Cup size

[ksmom0611]

Now that I have your attention, lol.....have any ladies out there experienced a change in bra cup size after surgery? Things just fit differently now. I didn't lose or gain weight, so it can't be that. The first bra I put on after surgery (3 months later) was a hysterical laugh festival! It was like having a major reduction and I wasnt that big to begin with! ( tmi?) I know we all experience body changes after surgery, but I was not prepared for this one! I would have preferred a tummy tuck!

[babyboomer16]

Now that I have your attention, lol.....have any ladies out there experienced a change in bra cup size after surgery? Things just fit differently now. I didn't lose or gain weight, so it can't be that. The first bra I put on after surgery (3 months later) was a hysterical laugh festival! It was like having a major reduction and I wasnt that big to begin with! ( tmi?) I know we all experience body changes after surgery, but I was not prepared for this one! I would have preferred a tummy tuck!

Hi Ksmom, I'm one that lost my boobs!!!!! I went from a solid C cup to a B cup and that depends on the
brand of the bra sometimes a B cup is too big. I can't figure out why though??? I have lost around ten pounds, but I lost 6 inches in height!!! Anyway, that's my story about my bra size. Warmly ,Linda

[LindaRacine]

It's really unusual to not lose at least a little bit of weight. And, it's super common when one does lose weight, that they lose it in the breasts. So, if you didn't actually lose weight, I'm wondering if you actually lost weight and put it back on quickly. You could have lost weight in your breasts and put it on somewhere else. Also, if you had a lot of rotation and a big rib hump, surgery can definitely change your chest area, with your ribs de-rotating down and toward the back. I can't see how that would change cup size (at least in both breasts), but you never know.

--Linda

[Lizardacres]

I only lost 5 lbs but also experienced this. What I REALLY noticed is that even though I am 2" taller and I have lost 2" from my hips, my abdomen is noticeably more protrubant. I had an ALIF and I wonder about my abdominal muscle tone and if it will ever be the same. I started physical therapy last week, and it feels great to be exercising again. I'm surprised they have ways to work your abdominals without bending but somehow, I don't think it's going to make a difference in my shape. I'm not really complaining because overall, my shape looks a lot more 'normal' than it used to, but I'd love to have a flat stomach again.

You can always try these:

http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Oops-Chic.../dp/B001N444NQ

[jackieg412]

I have the same problem with the abdomen. And I only had posterior fusion. I think it is from the created curve to match the high degree of kyphosis. It is frustrating for sure as I can't really do anything about it.

[Irina]

I only lost 5 lbs but also experienced this. What I REALLY noticed is that even though I am 2" taller and I have lost 2" from my hips, my abdomen is noticeably more protrubant. I had an ALIF and I wonder about my abdominal muscle tone and if it will ever be the same. I started physical therapy last week, and it feels great to be exercising again. I'm surprised they have ways to work your abdominals without bending but somehow, I don't think it's going to make a difference in my shape. I'm not really complaining because overall, my shape looks a lot more 'normal' than it used to, but I'd love to have a flat stomach again.

You can always try these:

http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Oops-Chic.../dp/B001N444NQ

Hi Lizardacres,

Your abs will get better. I also had a protruding belly after the surgery, but now, two years out, I am proud of my abs. You can really see abdominal muscles on my body, but I work out four times a week and walk very fast 30 min a day every day in addition to that. You are still very early in your recovery, but after a year, when it would be safe to do more exercise, your abs will improve.

[ksmom0611]

I have the belly thing too! I thought I was putting on weight! And it's a weird abdominal change, at least for me. It's right in the middle, not the sides at all. It's what every woman wants...smaller boobs and a bigger belly! But on the bright side, the improved posture does make it seem like things are "perkier", and the increased abdominal length gives a more defined waist. I didn't even think about these possible changes before the surgery. I was too concerned with the spine, living/dying, paralysis, etc. Glad that those issues are resolved and now can deal with the "easier" ones.

[LindaRacine]

If you needed exaggerated lumbar lordosis to balance your spine, you may have a permanent belly. It's the price that some have to pay. The alternative would usually be a fusion that goes higher up.

--Linda

[golfnut]

I didn't think it would ever happen, but I eventually got the flat stomach back that I had before surgery. I wasn't allowed to do crunches, but did exercises while laying on my back with weights that helped. I can't remember when, but at some point I was allowed to do planks which helped with the abdomen muscles. I was bloated for a long time after surgery and thought it would never get back to normal.

[Lizardacres]

So I just figured out I have a huge diastasis recti, or separation of the abdominal muscles as some people call it. They don't really separate, but the connective tissue gets so weak that if you lie on you back and lift your head, you can palpate the space between the muscles just under your umbilicus. I can fit four fingers easily into this space. It's not a hernia, but it does give you a big belly bulge. I suspect I had it before surgery as it is nowhere near my incision, but am guessing that post op constipation and lying around for six months made it a lot worse.

It looks like core strengthening exercises are the best treatment so I will discuss with my PT later today, but already, she has me doing a number of core strengthening exercises, so probably not much else she can offer. I think that in time as I get back into shape, things will go back the way they were.

[ksmom0611]

I hope the PT helps! I always find it a double edged sword to be told yes, you really have something diagnosable. It's validating, but yet something else to deal with.