Trials of Cosmetic Surgery

Everyone has their opinion of why someone should or shouldn’t get cosmetic surgery, but some people are just ugly in their expressions. No one really said anything to me until I started to get on the competition stage and taking photographs. I would hear coworkers say that I just got them as I started competing. They had no idea that I got them two years before even considering getting into the fitness industry.

Other women have written me and told me that they want to change their look and have questions, which I have no problem discussing openly with them. I have learned to take the opinions of others and not let it affect me in a negative manner. I feel comfortable with myself and don’t have any regrets.

When I turned a certain age I made a decision to get a breast augmentation. I did this for me because every time I worked out I would go from zero to nothing. I could easily make myself look they way I wanted with the help of Victoria but I wanted to look fit and curvier in front of my husband. It took me several months to look online, through photos, ask women around me and finally setting up consultations. I finally found a photo of what I wanted and brought that to my doctor. Every doctor has a different opinion of what is best for their patients. I recommend at least three consults, and research the doctor before you go in. Know all the risks before you make a life changing decision.

At the time of the surgery, I thought that I would know how they might look but when I came out everything was different. Some women expected them to be bigger and I expected them to be smaller. I was told they would drop and they did, but my weight also dropped. It took about a year to mentally accept myself and that I was viewed in a different way now. I was now getting stares and stare downs from women.

Once I turned pro, I started to read social media messages that really hurt my feelings. I was told that I chose to put myself in the public view and should expect others to “judge” me. I was being told that my bikini top was too small, they couldn’t see my beauty past my breasts and they were disgusting. First of all, when you order a suit online you simple send in your measurements. When you receive it in the mail you may or may not be able to alter it to fit properly. So, you have to get over it, work with what you got and get on stage.

It is a misconception that only girls with breast enhancements do well and become pro. I don’t believe this is the case at all, there are so many girls that turn pro each year, all of them are beautiful and each different. The judges look for confidence and if you are confident in whatever body type you have that will reflect on stage. You can look through contest photos and make judgments on who should have placed where but the stage presence is what catches their attention not just the size of their top.

I wanted to share this because it has been a recent topic and I have been getting several emails and messages about it. Thank you everyone for all of the love and support that has been shown. I don’t consider those other people “haters”, I just think they don’t understand. If they personally knew me, they would never say things to intentionally hurt my feelings ... but because we are behind our computers, it is easier to offend one another.

Jennifer Chapman

IFBB Professional Bikini Athlete and Fitness Model
Team Bombshell Athlete and Regional Coach (North Texas)
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