Operation Freedom

WARNING for PARENTS:  The following entry is about an upcoming breast reduction surgery.  While I aim to be tasteful and discrete, I would hate to offend anyone’s sensibilities and thus encourage you to review it before sharing it with your children.

  After much thought, research, observation, and prayerful consideration Sam and I have decided to pursue a breast reduction surgery for myself (of courseJ).  We’ve been thinking about for some time now, and feel that God has made a path for us in this direction, so we are taking it!  We thoroughly researched the surgery and doctors, and have decided to have it performed in Maryland by an extremely well qualified doctor.  A few weekends ago I flew to Maryland to have a consultation with the surgeon of choice, who assured me that I will “love this surgery”. Now that it has been scheduled and approved by insurance, I am delighted to share this happy news with the world.

To be quite candid, I am eager for this change, to say the least.  We are calling it “Operation Freedom” as we look forward to the freedoms it will bring to my life. For those of you who have had a breast reduction, or know someone who has, you may understand what I am talking about.  For those who are interested in the potential freedoms that motivate this decision, I am delighted to share.

           1) Freedom from pain and discomfort.  The physical burden of heavy breasts is quite obvious.  The sheer weight alone causes me neck and back pain.  The need to constantly wear a bra adds additional shoulder pain.  It may seem unbelievable, but this problem causes me constant physical discomfort.  My doctor assured me that this surgery will ease, if not eliminate, this pain.

 

2) Freedom to move and exercise.  This heavy burden of mine also limits my activities.  The pain certainly takes some of my daily energy, to be sure.  But more than that, the size and situation of my chest restricts my ability to exercise.  Any sort of impact causes me additional neck, back, and shoulder pain. There is no bra that can support and steady these unwieldy breasts so that I could run, jump, or even hop steadily without there being some negative repercussions to my body.  This surgery will give me the freedom to run and play with Liam when he is able, and maintain a healthy exercise regime.

 

3) Freedom to wear clothes.  My large bust causes struggles with my wardrobe.  It is extremely difficult to find clothes to fit attractively, so that I don’t look perpetually pregnant or like a loose woman.  If I try to fit clothes to my chest, they are much too large elsewhere, and if I try to fit them to the rest of me, my bosom screams out from beneath.  I like to maintain a decent sense of modesty, but I also don’t want to look frumpy either.  And that’s just outer garments.  Bra’s are even more challenging to find.  I have to special order them online for a pretty penny.  This surgery will not only give me the freedom to wear clothes that I feel comfortable in, but also to go to the Target and buy a bra for $12.99.  I can hardly wait!

 

4) Freedom to be myself.  For years my bustiness has exposed me to stares, rude comments, and unwanted attention.  More over, they cause me to look larger than I really am.  When I look at pictures of myself, I don’t feel like I am as large as I look.  Then, the way I look makes me think I am larger than I really am—if that makes any sense.  This thought cycle has spurred some serious body image issue in my past—issues that occasionally rear their heads in the present.  I realize that the surgery isn’t going to cure all body image issues I may have.  However, I do believe that the surgery will help me look and feel more comfortable in my body.  The surgery will give me the freedom to look the way I am, and simply be the way I am without needing to hide or disguise myself.  I can’t even begin to imagine what that is going to be like.  Such a freedom is a welcome blessing from God.

 

Like I mentioned before, now seems to be excellent timing:  Liam is weaned, I am not pregnant, insurance will cover it, plus we have supportive families who will host us and aid with recovery.  All the planning and preparation has gone so smoothly thus far, that we are becoming more certain that this is the path that God wants for us, as a family.  Ultimately, this surgery will give me freedom to take even better care of my husband and family—and I am so thankful.

  Operation Freedom is scheduled to begin with the whole Crew flying to Maryland on February 22^nd.  The procedure will take place on the 24^th as a two hour out-patient surgery(!).  Stitches will be removed a week after, and the doctor assures me by that time I will feel pretty normal—aside from some swelling that will take one month to fully go down.  Liam and I will remain in Maryland for three weeks after the surgery to recover and visit with family and friends.  We certainly have a LOT to look forward to!  If you are inclined, we do ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we wait for this process to begin.  We really appreciate it!

 We will keep you updated with further developments, if there are any.  Thanks for visiting with us!