Big changes...

[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.

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

[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...

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".

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!

[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.

[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?

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...hlight=boobage