Chloe Rykers, 23, a personal trainer from the Gold Coast, had the procedure in February. This simple procedure made a world of difference to her life. Rykers reduced her breast size from an F cup to a more manageable C or D cup, a decision she had contemplated since she was 15 years old. The surgery freed her of emotional pain. Today, with health and fitness no longer an issue, she’s pursuing her passion for health and fitness without reservation.
When Rykers needed to find a new surgeon, she posted on a Facebook support group to get recommendations from other patients, allowing her to choose wisely. Though the operation cost her about $15,000, she sees it as an investment in her ability to thrive. Following surgery, Rykers was bedridden for two weeks. She is a mom of two, and at her lowest moment during this time, she couldn’t lift anything above her head for six weeks. All the effort with recovery has paid off as she starts to truly experience life with her new freedom.
A Long-Considered Decision
Rykers initially started thinking about getting breast reduction surgery at the tender age of 15. As Brown grew up, she experienced all the prejudices that came with having larger breasts, something that became especially apparent as she trained for her marathons. That pain started to negatively affect her love for running, so she decided to do something about it.
Before going all in on the surgery, Rykers had serious roots in the beauty industry from the time she was just 18 years old. Her day job involved a lot of back breaking, repetitive work in the form of applying eyelash and eyebrow extensions. This grueling tasks continuously pushed her to hunch forward. It not only caused her physical health to suffer but played a role in her feeling unhappy with her body image. With an increasing pain for something different, she found herself doing research into breast reduction surgery more and more seriously over the years.
In February, she finally took the plunge and proceeded with the surgery. The piece of advice she got from the Facebook support group was priceless. It brought her to an excellent, highly regarded surgeon who specializes in breast reductions.
Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle
That’s when, two years ago, Rykers discovered her passion for health and fitness – a major departure from her previous endeavors. Her excitement over this new hobby led her to become a personal trainer herself. Today, she supports other Australians in reaching their fitness goals on the Gold Coast. As she trained for marathons and tested out different workouts, she found herself struggling with her large breast size. Soon, it started to impact her performance and enjoyment of working out.
Immediately after surgery, Rykers said she was relieved and happy with her decision. “I’m just so happy that I can go for a run and not have to think about my chest and back,” she said. This adjustment has given her the ability to concentrate on her training and not worry about physical pain.
Her incredible journey is about much more than the pounds she’s lost. It’s an emotional journey, too. By putting her health and fitness first, she’s taken control of her life, putting her in a position to conquer challenges that previously stopped her in her tracks. Rykers’ honest and straightforward story is relatable to anyone who has ever battled debilitating feelings of body image and the impact of physical limitation on everyday life.
The Road to Recovery
The physical aspect— recovery after breast reduction surgery— presented its own set of challenges. Her path to recovery was far from easy. She was placed on a strict two-week bed rest and was not allowed to lift anything above shoulder level for six weeks. While these restrictions were annoying, they were required for her recovery in the long haul.
While recovering, Rykers made it a priority to take care of herself and let her body heal the right way. Through the long and strenuous process, she had the encouragement of her friends and family who supported her advocacy for the project. Now that — after about six months — she is fully recovered, she tells me she feels invigorated and is ready to tackle some new fitness goals.
Rykers’ story serves as a reminder that listening to your body is essential, as is knowing when to step back and prioritize your health. She empowered herself by deciding to have breast reduction surgery. Today, she inspires other leaders who want to follow in her footsteps and make their own communities an attractive place to live.
