Bras 101: The Great Post-Exchange Debate

Lilah:  Thanks for that post.  Since I have been a B cup all of these years, what I am realizing is that that larger cup sizes are also large all over and I do like the skimpy, underwire look that I have been wearing all of these years, just in a larger size.  I can find a 36 D on line in the style that I want from Warners, but if I am a 34DD it doesn't come in this size.  I also notice Victorias Secret has 34DD, but I think someone mentioned that they run small.  I might just have to re-think what I like in bras now.

Val:  I saw the beautiful Chantelle Balconette Bras at Macys I think.  They are beautiful but my Dr said no underwires.  I think mine is sutured to the side and underneath the muscle for good measure.

Lilah:  The Chantalle Bra is very retro sexy, and I bet it looks great under sweaters.  It's going to be hard to wrap my brain around the size difference.  I don't really feel that big.  Of course, I am also in this surgical compression bra contraption that works like a minimizer and looks awful under everything so I am really wanting to wear my normal clothes and to be able to buy a pretty bra.  So far, I haven't really tried much on with my new foobs, but what I have tried on just fits better.  Very natural.

Lilah:  I think after 3 weeks of wearing this torture device compression bra thingy, just about anything is going to look sexy LOL!  My husband thinks this bra is hot though and keeps calling me Barbarella.

LOL MBJ -- your husband is a doll!

Waldo -- good to see you!

Jerusha, thanks for the link to the sleep bra. I will pursue that this afternoon. Val, sorry about the early complications for you but so relieved that all turned out well. This is such a "learn as you go" for all of us. Vanderlady, as of now I have no opinion on my 45's. I had to call my plastic surgeon yesterday(Saturday!) because I have an awful case of hives or some allergic reaction to ? my compression bra? He instructed me to stop taking the cephalexin antibiotic and to start using some oral benedryl until the redness is gone. He also said I could remove the compression bra and wear one of my sports bras. Upon removing my bra(very hesitantly as I didn't know what to expect!) I noticed little red bumps almost everywhere but largely around the bra line. Also, on my non-prophy side I have a deep red blood blister or something to that effect. I don't like the looks of it but my husband thinks it's the trauma from surgery. I don't know if you remember but I had an extra emergency surgery after my bilateral msx for a hematoma. Wondering what this thing is. Luckily I see my plastic surgeon Tuesday. Back to the 45's, I was truly shocked but pleased when I awoke and my husband showed me the implant cards. I guess my doctor really listened to me. I look rather flat right now (even with 650 cc's) but I will be patient. That's one thing I definitely learned from this site and you wonderful ladies! Thanks.

Cleo -- I'm surprised you think you look flat in the 45's.... they have the highest projection, don't they? 

Vanderlady, yes, the 45's have the greatest projection. I believe these are 6.1 cm. Compared to my expanders though,  I look like I have a sports bra on even with no bra. I believe it has something to do with the drop and fluff which I anxiously await. I still have that nasty rash eventhough I stopped the antibiotic. The itch is maddening!!! Benedryl just puts me in a stupor with little relief. Tomorrow I see my plastic surgeon. Still concerned with the deep red blotch on my left breast near incision line.

Thanks, MBJ. I'll let you know what he says after my appointment tomorrow. In the meantime, the rash is from my hairline to my waistline! YUK! What am I allergic to? The only known allergy I've ever experienced is to sulfa and that was on my hospital records.

Vanderlady, thanks for the suggestion of probiotics. I think my favorite yogurt has probiotics in it. Off to go check the label.

Cleo:  Yay for you!!!

I'm still laughing from that comment, Vanderlady! I know that these implants have some great projection but right now I look really modest and quite subdued! Honestly! I sure hope the drop and fluff doesn't suddenly happen and I scare myself!

Going for my bra fitting at Nordstroms today so wish me luck!!!

Hi Ladies, 

Hope all are doing well (I haven't gone back to read missed pages...sorry).  I wanted to post a link to an article in today's NYTimes about bras for us small-busted gals (AAA-B cups was their definition):  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/02/fashion/02Small.html?ref=style

I know most of you are larger but for those of us who stuck with the A cups we were before this lists lots of bra brands, websites, and stores in a few places that are now specifically catering to us A-cup gals.  Pretty bras, not just training bras! 

CS