all to facilitate getting dressed afterwards. I had apple juice and water in the car for the ride home as well as a pillow to put under the seatbelt. Thank you other members for that tip! What a difference to have that protection. Initially the pain was minimal - a 3 or 4. It started to amp a bit and went up to a 5 so the nurses gave me a Percocet which brought it right back down. Most of any discomfort I did have was from the anesthesia. Very lightheaded and slightly nauseous. Not bad but not great. About four hours in recovery then sent home with a prescription of Tylenol3 (without caffeine so that I could sleep while taking them). My mom filled the prescription while I was in recovery. They made me look at the bandages to have a baseline to track any additional blood seepage or swelling - all I could think was holy [RS bleep] they're small. Too small. But I didn't want to worry about it and was too out of it so I pushed the thought out of my mind.
I arrived home about 7:30pm and went right to bed. Still no real pain, just weak and 'out of it'. I set my alarm 4 hours out to take my pain med. I understand that it's difficult to try and tame the pain once it's upon you rather than just stay ahead of it to begin with. Controlling the pain is supposed to really improve recovery time and I really want to make sure mine is as fast and uncomplicated as possible. I have not really been in much pain at all since the surgery. Discomfort mostly. Drinking lots of water - that first night it was like someone had placed a blanket in my mouth to absorb every minuscule drop of moisture... so parched. I had throat lozenges on hand in case my throat was sore from being intubated but I didn't need them at all.
The first night I had the strangest gurgling air sound in my left breast in the middle of the night. Sounded just like when your stomach is digesting but in my breast and really, really loud! Thought it was going to wake up my husband it was so loud. No pain or discomfort but strange enough that I decided to hop on here as well as do a little googling to self diagnose :-). Sounds like it's not abnormal and is the extra fluid that rushes to damaged areas and causes swelling - combo of being reabsorbed and moving around. I'll keep an eye or ear on it to make sure nothing gets worse.
The morning after surgery I got up with my husband to get our toddler ready for daycare. I couldn't pick her up but thought it might make things less strange if she at least saw me participate if I was home. I've usually already left the house for work before she's awake in the mornings so having me home would be different enough as it is, I didn't want to stay cloistered in the bedroom. She did ask if I was sick though - I think she may have sensed something was up- kids can be intuitive and I have been holding myself quite stiffly. If anyone is planning on going through this with a toddler, feel free to message me and I'll let you know how things have been going on that front and share those details of my experience if u think it will help you prepare.
That first day after surgery, yesterday, I actually felt great. Lightheaded and a bit strange but feeling good. Had some granola around noon as I hadn't eaten since midnight before surgery so was a bit hungry. No coffee - difficult for me to abstain but I understand caffeine can contribute to inflammation so every bit might help with recovery. Napped a bit and read some work emails to see what I was missing and then decided to submit a review on here! I went for a walk down the street with my husband because they say that movement every day helps speed recovery. Really felt fine other than lightheaded and faint. No pain.
Had a normal dinner but nothing to heavy because I still hadn't had a bowel movement. A bit of gas which I'm hoping is a good sign that things are moving along...
So on the day of surgery I wore very loose leggings and a long loose button up shirt. No socks and slip on shoes, all to facilitate getting dressed afterwards. I had apple juice and water in the car for the ride home as well as a pillow to put under the seatbelt. Thank you other members for that tip! What a difference to have that protection. Initially the pain was minimal - a 3 or 4. It started to amp a bit and went up to a 5 so the nurses gave me a Percocet which brought it right back down. Most of any discomfort I did have was from the anesthesia. Very lightheaded and slightly nauseous. Not bad but not great. About four hours in recovery then sent home with a prescription of Tylenol3 (without caffeine so that I could sleep while taking them). My mom filled the prescription while I was in recovery. They made me look at the bandages to have a baseline to track any additional blood seepage or swelling - all I could think was holy [RS bleep] they're small. Too small. But I didn't want to worry about it and was too out of it so I pushed the thought out of my mind.
I arrived home about 7:30pm and went right to bed. Still no real pain, just weak and 'out of it'. I set my alarm 4 hours out to take my pain med. I understand that it's difficult to try and tame the pain once it's upon you rather than just stay ahead of it to begin with. Controlling the pain is supposed to really improve recovery time and I really want to make sure mine is as fast and uncomplicated as possible. I have not really been in much pain at all since the surgery. Discomfort mostly. Drinking lots of water - that first night it was like someone had placed a blanket in my mouth to absorb every minuscule drop of moisture... so parched. I had throat lozenges on hand in case my throat was sore from being intubated but I didn't need them at all.
The first night I had the strangest gurgling air sound in my left breast in the middle of the night. Sounded just like when your stomach is digesting but in my breast and really, really loud! Thought it was going to wake up my husband it was so loud. No pain or discomfort but strange enough that I decided to hop on here as well as do a little googling to self diagnose :-). Sounds like it's not abnormal and is the extra fluid that rushes to damaged areas and causes swelling - combo of being reabsorbed and moving around. I'll keep an eye or ear on it to make sure nothing gets worse.
The morning after surgery I got up with my husband to get our toddler ready for daycare. I couldn't pick her up but thought it might make things less strange if she at least saw me participate if I was home. I've usually already left the house for work before she's awake in the mornings so having me home would be different enough as it is, I didn't want to stay cloistered in the bedroom. She did ask if I was sick though - I think she may have sensed something was up- kids can be intuitive and I have been holding myself quite stiffly. If anyone is planning on going through this with a toddler, feel free to message me and I'll let you know how things have been going on that front and share those details of my experience if u think it will help you prepare.
That first day after surgery, yesterday, I actually felt great. Lightheaded and a bit strange but feeling good. Had some granola around noon as I hadn't eaten since midnight before surgery so was a bit hungry. No coffee - difficult for me to abstain but I understand caffeine can contribute to inflammation so every bit might help with recovery. Napped a bit and read some work emails to see what I was missing and then decided to submit a review on here! I went for a walk down the street with my husband because they say that movement every day helps speed recovery. Really felt fine other than lightheaded and faint. No pain.
Had a normal dinner but nothing to heavy because I still hadn't had a bowel movement. A bit of gas which I'm hoping is a good sign that things are moving along...
Replies (0)
UPDATED FROM Lalacanada
3 days post
Day one and two post-surgery
LalacanadaJune 2, 2017
So I have not really wanted to look at them because I don't like being broken or hurt and don't think I can handle the gore that I've seen with other pics on here. Hard enough to look at other people but worse on my own body and I've been very concerned to look. My surgeon used waterproof wrapping over the bandages and said that I could shower the first day. I didn't because I was too scared... But I peeled back the bra the first afternoon to see and all I could think again was holy [RS bleep] they are tiny. Waaaaay smaller than I had intended. Going from a 32 g my whole life - the girl with the big boobs- I knew I didn't want to be flat. I still enjoyed having breasts, I just didn't want them to be so large that they hampered my life and health. But I am afraid of how much my personal identity is tied up with how I look and my large breasts are a big part of how I look. So my boobs are part of the image I can put out there. Silly, because I spent my life making them look smaller and hiding them and trying to make them less noticeable. But i don't know how I'll feel being the girl with small breasts now.... they honestly look like they could be a B... I was hoping for a large C so this is a shock...
But I knew from reading on this site for the last year that one of the biggest challenges of breast reduction recovery is the psychological aspect. And my sister had hers done in her 20's when your self image is far less formed and far more fragile. And she warned me that while she loved the result and has never regretted her choice, she had days immediately after while she was healing, where she would just cry. So I was prepared for a bit of a rollercoaster ride. I just have to keep telling myself that I will love them no matter how they turn out. And I also have to remind myself that I really have no idea how they will look for at least a week or two. They way they look now is not how they will look later for the long term. Although right now I kind of like how round and firm they are! Like round hard mounds on my chest - tiny little implants lol.
Also, my sense of scale is probably pretty skewed after staring at large long breasts my whole life. I really have no idea what a C or B cup actually looks like so I'll wait until the first bra shopping trip to find out what I am!!
Replies (3)
June 2, 2017
Thanks TT4LLIMI! Your my first comment! I appreciate the feedback. I found the other people's details helped me prepare. I'm freaked about how small they are but we'll see!
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