January 2, 2008

My decision to have breast implants in my early 20s was probably NOT one of my better decisions in life. The prior doctor talked me into implants that were way to large for my frame -- the implants were wider then my rib cage. Which made it very hard to find clothes and bathing suits to fit right. After three pregnancies, nursing, and the weight of the implant, the internal pocket was too stretched out to support the implants. Imagine wearing a heavy backpack all day long that was too loose. I constantly used my shoulders and back to compensate, which lead to neck and back pain.
Simon knew all the pain I was going through and supported me 100% in my decision. So, After having my last child, Sophia, I knew it was time to have the surgery. I consulted several plastic surgeons, and to my surprise they all had something different to say, which was totally confusing to me. I had heard so many horror stories, from lopsided breasts, severe scarring, uneven nipples, loss of sensation ....






Comments
Rachelle wrote:
Tamra-
just wanted to be the first to comment. I think you are a beautiful women. Getting surgery to me sounds very scary and i just wanted to know if this was painful to you at all? I also wanted to know what time you posted this stuff because you guys are so good at it all. Well enjoy your breasts and have a wonderful day.
posted on January 2, 2008 at 3:40 PM
Rishi wrote:
Tamra,
we are there for the support you need, go ahead. You would look very cute and beautiful after the implants
All the Best !
posted on January 2, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Karen wrote:
Tamra,
Glad to know that your breast surgery went well. You can stop
plugging your plastic surgeon I think he does well on his own, thank you or he would not be in a luxrious office that he was in.
Its like plugging your dentist or something.
You asked Simon if he needed any work done on him, does he ever smile? I havent seen him smile once since I have been watching the show. How is Ryan doing at his job at the dealership. If I remember correctly my husband used to be a service advisor at a Chevy dealership and didnt make the 100,00 a year Ryan was referring to. I dont think they make that much or Simon would have been getting him the job immediately and get him out of your hair and out of the house.
Glad your neck and back pain are gone. If any should have reductions, it should be Quinn. They are out there for the world to see. Love the show.
posted on January 2, 2008 at 5:51 PM
sue wrote:
My husband, best friend, and I think that you are a lot of fun to watch on the show. Your love for Simon and your kids is obvious. It's great that you had the surgery and are feeling better! Keep up the great work on the show--it's a lot of fun watching you and your family :)
posted on January 2, 2008 at 7:00 PM
Jean wrote:
Tamra, You need to stop trying so hard! Relax.... But I commend you on your decision to have surgery to reduce your chest size. You should be taking care of yourself and not worrying so much about what it is going to look like. There is way to much phoniness in your neck of the woods and watching the "problems" that you girls experience seems kind of ridiculous to women like me. But you are fun to watch...I don't know why ...... but you are.
posted on January 2, 2008 at 7:42 PM
Sonia wrote:
I really think that you are a good mom and that you love your husband. I am 39 years old and I know the feeling of being close to 40. I think it was a good desicion to removed your big implants
posted on January 2, 2008 at 7:48 PM
Patrick wrote:
I am glad your doing well and the back/neck pain is gone. Keep us entertained with your wit and humour. Don't worry your still the Hottest in O.C.
posted on January 2, 2008 at 8:16 PM
Lisa wrote:
First, is this a blog or an advertisement for Dr. Ambe? I can only assume your surgery was free in exchange for your glowing recommendation and rundown of his entire medical background.
Second, I would like to commend you on having the good judgement to decide that your implants were too large for your frame and do something about it. You have a lovely face but even I (a heterosexual mom of two) found it difficult to look at anything but your boobs when you were on camera. They were just too big! Glad your pain is gone and the operation was successful. I look forward to seeing the new implants in a future episode.
posted on January 2, 2008 at 8:17 PM
Tatiana Northway wrote:
Tamra,
With all of your neck pain due to the first implants you had, I am surprised you decided to put more foreign objects into your body. I thought it was very shallow of your Husband to be concerned about you "having mosquito bites". He should have just told you it was not worth any risk to your Health.
A Friend died from Breast Cancer a year ago, due to the Cancer being hidden behind her Breast Implant. She leaves behind her Children, all for Vanity.
Breasts are not just for fun, but we were given them to nourish our Children.
posted on January 2, 2008 at 10:33 PM
sweetpea wrote:
I applaud your decision. Good for you for taking care of yourself. I hope more women see this and realize having implants is not always a good decision or solution to a percieved problem in their head. There's more to life than big boobs!
posted on January 3, 2008 at 2:49 PM
amber wrote:
I am glad that your surgery went well and that you are happy with your results. I had a breast reduction at the age of 25 and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have less back and neck pain. My husband was so supportive and that made it easier. Love the show. God Bless u and ur family.
posted on January 3, 2008 at 3:04 PM
Dawn wrote:
Wow - what a commercial for Dr. Ambe!!! Would have rather read a blog about YOU.
I also applaud your decision to have the reduction but confess I was surprised - as the editing has always shown you to be soo concerned about looks - it was refreshing to see the other side of you. You are beautiful - but some of your comments and sometimes your attitude - taken out of context or not - makes you very unattractive.
Simon fell off the pedestal I had him on with his mosquito bite comment. I'm sure it was in jest - but it was pretty shallow - your breast size doesn't make you who you are
posted on January 3, 2008 at 4:18 PM
KitKat wrote:
Thanks for posting about your surgery. I'm 47 and have been considering exactly the same surgery you just had. I'm a little worried about the scars though. I would hope to go from a 36D to a 36C and have some "perkiness" back. Also, I think smaller breasts would help make me appear thinner :) Glad it worked out for you!
posted on January 3, 2008 at 7:20 PM
Miss Penny Lane wrote:
I had a breast reduction years ago and was so surprised that your surgery sounded exactly the same--I had no idea that getting implants removed was so hard core. I am glad you recovered well and are having great results--can't wait to see next week! Speaking of your surgery, is your dr paying you for the ravishing endorsement? It is kinda odd that you use several paragraphs to go over his entire resume. But I am sure he is grateful.
Your husband comes off VERY uninterested in you. I hope that's not the case. It seems like all the husbands/partners on this show are completely walked all over by their wives/girlfriends. You all have a very jaded view of life, but it sure is entertaining!
posted on January 3, 2008 at 8:27 PM
Carol wrote:
Hi,
I'm glad your surgery went well. One of my dear friends had
reduction done over the summer and she is doing fantastic.
I love your show and you are a great addition to the show.
You and Tammy are my favorites. I think your both the most down to earth and nice girls. I wish you much success in your real estate work. Happy New Year :)
posted on January 3, 2008 at 10:25 PM
John wrote:
Hi Tammy,
You are still looking hot like you did in your 20's.
I was reading your blog and saw that you experienced the same problems with Ryan that I am experiencing with my Ryan Michael. Maybe it's in the name?
I glad to see you are doing well.
posted on January 3, 2008 at 11:18 PM
winnie wrote:
Tamra is one Kool Kalifornia housewife. You are the bombshell of Orange County. You should have your own line of T-shirts to sell.
"Too hot too handle O.C. style"would be a good slogan on it. I hope you like the new you. You sure do have a good heart and a good head on your shoulders. If everyone was like you, this would be a purrfect world.
posted on January 3, 2008 at 11:30 PM
David wrote:
Tamra, you are indeed the hottest housewife in Orange County! Not only do you have a great body, but your personality sparkles and you are clearly a caring and compassionate person. I love that scene of you in the cafe talking with your real estate clients about your marketing assets! Your husband is a very lucky man. As for your son, it must be very painful but hopefully he will eventually find his way. I think you are handling the situation with strength and maturity. I am single and although I know you are not available I find I keep comparing all the women I meet to you! I wish you all the best and much happiness in life.
posted on January 4, 2008 at 12:11 AM
Julie wrote:
Tamra:
You are very beautiful but I wanted to say that I think you are especially pretty in the hospital photo. Make-up and hair enhance most all of us but few are really attractive without MAC make-up's help. You are one of the few.
I turn 40 this month. I've been watching how you're handling it. I keep thinking, "Forty is the new 20." Could be bull, but it makes me feel better!
posted on January 4, 2008 at 12:15 AM
Erica wrote:
Kudos to you for having the good sense that bigger is not necessarily better, especially in your case. You are obviously a peanut and you needed to get your chest in proportion with the rest of your body. No offense to the other houswives, but they tend to look fat when they obviously are not because they are so top heavy. Proportion is key to a nice body not just all boobs especially the "grapefruit effect" when they are hiked up like grapefruits under the chin. They look fake and awful. Like Oprah Winfrey Says, It is had to remember what real breasts are supposed to look like anymore.
posted on January 4, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Amanda Hurley wrote:
Tamra,
You are a really beautiful woman. You are the girl next door type. Your dedication to your family is so heart warming.
I was also wondering what brand of make-up do you use? Does bravo do it for you or do you do it yourself? It always looks so great. Please e-mail me back. I would love to try it!!!! :)
posted on January 4, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Jannet wrote:
Hi Tamra:
Thank you for putting yourself out there and sharing such personal details of your life with us. I am sure at times it isn't easy, as there are so many negative, nasty people who really just love to hate others. Don't take it personally. I am considering having the same surgery you just had, and it helps to see someone who has gone through it. Glad it went well. Best wishes for 2008!
posted on January 4, 2008 at 1:30 PM
noel wrote:
i love Tamra. she's my favorite housewife of them all. she's so nice and sweet and she doesnt have to be conceided like some of the others. I'm glad the mess with her implants is better. No one should be in pain like that. She's the best housewife so far, I hope her and Simon never move away. Simon's great too. He's a mans man and takes care of his family.
posted on January 4, 2008 at 4:12 PM
Krista wrote:
Hi Tamara- Thanks for sharing your story with all of us. Just a couple quick comments. I really wish that you would have gone with your gut and just had the implants completely removed with a lift. You are such a beautiful woman and you do not need implants to be beautiful. Your boobs are so far from your best asset, you have so many far greater assests. It is my hope that one day women will start to see that big boobs are not what make them gorgeous beings.
I wanted to jump through my tv when your husband made the mosquito bite comment. There are so many women that have small breasts, that can't have or don't want implants. I just hate to think what those women thought when they heard that comment.
Thanks again for sharing your story. I am a very normal 29 year old girl, not a feminist in the least bit but it is my hope that one day breast implants will finally be out of style and natural breasts will be the norm.
~Krista
posted on January 4, 2008 at 5:06 PM
Kelly wrote:
I went to Dr Ambe and had breast impkalnts last April. He is great.
posted on January 4, 2008 at 5:57 PM
julie s wrote:
Tamra, I've enjoyed watching you this season, although I have wondered about Simon's lack of personality...until the episode I watched the other day in reruns. When you broke down about your son, I was moved. When Simon was being interviewed about the whole thing and he had to walk off camera because he was too emotional, I was again moved, this time to tears. You are very lucky to have a man that loves you so much. He obviously shows emotion, just maybe not as openly as some people. Never again will I wonder about him. You are a beautiful and intelligent woman. I connect with you more than any other woman on the show. I was actually just in Orange County last week and drove by the Mercedes dealership where your husband works. I thought of you. By the way, what they show of your home is beautifully decorated! Wow.
posted on January 5, 2008 at 11:48 AM
kourtney wrote:
Tamra where did you get your bedding at its so cute? !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted on January 5, 2008 at 9:23 PM
butterflygirl wrote:
Glad to hear surgery went well and that Simon was totally supportive!
posted on January 5, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Kelly wrote:
I think Tammy can be misunderstood. She does have the best looks and a great personality. I think she can come off too open, fun and strong right away and some people think, "Who is this and who does she think she is?" but, once they are around her, they know that she is a fun person and freindly and someone they can be freinds with. I totally get her.
posted on January 6, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Kelly wrote:
Jeana is also jealous of you. She asked you about a home you sold in the limo, then she said, it is just yur job, so what? Then, she turns to Vicki and the other Tammy and says I just sold so and so's house. She totally contradicted herself.
She also showed jealously in the episode where you were working out too.
posted on January 6, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Laura wrote:
Hi Tamra
I've enjoyed watching you on the show this season. I just had to comment on how pretty you are without makeup! You look like you're in your late 20's without it. I couldn't believe how good you looked in the hospital right after surgery. You're so pretty and fun, thanks for making the show interesting to watch.
posted on January 6, 2008 at 1:27 PM
Amy wrote:
You look great not matter what!! I agree you your chest was too big for your frame. However, your last blog was somewhat of a resume of your Dr. Probably for some type of discount, which is great too!! Please remember, you don't have to justify your actions to anyone. Like it, love it, do it...
posted on January 6, 2008 at 3:01 PM
Trish wrote:
Ok, what I don't understand is why you get on your son for tattooing his body, but when you go to have your breasts evaluated by a surgeon we can see your tattoo on your lower back.
I know you were trying to get a message across to your son, but
you can't really say much when you have a tattoo yourself. All tattoos are ugly, no matter how small or what part of the body. You will also look ridiculous in a few years with the backside tattoo.
Practice what you preach.
posted on January 6, 2008 at 6:12 PM
Kimberli wrote:
Tamara,
You are my fav housewife! I to did the same thing you did by getting the big implants in the 90's (huge mistake as well) and now that I am in my 40's I'm way over it and I am only 5'2 and 115 pounds & a 34dd which looks stupid to. So thank you for doing this on tv becasue I have also consulted three surgeons but I am scared to death but you made it seem so easy that now I'm going to make my appointment and have it done next month. Thanks again and you look beautiful......
posted on January 6, 2008 at 7:09 PM
Kate wrote:
Hi Tamra! I personaly like that tattoo on your lower back. I want a tattoo and my foot! I would never do what ryan did tattoo wize. But ryan seems like a really nice kid ( man)...
Kate
( walnut creek)(ca)
posted on January 6, 2008 at 9:29 PM
carrie wrote:
tamara- if you would could you say what implant size you went with... i am having an augmentation done in 2weeks....i am also getting gel filled, and i am scared i will go too big. PLEASE HELP
posted on January 7, 2008 at 8:10 AM
cher wrote:
I was wondering what size implants you put in with your revision? I had 330's put in 18 years ago and feel they are too big for my frame. Also lost sensation in one side and had difficulty breast feeding that side as a result! I sometimes regret having them. Can't wait to see you in future episodes post- op. Love the show!
posted on January 7, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Mary wrote:
HI, I was wondering what shape your implants were in upon removal. Were they intact or ruptured? I was ( as well as my surgeon) surprised mine were both ruptured! I had the mastopexy only and am so happy with it, knowing I don't have any implants to replace ever again. Just wanted to let women know to trust their instincts if they feel their implants are too big and want them removed, just get them out and have the lift. Most Dr.'s want your business ( an not fo ryou to trust your instincts) and won't tell you that you may have enough tissue to not need an implant at all. I was thrilled with my results.Now, ten years later with age, hormones and weight, I am bigger than I was when I had implants. Even MORE glad I don't have an implant.So ladies, think before you implant. YOU are enough!
posted on January 7, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Dawn wrote:
Tamra,
You are a hottie and glad you are on the show. I relate to you the most as I also have a son who at age 13 became very difficult with his step dad. It's just his age. Be glad he comes around you at all. My son and I were very close during the many years I raised him alone after his father and I divorced when he was 1. I am jelous that your son is still involved in your life. Mine is too busy with his friends and his band to think about me anymore! Don't sweat the tatoos he gets either. Pick your battles carefully or you may chase him away, especially when he gets a steady girlfriend. Then WATCH OUT! Keep the show interesting, maybe host a party at your house? Tell Simon to lighten up and laugh a little, and show some love towards Ryan. Simon is a hottie too, but seems too uptight for you.
posted on January 7, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Favi wrote:
Hi Tamra,
Just wanted your advice I'm 25yr old and I'm thinking of having breast augmentation, since you metion that you regret having you breat done in you early 20's i wanted to get you advice! Thanks!
posted on January 7, 2008 at 9:01 PM
Siobhan wrote:
I missed this episode but read most of the blog comments. Good for you to think of your health first. I have to admit I'm a bit surprised. Being a gal who always wanted bigger breasts, I always got jealous of yours because I thought they looked pretty darn good! I think your husband has shown that tendency to be self-absorbed many times so far and it was nasty of him to make a comment about "mosquito bites". Just not funny and shows immaturity and pompousness. He's cute but a giant dope.
posted on January 7, 2008 at 11:17 PM
Stephanie wrote:
Now that I've gotten through Dr. Ambre's medical experience, I'm glad to know that your surgery was a success. I'm concerned about Simon's mosquito bite comment. I hope he was joking, but it seem very shallow.
posted on January 8, 2008 at 9:01 AM
Kim wrote:
Hi Tamra,
I don't know how all you ladies put up with some of these judgemental comments. More power to ya! Anyhoo, glad you are feeling better. I do have a question and understand if you don't want to answer. Have you had a tummy tuck? Your tummy looks fabulous for having 3 children and the last one fairly recently. I'm only asking because I'm considering one and your tummy looks so so great. If it's natural then don't tell me because I will just hate you then. ;) LOL!
Best Regards,
Kim
posted on January 8, 2008 at 1:30 PM
Rita wrote:
Tamra--Welcome! Love you on the show! Hope the show goes for as long as you want to! Thanks for sharing your life with all of us!
posted on January 8, 2008 at 7:08 PM
Dawn wrote:
Hi!
Im glad to see your surgery went well! I had a reduction in 1999 and it was the BEST thing I have ever done for myself! Surgery is scary but it was so worth it! Good luck!!
I have a 6 year old son and I am 42 now and no matter how hold he is or I am...I will always have that special relationship with him. I can see how torn you are with Ryan but he will always be your #1 baby and its so hard to find a balance...but you are doing a great job!
dawn
posted on January 8, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Sheila King wrote:
Krista---"feminist" is not a dirty word.
posted on January 9, 2008 at 7:51 AM
elisa wrote:
Tamra, I really enjoy the show!
I am wondering from what size to what size of implant did you go? I missed that show, but I can catch a rerun I'm sure.
you are beautiful and I cannot believe how young you look!
Such beauty.
posted on January 11, 2008 at 2:25 AM
Lucia wrote:
I totally respect your decision for the surgery, but what was up with Simon's comment about not wanting "bug bites", it just seems to me that your health should be the primary focus. But it sounds like ultimately your decision worked out so I'm glad. I just hope Simon doesn't take you for granted
posted on January 11, 2008 at 9:00 PM
Michele wrote:
Please don't remove your tattoo. It would be different if you had a lot of them. But the one that you have is tasteful. Not a "tramp stamp." I myself have 4. And unless I'm in a swimming suit no one sees them. Oh, did I mention I'm 56 and I still look good and have kept my figure. Don't freak out on your age. As long as you are good to yourself you have nothing to worry about.
posted on January 17, 2008 at 5:26 PM
Jaime Leigh wrote:
Hello Tamara, first and foremost I want to say that alot of people wished they could look like you. Second, I along with alot of other people I know, think you are wwaayy too vain. I guess that comes along with being a Californian. You are very attractive and there is really no need to obsess about your looks. I have a friend that is the exact same way, and she is very pretty too. What I can't seem to understand is why? Why is it that extremely beautiful women like yourselves are so worried about how you look? I try to see the sense of it but I just can't! On another note, you really need to work on being more professional when your outside of work and run into a "client". I think when you were at the bar with the girls and you called that guy an a--hole., that was sooooo unprofessional. If I was your client I don't think I would be anymore after that! Good Luck!
posted on January 18, 2008 at 1:47 AM
Dave wrote:
Tamra, quick question I have been looking for that bikini that you wear on the opening credits as a surprise for my wife, can you please tell me where you got it from? Thanks..
posted on January 21, 2008 at 9:59 AM
Princess wrote:
Hi Tamra,
First of all, you are my favorite on the show. I was interested to find out that you were getting smaller implants and I am glad I read your blog about the surgery. I am in my late 20's and recently had a boob job. I have a very small frame too and my Dr. talked me into small implants. At first I was unhappy, thinking they were too small. But after reading your blog, I feel better about my decision. I can't wait to see the new you!
posted on January 24, 2008 at 2:02 AM
Jessica wrote:
Hey girl, i'm really glad your O.K. and everything went well and your really lucky to have such a great guy, Simon seems to be really good to you and I know what thats like! My little cousin had a reduction from her breast, she never had any implants and she was like DD or something like that, she couldn't sleep she hurt all the time and now like you said she feels much better! I'm really glad you had the chance to take care of that and that your ok!!
Girl i'm like OC Housewive stupified...LOL I just feel like I know ya'll!(after sitting in front of the computer and TV nothing but OC Housewives for like 2 weeks now!!--HELLO) I've got to go to meet ya'll!! LOL
crazy louisiana girl
posted on January 27, 2008 at 4:29 PM
Kay wrote:
Good to see you take some that pressure off your back and focus on health and comfort!
posted on January 30, 2008 at 1:31 PM
Teresa wrote:
Hi,Tamra i really liked watching you on the show as wel as everybody else so are a person that a I can look up to i'm young with four kids . It's hard for me but i would like to talk to you in through email or by phone, but i hope you and the rest of the girls come back for another season of housewives of ORANGE COUNTY
posted on February 5, 2008 at 4:25 PM
stephanie cornish wrote:
What is the tatoo on your back. I have one I think the same-an orange sun with a gecko in the middle because I love Cabo san Lucas-my favorite vacation spot!
posted on March 19, 2008 at 4:04 PM