| boobs | Hot Conversation |
“ample bustline” I am a natural 38D. It seems my boobs got a post from my body clock & decided to start their desent. (quickly) I contemplated a reduction & lift….but I am a natural kinda girl & about decided NO. Do you have any tips ?on “embracing” (this is my VN goal) my “girls? I was a 34B post babies & I am very active, yoga…etc. They really do get in the way…. KatLMat
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michelle,i have done many cosmetic procedures, but i needed to do them for my own self esteem, and to help maintain my self-image, or for my work. i could not stand to look at my face in the mirror and always see sagging or hollowness . it was done fok i did it again and googled debbie boone and one of the things i got was this. not good. there should be more people happy then not.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rR3RN5V-DLY
this lifestyle company is the one who did that facelift on my pare instant face lift: i just googled it. well, if i got the right site, i saw a woman applying tapes to her face and tying it with special string up in her hair. she looked better. since it is removeable, why not? but i would not do it. what a boMy point is: long before 2.5 years have passed a conversation would have been useful. To fling the word around without knowing the meaning is troublesome. I suspect there were clues on both sides.
No wonder I have more divorces than peopleWe need to start a club. I've worn Wacoal for quite a few years now. They keep my 38F girls in place. Pricey but they last and I need the support.
I can so relate to how you feel. I’m a 36C, was a B before the babies and everything was fine, until one day 3 years ago, when I was 55 I got out of the shower and caught a glimpse of my boobs in the mirror. Who do those belong to?? Couldn’t be me-they’re about an inch lower than they were before! I never liked underwire bras until then. I buy victoria secrets Ipex-with wire for everyday and without for exercise. I’m active also and this works for me. I wish I could find a comfortable, supportive bra that pulls over the head with no hardware for sports.
Me too 38D, always had ample boobs. Even though I played many sports, they never really changed. When I had children, breastfeeding etc. they where enormous. After I finished with that stage of life, I had a reduction. It was very necessary. At 51 I’m a 38D again. I buy the best bras I can. The boobs are heading south though.
If you buy new jeans just make sure they’ve got big front pockets girl. That way they’ll always have a place to call home. I
Hilarious! Yes…now when I flash I just lift up the bottom edge of my blouse.
I have 40DD’s but luckily they aren’t down around my (what used to be called) my waist. Perky isn’t exactly the term…but my bra cups look like buckets and I need the 5 hooks at the back for support. I suggest you go get a good fitting by a proper bra person, not the 20 years olds at Macy’s that look like they need to eat a pork chop.
Girls, girls, girls….embrace them! Invest in good supportive bras. I’m a 38F. Mine have definitely gone south also. I do weights and lots of upper body stuff, but the girls have a mind of their own. They have nurtured your children and hopefully delighted you and your SO. Hoist them up to where they’re supposed to be and you’ll look fabulous in clothing. Nekkid? Well, that’s a different story. But when you lay on your back they don’t hang so low….kinda out to the sides. Men love boobs! Use them to your advantage!
F? I did not know that existed. 38D here, just go to a good bra place, get fitted and get a good cleavage while you are at it. Today i wore a sleeveless blouse and the cleavage was amazing. Not trashy, nice enough to get the look.
I go to victoria secret, but there are many other stores that serve the well endowed.
What other stores serve the well-endowed? I have done the Victoria’s Secret thing and they look terrible and feel worse. Underwires make me feel like I’m being cut in half (was athletic and not well-endowed until after menopause). They also are further apart than most girls. Advice??
lots of online shopping , JMS , Women Within, are two I use . There sizes go way up to the unheard of to me . Give them a try . Just my Size is what JMS is about . Most are name brands .
Just stand on your head naked; be sure they don’t cover your face though.
check out the cards on http://www.4honeybunch2.com there is one with a gal hanging upside down to make her boobs perky-ier….open the inside of the cards…you will chuckle.
“men love boobs!”
I’ve met the exception. (not that I was flaunting myself. Quite the opposite. I’d been seriously ill and some of the meds I had to take caused me to “blossom forth” but was told that once off the meds I would eventually lose the weight and fluid .) I’d been corresponding with a man I thought was just the most wonderful person. We seemed to “click” . He was supportive and compassionate and he knew I was still in the recovery process. He still wanted to meet me. I was NOTas prepared as I thought I was. When he asked me: “If we were to have a relationship would you have “those” reduced? I really don’t like that.” He made me feel so self-conscious. We went to a family restaurant for dinner with his daughter and her young boyfriend, and they made snide remarks and jokes about women with”great big tits”, during our dinner. He didn’t discipline her. He didn’t take me out on a date or introduce me to his friends or even the neighbors. I felt he was ashamed to be seen with me. He is a retired Colonel of Marines and I would have expected better behaviour from a former officer. What a lesson I learned! I’ll never, ever let a man make me feel so embarrassed again, and especially not his ill mannered and very, very spoiled daughter.
be glad to be rid of him
How awful…..& I’m glad you did not have to much time invested!
Aren’t you glad you found out his bigotry early on! I generally dislike retired Officer’s, especially Marines. They are usually accustom to be ‘obeyed’. And his kid was teasing him, not you. It isn’t often a daughter of a Marine can ‘call’ him on his hard and fast rules and get away with it. If he admitted her wrongness in front of you; it implied something of his was wrong….and again Officer’s not accustom to being wrong or admitting……
That is an interesting and very insightful response; I never would have thought that, but now that you’ve brought that out, it makes so much sense. Thank you for your insignts … wish I had a friend like you nearby.
The first time he asked about a reduction is the last time he would have seen me ! I don’t know you but am sure you deserve a much better companion ! Nobody should EVER tell you that you should change something about your body to please them. What would they ask you to change next : your personality ?
Im sorry you met a jerk . There are better men out there but love yourself .Know you are deserving of better . That girl will meet her comedown one day and I only wish you would be able to see it . All the women out there who have this same problem , I do too and I joke about it but since jr high school its been a problem . Men seem to be unable to focus on who you are other than having large breasts . I guess nature made things that way but gosh , have some respect , for others as well as yourself and rise above it Gentlemen . Do whatever you need to do to feel good about yourself . All of us deserve to be happy and feel confident . Being a woman is hard ! Heads up ladies , we are amazing .
OMG, how tactless, uncouth, rude, and f’d up this “Colonel” is. Mabe his mama nursed him too long. I am a lady but I would have spit in his eye. I hope his jewels blow up like a hot air balloon and take him to Never Never Land.
SOME MEN ARE REAL CREEPS…don’t let that spoil it for the nice ones that really do exist ( i found one!) He has a problem, not you!
I hate them. 36DD. They get in the way. There is too much cleavage and my husband rolls over on them, which is another reason they are flat. It’s harder to sleep on the tummy too. Finding a proper bra is always problematic but underwire is the only way for me. Then, the straps have to be wide or they cut into my shoulders. I really might consider a reduction, on several areas of my body.
my sister in law has the same problem and all her life she has wanted a reduction. Now that she has health insurance that will cover it, she is taking her sweet time. She is very petite, 5’1 or so, and she says that they weigh a lot.
Right after I posted that, the thought “be careful what you ask for”. And I thought of all the women who lost their’s to cancer. I will be happy for what I have and think how fortunate I am.
My insurance doesn’t cover anything like that. Is it considered necessary or cosmetic?
Definitely necessary, her shoulders have grooves from the weight.
I definitely have grooves. Ridges. Not to mention they hurt. Thanks.
double post ;^O
My surgery 10 years ago was covered and considered necessary. 38D now for me isn’t too bad, I have the height and frame for it, it’s the drooping thing though. Oh well, I sure wouldn’t want them reduced and out of proportion with the rest of me.
I was also told it wasn’t entirely my decision LOL (husband)
My DH (darling husband) said I gain and lose proportionately and if I had a reduction, I could look disproportionate. Do you think he’s pulling my leg and just likes them? Or, and he could die from this, he thinks I have a DD butt to go with my DD cups? Humm……. Somewhat along the lines of if I’m not going to like the answer, don’t ask the question. Should have kept him out of it ;^(‘
your insurance may cover it…startcreating a history with your primary health care provider…i bitched and moaned re my back, numbness in my hands and arms 9every AM) shoulder grooves and neck pain, pain and discomfort while travelling for business etc knee and foot, and ankle swelling, vericose veins….these conditions can sll be either lessened or eliminated just by breast redustion…talk to your doctor…please
My response…to my own comment, i thought we had a minute or so to correct out typos…ha! wrong. Good luck reading this last post. Oh well, the heart is in the right place.
Oh, I hope those don’t happen. I think the shoulders so far are the only ailments I can blame on the size. Thanks for the advise. I should be doing that.
I have all of those complaints.I am 42ddd nad have thought of talking to my doctor but wasn’t sure if insurance would pay.Is the reuction painful and is recovery very long?Thanks Debbie
Yes debbie Insurance will pay if you are indeed suffering back pain, grooves in shoulders, etc. I went to my doctor and he had to take pictures to send to the insurance co. (talk about embarrising!), the first answer from Insurance was no!. He wrote another letter explaining that I was a makeup artist, on my feet, and the back pain, and the shoulder and neck pain was interfering with my job. I do not recommend this operation if you are just worried about looks. But, if it is hurting you, I can tell you it is the best thing in the world. I stopped the back pain and can without a bra if I choose. The girls went from a DD to a C cup and I am very happy. If you are a 42 ddd, I definitely would not try to go small. Probabley a full C or D would be great for you. Before you go, decide how large you want to be, do nothing radical, and communicate this to the doctor. Do be aware that they remove the nipples and replace them up higher. I still have a white ring around the nipples, where they cut and replaced. Pain? Yes, some, but not for long, and the results were worth it. Good luck and let me know what you decide.
Forgot to tell you that I am 72. I was about 60 when I had it done. Another perk is that much of the wrinkley skin on the chest area was gone, since they pulled the boobs up. But, it has come back I am sorry to say. Still delighted with the boobs. A friend of mine had the lift and put in the implants. I think she looks terrible. Just let them hike up your own, and you will be fine.
Just letting you know I got approval from my insurance company first try.Details haven’t been set yet but will let you know soon as I know.I really want this but am little nervous now that its finally in motion.I always get really sick no matter what they give me when in comes time to wake up from surgery.Thanks for listening
I stuff myself into 38 DD’s – funny this should appear, as I am buying much needed new ‘foundations’ today! I buy the $50+ bras, as these are they only ones that FEEL good. But I hate the droopiness, not to mention the enormous grooves in my shoulders, the neck/back pain, never being able to sleep on my stomach, never being able to buy a bathing suit that doesn’t show 5 inches of cleavage OR come up to my neck. Hubby loves them, but not me. I hate it that it’s the first thing everyone notices about me, and I buy ‘minimzers’ and have for years and years, which just squash them sideways. Torn about reducing them – so many women lose theirs, how can I justify intentionally operating on them? Ugh.
I’ve had breast cancer but can only speak for myself. It’s your body – and if making a small alteration makes you healthier, feel better, and more active – go for it. Not to mention – when you reduce the amount of breast tissue you have, you are reducing the chances to get breast cancer. Women are now getting breast reductions as a preventative to breast cancer. Go for it!
Thank you tdbbna2… I needed to hear that!
Don’t worry. I am one who just lot mine to cancer and guesss what? We learn there are more important things than bobbies to worry about.
Once I start reconstruction, I will go down from a 38C to a 38 A or B. I do not want the weight and want to go braless anytime I want. You can always get one good pushup bra and fake a little more if the mood stikes ya! It should be much easier and more comfortable.
55 and still alive and happy!
Opps! I would be remiss if I did not say “Don’t forget to do your monthly (weekly) self exam!! “ I found my lump 6 mos. after a clean mamogram. A very aggresive form of cancer that would have been fatal if I waited for my next exam in 6 months.
Put it on your clendar or whaterver it takes to remember to do it, especially all you (still) big bobbie girls, we are more apt to miss the lumps.
yes, be careful. I had a mastectomy (one breast) last year, “they” (my boobs) have had their share of breast-feeding and feeling the gravity pull. BUT, I opted for reconstruction at same time of mastectomy and am QUITE pleased with results. First a stretcher was placed a few months, then replaced with inplant and other boob reduced and lifted to match! I am pleased with results and my husband even said the other day “wow, he (plastic surgeon) did a good job, they look good!”.
Maybe this not the place to discus, but, not enough info out there about reconstruction, the PERSONAL side.
Insurance may say they cover it BUT the insurance companies have a very strict (and very strange) way of calculating just of how much they will cover in the removal. It is a tiny, tiny amount. As I had said in my earlier post, I was a 42 DDD. The insurance would only cover the removal of 1 ounce on one side and 1.5 ounces on the other side. It wouldn’t have been worth the pain & discomfort to still be that large and that unhappy. Plus, one breast was 3 inches larger than the other! Try and get a bra that will fit that challenge. My husband & I saved for quite awhile so that I & the doctor had control of what size I ended up. I also lost some more weigh during that time. My doctor requires you to maintain your weight (no matter what it is) for 6 months before he’ll do the surgery. He doesn’t care if you weigh 190 pounds or 120 pounds but you have to be at a stable weight for 6 months to prevent stretch marks and to help maintain the size you wanted to be .
Once the swelling goes down I should be a 38 C- or B+. I had liposuction to remove the “boob fat” under my arms, which after only 11 days out all ready makes a big difference. My doctor tried every way he could to get the insurance to cover any part of it but it was a no go. It meant a lot to me that he would try so hard to save us some money. He ended up removing about 3.5 ounces on one side and around 5 ounces on the other and then even them out so they would be the same size. I’ll be honest, it cost us about $10,000 total. As I said we saved up for this. It took about 3 years and the doctor gave us a cash discount but it was worth every penny. My advice to your sister-in-law is to get into a Certified Plastic Surgeon and find out just how much her insurance will cover. I’m afraid she is in for a nasty surprise. Here is the link to find a – Certified Plastic Surgeon – http://www.plasticsurgery.org/ if she’s going to do it she should have it done by a specialist.
go for it
go for it,my dear
Sounds so painful ;^(
2 pain pills the day after surgery. Lots of ice packs but that was it. 11 days after the surgery I was attending a “Good bye to the boobs party!”
A friend of mine, who was very well endowed indeed, shared with me that her breasts gave her an enormous amount of back pain due to the sheer weight of them.
She had a reduction (5lbs!) looks great and is glad the twins are back up where they belong. She tells me the discomfort after the surgery was well worth it.
You and I are the same size with the same problem. I can’t find 36DDs very often.
Do you have the indentations in your shoulder muscles from the bra straps like I do?
I went from a 34A to a 34D the summer I turned 14. Embarrassing it was.
After having children I was a nice 34C. Now I’m 60, diabetic and overweight with these huge boobs that never look good clothed or unclothed.
Where on earth do you find bras for us!
I just always thought the 36 and 38 D or DD MUST be a popular size as ALWAYS gone from the rack!
Just My Size , Woman Within , I promise you they go up to FF and GG and they have sales , they arent super expensieve and they are brand names , go on line and type in your bra size in a search engine . If you are afraid to shop online ask them to send a catalog . I have a handicapped daughter that is also very heavy and they even have underwear to size 16 . Its been a Godsend . Give it a look
Nordstrom, expensive, but comfortable! Good luck!
I went to a PS for a free consultation. He told me all the things he would change about my face (and none of it were the things I went to him about BTW) then he announced that I would need to lose at least 30 pounds before he’d do the work. Not the first time I’ve heard this about PS BTW.
So, if you lost 30 plus pounds, how much of the ‘work’ you’d like to have wouldn’t be an issue?
I knew a woman who had reduction from a 36DDD. She wanted to go down to a B cup, the doctor insisted on not going below a D. She too had to lose 30 lbs before going under the gas. (I have no idea why this figure, but it was the same for 3 dif doctors over a 5 year period fyi) Well, he did a D, she gradually regained the 30 lbs and was back ina DD! She knew her body better than the doctor did. Big Surprise. If it was my $$$, he’d better give me what I wanted, not what he wanted….but she didn’t want to be bothered 3 years later. Just saying.
I used to have 44LL size breasts. I have wanted a reduction since I was 20 and finally got one 3 years ago. They removed 8 pounds of tissue. I love my new 42C girls! I was very fortunate when I had the surgery the found the beginnings of breast cancer. It was caught at stage 0 and I had a mammogram a week before surgery and they had seen nothing. The cancer cells were in the milk glands and hadn’t expanded so it didn’t show on any tests. I love my new girls even though with time they are starting a bit of drooping. I love being about to buy bras in more places but still have trouble due to my body shape – fat under my arms makes me need deeper sides which is hard to find in a 42C. Still no regrets! Most insurance now adays will pay for surgery that health issues are documented. Backaches, chest pressure etc.
In 2 weeks I am heading for reduction I am 50 and tired of achy upper back I carry 38 FFF. I stop cycling and horseback riding. I also gave up on jogging. that bad, eh? I think so. Never in my life I really looking forward to reduction surgery. Exciting about easy to find new clothes, back to cycling, riding and will take up jog again. I wear jeans 14/16 and tops 22/24- serious out of proportion. Bye bye boobies!
forget to mention I will reduce to 38c/d. You should be glad with your ample boobies. :-)
You may find you loose a size or two in those jeans….easy peasy lemon squeezy, now that the boobs are history I wear from a 10 to a 16 (odd, huh/) those manufacturers are al lover the place, size-wise. I am happy with new shoe size. It became easier to get a few more pounds off arter te surgery recovery. It improved my athleticism .
i did too edit this
did so
Good luck with you surgery and please keep us informed of your progress.
Bulletin Announcement: its 9 days after surgery. I never regret reduction surgery! Every chance I see a mirror I stare at my new mini headlights. I am filled with great joy i finally can fit tops/shirts size XL. I used to wear 2/3X sizes. I am so giddy. I am going through sore and pain now. Never in my life I ever thought about reduction until I learned my insurance do cover. I grabbed the opportunity.
4 pounds of breasts were removed. I also lost another 5 pounds already by walking every morning. Wow I didn’t feel I lost them so easily. It may be contribute to feeling joyful & happiness, your weight just melts away.
First time in years I brought a summer dress, yes a DRESS in one piece. It glides over my body so easily. no alternation are needed.
It is WORTH it! Off to beach boardwalk now.
congratulations maejake
The wonders of plastic surgery! I am happy for you.
Jillibean
That’s great, you’ll feel so much better.
Other random benefits: removed breast tissue is biopsied; better than a mammogram , and an unforseen luxury I am thrilled abou tbecause I love to do the following; I sing better… yes, it’s true, folks, breast reduction surgery imporves the voice.
I have not noticed any chances in my voice!
odd, huh? everyone’s different as they say ad nauseum
I promise you, you will be so happy. But, please, pleaser do not go real small. For a 38 a C or D will seem tiny to you, and look in proportion. You are my size in the jean dept. and I also am a 38. I asked the surgeon for a full C, and that is what I got. I am sooo happy with my surgery because the back pain stopped immediately, and eventually I realized I could wear blouses that button up the front!!!Good luck, and I would love to hear how it went!!
I begged my dr to make sure that I will have a C not D. I also told him I had recurring nightmare that I wake up after surgery with a big D. He laughed and promised me he will make sure I get a C! LOL. 9 more days to surgery day, yay! I will keep everyone informed.
Cut and paste:
Bulletin Announcement: its 9 days after surgery. I never regret reduction surgery! Every chance I see a mirror I stare at my new mini headlights. I am filled with great joy i finally can fit tops/shirts size XL. I used to wear 2/3X sizes. I am so giddy. I am going through sore and pain now. Never in my life I ever thought about reduction until I learned my insurance do cover. I grabbed the opportunity.
4 pounds of breasts were removed. I also lost another 5 pounds already by walking every morning. Wow I didn’t feel I lost them so easily. It may be contribute to feeling joyful & happiness, your weight just melts away.
First time in years I brought a summer dress, yes a DRESS in one piece. It glides over my body so easily. no alternation are needed.
It is WORTH it! Off to beach boardwalk now.
I am learning that it so important to keep those sisters in place. Sagging breasts hold onto those toxins in the tissue. The more lifted they are the better chance our lympthatic system has to flushing out the multitude of toxins that we are exposed to daily.
So keep them high and lifted ladies! Its a healthy thing to do!
Has anybody tried these? I’m tempted.
https://www.freebarelifts.com/?mid=803905&a=108446&s=100167
I don’t hate the DDs, I hate the bras! To get the right amount of support you have to buy bras with padding — yes, that’s just what we need — more. It’s pure torture. I’ve been fitted and I’ve purchsed the expensive, swear-by-it bras. I cannot find a bra that is even remotely comfortable or supportive for more than a few months until the fibers break down from the weight. And it’s all about support, so I was thinking if I used the barelifts AND a bra, I just might be on to something. Thoughts ladies?
If it’s medically necessary, it seems that saving your back… or in some cases your life… is far more important than hoisting the girls back up. It should be covered by insurance in such cases.
I found this interesting and am thinking about purchasing them as well. I am a 38 D and have always worn underwire. I am lucky as i have found bras that have no padding as I am like you I really don’t want any more. Pre children I was a 36 AA and so wanted to have boobies…well three children later and 60 lbs later I have what I thought I wanted…hummmm.
These are great if you still have ÿoung skin” – otherwise your skin wrinkles. You also still need to have boobs thathave some natural lift, or the sagging weight is just too much for the uplifts. I could use them when I was fifty, but at 64 they are not quite so great!!
I have two friends that are in the same boat. One was in her 30′s and one was in her 70′s. They BOTH are
thrilled with the breast reduction and feel 100% better! No need to suffer needlessly. Go for it!
I have had both reduction and augmentation. I had a reduction at 21 because I was about a 32 DD on a 4’9″ frame and they were already down at my waist
I went to a 32 B+ and was happy 
Clothes fit, they were not in the way, and I did’t have all the weight. Then I had kids and my boobs turned in to deflated baloons. I am now 48 and had my augmentation 2 years ago. I am now back in proportion, yea! The things that I would say is, make sure that you have REALLY good bras (either way), and if you have surgery either way make sure your surgeon is concered (second to your overall health) that you are in proportion and “normal” looking. My mantra, Support the Sisters!!!!
I still prefer finding a good bra that will fits my boobies.man!!!it’s a pain doing surgery, besides natural beauty is the best.Just browse or go find a nice bra that will look good on your boobies.I’m sure there are lots of choices.For me natural is beauty.
I too am a natural kind of girl and after going through back and hand surgery the thought of breast reduction leaves me cold. I am 5′ tall and a 34FF. For years I had been wearing 34DD and the girls never knew their place. Recently I have been keeping the post office going while experimenting with sizes (small town, no lingerie store). I tried some Waacoal DDD’s and they are sitting much higher , but still, that spot in the middle is not quite flat—so I was told by Linda the Bra Lady that I was a 34G……..in other catalogs that is an FF.So I got it in a bathing suit! Who knew they could swim!!
I just find myself wondering how “natural” all this is. It’s all over for me. Iam not going through all of the above anymore. And as to whomver used the word “just” as in “JUST” get yourself a bra that lifts and fits. WELL SOME OF US DO NOT HAVE THAT LUXERY …..just finding a bra that fits is almost imsossible! Then there’s the thumb arthritis from putting it on…not joking. What is “natural” about all this discomfort? This kind of thinking could almoust sound like the old fashioned notions of a certain doctrainaire orgainizaition which I belive to be hostile to women. Get the surgery…it only hurts for a month, as opposed to a lifetime.
I’m buying clothes , now. Now THAT’S MY kind of natural.
you mention the thumb pain, I have had this bother a year now, my young Dr insists its normal place arthritis starts. Who else out there?
It wakes me up at night.
just trying to put on the darned thing killed my thumbs!!!! no arthritis just a bad moment every morning (and a lot of talcum powder sheesh!) get a woman doctor and an older one
Hilarious !!
OK _ now spill it – WHERE do you find bathing suits sized this way??? Land’s End sometimes has a ‘D’ – but… my cups runneth over a D. E? F? Please share!
go to a good dept store and look for brands like roxanne, or longitude or miraclesuit.they are expensive but worth it boobwise…also try marshalls. sally
I too am a 38 C or D… depends on the bra. And yes, 36B before the babies and age. I recently found the best bra for support and comfort – it is Maidenform Total Solution – lifts, supports, looks great and NATURAL (under t shirts) at the same time!! And it is comfortable!!
Interesting thoughts on breast size, reduction, lift, comfortable bras, etc. I have been through all of this and, at the age of 12, wore a 34C bra. I was 5’7″ and weighed about 120. Needless to say, I got lots of looks from boys, which made me even more self-conscious. There was one other girl at my junior high who had the same “problem”, but she seemed to enjoy it. As an adult, I went to a 34D/DD, but bras aren’t made with two different cup sizes. So that was always a problem, too. Still the same height and weighed about 125. I was never able to buy a 2-piece suit because the top was too small (my hips were about 35″ then). I was very active at the YMCA and enjoyed yoga, but it’s disconcerting when you’re lying on your back and putting your legs over your head to touch the floor behind you and your hooters almost choke you to death. Oh, and I was on the town swim team back in the late 1950s and we wore tanksuits that had NO support anywhere. I was mortified walking around in that thing with those huge basketballs lurking in my swimsuit, plus my breasts kept me from making good time in the races. I could go on and on, but I won’t. Finally decided – against my husband’s wishes – in the 80s to have breast reduction. Afterwards, there was a little discomfort, but nothing I couldn’t handle. I think I took one pain pill once I got home. At that time, they didn’t do liposuction and when all the swelling went away, there wasn’t that much difference. I was a very large C/C+ and still had all that extra tissue that got in the way when I did anything athletic. So, a few years later, I went back to my doctor and said, “Cut and use liposuction”. He did and it was much, much better. By the way, my insurance paid for it both times because of back and neck problems and very deep, permanent grooves in my shoulders. My only regret is that I’ve now gained weight and I realize my breast size before surgery would have made me look more in proportion. But, it’s done and I have a good life, so no real regrets.
On rethinking the whole thing, I would have gone for a breast lift and some liposuction, rather than a reduction. But if I hadn’t had the reduction, my breasts would have been at my knees by now. My mother was a very private person, but I saw her in the bathtub once when she was in her 60s, and hers were past her waist. I vowed never to let that happen. By the time I had my surgery in my 40s, mine were within a couple of inches of being there. Back then it was said one shouldn’t go without a bra if a pencil could be held under your breast. Heck, I could have held a box of pencils under each one!!!
I understand the feelings about women who lose their breasts to cancer. My cousin has recently gone through that and, due to an idiot doctor, there wasn’t enough skin left to place an implant. But she has never complained because I was so amply “blessed” and she had small breasts AND cancer. I feel that most women are very understanding of other women’s situations.
My response to all of you who are questioning having breast reduction surgery is, if you’re having problems of any sort, go for it and do it now. If you’ve had problems with your back, neck, numbness, etc., check to see if your insurance companies will pay for it. They should. I would bet a kazillion dollars that if a man had such large testicles that he had to buy special underwear to manage those boys and couldn’t find slacks that fit properly because of them, insurance companies would be beating down his door to help him out.
As to a comfortable bra, I have found Sassybax to be the most comfortable one I’ve ever had in my life. They make them with and without underwires and they make longline bras and strapless bras. I’ve even got my 90-year-old mother-in-law wearing them. (And her golden bozos are way below her waist!!!) She would swear by Sassybax if she swore (she’s a good Baptist!) and wouldn’t wear anything else. They are kind of expensive, but definitely worth it.
I wish all of you the best and hope you make the decision that’s right for you. Find an excellent doctor, check out all the options that are available now (thank heaven for the Internet), and then make your decision. Only you know what’s best for you.
God bless you and God bless America.
KatLMat,
I can identify with your situation. I went from a fairly normal 36B before children to a whopping 44I? J? K? I couldn’t find a bra big enough!!! I lost weight everywhere else but my boobs! After a client of mine and I started talking one day, I found out that she had just had a breast reduction and was thrilled with it. The doctor who did it was a friend of ours so that was all the prompting I needed! Had it done-went down to a 40B. I was thrilled! Back aches went away. Could finally find clothes to fit again. I have never looked back.
If you get a really good breast plastics doctor, the scars are hardly visable and recovery was not bad at all. I even did it out patient. You will be glad you did!!
Good luck with your decision-making!
Sherrylou
I’m a 38FF or H depending on the brand…Nordstroms is the place. They carry the larger sizes and they carry pretty ones, not the ones that Helga the Goat Herder would wear!!!! I simply love Chantel (French line)…Wocoal is great also. And the ladies at Nordstroms know how to fit bras. If you aren’t close to one, you can get detailed bra fitting instructions on line which will give you instructions on how to measure to determine your proper size. Try on several styles and select the one that fits best…and as mentioned in an earlier post by someone else…buy the best you can afford.
Great responses everyone. I was boob-manageable – 36 D - until menopause. Now I’ve got breast tissue under my arms, everything’s heading south, let alone shoulder-pain and rashes. It’s not much fun. I wish the Obamacare thing would lock in, because I’m having real physical problems now, to the point of applying for SSI. Boobs are designed to feed children. Once your child-bearing years are through, and if they give you problems, then it’s a health issue.
I had breast reduction – my insurance covered it b/c of shoulder and back pain. The surgery was a snap, the post op pain not bad at all. The only problem was that I gained weight a while after the surgery, and am pretty much back to where I was before the surgery. I’m working on losing weight, and hoping to get close to where I was after the reduction surgery. If you’re uncomfortable physically and emotionally and have trouble finding clothes that fit, I definitely recommend the surgery. Good luck to you.
Girls, girls, girls I only wish I had a38DDD. I stuff myself in a 38 JJ because if I go up another cup size my boobs are around under my arm. It is so difficult to find a bra that fits, I took a bra making class. I’m working on my first one right now. Hope it fits.
If you are complaining, not boasting, you do have better options on line. Linda the bra lady on line is excellent for ‘almost custom’ bras. She send you a how to measure chart, you measure and return it and she makes a bra custom for your size. There are lots of on line suppliers of oversized bras. Do a search for ‘plus size bras’. But good luck on your first custom bra. If it works out, let me know, I need a 44-46C or D……
I have looked on line but did not have much luck. I would love to have the web address for Linda the bra lady.
lindasonline.com, Also, Her Room, Bravissimo, Brasmyth, The Wizard of Bras. You can google all of these.
I am in a 38 DD minimizer which used to do the trick to be able to close blouse buttons properly on blouses but the bra does not give you a natural look in some tops. I hate, hate, hate my breasts. They are saggy, huge and ugly. I have the grooves in my shoulders, can’t find proper bras, look at smaller-busted women with downright envy in the summer when they can wear those cute spaghetti strap tops. If I wasn’t such worrier (operation going wrong), I would have a reduction in a second. The only other reason I hesitate is that I have waited so long that now every other part of me requires a lift as well. I hate looking at myself. It is totally disgusting. People comment that I look young for my age (60) but all I think in my head is “you should see me naked”. I would not even go south this year as I would not put on a bathing suit. It’s pretty sad all around. There is nothing I like about aging. I work at a university and all I see everyday is young women with nice youthful bodies and I am stuck with one that has totally given up the fight. Al, enough of the pity party….off to wish some more of my life away……
Ladies, ladies please, be glad you have ‘girls’. I have always had extremely small ‘girls’ and I mean small. If measured correctly, I am a 38AA. Try and find that size, try and find clothes that fit and look nice. Good grief, a bathing suit is a nightmare. I never wear a bra as they are so uncomfortable and no matter where I go for a fitting they can’t find a bra that is right. I am not going to have breast implants as I think God made me this way and I’m not changing anything.
Luckily, my hubby of 41 years loves me the way I am and I nursed without any problems!
Tie two 5 lb bags of sugar on your chest constantly for about a week and come back and tell us what you been missing.
As a d cup wpman all of my adult life….after menopause I found myself squeezing the girls into a 38 DD. I’m only 5′ 2″ and I felt like i had boobs from my neck to my waist! I couldn’t find clothes to fit…I was accustomed to wearing a medium in tee shirts and had to buy really big tops to cover the girls, which made me look dumpy…and bras???…..fuggetaboutit! My shoulders were always being pulled down. I was wearing a jog bra under my overalls last summer while doing yard work…my adult daughter told me I looked like I had a big , fat ass on my chest! Funny….but true! Last July I went in for a breast reduction (which insurance did not cover) I had asked for a b-c cup size. If any of you are considering surgery, i would recommend it. The recovering was very easy. Now it’s almost a year later, I still feel like my breasts are bigger than I wanted ( 38-c) but i am so much more comfortable and I can sometimes go without a bra when I wear a tight tank top under my clothes…It was so worth it!
I had breast reduction surgery last August and I couldn’t be happier. I am still large – 34DD or even DDD but it is so much better and I think as they shift and settle I am actually a pretty solid DD. I couldn’t recommend it more. Bras only do so much and it is just plain disheartening to go looking and buying bra after bra after bra and never being happy. I can now actually find tops to fit and sometimes I can even button the shirts! I just turned 55 last week and my arms started sagging in the last year or two but at least that can be hidden by sleeves. There is really nothing you can do with the huge breasts – I tried all of the tricks.
Anyone have any suggestions about the arms? I work out and my muscles etc are good but its all that excess skin! Do we just have to give it up and forget about it because I don’t know what else to do other than surgery and I really don’t want more of that with the scarring, etc.
YOGA!!!
seriously, has changed my bye-bye arms to a simple see ya soon
I second the yoga! It is great for any body part that needs a little help.
HA! Too funny!
You are still young if they are just lower, wait a while . I lay down and they fall into my armpits . However I have discovered that if I keep my arms down at my sides all day , noone even notices them .
Dang it Old age is hell .
Six months ago I read an article, sorry lost in the memory bank, on what defines a good fitting bra for women “of a certain age’ The article suggested that we need to rethink the width e.g. 36 and the cup e.g. B or C.
I used to wear a 36B. The article suggested I needed to go down one number and up one letter …to 34C. I did it and guess what..they are off my belly. Looking for the article to deal with that next but one that does not involve removing cheese or wine from my diet.
I am amazed at how much better my shape looks…it was a cheap solution…anyone in the market for a collection of formerly loved 36B bras?
Yes life after 50 is fabulous…and so is vanity!
As I rest here, a 52 years old woman, only 11 days after my surgery from a breast reductions I think you may have dismissed an option without knowing much about it. I too “am a natural kinda girl”, I don’t even wear panties! I take yoga twice a week but yoga won’t keep the weight off alone. I hit 40 then my bad habits allowed me to gain 70 pounds. By 50 I had lost the weight but not the boobs. I could wear a size 10 skirt but at 42DDD needed a 20 to 22 size shirt. Rules out wearing dresses now doesn’t it? Finally, after trying on a 22 size shirt dressthat I couldn’t get across my boobs I sat and cried in the dressing room. When I didn’t come out of the dressing room for 15 minuets my husband carefully snuck into the dressing room to find me. The sweetest thing he said was “This breaks my heart to me you’re beautiful just as you are but you’re not happy. Let find out what needs to be done to make you happy.”
I talked to other “full size” friends, no of which had a solution that really made them happy. The first thing out of their mouths was just how I felt, “I HATE THEM!”. I went to have a proper bra fitting. I ended up with the choice of 2 types both which reminded me of Queen Victoria.
Then I talked to women who had the surgery. Not one of the women, ages 28 to 56, who had the surgery regretted it. Their consistent comment was “I wish I had done it soon!” I then checked my options and found a Dr I really liked. I spoke with several of his patients to learn what they would have done differently. i.e. paid to have hair washed after surgert, buy an extra bra, get netflixs… I called the hospital to see how many post surgery patients they saw of my doctor’s (Only 2 in a 3 year period). AND - I went into it with honest expectations.
I’m 11 days out surgery and am on no pain medicines not even over the counter meds. I can see my nipples and my toes and I have lost the underarm boob band! I didn’t wake up with the body of a 20 year old, not even with the body of a 35 year old. He was a doctor not a magician and he did a wonderful job. I am looking forward to a summer of sun dress & tank tops and an evening dress that will fit my whole body not just one part of it.
Surgery may not be for you but don’t base your decision on outdated information or other people’s opinions. Make an appointment with a Certified Plastic Surgeon, write down ALL your questions(& questions your friends might come up with) and the sit down and talk with him/her. Don’t make a decision at that time. Go home think about it, talk to those you trust and then make your decision. You may still decide that surgery isn’t for you. Know all you options before ruling any of them out.
P.S. I have yet to talk to ONE single woman who wishes she hadn’t done it. Not even the woman who did my pre-surgery mammogram!
Penney’s trains some of their bra department clerks to be fitters and regularly has in manufacturer’s reps you can help you. While Penney’s does not carry in stock much over a D, you can get fitted with a style that will work for you and then order the larger cups. After the first time, you can order on line every 6 months. And most big busted women need to replace at least some of their bras every 6 months. I buy 4 at a time. Wear two on a rotating basis and then when they get ‘tired’ demote them to weekends and put the next two into service. And I throw away the oldest when I buy the 4 new.
And Penney’s is NOT Sears. Sears has a problem with fulfillment. They say they have a style in a size and when you order it, (and give them your card info, etc.) you get ‘notified’ that the item is on backorder for 6 weeks…..just so you know.
Nordstrom is not around here, but I’d go to your largest major department store to get a trained fitter. And it is OK to ask the first clerk you find in the department, “Do you have a certified fitter here?”
And to all you ladies who are ‘considering’ their SO’s in the decision to do a reduction. Do you think he would consider letting anyone touch his equipment because you wanted him to have a mini lift of the nutsack? And yes, this is a surgery being performed on especially vain men who want to ‘appear’ younger – mostly in L.A., of course.
I know too many men who have refused to have a vasestomy for such shabby reasons I was embarrassed to hear the wife explain it! Besides the health issues and confidence issues, it is YOUR body.
Though I can’t relate to filling a 38D (having been a 32A transformed into a 36B by pregnancies and breastfeadings), mine too have lightly migrated to the South, with time. My solution was to do exercices for the pectoral muscles. Since their weight is not that impressive, it partially did it for me.
When the ladies say it is your body, you do whatever you feel is best. . . . .believe them! I was always happy with my 32C boobs. As I passed through menopause (I’m 66 now) weight came on and so did my 38DD boobs. I began to suffer terrible shoulder and neck pain as arthritis advanced. Our 105 degree summers made me even more uncomfortable. I never thought about a breast reduction until my step-daughter suggested it last year. My husband, bless him, said that whatever I wanted to do was fine with him. It was one of the best decisions of my life. I am sooooo glad I listened to my own counsel about this issue. Almost 3 and 1/2 pounds was removed, insurance covered it completely and I feel 110% better. I’ve had no neck or shoulder paid since the surgery. I’m a 36C, enjoy exercising again and have lost 18 pounds. The surprising thing is I can tell my husband is really happy with my decision, too.
The important thing is that it was my decision. It pays to be informed and gather all the information you can (especially about finding a really good breast specialst), but it doesn’t matter what you do. . . . .just that YOU are happy with YOUR OWN DECISION.
Best wishes.
Hi frizzylee,
Let me just add one more bra I found on QVC. It is called Breezies. It is made out of some material that keeps moisture away from your body. It is so comy, and made in lots of different styles. Anyone with persperation issues should look into this bra. Great for working out too!
No Bra, no wires, no elastic, no synthetics. Allergic to them all and huge red rashes underneath these 44Cs is just too painful. Never again will I wear a bra. I have found that well made Cami tops in various colors is what I prefer. Some have lace on the top cleavage area and some have lace on the hemline. The tops are so comfy (I love Great Northwest Clothing Company)!
I had been miserable for years. And as I got older and started the night sweats, turned into days sweats.I had to find something to get through each day. I found an on line company that offered Minimizer bras,large and comfortable bras. I have tried a few and finally ended up buying at least ten 40D Bali style 3642. I never thought a bra could be this easy to ware. I also ware one to bed just because with night sweats it helps being a bit more comfortable. And if I want to ware a sexy top I’m not spilling out all over the place. It really changed things for me. I just hope by writing this could help some one.