Following the thread about 'ladies with extra boobage'..

margaretclare

It's not just a question of getting a supportive sports bra. That's not the problem.

Yesterday we were in Debenhams and I spotted a sign for 'bra fitting'. I've been considering this for some while since it seems increasingly difficult for me to get a bra that fits/is comfortable while doing self-measurement. Most of my adult life I wore a 34C and never gave it a thought. Since going into (ahem) later life and especially in the last decade, I put on a lot of weight, have managed to take off 2-3 stone of it, but the bra problem remains. I thought I'd gone down from 44DD to 38D. It appears I need 36GG and it has to be wired, otherwise not enough support.

I am horrified at this. In addition, I'm not very tall, approx 4'9" since shrinkage in later life, and to have a GG bust means I sort of 'carry all before me'. I now weigh approx 10 1/2 stones, was up to 13+ at one point and don't seem to be able to lose any more.

Now the big question. I've thought for some time about breast reduction surgery. DH would not hear of it - 'any surgery is dangerous, too risky' and he wouldn't want to lose me. I told him this morning 'cosmetic surgery is not just about vanity, it's about comfort' and I really am not comfortable, even with my new properly-fitted bra.

I'm well aware that this won't be done on the NHS but we have a Spire hospital about 2 miles away. What has brought it into focus also is that my stepdaughter, who has recently lost about 9 stones doing Slimming World, is going for a 'tummy tuck' in January at her local Spire, and we're going there to stay for a few days to keep an eye on her afterwards.

Can anyone share any experiences?

minimoneysaver

Not personally, but a close friend had it done and has never looked back. Even after the pain and recovery, she said it has completely changed her life.

Bettie

i have often thought about a reduction but I suspect I will never find a truly comfortable bra so that is not a good enough reason, for me to have the surgery.
i am surprised they think only a wired bra will provide enough support. I have been wearing wires for a few years but wired or not the moment I eat or sit down slouched style I become uncomfortable with the band digging in. I have been measured many times and bought many different types of bra but always the same problem.

paulwellerfan

i had a breast uplift recently.
i was a 40dd now i am a 38b.
best thing i ever did. ( my boobs we saggy and heavy)
now i dont even have to wear a bra.
btw i also had a tummy tuck at the same time.

Bettie

margaretclare wrote: »

Well, it MAY BE a good enough reason. If you're uncomfortable all the time no matter what kind of bra you wear, that can be a good reason. They describe it here: http://www.spirehealthcare.com/Cosmetic-Surgery/Our-Treatments/Breast-reduction-surgery/

I've certainly had the grooves in shoulders, rashes underneath (thrush-type infections because it's warm and sweaty), also ache between shoulder-blades.

Now I've managed to convince DH that it's not just 'how I look' but the discomfort angle, I'm planning to make an appointment to see the surgeon there on 1st December, no strings, no obligation, just a fact-finding mission.

For me it would be how I look. The less self-conscious bit in the above link. I have in the past had the grooves in shoulder but that is no longer a problem as I was taught it is the band that should take most of the weight by giving support, not the shoulder strap alone. My problems are sitting and eating. ( always have to undo the bra after a meal or suffer discomfort)
I hope you will keep us informed as to the outcome.
Good luck!

noelphobic

I am extremely big busted and when I lose weight I don't lose it from there. Last time I got down to a reasonable weight (BMI around 25) I was a 34G:eek: Not sure what I am at the moment as haven't been measured for quite some time but I am trying to lose weight yet again and will maybe go when I have lost a stone (8.6 lbs and counting so far!)

I can't wear wired bras and haven't done for years. I have M and S total support which aren't wired. Might be worth you getting measured in there and trying those.

As far as the reduction is concerned, I am too nervous about surgery to have it done but it's a decision only you can make. Maybe see what you think of the hospital and your stepdaughter's treatment and care there before you make any decision. Obviously if you don't like the hospital for any reason that doesn't mean you can't have the surgery done, just that you would look around elsewhere should you decide to go ahead.

Bettie

paulwellerfan wrote: »

i had a breast uplift recently.
i was a 40dd now i am a 38b.
best thing i ever did. ( my boobs we saggy and heavy)
now i dont even have to wear a bra.
btw i also had a tummy tuck at the same time.

:T to not have to wear a bra would be heaven!
Won't they get droopy again in future though?

noelphobic

paulwellerfan wrote: »

i had a breast uplift recently.
i was a 40dd now i am a 38b.
best thing i ever did. ( my boobs we saggy and heavy)
now i dont even have to wear a bra.
btw i also had a tummy tuck at the same time.

I'm obviously wrong but I wouldn't have thought the bra size ie 40 would be affected by surgery as this is to do with the size of your rib cage and back. I would have thought surgery would only reduce or increase the cup size :huh:

SmallL

Im 5ft with a 30G chest, with a size 8/10 waist and hips.
My main concern with my large breasts is that when i have children they may become bigger but then less full due to breast feeding, and having saggier boobs than now would really knock my confidence.
I would definately consider an uplift after childbirth/care.

My main problem with bra buying is the straps dont often go tight enough so they dont fall down.

j.e.j.

I do see where you're coming from, but can I also recommend Bravissimo in the meantime, as they are really good at fitting bras. (sorry if this has been mentioned already on the other thread?) They go up to a J cup, I think, and they also do a few soft-cup/non-wired bras.

rising_from_the_ashes

Ohhhh I so know where you're coming from - have been plagued with being "on the larger" side since before I was a teenager

Last fitting was a 38GG ...... and wasn't impressed either (although I have to say that in other styles, I am no-where near this size). They were t-shirt style bras and are quite padded but I have to say very comfortable so I guess I'll live with the size of them!

I have the shoulder groves ..... I have the sweaty bits underneath .... difficulty breathing if I lie on my back .... they don't get smaller if I diet etc and have often thought of surgery.

There's a couple of ladies in my workplace who've had it done - both swear it's the best thing they've ever done but the thought of surgery terrifies me.

Best of luck to you - hope the consult goes well & you can then decide what's best for you.