Big changes...

[bikerz]

This year has been a year of major changes for me - cycling has been the main reason I was able to finally get a handle on my 30 year weight problem (45 pounds lost since January, and at least that many more still to go). But even after all that weight off, my cup size was unchanged - such a bummer - I can't ride in the drops at all, and on any ride longer than 40 miles, I get miserable upper back and shoulder pain. And doing the super-spin intervals on the Spinervals I just about knock myself off the bike :eek: I'm not exaggerating! About three months ago I decided to talk to my doctor about breast reduction surgery, and it turns out I was a perfect candidate for the procedure to be covered by insurance. (Thank goodness, because otherwise it probably wouldn't have happened!)

Since I'm signed up for the 2006 ALC ride (585 miles in June) I was worried about losing training time, so my plan was to ride as much as I could before the surgery - I did my first metric century in early November, then a tough local hill ride the next week, and 2 days after that was in a minor car accident that had me off the bike for 2 weeks :mad: . Got on the bike for one short outdoor ride and a Spinerval workout, and got slammed with a cold/flu thing that had me off the bike for another 2 weeks :mad: :mad:. So much for planning!

Anyway, I had the surgery yesterday, and it will be another 4-6 weeks or so before I can ride again, but I can't wait! It's a very strange thing to have such a major change in how I look, but the real thing I am looking forward to is to be able to be more active and to feel less selfconscious and "encumbered". Now that I am an active person (dare we say even a little athletic?) I am so excited about things like playing tennis, soccer, even jogging - all activies I enjoyed as a kid but haven't felt like I could do without bouncing all over creation.

I was hesitant to post because I am a little shy about all this, but I have learned so much and gotten so much encouragement from everyones' posts this last year, on all kinds of topics, that I wanted to share this with you all. I'm wondering if any of you out there have had this procedure, and what your experience of it was, if you care to share it (on the thread or via PM). I've been focussing on the impact it will have on my activity level - I'm just starting now to have a sense of how different I look - it's kind of weird.

So I hope to be out on the roads (or trainer) in late January, and riding, riding, riding! Until then, I'll be doing a lot of walking, and as soon as I can, I'll be doing situps - looking down now I have a excellent view of my previously obscured belly! :eek:

[DeniseGoldberg]

Congratulations on your weight loss, your training, and your surgery. It sounds like it's been quite a year for you! I hope that your healing progresses quickly and that you are much happier on your bike. It sounds like you are already pleased with the results, so I can only imagine how delighted you will be when you are healed from the surgery.

--- Denise

[VenusdeVelo]

Congratulations on your new renewed self! There is so much self-esteem, confidence and feel-good vibes from making those kinds of positive changes.

Great job, it's people like you that motivate the rest of us Bikerz!!!

[yellow]

Good to hear, Z. I have a friend that had the same surgery and she is so much happier with everything. No more headaches, backaches, clothes that have to be altered...

I know that you will continue to grow in your athleticism. You have the right attitude. I've been known to pronounce that I get more b****in' every year. Just think of what you have to look forward to!

[CorsairMac]

whew - what a year my friend! If it helps any, you're not the first person I've heard that had that surgery done....probably won't be the last. I knew a woman that had spend untold sums on back drs becuase of chronic back pain caused by an over large bust. She also was a candidate for the surgery and was thrilled when she had it done - and she wasn't athletic. Her back pain is gone and she walks much straighter and taller now, says there isn't anymore "weight" pulling her shoulders down! I know that was probably a tough thing to share here but we're always here for you - always!
Can't wait to hear the "end" results on your next ride!!!

[massbikebabe]

HOO RAH!!

You'll be out there in June a little lighter, a lot happier, and looking just glam!! A tierra for Bikerz also!!:D


karen

[bikerz]

Thanks everyone! I just got back from a 12-minute walk up and down the street - doctor's orders (he's a cyclist too!) and I can tell it will take time to get back up to speed, but I think I will feel so much better, on and off the bike!

It's amazing how discovering a passion for an activity like cycling can open so many doors for other changes. The change in my self-esteem from this time last year is huge - and it's not just the cycling but also the connection to and support from so many of you out there (I'm probaby rambling - I just took a vicodin :) - maybe it's time for a nap!)

(And thanks Karen, but "glam" might be a stretch! I'll settle for being able to ride in the drops without knocking myself out!)

[slinkedog]

Hey Z! I'm glad to hear you're up and around after your surgery. I'm really happy for you that you were able to have this done and I hope it really helps you athletically and self-esteem-wise. I'm really proud of you for making so many positive changes in your life! Hooray for you!

[mtbdarby]

BikerZ - thanks for sharing your story. You are an amazing woman for taking such great care of yourself! I can't understand going through what you've been through (I'm at the other end of the "endowment" spectrum), but I know it couldn't have been an easy decision or journey, but it sounds like you are a very strong woman and handling it well and with great attitude. You Go Girl!

[DirtDiva]

Wow! A year of changes ideed!

One of my friends had a breast reduction earlier this year, but I haven't seen her since and the last time I spoke (well, typed - good old YM) with her she wasn't over the weirdness of looking different yet. It would certainly be an adjustment.

May you recover swiftly and be back on your bike (in the drops :D) soon.

[Adventure Girl]

Z---

I'm really happy for you. The tone of your message comes through so very clearly. It's inspiring to read about such positive changes in your mind, body and soul!

Listen to your doctor (and your body) about rehab and returning to your schedule. But I have an idea that you might consider. I had some minor breast surgery a few years ago. I was able to ride a recumbent before I could ride any of my own bikes. So I rode a recumbent lifecycle at the gym at a slow, controlled cadence. It wasn't the same as real riding, but it was better than nothing. It might work for you.

Sending you positive vibes for a speedy recovery!

[Pax]

Congrats on the surgery bikerz!! I had mine done almost 5 years ago and it was the best thing I ever did for myself. I had 6 pounds removed (from an E cup to a full B), it was life changing. :D

I hope you're as happy with yours as I am with mine!

[BikeMomma]

I see big things for you this year, Z......just not the "big things" you used to have! Sorry...you know me...love them puns!:p

Seriously, from that day I met you over there in Monterey for our awesome ride, you have inspired me somehow. Just one of those special people that tend to exude the spirit of life, you know? So keep it up, girlfriend. By everyone's comments here, I see that I'm not the only one you affect in this awesome way.

I'm so glad that you went ahead and posted this. Although I don't have ANYTHING to worry about in terms of this issue (mine shrank WAY up after the kids were done with 'em! :D ), this is a common issue amongst alot of women here and I'm sure you've helped by posting your experience.

BikeMomma ;)

[Irulan]

Congrats on the surgery bikerz!! I had mine done almost 5 years ago and it was the best thing I ever did for myself. I had 6 pounds removed (from an E cup to a full B), it was life changing. :D

I hope you're as happy with yours as I am with mine!

I'm trying to get my head around 6# of excess boobage, that sounds like a lot! I am sure you won't regret it.

[SadieKate]

What more can I say? I'm totally impressed with what you've done and what you will do in the future. Think of how much less to haul up Diablo! :D

[Pax]

I'm trying to get my head around 6# of excess boobage, that sounds like a lot! I am sure you won't regret it.
Think the equivalent of two 2 liter pop bottles. That's the visual my surgeon gave me. :eek:

It's wonderful...I can stand up straight and breathe now! Ahhhhhhhhhhhh :D

[jobob]

That's really great, Z ! I wish you a very speedy recovery.

[aka_kim]

Ditto what everyone else has said so much more eloquently than I ever could. Hope to see you on Diablo (and maybe the Bears, and ...) next year!

[bikerz]

Wow - thanks for all the good wishes! So much to respond to -

yes SK, believe me I am thinking of how much less there will be to haul up Mt D! And best of all, my Amici Veloci jersey might even fit me by the time I head up that hill again!

and BikeMomma - keep those puns coming! (If I weren't in this very pleasant vicodin haze, I might even be able to think of one or two...)

Queen - its good to know your experience was so great - I'm not sure yet how much the doc removed - I'll find out tomorrow - he said he was expecting something like 1500 g from each side - something in the vicinity of 6 pounds total - it sure looks like a lot! So many peope have told me they know someone who had it done, and they all say it was the best thing they ever did. I'm looking forward to ditching all those bras and getting new ones! I already feel the relief - like having a heavy cat that's been sleeping on your chest get up and leave!

And everyone else - thanks for all your good wishes - here's to 2006 - goals set and challenges met - for all of us!

[Trekhawk]

BikerZ - sending wishes for a speedy recovery. Happy unencumbered riding.:)

[snapdragen]

Good for you bikerz! Here's a little shopping help...:D

www.victoriassecret.com

[Pax]

Queen - its good to know your experience was so great - I'm not sure yet how much the doc removed - I'll find out tomorrow - he said he was expecting something like 1500 g from each side - something in the vicinity of 6 pounds total - it sure looks like a lot! So many peope have told me they know someone who had it done, and they all say it was the best thing they ever did. I'm looking forward to ditching all those bras and getting new ones! I already feel the relief - like having a heavy cat that's been sleeping on your chest get up and leave!
I remember looking down at my chest when the doc took off the bandages and saying "LOOK...I'VE GOT LITTLE BOOBIES". :D

It's such a worthwhile thing to do for yourself, a big congrats!

[shadon]

What an inspiration you are! Congrats on this big step. I'm thinking good healing thoughts for you. Enjoy your walks, and plan for your rides!

And I think it's so cool that you found a doc who rides a bike! So great to have one who understands what you are itchin' to get back to.

Heal well, take your drugs, get your rest!

[Trek420]

what everyone else says, heal well, rest up, and oooh, shopping for new bike clothes! :D

[Irulan]

Ok, I'm very curious - when they do breast reduction, is the ability to breast feed affected and what about nipple sensitivity? I gather from the discussion that any losses are offset by gains in physical comfort. Do you get any say in the shape of the new ones?

~I.

[slinkedog]

Yeah... do you get to pick the size and shape? Do the include anti-sagging protection??

[Irulan]

after I posted that I googled "breast reduction surgery" at Google images. I got a lot of hits before/after from plastic surgery sites, all on an educational basis.

[Pax]

Ok, I'm very curious - when they do breast reduction, is the ability to breast feed affected and what about nipple sensitivity? I gather from the discussion that any losses are offset by gains in physical comfort. Do you get any say in the shape of the new ones?

~I.
The way my doc explained it:

There's two ways to have it done, if you want a large amount of tissue removed then they have to remove the pedical ( the inner "tube" that is mostly glands ending at with the nipple). That option would make it impossible to breast feed and requires removing the nipples and repositioning them (which can affect sensitivity).

The other way is to leave the pedical and "work around it", this means less of a reduction but you retain the ability to breast feed and full sensation in the nipples.

Re: shape and size...you pick your cup size but the shape has more to do with your current circumference at the chest wall. It's pretty funny walking around a department store holding up different bras to make your choice. :D

[bikerz]

My doc didn't talk about cup size - he says there is so little consistency across bra manufacturers that it doesn't help much. He took a lot of measurements I guess there are standard ratios for boobs in relation to shoulder width and sternum etc. There's so much swelling now it's hard to say what they'll look like ultimately.

Re sensation - he said some women do lose nipple sensation, but he also told me many of his patients end up with increased sensation. Also, since mine was covered by insurance, and not strictly cosmetic, I didn't get to say I want this shape, this size, etc. But he did move the nipple up, so I guess that's like anti-sag protection!

Thanks for all the good wishes!

[Trek420]

Yes, but did you get to specify the ammount of boobage clearance you need for your road bike? ;) :rolleyes: :cool:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=2551&highlight=boobage

[Dogmama]

What great changes you've made this year! I, too, know women who have had that done & never looked back.

You'll be climbing in the drops before you know it. And you get to go SHOPPING!! Do any of your old sweaters, etc., fit?

[Bike Goddess]

BikerZ- You really are an inspiration! I was so excited when you told your "Bears" story. And your metric... and the list goes on and on. To be brave enough to do the surgery says a lot about who you are and what you aspire to be. I look forward to meeting you again on the road one of these days when you are back on your bike!!!

Meanwhile, heal, and enjoy the moment!:) :) :) :) :) :)

[snowtulip]

Great job Z!! You are too funny, since you said it was like having a cat onyour chest I thought I'd try it with my cat (she wasn't happy), but I can see how it would be difficult. Wishing you speedy recovery!

[bikerz]

Hey Snap - thanks for the Victoria's secret link!

I'm supposed to be in a surgical bra for 2-3 weeks night and day, but the bra the hospital sent me home with could double as a torture device, and the surgeon said ditch it and use an old sports bra - well... we have a bit of a bra crisis here now - nothing fits!! I think I'll have to brave the elements and head out somewhere tomorrow to try and pick up one or two (but I think we'll start out at Sears - I'm not quite ready for VS!)

Trek - thanks for the reminder about the boobage clearance thread - that was hilarous the first time I read it, and fun to see again.

[tomgrrrl]

Congratulations.....I'm sure your recovery will be swift and sure! See you on the backroads soon!

Ellen

[jobob]

Z, you might want to check REI or Title Nine Sports (http://www.title9sports.com/) (there's a Title Nine in Berkeley) - they both carry the Moving Comfort (http://www.movingcomfort.com/) brand of sports bras which are very nice ( well, to be honest I can only vouch for my end of the spectrum on that ... :o ) and I'm pretty sure REI at least also carries Panagonia, which V. speaks very highly of. Happy shopping!

[Lise]

Congratulations, Z! I am so happy for you. I'm in the less than surgical candidate dept--I wear a 36D, now that I've lost 30#--but still, they (the boobs) can be annoying. I'd really prefer a C, but hey, it's hardly a medical problem! I know women who have suffered so very much, like you, and their lives are transformed by the surgery.

I have found the Enell bra to be the best, most supportive sports bra ever. Everything else still leaves me with bounce, which = chest pain, not to mention embarassment. The Enell bra feels incredibly tight when I first put it on, but I adjust. It snaps down the front, like a short vest. It chafes if I don't use Body Glide at the bottom of the snaps. Other than that, I love it. I feel very secure in it, and I don't feel like it just pushes my boobs off to the side, like other bras. Try googling "Enell bra". Title 9 sells the same bra for the same price, but I can't remember what they call it.

Best wishes with your recovery, and happy shopping!!! :D

Lise

ps: Snap, love the Santa cap on your avatar! :p

[mary9761]

I'm so GLAD you were able to take this step. Even after losing 100 pounds, I'm wearing the same 50DDD bras [having trouble finding bras to get the opportunity to try new size, and FORGET ABOUT finding SPORTS BRAS] and unfortunately the only big difference is having lost the weight in the CHEST area. Now the actual boobage is more ackward than ever since at this rate they will literally soon be at my waist. :( :eek: I took the straps up on one of the bras to hike the girls up, but the weight just pulls the back of the bra up my back, they're higher, but watch out when those puppies are unfurled.. When I gain weight, one of the first places I gain is my chest and also the LAST place I lose. I've had back aches all my life even BEFORE I fell down the 13 steps in '88.:(
Definitely be sure to wear a bra as long as the doc tells you necessary though. I had a lumpectomy in my left breast a couple years ago [thankfully benign] and the doc told me to be sure to wear a bra 24/7 for I believe it was 6 weeks. OMG when the bra came off [this was before the weight loss so you can image how heavy they were] PAIN!!! I could hardly wait to get the bra BACK ON.. I HATE bras otherwise.
Good luck on your recovery and enjoy your new smaller breasts when they heal.

[latelatebloomer]

Speedy healing and happy renovated body, BikerZ! i work with a woman who JUST had this done, and there's a world of difference just in the way she stands and walks - and now she hopes to get more fit, now that she can finally move around!! The only thing she complained about was discomfort due to trying to return to work too quickly - but she has a physically strenuous job. I commend your courage, too. what a great 2006 you're gonna have!:D

[bikerz]

I have found the Enell bra to be the best, most supportive sports bra ever. Everything else still leaves me with bounce, which = chest pain, not to mention embarassment. The Enell bra feels incredibly tight when I first put it on, but I adjust. It snaps down the front, like a short vest. It chafes if I don't use Body Glide at the bottom of the snaps. Other than that, I love it. I feel very secure in it, and I don't feel like it just pushes my boobs off to the side, like other bras. Try googling "Enell bra". Title 9 sells the same bra for the same price, but I can't remember what they call it.
Lise, you're right about the Enell - I have a size 4 and 5 - the 5 started being too big over the summer, and I think the 4 is too big now - I'm a little nervous to try the size 4 now because it is like donning battle armor! - Mary - you might have some luck with the Enell - I think Title 9 only sells as large as a size 4 - I ordered from Women's Sports Specialties http://www.womens-sports.com/EnellSportsBra.htm.

[mary9761]

Lise, you're right about the Enell - I have a size 4 and 5 - the 5 started being too big over the summer, and I think the 4 is too big now - I'm a little nervous to try the size 4 now because it is like donning battle armor! - Mary - you might have some luck with the Enell - I think Title 9 only sells as large as a size 4 - I ordered from Women's Sports Specialties http://www.womens-sports.com/EnellSportsBra.htm.

:eek: :eek: :eek: It looks like even THEY BARELY have one that would fit [when they have them in stock]

[Irulan]

just a thought - if you need basic sports bras just for general comfort and support during the recovery process, why not head over to some place like Target and pick up a few of the 2/$20 variety?

[SadieKate]

I took the straps up on one of the bras to hike the girls up, but the weight just pulls the back of the bra up my back . . .I grew up in an era when you were fitted for bras. I was taught that if the back hikes up, the barrel of the bra is too large. Your cup size may be staying the same, but the circumference below (ribcage only) has probably shrunk. I don't know in your size, but generally you buy a bra with a letter cup size larger as you go down in ribcage/barrel measurement (at least in the olden days). For instance, the cup sizes of a 32D used to equal a 34C (but not always). Bras seem to be made a little differently now and each has its own quirks, but you should be able to solve the back hiking up with a smaller barrel measurement.

Sadie "hates to buy bras" Kate

PS - Let me tell you about the last business trip when I arrived and my luggage didn't. And I traveled in a casual skort.:rolleyes:

[SadieKate]

Oop, adding a note that Mervyn's usually has a decent selection and I think they carry inexpensive sport bras.

[mary9761]

I grew up in an era when you were fitted for bras. I was taught that if the back hikes up, the barrel of the bra is too large. Your cup size may be staying the same, but the circumference below (ribcage only) has probably shrunk. I don't know in your size, but generally you buy a bra with a letter cup size larger as you go down in ribcage/barrel measurement (at least in the olden days). For instance, a 32D used to equal a 34C (but not always). Bras seem to be made a little differently now and each has its own quirks, but you should be able to solve the back hiking up with a smaller barrel measurement.

Sadie "hates to buy bras" Kate

PS - Let me tell you about the last business trip when I arrived and my luggage didn't. And I traveled in a casual skort.:rolleyes:


I've never been fitted for a bra in my entire life and I've been wearing one since I was at LEAST 10 years old. I wore a 36C in the 6th grade at age 10. The girls never had a trainer, they went straight from nothing to "OMG WHERE'D THOSE THINGS COME FROM!!" :eek: :eek: Made for growing up way too fast unfortunately in too many ways.
The trouble I'm running into is to find my size [DDD cups are hard to come by in the store] to try for fit, I have to go online AND I have NO option on bargain OR pretty bras. I have a feeling I'm in between sizes because I'd bought a size that I thought would fit better in a DD and the cups don't hold right. UGH too snug.. I'm almost afraid to know what size I REALLY NEEDED if the 50DDD didn't fit right and is all stretched out.
I don't even know of a shop anywhere around here to really be fitted right even if they sold the right size. Oh, well, eventually I'll get into something that fits again.

[SadieKate]

A quick Google brought up these. The jms site looked like it had some inexpensive and pretty bras in larger sizes.

http://www.blooberry.com/bformfaq/measure.html

http://www.victoriassecret.com/html/bra/measuring/

http://www.breasttalk.co.uk/bra_sizing.asp

http://www.thebreastsite.com/bras/fitting-a-bra.aspx

http://www.jms.com/webapp/commerce/command/ExecMacro/BraFinder.d2w/report

[bikerchick68]

sorry to be so late responding...had some major issues with getting logged in for a while...

anyway, really, really happy for you!!! The weight loss is amazing... what an accomplishment...

and the surgery was needed! I'm so glad you were able to have it done... I have no doubt you will be more comfortable and happier... hope your recovery is over before ya know it and look forward to hearing how different and great it is to ride! :)

[slinkedog]

I don't even know of a shop anywhere around here to really be fitted right even if they sold the right size. Oh, well, eventually I'll get into something that fits again.

Hey Mary! The only place I've ever gotten a decent bra fitting was at Nordstrom. Don't know if you guys have Nordstrom in Indy or not, but they do a good job. My sister in law lives in Cincinnati and I know they have one there... only about 2 hours or so.

By the way, what part of INdianapolis do you live in? My hubby grew up about 100 miles north of you in a little town called Argos and graduated from Purdue. He's home right now for his grandma's funeral, as a matter of fact. We usually go to visit every year for Christmas, but we decided to stay home this year.

Happy bra-hunting!

[mary9761]

Hey Mary! The only place I've ever gotten a decent bra fitting was at Nordstrom. Don't know if you guys have Nordstrom in Indy or not, but they do a good job. My sister in law lives in Cincinnati and I know they have one there... only about 2 hours or so.

By the way, what part of INdianapolis do you live in? My hubby grew up about 100 miles north of you in a little town called Argos and graduated from Purdue. He's home right now for his grandma's funeral, as a matter of fact. We usually go to visit every year for Christmas, but we decided to stay home this year.

Happy bra-hunting!

I live out on the far west side about a mile or so from the Airport. I grew up in Bridgeport and haven't been too far from the Ben Davis area all my life.
We DO have a Nordstroms downtown at the Circle Center Mall. Maybe some weekend after the holiday I can actually use my holiday money for a bra instead of paying the bills. Sorry to hear about your hubby's loss. My Grandma will be celebrating her 92nd Christmas so we know our time is limited each time we get together.

[bikerz]

Mary - I've heard great things about the Nordtroms for bra fitting also, and as soon as mine stop looking like something from Frankenstein's lab, I'll treat myself to a trip there. I also thought the Womesn Sports people were very nice, and I'm sure you could return the one that might fit if it doesn't. Lise is right - they feel super-tight when they go on - it really is like armor, but they do a pretty darn good job of bounce suppression. Unfortunately, "pretty" and "cheap" are not adjectives that can be applied! Good luck, and with SK's sites as well.

In the meanwhile, Irulan, I think I'll hit the Mervyns tomorrow as you suggest. I have an old 42D around (bought in an impossibly optimistic frame of mind, I'm sure) that seems to fit OK now, so I'll just buy a few off the rack for the next few weeks. Although Mervnys the week before Christmas... :eek:

I am so antsy to get back on the bike! I've been walking a slow mile each day since surgery - I'll have to be satisfied witht that for the next few weeks...