Bra frustration - anyone worn both LB Balconette and a F of H bra?

I am at peace with the fact that even after losing 190 pounds, I still have enormous breasts (although I think the plastic surgeon who told me that if he removed 500cc from each breast it would leave me with a B-cup was either smoking something funny or wanted to try to convince me to do a reduction/lift out of pocket (more $ for him)... but after seeing the drawing of what he would do, I will just live with what I have.... yikes! talk about getting cut up!)

Anyway, I have been buying the LB Balconette bras (regular, lace, and lace trim) since I need industrial strength support to lift these girls up from waist level.  Literally.  What I really need is a 36 or 38F, but those are only available by catalog and the 40DDD also fits and is cheaper (the 38DDD cup is still a bit too small)... so I have been buying the larger band size and I just use the last (first?) set of hooks to make the band as small as possible.  I decided that since they are having a sale, I would go ahead and get some new ones.  The F cups, though, are now $46.50 instead of $36.50 for a DDD cup!  Ten dollars per bra difference?!?  Um, no.

I have a couple of VS bras, but they just barely fit and they don't have anywhere near the same level of support (and the very thin straps don't shorten up enough to even use the straps to help increase the support).  So those are out.

I want pretty bras.  I did not lose 190 pounds to wear an ugly white Playtex bra!  Someone on here once suggested Frederick's of Hollywood bras, but there isn't a store near me and I am very reluctant to buy bras online without having tried them on first.  Has anyone worn both the LB Balconette and a F of H bra to give me some idea how they might compare as far as fit and, more importantly, support?

Does anyone have suggestions for another brand of decent looking bras that come in the larger cup sizes and have good support???

Lora

it think you lucky to still have what you have. Keep looking and hopefully you will find what works.

I don't believe Fredericks of Holloywood would have quality bras.....they are all about "looks" .   Good luck though!

Maybe a specialty bra (lingerie) store that caters to unique sizes and mastectomy clients.  I know there are a couple hear in MI that I hear about on the radio.  Although price is an issue, maybe you can scrimp somewhere else to get what you need.

I actually did check out one in the area, but they were all very pricey (I am not paying $85 for a bra!) and not particularly attractive.  (I had used that place a number of years ago to get a "full figure" strapless bra for a formal dress, and it was decent looking and not horribly expensive, but the place changed owners sicne then.)  I can just keep wearing the Balconette.  They work, but the band is just a bit loose (and,. if I have to, I will pay the $46.50 for the F-cup from them).

Lora

SOMA has really pretty bras that are really supportive. I believe they carry your size. Google it and find out if there is a store near you. They also have fantastic underwear, guaranteed not to ride up.

I, too, second the specialty boutique.  In the DC area, we have a shop called Trousseau.  Everyone swears by it.

Do you think you could get a second opinion on the surgery?  Breast reduction can totally be covered by insurance if your girls cause you problems.  

Underwear that is guaranteed not to ride up??? Really?!?!?! I have had to give up underwear and go commando because I CAN'T STAND having to dig my undies out of everywhere  

Their underwear are really that good. I won't wear anything else now.

barely there has great underwear that doesnt ride up.  I am a stickler on that.  Get the stretchy stuff and it wont ride up.  I love them - Kohl's has great sales on them.  I usually wear the hip hugger but some styles the bikini are the same height as the hip hugger.