Large Boob Question

Jackibrazil
Jackibrazil Posts: 124 Member
edited November 23 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi! So I am scheduled for breast reduction at the end of the month due to back pain and just plain not liking my 36 I boobs. Yes, I. As in three cup sizes above DDD/F. I'm 169 pounds right now at 5'3" and my back and neck hurt constantly. My bra either isn't supportive enough and my back hurts or it supports well and cuts into my skin and causes lasting welts and rashes. Doctor estimates he could remove 6-9 pounds from my chest and STILL leave me with a D.

Anyway, when I was thinner, like 130 I didn't really have back problems. Still was at least a DD/DDD but not in pain. I'm considering putting off the surgery and trying to see if weight loss makes a difference first but I'm afraid I'll just be keeping myself in pain longer and putting off the inevitable.

Curious if anyone with a DDD+ has lost a significant amount of weight and experienced a change in boob associated pain. Also if you lost cup sizes with weight loss and how much? My doctor seems to think my boobs wont go down much with weight loss but it seems like they could. Maybe at least enough to fit into a standard DD?

Or if any of you have had a reduction and lost weight before or after, maybe you would have insight? I'm just trying to decided what will be best for me in the long run.

Thanks in advance!
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Replies

  • apullum
    apullum Posts: 4,838 Member
    I was a 40DDD at my highest weight. When I reached my goal of losing 100 pounds, I was a 32D. I didn't lose cup sizes until I was close to my goal weight, though. I think it does depend on both how much weight you want to lose and where your body takes the fat from.
  • Nony_Mouse
    Nony_Mouse Posts: 5,646 Member
    It is really, really individual unfortunately. You will almost certainly lose some size with weight loss, even if it is proportional size (ie a 32 I is nowhere near the same cup volume as a 36 I). Given that you were a smaller cup when you were slimmer, odds are good of trending back to that, though bodies change with age. I was a smaller cup size in my 20s than I am now. My cup size hasn't changed (depending on bra brand and style, that's always fun, try before you buy ladies!!), but the volume has. Size came down relative to my band size (ie smaller band, same cup, less actual filling).

    Hopefully that all makes sense!!

    Are you being fitted by a bra specialist? I know it's hard with larger sizes, but having the right fit and style for you could potentially make enough of a difference to comfort levels that you are able to hold off on surgery in order to see how far you can get naturally.
  • Jackibrazil
    Jackibrazil Posts: 124 Member
    fitoverfortymom wrote: »
    I was a 40G/H at 235lbs. I'm down to 153 and now am a 34DDD. No more pain. Still have a nice rack.

    THIS. I want these results. I plan to go from 169 to like 125-130. Hopefully that will be enough to bring me to a DDD.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Weight loss should definitely reduce or eliminate the pain, especially if coupled with core & posture work like pilates & yoga, plus a good strength training program (Starting Strength, Stronglifts 5x5, etc.). :+1:
  • Jackibrazil
    Jackibrazil Posts: 124 Member
    edited December 2017
    Nony_Mouse wrote: »
    It is really, really individual unfortunately. You will almost certainly lose some size with weight loss, even if it is proportional size (ie a 32 I is nowhere near the same cup volume as a 36 I). Given that you were a smaller cup when you were slimmer, odds are good of trending back to that, though bodies change with age. I was a smaller cup size in my 20s than I am now. My cup size hasn't changed (depending on bra brand and style, that's always fun, try before you buy ladies!!), but the volume has. Size came down relative to my band size (ie smaller band, same cup, less actual filling).

    Hopefully that all makes sense!!

    Are you being fitted by a bra specialist? I know it's hard with larger sizes, but having the right fit and style for you could potentially make enough of a difference to comfort levels that you are able to hold off on surgery in order to see how far you can get naturally.

    Yes, I go to a specialty shop. I was spilling over a 38 DDD before I got fitted into my current size. Yeah I wasn't as big when I was thinner but still big enough for constant unwanted attention there (rolleyes). But I started gaining cup sizes before gaining weight I think after I started birth control when I was 22 and now I'm almost 30 so that may change things IDK
  • Jackibrazil
    Jackibrazil Posts: 124 Member
    liftorgohome wrote: »
    Let's see some before and after pics to see how much they go down.

    [Insert eyeroll here] LOL
  • Nony_Mouse
    Nony_Mouse Posts: 5,646 Member
    Jackibrazil wrote: »
    Nony_Mouse wrote: »
    It is really, really individual unfortunately. You will almost certainly lose some size with weight loss, even if it is proportional size (ie a 32 I is nowhere near the same cup volume as a 36 I). Given that you were a smaller cup when you were slimmer, odds are good of trending back to that, though bodies change with age. I was a smaller cup size in my 20s than I am now. My cup size hasn't changed (depending on bra brand and style, that's always fun, try before you buy ladies!!), but the volume has. Size came down relative to my band size (ie smaller band, same cup, less actual filling).

    Hopefully that all makes sense!!

    Are you being fitted by a bra specialist? I know it's hard with larger sizes, but having the right fit and style for you could potentially make enough of a difference to comfort levels that you are able to hold off on surgery in order to see how far you can get naturally.

    Yes, I go to a specialty shop. I was spilling over a 38 DDD before I got fitted into my current size. Yeah I wasn't as big when I was thinner but still big enough for constant unwanted attention there (rolleyes). But I started gaining cup sizes before gaining weight I think after I started birth control when I was 22 and now I'm almost 30 so that may change things IDK

    Good good on the specialty fit :)

    I know it's a hard choice, and at the end of the day one only you can make. And yes, you may just be delaying the inevitable, but you may also be saving yourself a packet of money and unnecessary surgery.
  • Jackibrazil
    Jackibrazil Posts: 124 Member
    Nony_Mouse wrote: »
    Jackibrazil wrote: »
    Nony_Mouse wrote: »
    It is really, really individual unfortunately. You will almost certainly lose some size with weight loss, even if it is proportional size (ie a 32 I is nowhere near the same cup volume as a 36 I). Given that you were a smaller cup when you were slimmer, odds are good of trending back to that, though bodies change with age. I was a smaller cup size in my 20s than I am now. My cup size hasn't changed (depending on bra brand and style, that's always fun, try before you buy ladies!!), but the volume has. Size came down relative to my band size (ie smaller band, same cup, less actual filling).

    Hopefully that all makes sense!!

    Are you being fitted by a bra specialist? I know it's hard with larger sizes, but having the right fit and style for you could potentially make enough of a difference to comfort levels that you are able to hold off on surgery in order to see how far you can get naturally.

    Yes, I go to a specialty shop. I was spilling over a 38 DDD before I got fitted into my current size. Yeah I wasn't as big when I was thinner but still big enough for constant unwanted attention there (rolleyes). But I started gaining cup sizes before gaining weight I think after I started birth control when I was 22 and now I'm almost 30 so that may change things IDK

    Good good on the specialty fit :)

    I know it's a hard choice, and at the end of the day one only you can make. And yes, you may just be delaying the inevitable, but you may also be saving yourself a packet of money and unnecessary surgery.

    I would be fully covered by insurance, but I'm concerned about scarring and complications. I'm part of a fb group for breast reductions and there's so many horror stories, ugly scars, and boxy looking boobs. Most seem happy they did it anyway but I don't want to end up with nipple necrosis or if I have kids not being able to breastfeed.
  • Nony_Mouse
    Nony_Mouse Posts: 5,646 Member
    Jackibrazil wrote: »
    Nony_Mouse wrote: »
    Jackibrazil wrote: »
    Nony_Mouse wrote: »
    It is really, really individual unfortunately. You will almost certainly lose some size with weight loss, even if it is proportional size (ie a 32 I is nowhere near the same cup volume as a 36 I). Given that you were a smaller cup when you were slimmer, odds are good of trending back to that, though bodies change with age. I was a smaller cup size in my 20s than I am now. My cup size hasn't changed (depending on bra brand and style, that's always fun, try before you buy ladies!!), but the volume has. Size came down relative to my band size (ie smaller band, same cup, less actual filling).

    Hopefully that all makes sense!!

    Are you being fitted by a bra specialist? I know it's hard with larger sizes, but having the right fit and style for you could potentially make enough of a difference to comfort levels that you are able to hold off on surgery in order to see how far you can get naturally.

    Yes, I go to a specialty shop. I was spilling over a 38 DDD before I got fitted into my current size. Yeah I wasn't as big when I was thinner but still big enough for constant unwanted attention there (rolleyes). But I started gaining cup sizes before gaining weight I think after I started birth control when I was 22 and now I'm almost 30 so that may change things IDK

    Good good on the specialty fit :)

    I know it's a hard choice, and at the end of the day one only you can make. And yes, you may just be delaying the inevitable, but you may also be saving yourself a packet of money and unnecessary surgery.

    I would be fully covered by insurance, but I'm concerned about scarring and complications. I'm part of a fb group for breast reductions and there's so many horror stories, ugly scars, and boxy looking boobs. Most seem happy they did it anyway but I don't want to end up with nipple necrosis or if I have kids not being able to breastfeed.

    Yep, there you go. As I said, ultimately your choice, and I have not been in your position so really can only imagine, but if it was me, I'd wait. If you have to, you have to, but, last resort?
  • Jackibrazil
    Jackibrazil Posts: 124 Member
    Nony_Mouse wrote: »
    Jackibrazil wrote: »
    Nony_Mouse wrote: »
    Jackibrazil wrote: »
    Nony_Mouse wrote: »
    It is really, really individual unfortunately. You will almost certainly lose some size with weight loss, even if it is proportional size (ie a 32 I is nowhere near the same cup volume as a 36 I). Given that you were a smaller cup when you were slimmer, odds are good of trending back to that, though bodies change with age. I was a smaller cup size in my 20s than I am now. My cup size hasn't changed (depending on bra brand and style, that's always fun, try before you buy ladies!!), but the volume has. Size came down relative to my band size (ie smaller band, same cup, less actual filling).

    Hopefully that all makes sense!!

    Are you being fitted by a bra specialist? I know it's hard with larger sizes, but having the right fit and style for you could potentially make enough of a difference to comfort levels that you are able to hold off on surgery in order to see how far you can get naturally.

    Yes, I go to a specialty shop. I was spilling over a 38 DDD before I got fitted into my current size. Yeah I wasn't as big when I was thinner but still big enough for constant unwanted attention there (rolleyes). But I started gaining cup sizes before gaining weight I think after I started birth control when I was 22 and now I'm almost 30 so that may change things IDK

    Good good on the specialty fit :)

    I know it's a hard choice, and at the end of the day one only you can make. And yes, you may just be delaying the inevitable, but you may also be saving yourself a packet of money and unnecessary surgery.

    I would be fully covered by insurance, but I'm concerned about scarring and complications. I'm part of a fb group for breast reductions and there's so many horror stories, ugly scars, and boxy looking boobs. Most seem happy they did it anyway but I don't want to end up with nipple necrosis or if I have kids not being able to breastfeed.

    Yep, there you go. As I said, ultimately your choice, and I have not been in your position so really can only imagine, but if it was me, I'd wait. If you have to, you have to, but, last resort?

    Yeah, still weighing all options. It doesn't help either that I know my boyfriend will support me either way but DOES NOT want me to do it.
  • peleroja
    peleroja Posts: 3,979 Member
    edited December 2017
    I went from about 145 lb and a size 32GG-ish down to a very manageable 28DD (if I'm buying "real" bras from a brand like Freya or Panache) at 118 lbs. They used to cause me constant issues and now I barely notice them, I run in a 32D Victoria's Secret or Lululemon sports bra with no pain, I wear XS or S bralettes all the time, they fit into button-down shirts and don't restrict my clothing choices at all, and the grooves in my shoulders are gone.

    However, even that 145 lb high weight was a BMI only on the highest end of healthy, and for them to really shrink I have to stay at a BMI of >20. On my frame it's reasonable and sustainable but I remember thinking there was NO WAY they'd get smaller since I wasn't technically "fat" anyway...I was wrong, but because of where my body stores fat, I have to be into the athlete body fat percentage before a substantial change occurs.

    The worst issue is probably that my ribcage is narrow and now that I have lower body fat, I'm only a 28 band and that does limit my options. But I find I do fine in a lot of mall brands' 32Ds if I don't require perfect support and I wear a lot of bralettes and low-support sports bras daily now instead of shelling out for the $100 Freya Decos I used to buy, since I don't need them to prevent serious pain anymore.
  • Jackibrazil
    Jackibrazil Posts: 124 Member
    edited December 2017
    peleroja wrote: »
    I went from about 145 lb and a size 32GG-ish down to a very manageable 28DD (if I'm buying "real" bras from a brand like Freya or Panache) at 118 lbs. They used to cause me constant issues and now I barely notice them, I run in a 32D Victoria's Secret or Lululemon sports bra with no pain, I wear XS or S bralettes all the time, they fit into button-down shirts and don't restrict my clothing choices at all, and the grooves in my shoulders are gone.

    However, even that 145 lb high weight was a BMI only on the highest end of healthy, and for them to really shrink I have to stay at a BMI of >20. On my frame it's reasonable and sustainable but I remember thinking there was NO WAY they'd get smaller since I wasn't technically "fat" anyway...I was wrong, but because of where my body stores fat, I have to be into the athlete body fat percentage before a substantial change occurs.

    The worst issue is probably that my ribcage is narrow and now that I have lower body fat, I'm only a 28 band and that does limit my options. But I find I do fine in a lot of mall brands' 32Ds if I don't require perfect support and I wear a lot of bralettes and low-support sports bras daily now instead of shelling out for the $100 Freya Decos I used to buy, since I don't need them to prevent serious pain anymore.

    See this sounds like a good example to me. I'm coming from a higher weight but trying to lose a little more than what you lost. Hopefully mine will go down proportianally too!

    EDIT and I'll never be smaller than a 32 I think. When I was 98 pounds in high school I was fitted as a 32D/E
  • Unknown
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  • Jackibrazil
    Jackibrazil Posts: 124 Member
    suzannesimmons3 wrote: »
    Personally I would get a good fitting bra and re evaluate when you get to target. Here in the uk breast reduction is rarely done on the overweight and a level of weight maintenance is required.

    Yeah. That's what I'm leaning toward. My insurance has a requirement of less than 30 BMI and I'm just within that but even if I still do it after losing I may be more happy with results at a BMI of 25.
  • peleroja
    peleroja Posts: 3,979 Member
    edited December 2017
    Jackibrazil wrote: »
    suzannesimmons3 wrote: »
    Personally I would get a good fitting bra and re evaluate when you get to target. Here in the uk breast reduction is rarely done on the overweight and a level of weight maintenance is required.

    Yeah. That's what I'm leaning toward. My insurance has a requirement of less than 30 BMI and I'm just within that but even if I still do it after losing I may be more happy with results at a BMI of 25.

    Based on my own experiences that is what I would say too. 25 BMI is where I started out and I am so grateful that I didn't get the reduction I had consultations for even at that point, because it would have been totally unnecessary surgery when losing a bit of weight fixed my problem basically completely.

    It might be one of the last places you lose from, and if so you might have to be kind of patient or lose a little more than you expected (depending on your fat distribution and your frame/shape), but it's exceedingly likely that you will lose some. It might be proportionate, so you end up a 32I instead of a 36, but even that is less to carry around and might make a solid difference.

    (Edited to add: the surgeon I had my consults with also told me that I would be unlikely to lose any of them if I did lose a little weight, because I wasn't heavy and my breast tissue was very dense...he was totally wrong, obviously.)
  • Nony_Mouse
    Nony_Mouse Posts: 5,646 Member
    peleroja wrote: »
    I went from about 145 lb and a size 32GG-ish down to a very manageable 28DD (if I'm buying "real" bras from a brand like Freya or Panache) at 118 lbs. They used to cause me constant issues and now I barely notice them, I run in a 32D Victoria's Secret or Lululemon sports bra with no pain, I wear XS or S bralettes all the time, they fit into button-down shirts and don't restrict my clothing choices at all, and the grooves in my shoulders are gone.

    However, even that 145 lb high weight was a BMI only on the highest end of healthy, and for them to really shrink I have to stay at a BMI of >20. On my frame it's reasonable and sustainable but I remember thinking there was NO WAY they'd get smaller since I wasn't technically "fat" anyway...I was wrong, but because of where my body stores fat, I have to be into the athlete body fat percentage before a substantial change occurs.

    The worst issue is probably that my ribcage is narrow and now that I have lower body fat, I'm only a 28 band and that does limit my options. But I find I do fine in a lot of mall brands' 32Ds if I don't require perfect support and I wear a lot of bralettes and low-support sports bras daily now instead of shelling out for the $100 Freya Decos I used to buy, since I don't need them to prevent serious pain anymore.

    I thought there was no way mine would get smaller than the last time I was my current weight. Turns out with body comp changes from strength training (which is still really beginner level), they did. I'm around 21.5-22 BMI (currently sporting some prednisone-induced water weight, I have no clue what's going on under that), ended up with a fricking 8/30 band. That's enough fun to buy for with a DD, 28 must be really tricky! Anyway, I only lost that band/cup in the last couple of kg.

    As I said upthread, it is variable between brands/styles, there are a few firm fit 32s that I can do, and some I can sister size with a 32D. One very pretty 32D I tried yesterday was too blimin' small in the cup and they didn't have a DD (I, conveniently, live very close to an outlet shop for NZ's major bra chain, and there's another a little further away (half hour drive) that does have the DD, so that's today's mission, because they also currently have a 'nothing over $20' sale on, and these are expensive bras at full retail).
  • jessiferrrb
    jessiferrrb Posts: 1,758 Member
    i had a reduction and i don't regret it at all. there's still size fluctuation when i gain or lose weight, but i stay in the 36DDD-F range throughout. the pain and numbness in my shoulders is pretty much gone and i'm super pleased with the outcome. i have really minimal scarring, so it's almost imperceptible - like you would really have to look for the scars, and the shape is better than what i started with to be honest. i did a LOT of research on doctors before i went and i live in a pretty plastic part of the world so i had a lot of options. my insurance covered 90% as well.
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