Larger Lady

[justmefred]

I am trying to get a little serious about my health, but as far as exercise is concerned I have a couple of major setbacks. Please don't laugh because I am serious. I have very large boobs, a 36L in fact. Over the years when I have lost weight it has always come off my boobs last. I am a size 14 around the waist which is too big for me. I don't know how much I weigh as carrying these things around all the time puts me off the scales, I'd rather go by how I feel and my clothes. I cannot doing ANY kind of jump or bounce without pain. I cannot find a sports bra in this size, and feel that just one bra wouldn't cut it. I have to get serious about my health for my daughter too, she is disabled and needs my support in her own exercise routine. Someone told me to strap them down, not sure I would be able to move that much like that. I cannot be the only person like this, any advice?

[Wendy Green]

Hi,

Unfortunately when we lose weight we can't choose which parts of the body we lose it from! However, if you focus on eating less and moving more the excess weight will eventually shift - even from your chest!

With regard to exercise - you don't need to jump or bounce when exercising if you don't want to! Walking is an excellent form of exercise that will help you to lose weight and you should be able to do this without any discomfort. If you aren't used to walking far, start by doing just one or two short (10-15 min) walks a day and gradually build up to doing two 20 - 30 min walks daily.

I did an internet search and managed to find just one website that sells two different sports bras in a 36L Here are the links to the website/products:

http://www.amplebosom.com/ulla-dessous- ... 2-s139.php
http://www.amplebosom.com/ulla-dessous- ... 3-s139.php

If you find that even after losing weight your chest is still overly large and causing you problems you might want to consider a breast reduction operation. If so you could discuss this with your GP; however, I understand that this operation is only available on the NHS if the social, psychological or physical benefits you would gain justify the surgery - e.g. if your chest causes you significant pain or mental health issues. If you don't meet these criteria, having it done privately might be your only option. However, you need to bear in mind the risks that surgery involves and the cost - which I understand is around £5000. You may find these posts by women in a similar situation to yourself interesting:

http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesse ... reduction/

I wish you good luck in your efforts to exercise and lose weight!

Wendy