I was grateful that so many of you reached out to me to ask questions. I was nervous to share this news, but have always been someone who puts myself out there in hopes of helping someone in the same boat.
So, over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing about my journey, and hopefully covering many of the questions I’ve been asked thus far.
First, I feel like I need to explain how bra sizes are measured. The band size is the number you see in a bra size. If you’re curious, take a measuring tape (preferably a fabric one) and measure around your torso, directly under your bust. If the number is even, add four inches; if it’s odd, add five.
Second, you need to figure out the cup (or the letter). Take the same measuring tape and measure around your chest, across your nipples. You then take that number and subtract your band size number. Depending on what the difference is, that’ll determine your cup size.
Example: If your bust size is 38 inches and your band size is 36 inches, that’s a 2 inch difference which translates into a 36B.
Question: WHY would you make the decision to get rid of something that God has so graciously blessed you with?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a large chest. I swear they popped out of nowhere overnight when I was in the sixth grade.
I started high school wearing a B-cup bra and ended high school wearing a DD-cup bra. I joke that I grew one cup every year, but I’m pretty sure that’s how it happened. For those who are unfamiliar with bra sizes, that’s like 3 or 4 inches of boob that were added to my band measurement.
I was active in high school, but my chest size always made me uncomfortable. I remember trying to get out of gym class by telling the teacher I forgot my sports bra and couldn’t run.
In college, I acquired the nickname “Boobs.” I tell ya, college-aged boys are very creative. And they just didn’t stop growing, which made physical activity (competitive cheerleading and exercising) very difficult.
I wasn’t really self-conscious about my chest size until I was in my early 20’s. I was a nanny and remember wearing a two-piece with confidence to the country club pool that the family belonged to. ALL of the stay-at-home moms who were with their children were rocking tankinis and one-piece bathing suits. When I took my cover up off, all eyes were glued to me. My boss joked that “they are just jealous because what you have naturally, their husbands have to pay money for.”
That was the first and last time I wore a two-piece to the pool at work.
When I was 21 or 22 I went for a consultation for a reduction. I remember looking at photos of patients before me and thinking how they must feel so much better. Alas, when I left the office, I felt sad. Almost as if taking my chest away from me was me losing part of my identity.
And here I am now, at 33 years old, just days away from going under the knife and removing 5 lbs of extra weight from my torso.
So, WHY am I finally going through with this procedure?
- I have dents in my shoulder that are so deep they probably will never go away
- I can’t sit at a restaurant for longer than 10 mins without my back feeling strained
- I have a constantly strained nerve on the right side of my neck that sends a paralyzing shriek across the right side of my body when I reach for something in my trunk or the like
- My bras cost $85 at a minimum ($65 if they are on sale), sports bras range about $50 or more and are suffocating, and bathing suits don’t start under $100 (for just the top)
- I don’t remember what it’s like to lay on the beach, my bed, the floor, or a couch flat on my back and being able to breath without my shoulders and neck being elevated
That’s not even the complete list, but I’ll spare you too many details. I’m just a few days away from this life-changing experience and will absolutely document more along the way.
If you’ve considered getting a reduction, or are experiencing some of the things I have shared above, I encourage you to reach out to me. I’d love to chat more and help you in your decision process.
Post a Comment