I can't believe it's already been 4 months since surgery! On the other hand, I really don't think about the surgery very much until I shower/get dressed.
March has brought another round of sickness to my family, which leads me to my news to report for the month. My feverish baby spent many hours laying on my chest last night...no problem.
I am much happier wearing a "real" bra, at least out in public...and I'm excited to sort through my summer clothes to see how they fit. But, that's a project for when we are all feeling a little better. For now, I'm back to my crabby baby.
When I started researching breast reduction surgery, I came across a few helpful blogs. It was good to hear that I wasn't alone in my secret pain...and good to hear all the aspects of surgery that a doctor wouldn't think to tell me. I started writing privately just to sort out my feelings, but I think it's good to have this information out there. I hope it's helpful to someone. You are not alone!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Bra Shopping: Success!
Let me just say that Kohl's totally sinks Wal-Mart's battleship when it comes to bra shopping...among countless other things.
After trying on approximately one million different bras, I ended up with a dozen that seemed to fit okay. I didn't have the mental capacity to make anymore decisions after spending hours under fluorescent lights, so I just bought them all with the intention of weeding them out at home. Binge and purge shopping is my secret vice.
Side note: I am clean, and I do not have huge chunks of white deodorant nor excessive makeup that I smear onto everything I try on. (Have you seen this!? Sheesh!)
My husband selflessly helped me sort out the not-so-flattering bras. He seems to have a much better eye for shape than I do...go figure. Half of the dozen went back in the bag. Next test: comfort. I have very sensitive skin, so anything itchy has to go. My scars are still fairly sensitive as well, so I needed to spend some time sitting/moving to test how the bra band would sit under my breasts. I put a square of toilet paper between the plastic tags and my skin to rule out these itchy spots. Then I sat down to start this blog. I can usually tell within a couple minutes if a bra is going to treat me wrong. I was surprised that the underwire bras came out ahead in this department. The underwire also helped to tame the "side boobs".
The results? I settled on two underwires (Olga and Warners), and one comfy wire-free (Bali). I am somewhere between a 38C or 40C depending on the brand. I hate the idea of going UP in bra band after a REDUCTION (I used to wear a 38G) but on the other hand, it's nice to have a looser band. I realized my bra band doesn't need the leverage to hold up the gals like it used to, so I can get away with more comfort. My sides are still a little sore and perhaps there is still some swelling going on. I guess time will tell!
In the meantime, I am pleased. My gals are no longer smashed by a sport bra and once again stick out farther than my belly. All is right with my world :-)
After trying on approximately one million different bras, I ended up with a dozen that seemed to fit okay. I didn't have the mental capacity to make anymore decisions after spending hours under fluorescent lights, so I just bought them all with the intention of weeding them out at home. Binge and purge shopping is my secret vice.
Side note: I am clean, and I do not have huge chunks of white deodorant nor excessive makeup that I smear onto everything I try on. (Have you seen this!? Sheesh!)
My husband selflessly helped me sort out the not-so-flattering bras. He seems to have a much better eye for shape than I do...go figure. Half of the dozen went back in the bag. Next test: comfort. I have very sensitive skin, so anything itchy has to go. My scars are still fairly sensitive as well, so I needed to spend some time sitting/moving to test how the bra band would sit under my breasts. I put a square of toilet paper between the plastic tags and my skin to rule out these itchy spots. Then I sat down to start this blog. I can usually tell within a couple minutes if a bra is going to treat me wrong. I was surprised that the underwire bras came out ahead in this department. The underwire also helped to tame the "side boobs".
The results? I settled on two underwires (Olga and Warners), and one comfy wire-free (Bali). I am somewhere between a 38C or 40C depending on the brand. I hate the idea of going UP in bra band after a REDUCTION (I used to wear a 38G) but on the other hand, it's nice to have a looser band. I realized my bra band doesn't need the leverage to hold up the gals like it used to, so I can get away with more comfort. My sides are still a little sore and perhaps there is still some swelling going on. I guess time will tell!
In the meantime, I am pleased. My gals are no longer smashed by a sport bra and once again stick out farther than my belly. All is right with my world :-)
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Bra Shopping: First Attempt. Fail.
I've just been plain exhausted the last few weeks. I finally had a chance to go bra shopping, but I sure didn't feel like going out. I had a great coupon for Kohl's, so that was my destination after I got the kids in bed. I got there at 8:40...and quickly found out they close at 9:00 on Sundays. Classic.
Well, Wal-Mart is next door and open all night, so I figured I would give Wally World a chance since I had some other things to pick up.
I totally struck out and ended up just buying another 2-pack of sport bras. I've been spoiled wearing sport bras all the time. "Real" bras are pretty uncomfortable in comparison. But a gal needs some shape now and then!
Here's my problem: side boob. My breast shape is just too wide. I don't know if this is an issue that will resolve after more time...I'm hoping it is. The only way I can find a cup size that fits is by going way up in band size. I used to wear a 38 G...so I should still be able to wear a 38...right? My measurements indicate that I should be a 38 C, but it seems like I need a 40 or 42 A now. But that just doesn't sound right. And it doesn't feel quite right.
I'm sure that the extra 30 pounds I'm carrying is not helping my situation in the side rolls department. Nothing like a dressing room mirror to knock out any residual self-esteem. I'm pretty depressed. And I had to come to a realization...as much as I hated my big breasts, I miss my old proportions. Now I feel pear-shaped and dumpy. I didn't realize how much I hid behind my bosoms. Now it's all out there..."it" meaning my momma-belly and everything else that reminds me I'm not 20 anymore. Sigh.
Well, I'm trying to keep my perspective...striking out at *Wal-Mart* is far from complete failure. I'm still going to give Kohl's a try. And hopefully get to the gym more often!
Well, Wal-Mart is next door and open all night, so I figured I would give Wally World a chance since I had some other things to pick up.
I totally struck out and ended up just buying another 2-pack of sport bras. I've been spoiled wearing sport bras all the time. "Real" bras are pretty uncomfortable in comparison. But a gal needs some shape now and then!
Here's my problem: side boob. My breast shape is just too wide. I don't know if this is an issue that will resolve after more time...I'm hoping it is. The only way I can find a cup size that fits is by going way up in band size. I used to wear a 38 G...so I should still be able to wear a 38...right? My measurements indicate that I should be a 38 C, but it seems like I need a 40 or 42 A now. But that just doesn't sound right. And it doesn't feel quite right.
I'm sure that the extra 30 pounds I'm carrying is not helping my situation in the side rolls department. Nothing like a dressing room mirror to knock out any residual self-esteem. I'm pretty depressed. And I had to come to a realization...as much as I hated my big breasts, I miss my old proportions. Now I feel pear-shaped and dumpy. I didn't realize how much I hid behind my bosoms. Now it's all out there..."it" meaning my momma-belly and everything else that reminds me I'm not 20 anymore. Sigh.
Well, I'm trying to keep my perspective...striking out at *Wal-Mart* is far from complete failure. I'm still going to give Kohl's a try. And hopefully get to the gym more often!
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