Articles

Smaller Size, Fuller Life

November 2004

By Erica Stumbaugh

I had dreamed of having a breast reduction for so long, but I never thought it would happen for me. Either I was too busy with everything going on in my life, or I made the excuse that the procedure could wait. After all, I really didn't need to have it done. Over the course of several years, I began to recognize how weary I had become of suffering from constant back pain, rashes, and shoulder indentions caused by years of wearing bras that never fit right, and I decided to research about breast reduction surgery. At 22-years old and a mere 5'5" tall, I was already burdened with 42G breasts. There was me, and then there were my breasts; I was ready for a change.

During my initial meeting with Dr. Amy M. Ortega, I was finally convinced that breast reduction surgery was not only the right thing for me to undergo, but it was also medically essential. They were sincerely interested in me as a person and genuinely empathetic for what I was experiencing. It was then and there that I made up my mind: I trusted Dr. Ortega to perform the surgery.

In the weeks leading up to the surgery, I never questioned my decision about having a breast reduction. I knew that I was making the best decision; in fact, I was excited about my choice. Though I was a bit uneasy about being under the influence of anesthesia, my qualms were put to rest by just being in Dr. Ortega's presence.

The most memorable and significant part of that day was hearing the voice of Luisa, doctor Ortega's assistant, just before I was put to sleep and immediately upon awakening in the recovery room. Words cannot describe how hearing her calming voice helped me to cope with the fact that I had just undergone a life-altering experience. I was pleasantly surprised at how the pain that I had anticipated never really took place. Sure, I was a little uncomfortable, but the feeling was more like that of a pulled muscle more than anything else.

Seven pounds lighter and a 38C later, I look back over the past 10 months—from my initial consultation to now - and it all seems so surreal. When I chose to have a breast reduction, I knew that my life would be affected, but I had no idea just how great of an impact it would have on me, not only in a physical sense but on a social and emotional level as well. For the first time in my life, I am comfortable with my body and the person who looks back at me in the mirror, and I feel beautiful. I have found a new identity: one that beams with confidence, optimism and self-control. I see me, the real me, for the first time in my life, and I love it!