Wedding Blog
I have numerous blog posts in draft form, potential topics to write about, like “catering search” or “long distance stuff”. One of my drafts says:
wedding dress + boobs
I had planned this blog in my head months ago. How I would write about my trepidation for dress shopping.
Me and dresses… don’t get along. Shopping trips usually ended with me in tears of frustration. My dress shopping fear and anxiety is so well known that when I was a bridesmaid in a friend’s wedding, her fiance sent along a flask of caramel apple martini, just for me. And I drank it. In the dressing room of David’s Bridal.
I anticipated the dress search being the culmination of my dress-shopping woes and frustrations. I am just so dang hard to fit: I am 4′11″, not an inch taller. My torso is short. And then, the boobs.
Oh, the boobs! We’re not talking D/DD boobs. We are talking E and F territory.
With a size 4 waist and a size 12/14 top, I only half-heartedly flipped through the pages of wedding magazines, knowing I’d be unable to wear 90% of the gowns shown. I figured I’d search for a V-neck frock, maybe like the simple one I wrote previously about. But there’s been a game-changer.
A few months ago I made the decision to consult with a surgeon about breast reduction. It all happened very quickly: gads of (some very scary) Internet research, constant second-guessing and soul-searching, two consultations with two different surgeons, insurance approval, pre-op appointment, the careful arranging of time off, and then, this past August, the surgery.
Typical. I’m mean-mugging in a Johnny and Mr. Potato Head is stealing my hospital food.
I spent about two weeks in recovery on the couch, with shooting pains and a 24/7 sports bra and ice packs (and Vicoden!). I also had time to sift, once again, through those wedding magazines, and contemplate how this very huge decision (a 34E decision?!) would change the dress search and make it, surprisingly, more palatable.
But, the reason I write about it here: a mere two weeks after my surgery was the infamous Filene’s Running of the Brides. Which my friends were dying to participate in. Fine, I said. If I’m feeling up to it, I’ll go. I’ll wear my sports bra, we’ll go at 1 in the afternoon, and I’ll sit in the corner while my mom and friends sift through heavy gowns and bring them over to me. A radical decision with surprising results (stay tuned!).
This was my game-changer of the utmost degree. I write about it jokingly, but please know I considered this a huge, life-changing decision.
Any other breast reductioners out there? Want to trade war stories??
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Share this post: The Game-Changer
OMG! I can’t imagine how you felt! I’m so glad that you had the courage to do what it took to make you happy! I’m pretty average height(5′7″) with 36Ds (thanks to birth control weight gain) and even I have a hard time finding clothes that either a. don’t smoosh my boobs, or b. don’t tent off of them and just hang straight down. It’s a real pain! I can’t imagine them being any bigger! Good for you for doing something about it!
Been there- the recovery is the worst and making up stories to tell your boss/co-workers is no fun!
Oh man, i totally want to do this and have been there with you in the dressing room (ok, that sounded creepy, I meant I’ve been in that situation). In college I wrote a letter to the insurance gods about why I needed it and why they should pay for it. DENIED. So I haven’t done it, and now I have a new insurance, so maybe I could. So for now I buy dresses about 4 size bigger than I need and then alter the hell out of them. It sucks.
I’m 5′4″ and a 34 DD (though one bra store just told me 34 E) and no, wedding dress shopping for me wasn’t all that fun. I ended up finding and buying a dress that I love that was a sample that even my seamstress said is not made for
‘women like me”. Somehow she’s making it work (and it’s a good thing, cause it hasn’t been cheap!) but I’m definitely all boob in the dress and may shock a couple of my older relatives! I’ve never seriously considered reduction, but having larger boobs has definitely not been all it’s cracked up to be!
I am really interested in reduction surgery! Partly for the wedding and partly for my life.
How long did it take? Could it be done in time for my May 15th wedding? How did you get your insurance to cover it? Are there any risks for future breast feeding?
i’m right there with you - went from a dd to a full b and it was the BEST thing i ever did. i can actually wear a bikini without scaring people 
i recommend it to anyone that is uncomfortably large 
oh - and i actually didn’t have much recovery time at all. i had mine done on dec 21 and was out shopping on the 26th. didn’t even take a pain pill and i am NOT one that handles pain well
I’m so happy that you were able to do that for yourself! I can only imagine how much it changed your life.
While I don’t need a reduction surgery, my breasts are severely uneven. As in, one is a full C almost D, and the other is like, an A.
It’s always hard trying to find clothes to camoflauge the difference, and I’m dreading dress shopping for this reason. Maybe one day I’ll get them fixed, but it’s not likely to happen before the wedding.
Good for you! Besides the added benefit of being able to shop for dresses without distress, i bet your back will thank you! I grew up hearing about the running of the brides living in New England= can’t wait to hear your story.
i’m with all of you — i’m 5′6″ and a 34F. the reduction has crossed my mind, but i fear what will happen after child birth. i don’t want to pay for something now that’s going to be pointless later. so i’m going to wait till after the kids and see what gravity does, then go for a little lift, tuck, and reduction. but until then — i’m stuck buying a bra a year (cause they’re so dang expensive) and buying swimsuits at target or old navy — where i can by an XL top and a M bottom.
Hey Ms. Potato Chips!
Thanks for blogging about this! Yesterday was my one year post-op anniversary for my breast reduction surgery. I went from an E cup to a small C. I have to say that it was the best thing I ever did for myself. I feel so much healthier, back pain is gone and dress shopping was not a nightmare!
Recovery was jsut yucky for me with the bandages and drains, but luckily not painful. Like you said the surgery is not a joke at all. It took me about three years to really feel ready to go through with the surgery. I said it once and I will say it again—Best thing I ever did for myself!
I am so glad to see a post about this! I’m a little under 5′1″, I weigh less than 110 pounds, and yet somehow I have this logic defying 32E chest! Sometimes I think I look like I’m just going to tip over. I’ve wanted a reduction for YEARS (I somehow managed to gain my exact proportions at thirteen years old) but several doctors have told me it’s far more likely that insurance will cover the surgery if you’re over twenty-five. I turn twenty-five in a few months and breast reduction is the first thing on my to-do list.
I can’t wait to buy clothes that fit off the rack, find bras that are actually attractive in my size, finally ditch the painful red marks at the tops of my shoulders, and try on all different styles of wedding dresses! I might even try a few strapless!
Miss bookworm— I don’t want to sound mean (at all!), but please keep in mind that a breast reduction is not a cosmetic surgery procedure. This is a reconstrutive surgery that is done for health reasons. A full blown surgery with a lot of risks and recovery. Your insurance company has to review pictures, your health records, measurements etc and approve the surgery.The cosmetic stuff is a nice added bonus
I had the surgery because of chronic back and neck pain as well as migraines. Some women will have trouble breastfeeding, other will have no problems with it.
Wow, P Chip! What a big decision. Good for you for being proactive and doing something good for yourself!
That was a huge decision indeed! I’m close to your size (36E) and sometimes I find it miserable … I’ve been considering a reduction for quite some time now … this may just be the motivation. My back is in endless pain. You can almost forget running … and apparently my headaches could be related. So thanks for being so brave. And for sharing with us!
Woah, I thought I had it bad! I’m 5′1″ with a 25″ waist and full 34 C’s! Most of the clothes I buy are super baggy in the waist, too long, but snug around my chest. Ugh! I’m actually considering having them reduced before the wedding, but probably won’t..
Ms. Potato Chips,
Thank you so much for sharing this story. I’m a size 6, 5′3″ & a 34DD. Clothes shopping for me has always been terrible, and I too leave stores most times in tears. Would you mind sharing more about the recovery part? I have been considering having a breast reduction for years but am so scared. Does it leave bad scaring? You are so brave for doing this!
I am not at all in this boat but one of my best friends is in the same situation. 5′1, 130lbs, and either E or F chest. I remember in middle school, she would wear a regular bra and 2 sports bras - just to try and tame them…with no luck. Great post Ms. Potato Chips!!
@NorthwestGirl: Always check Bloomingdales sales racks (if there’s one near you) and Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom clearance sections online. I got a Wacoal at Bloomie’s for $20 a few weeks ago, and they always have larger sizes too. (I keep an eye out for my friend who is a 36F)
@Ms. Potato Chips — thanks for this post!
I’ve been dying to get a breast reduction for years. I was a D-cup at age 13 and was miserable and embarassed because of it. Now I’m a 34DD, size 6-8 and 5′7″. I hate how hard it is to shop and how everything looks so disproportionate on me. I hate the looks I get from men and the attitude I get from women (I’m sure you know what I’m talking about!)
I would give anything to be a C.
I completely understand!! 5′2″, size 4 and a 34D and I mean a FULL D… ugh… It’s horrible at times!
@Honeybird: I consulted two surgeons and both agreed that insurance wouldn’t be an issue, mainly because of my height. Since you’re short too, you might (hopefully) have an easier go of it, insurance-wise. Good luck!
@Miss Bookworm: It’s totally up to you, of course, but I wouldn’t rush it to get it done before the wedding. You want to make sure you do all the research, consult with different doctors, etc. That said, I decided I wanted it down last May, my consultations were scheduled in June, and my surgery in August. The biggest reason I got it done now was because my insurance changed in September and “old” insurance was much better! Let me know if you want to chat more!
@Miss Frozen Yogurt: Girl that was you peepin in my dressing room?? Shoot! But seriously, I got lucky with my insurance. They covered 80% of the costs. Maybe worth trying again? Keep me updated; we can talk!
Hope you are feeling 100% again! Can’t wait to see the Running of the Brides post!
I completely understand but on the opposite end. NO Boobs AT ALL. I am 5′ even, not a centimeter more, 115lbs with a -A bra size. I DREDDED shopping, and wedding downs, not an option. Last yr before we got engaged I finally decided after years of shopping torment and rants of basket case tantrums in my closet, never looking right in my clothes (i have a huge behind). I finally consulted a doc and after 4 (yes 4) consults i finally made the decision to get an enhancement. Not a huge one, just a normal C cup that would make me look porportionate and not look like a boy. 1 yr later, i feel fantastic and am looking forward to trying on dresses :)!
@Knit: Yes! That was the driving force behind my decision. I was suffering from increasingly bad back pain. I already feel so much better.
@northwestgirl19: That’s such a good point. Because I’m undecided about having children, now was the best time for me. My doctor said even with pregnancy-weight I would get as large as I am now.
@jaylii9: My back pain was also the deciding factor. I’m glad you feel better now!
@Holly Golightly: The recovery part wasn’t as bad as I’d feared. I spent two weeks watching How I Met Your Mother on the couch, and taking mini walks. I haven’t started running again yet, but I hope to do so soon (next week I have my last follow-up). Luckily, Mr. Potato Head does physical therapy and was able to give me some good advice and exercises to do. I blogged about the recovery and the pain on my personal blog if you want to check it out: http://sassandpancakes.wordpress.com/2009/08/26/my-breast-reduction-pain-soundtrack/
@arizonabride: Any day now! Haha. I’m feeling about 95%. I began a grad program last month, so I went from doing nothing to running around all day, teaching, etc. I have a bit of soreness and flagging energy levels, but I’ve started working with light weights to get my muscle tone back.
i hope you are doing well! i have debated the idea of a breast reduction for ages… as i have 32H…. fine and dandy but boy does my back hurt at times. my best friends are a push up bra and sports bra over top. frig playing volleyball in school was annoying. now i dont think i will be getting a reduction any time soon. instead i think i will wait til after having kids, and then if they are down to my waist i will probably get them put back to where they are supposed to be.
I’ve thought about having surgery for a long time but have yet to take the plunge. I think I need to lose some weight first, though.
I might contact you in a few months to talk about this more in-depth, if you don’t mind. <3
@bunny: Any time Bunny, seriously! At first I was really shy about it all but now I am an open book!
I’ll be doing the surgery after I have my kids - 32I over here. I just recently found an awesome store for button down shirts and dresses: Rebecca & Drew. They don’t have a lot of locations but you can regular and custom order online. They sell blouses and dresses that are sized by your bra size. Right now they go from 32A to 38DD. I fit the 34DD Long and it’s awesome to not have gaps in the front. It’s a bit pricy, starting at $140, but a great option for work clothes.
Such a big decision — but one that you’ve clearly thought out and made the right one for you. Hope you’re all healed now — and that the dressing room doesn’t drive you to drink anymore!
Seems that a lot of people are considering having breast reductions!
I wanted to reccomend a book that helped me understand the surgery and make my decision to go through with it “When Less Is More: The Complete Guide for Women Considering Breast Reduction Surgery” I bought it off of amazon.com
It took me two and a half years before I could even look at a sports bra after my surgery! I absolutely hated wearing it for so long. Mine was for a lumpectomy, so I didn’t have to make any decisions going in. The surgery was two weeks after Mr. Taffy and I started dating, and he was extremely supportive. I am happy for you that you feel that you have made the right decision!
OMG! Yes ma’am, I had a breast reduction as well!! I played softball growing up and into college, and it was no pleasant. I used to have to wear a minimizer bra, and real bra, and THEN a sports bra on top of that. I’m 5′8″ and was an E cup. It was ridiculous.
I had my surgery in November 2007, and had a week of recovery time. BEST decision of my life!
Oh wow, that is quite a big decision. I can’t exactly relate since I’m built like a 12 year old boy. All kidding aside, I’m glad you went through with something that was important to you and you feel good about it!
On a lighter note, that picture of you mugging and the Mr. eating your food is priceless!
Congrats!!!! I bet you will feel so much better about yourself! I know I did. I am tall (5′ 9″) and, prior to my reduction, I was a 36K. Yes, a K! It was pretty crazy. I had them shrink me down to a full C and I couldn’t be happier. Clothes and bras fit me better and I look like I weigh about 50 pounds less. Thankfully, my insurance covered a good portion of the surgery. I had the more expensive surgery where the left everything in tact so that I could breast feed once I have children. I had my surgery in 2002 and after about 6 months, my boobs dropped and rounded out more. They were really tight during the first 6 months. This was definitely the best thing I ever did for myself!
As a girl on the opposite end of the spectrum (Cherry Tomatoes) I can’t say that I feel your pain, but I do appreciate the fact that you shared your experience! I’m so glad you were able to make such a life-changing decision for yourself!
I had mine done, too, and I don’t regret it for a second. I’m 5′5 and a size 4, yet my breasts were a 30G. It’s impossible to find bras that are that small around but with cups that big!
I couldn’t get my insurance company to pay for full-out surgery, and because they weren’t “pendulous,” I opted to get liposuction instead. They made a small incision underneath each and removed 2 cups of fat/fluid from each side. This way, I didn’t have to deal with the “key-hole” shaped scar on the visible part of my breast and the risks of not being able to breast feed or have sensation in my nipples.
Considering the relative ease of the procedure (in that it was relatively non-invasive), I’m pleased with the results. I do wish they were a little smaller, but my surgeon said that to go any further would require actually cutting away parts of my breast (via the key-hole cut).
I hope that you feel confident with your new self! You’ve earned it! =)
You’re so brave! Congrats on a successful surgery! I met with a surgeon a while back, but I haven’t taken the plunge yet. Partially because I need to lose weight before I do it, but also because I’m thinking about breast feeding in the future, and the surgeon I consulted with basically told me not to do it if I want to nurse because they can’t guarantee anything. But maybe feeling comfortable in my body is worth the risk! Thank you for this post.
@Lindsay: Is there a name for this type of surgery? I didn’t know there was one that allowed you to breast feed after. Thanks!
@polkadot: My doctor said the same thing: some women can breast feed, some can’t. If breastfeeding is a priority, obviously it makes sense to wait!
@aliangel64: That’s really interesting. I got the LeJour or “lollipop” method (think of the scars in the shape of lollipops) as opposed to the more traditional Anchor method, although I’ve heard great things about both.
I’m 90% sure I will get these bad boys reduced after I have kids. I’m sick of the back pain and dents in my collar bones (although those probably wont go away now) and excited to buy bathing suits off the rack!
@Mrs. Gloss: hear, hear! I am still waiting to see what my final size will be (my doc said to be patient, ugh) but to buy a bra or bathing suit off the rack…what sweet bliss!!
Wow. Thanks for sharing your story. I know at 5″2, 34D size 2/4 what trouble I have finding clothes that fit or don’t make me look 10 lbs heavier to cover my boobs adequately. I think I’ll likely need one post children. Thanks for sharing your story. As an aside, that pic is precious
[...] sample from the store window! For those reasons alone, I very much want to shop there, if the whole Filene’s Grumbling-of-the-Bride doesn’t pan [...]
Kudos for you! Wow, a 34D and a size 4, yeah that sounds really hard! I’m a size 8 with DD and I had enough trouble dress shopping, swimsuits, etc, I can only imagine your frustrations!!!
Maggie Sottero has wonderful corset dresses. THey are so flattering and provide lots of lift and support! They accentuate a curvy figure perfectly!
wow that is a dramatic life changing event! I hope the results are what you were looking for! Mrs. Avocado has one too, I think she blogged about it on her personal blog (I don’t remember reading it here)
Can’t wait to see what dress you came up with!
Thanks for sharing your story. I’ve heard so many stories about how happy people are after getting this procedure done that I wonder what is making me drag my feet! The back pain is one thing, but the poor posture as a result of the back ache is just as bad!
There are days (months) were I want nothing more than a breast reduction… 5′2″ F(ish). Birth Control makes them bigger and I HATE that! In Jr High I strongly considered it.
When I look in the mirror I think I look proportionate so its not my appearance, it shopping! I HATE shopping! and cute bras? FORGET it!
Thank you so much for posting about this, I’m going to go read your story
thanks for sharing your story and that picture. the look on mr. potato chip is classic. i believe mrs. avocado also had breast reduction surgery.
as i just barely fit into a c, i don’t have much to reduce. but i’ve heard wonderful things from women who have elected to reduce their breast size. a lot of them wondered why they waited so long!
Wow, that is a big decision, but I understand why you made it. I can’t imagine having that big of a difference in chest/waist size. Sounds painful. 
I’m built like a post, so I don’t have anything to reduce. I’m a 36/38c, which for somebody as tall as I am looks le tiny.
I had a similar surgery (lolipop scars) when I was 22, and Oh. MY. GOD. By far, that is the best thing I have ever, ever, EVER done for myself. EVER. I can’t tell you how much it increased my body confidence.
I thought I wanted to wait until after I had kids, and then a friend of mine asked me if I was going to have kids in the next five years? No, not intentionally, I responded. And then she asked me if my misery over the largeness of the ta-tas was worth 5 more years? It clicked, I called a plastic surgeon the next day and never looked back.
My sister had it done this summer at age 19, and is thrilled with it. I would strongly reccomend to every woman who has issues with this to really consider going forward with a reduction. IT’s SO WORTH IT!
Honey, I’m soooo on the other end of the boob spectrum. But looking forward to reading about your Running of the Brides experience!
I wonder if congrats is the right thing to say? But good for you for doing something you felt was needed for your life and to be comfortable in your own skin. I’m glad you are recoverly nicely. Funny pic!
Congrats! I have not had breast reduction but I did have a tummy tuck at age 21 to remove 10 lbs of leftover skin from losing 80lbs in 1 year at age 17. I love my flat tummy but I took almost 3 years of research and saving money to finally commit to the surgery.
Oddly now I have more troube finding clothing to fit than before the tummy tuck! Curvy hips, butt, and thighs but a flat tummy means everything I buy has to be altered!
*CHK* I had that same moment of CLICK. I was going to wait until having children but knowing that children were not in the plans until I was closer to 30 ment full-steam ahead on the tummy tuck while I was still in my 20s.
wow. different set of problems that i don’t have!
i hope all’s well after the surgery and i can’t wait to hear abt the ROTBs!
This certainly hasn’t been my problem, but kudos to you for going for it. I’m sure it will make life so much easier. I couldn’t imagine running with those things.
I’m a shorty like you at only 5ft, but I wasn’t lucky with the big Portuguese boobies like you, lol. So, no stories to trade, but my Vavó did the surgery a few years back and was so very glad she did!
Wow, such a big decision, but I’m so glad it was worth it! I cannot even IMAGINE the pain! You’re so strong!
Thanks for sharing your story with us. One of my best friends got a breast reduction about 2 years ago and it was a tough decision. However, I think she’s definitely glad she did it and would do it again.
I had one too - best decision ever! I had mine 6 years ago and went from a 32F to a C.
@Miss Frozen Yogurt - my insurance denied my coverage at the first attempt but I wrote a letter, as did my primary care physician and my mom. Then the insurance company approved. My doctor advised me what to write in the letter: what treatments I’d done (advil, pain meds, massage therapy) to show that I’m not just jumping to surgery at the drop of a hat; how my daily life was impacted; and how this surgery would prevent future problems. I wish I still had the letter b/c I’d definitely share it with you. Defintely try for it again!
My sister got one done about 2 years ago, and has never looked back. She said it was one of the best decisions she ever made.
I hate trying to find a dress at the store because in order for my top to fit my waist has to look huge, which it isn’t. It’s my skinniest part and I can never find things to fit right. I especially hate all the shirts that have the line that is suppose to hit right under your boobs…yeah that fits right down the middle.
I was so worried about dress shopping, but I went into one boutique where the girl looked at me and said I know what dress you should wear. The dress she put on me was perfect, it accentuated my waist and detracts from my bobbies!
My FI and I joke that once we are done having babies I get a reduction and he gets a vasectomy!
OK- I totally feel for you. I began pondering breast reduction when I was 16. Yes- 16 years old. Insurance turned it down over and over for being ‘too young’. I had it soon after I turned 21- and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. I went from a 42FFF to a 36C in a span of one day. It was incredible. But the recovery was immensely difficult- they took out almost 9 pounds (yes- 9 pounds). Readjusting seemed like it took forever. Six months went by before I was totally back to normal- but it was the best thing that I ever did- and was worth ever single penny!
With regards to buying a dress, I got married this past summer and got my dress at Kleinfeld’s in Manhattan- at their sample sale. Still having a chest (I have since risen to a 36D, almost DD, due to birth control effects), dress shopping was difficult- I too am short- 4′10″ to be exact. But finding the right dress at the right time on the right day is possible. Hope it all worked out.
But don’t worry- you’re not alone!
[...] The Game-Changer by Ms. Potato Chips [...]
Wow, Miss PC, I’m just now reading this post! Congrats on making such a huge decision. I hope you’re healing quickly!!
I had a reduction 4 weeks ago after “thinking about it” for about 6 years! I am so glad I had the surgery. I am about 5′1 and was a 36F/G in specialty lingerie stores.. I don’t know what size I am yet but I can actually fit into button up shirts and see my toes! Tons of research is required and I ended up using the doctor that a friend used. He was wonderful! I ordered my wedding dress a couple of weeks ago and the process was so much easier with my new size!
I had a reduction 14 years ago when I was 21 (oh, God, I’m old). I referred to it as the best thing I had ever done for many years (now I am more apt to deem having my son as the best decision I ever made :). Anyway…I am a tall girl and not that skinny…but the Double D’s became C’s and the pain in my back went away and wonderfully, I was able to fit into beautiful tops and gorgeous dresses without crying.
Additionally, had I not ever had the surgery, I’m not sure I would have had the job I had at Disney and who knows if I would have ended up in Boston…so I figure I would be married to some other guy with some other baby. Therefore, truly making the surgery the best decision I ever made.
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Ms. Potato Chips, Boston/Narragansett RI
Age and Occupation: 29, PhD Student
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Personal Trainer/Business Owner/Physical Therapy Assistant
Engagement Date: January 1, 2009
Wedding Date: June 2010
Venue: The Narragansett Towers
About Me: A semi-professional bookworm, if I could be a literary character I’d be a cross between Jo March and Jane Eyre, only better accessorized and much lazier. My hobbies include sleeping in, seasonal brews, running, Trader Joe’s, and watching Unwrapped and Good Eats with Mr. Potato Chips. I harbor an irrational fear of tulle, crafts, things that are fussy, and overuse of the phrase "Your Special Day". After a year or seven together, down the aisle we go, slouching toward adulthood and planning a Rhodie party with equal parts whimsy, cheer, and pizza.
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