Mastectomy Weight Loss Question

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Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited June 2014 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
  • Hi all.  I'm new here and there are so many posts to scan through, so not sure where to start.  I was diagnosed with DCIS at the end of January and have gone through 2 lumpectomies since.  Yesterday, I received the call from the surgeon that there was more DCIS and a larger amount in the 2nd lumpectomy site than the first one, so she is recommending mastectomy with reconstruction.  I told her I wasn't thinking of doing reconstruction and she started telling me all the pro's for it.  Well, when I have my appt this week to discuss it further, I am going to tell her that I'm not interested.  (Sorry for the rambling).  My strange question is related to weight loss from having a bilateral mastectomy.  I have very large breasts - 36/38 J's.  Does anyone know how much these massive mounds weigh?
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  • Monis
    Monis Member Posts: 472
    edited March 2014

    Well, I had 40DDD, and if I remember correctly, my surgeon said the removed breast tissue weighed approximately 2 1/2 lbs. (1 breast).  I would have thought it would have been more than that. 

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited March 2014

    Hi Cdelv, Sorry you have to be here and that you're facing more surgery. There seem to be a lot of stories here of Surgeons who expect, or just assume, that everyone is going to want to reconstruct.

    I have been here, on this board for about 15 months since my surgery. I never considered having reconstruction, my surgeon had no issue with that, pointing out if I ever changed my mind, the door wasn't closed. I have absolutely no regrets and can't ever see me wanting to reconstruct later.

    I have noticed a lot more women opting out of reconstruction, some even deconstructing after disappointment in their reconstruction result, or due to infections. 

    All I can say to you, is do what feels right for you. It is a big decision, as all things related to this are, but don't be swayed by anyone else and what they think is right for you.   

    I can't answer you specifically to the amount your breasts will weigh but as an indication, I had a Unilateral Mx with out recon and my final Pathology report said my breast weighed 975gm. I wear a 38D bra.

    I wish you all the best, please let us know how you get on!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2014

    Thank you Monis & Ariom.  Yes, I would have expected them to weigh a little more than that, but I guess it doesn't really matter.  I'm still at the overwhelming stage, but know that once I finish my research & trust my instincts, then I will be able to move forward with confidence and no regrets.

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited March 2014

    Cdelv, lol, my path report listed the weight, and I know exactly what you mean. It was the first thing I asked my doc, when we decided on BMX. 

    Mine were just a modest B and weighed about a pound each.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2014

    Thank you all for your input.  I have an appt with my BS on Thursday afternoon and the office called me today to schedule my consult with the PS earlier in the same day.  I mentioned I wasn't interested in reconstruction, but they suggest getting all the information first before making a decision.  I spent the day typing all of my questions for both and talking with my loving and supportive DH.  I'll be happy when all the appointments & surgeries are done so I can get back into a routine!!!

    So, that's a no for a 15-20 lb weight loss? … Lol :)

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  • mary625
    mary625 Member Posts: 1,056
    edited March 2014

    Ha, ha.  To get that kind of weight loss, you'd have to give birth!  The most I've ever heard of a breast weighing was 4 pounds each...this info from a bunch of women at a survivors group.

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  • GeorgiaRai
    GeorgiaRai Member Posts: 175
    edited March 2014

    So, that's a no for a 15-20 lb weight loss?

    Which is SO not fair!  I got silicone implants (for cosmetic reasons) over 20 years ago, and attribute ALL subsequent weight gain to them.  In a perfect world, my BMX should have at least got me back to my pre-implant weight at age 29!

    Seriously, best of luck to you, cdelv, and YAY for standing up for your non-recon decision.  It's a shame so many of us feel like we have to justify it to our doctors.  My PS and BS both came around by the time I had my surgery, and hopefully, next time they hear those words from a patient, their jaws won't hit the floor. 

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  • scribblinhanna
    scribblinhanna Member Posts: 32
    edited March 2014

    Mine were just a tad smaller than you and mine weighed a little over 5lbs each..nothing better than taking a nap and when you wake up you are almost 11lbs lighter.  My shoulders and back can not thank me enough.  Actually had to relearn my posture.  Good luck


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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2014

    Thanks, Scribb...I was wondering if I would have to change my posture :)  10 lbs would be good!  Surgery is on Thursday :)

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