Contemplating a breast reduction...need advice!

I will have whatever you want to give away.

I would say that getting a breast reduction is a personal preference. I had a breast reduction when I was 19 and 180lbs. (I am also 5ft. 7.) My size was a 38EEE. The reason I chose to get a reduction was that there is a history of back problems in my family and all the women have very large breasts. By getting the reduction, I hoped to reduce the risk of "inheriting" the back problems. I can't lie and say that vanity also did not play a part in my decision. Through high school and most of college, I was a size 10 pants, but always an XL-XXL shirt and size 14/16 even 18 dress. I never felt comfortable in a dress as the dresses always fit the boobs, but not the waist.

Now at the age of 28, after gaining 40 lbs (and having lost 37 of those pounds!) I am back at (or very near) 180lbs. Last time I was measured, I weighed 190lbs and was a 36G. So I still have large boobs, but now I am more proportional! I am back in my size 10 pants (for the first time since 2006) and now my dress size is a size 12 that definitely fit better around the waist/hips. I also found that I had more back problems after the surgery due to gaining weight and my back problems are virtually gone since losing the weight.

I never once thought that my boobs were "too big" to exercise, at least I never used that as an excuse not to do exercise. (FYI, not accusing the OP of doing that :-)) I did insanity and tae bo (with the bigger boobs) and I just held them down on any jumping exercises. Same for running or looked for a REALLY good sports bra. A GOOD one is hard to find when your boobs are so big. What I learned from MFP was that people were doubling up on the bras! That's what I did so no more holding them down for me, either running or doing insanity!

To make a long story short, if you're contemplating a reduction for better exercise, try a better bra or wear two. You should definitely get it if you think it will prevent health issues later. And if it is for vanity purposes... people get boobs done all the time to get bigger... so go for it!

Also the weight loss from the reduction itself was minimal.

I'd wait until you are within 10 pounds of your goal weight then evaluate. Some women lose weight in their breasts closer to their desired size. If you got a reduction now and continued to lose upward of 90 pounds you might be left with nothing.

I lost 40 pounds and went from a 38DD to a 32D (but lost most of them in the last 20lbs), if I had had a reduction half way in I would have been very flat after all was said and done.

Edit: So, basically what I'm saying is, strap them puppies down tight and go run. I know they are a pain, but I can pretty much guarentee they won't be that big when you are at goal!

I had a reduction about 6 years ago before my son was born. I went to a 36D I also weighed a lot more than I do now and now after my son I am about a 34 DD. I wear about 3 sports bras to keep everything in place and it helps a lot. If I could go back I wouldn't have gotten one I still hate seeing my scars 22 staples just for one side =/ Unless you are very large and always uncomfortable I would not suggest it. But this is just my opinion.. Specially if your weight is up and down and not where you want to be.... Good Luck

I have not had one, but my mother & sister both did. My mother has since gained weight & has gained quite a lot back in the chest as well. My sister was VERY happy with hers. She had them done after losing about 150 lbs & did her breasts, body lift, & arms at the same time so her recovery was longer than just the reduction would have been. I would think very carefully about it. I like having bigger boobs. I do have the same issues with having to buy a larger size shirt to fit things in. If you are worried about looking heavier, I suggest you rethink how you are dressing. There are companies that cater to those of us who need more room in the chest. Clothes that are more fitted will be more flattering but are harder to find. Shirts that are bigger up top & loose on the bottom will just make you look overall heavier than you are. Here are some good resources:

http://www.thinandcurvy.com/2010/12/clothes-for-curvesbig-breasts-complete.html
http://www.weirdlyshaped.com/

I had a breast reduction 12 yrs ago when I was 21. I was 160 lbs ish, size 10/12 pants and had horrible back problems. I grew up on a ranch and rode horses on a daily basis, so all that bouncing took it's toll. I was a 38 DD, after the reduction it was a 38C/D.. They took a pound from one side and a pound and a quarter from the other. Since I was so young and hadn't had kids the dr wouldn't go any smaller b/c of this. I did have issues with breastfeeding my first 2 kiddos who are now 6 and 3, I had to supplement. My 3rd who is almost 1 I did much better with and exclusively bf past 6 months .

Needless to say between weight gain I was almost 200 when I did get preggo with my first, having kids, and more weight gain. My highest was 250 in Jan of this year. I am at a 40DD or 38DDD down from a 42DDD. Even though I am still really big busted I think it was a good choice for me because of the painful back issues I had (I haven't had any since)

IMO I would wait till you are close to your goal weight. I told my hubby a few yrs ago that if I got to my goal weight and still had big boobs I would want another reduction. I am now confident in my boobs, even though the rest of me is still a work in progress.

BTW I can hardly see my scars Vitamin E was my best friend

I had my surgery about 6 years ago....I went from a 48 double I to a 44B Best thing I ever did for myself....I could not lay on my back because I felt like I had this huge weight on my neck...They look a total of 8 lbs. I would do it again!!!!!!

Edited for recovery.
My recovery was good...I have a low tolerance for pain and stopped pain meds after 2 days.

I had one when I was 23 (now I'm 48.) I'm a D now; then I was a few cup sizes larger than a DD. I was not overweight; it was all hereditary. It was a great experience for me. I could never shop in stores like Victoria's Secret, I could not find enough support in bathing suits, my shirts always pulled or came unbuttoned. Also, my bra straps would pop on occasion.

As far as the surgery itself, I did not take pain medicine after I was released from the hospital. I was uncomfortable, but managed with Tylenol. It was weird to have the stitches removed. It felt like bugs crawling on my chest. They probably have stitches that dissolve now. The scars are not visible because of their location.

Another part of the experience you should be aware of is that you have to wear a special bra afterwards and keep the areas clean. You should make sure that you are able to devote the time to cleaning yourself properly so you don't get an infection.

I had three kids and I was still able to nurse them. Once they stopped nursing, I went back to a size D. They still look pretty good after so many years.

My advice is to research plastic surgeons and interview them before you make a decision. My doctor would not operate on people whose size was only due to their weight. If he believed that your size would go down if you lost weight, he would not accept you as a patient. Also, talk to your insurance company ahead of time so you can make sure it is covered.

Good luck.