Norwegian MP undergoes breast reduction surgery for health reasons

Norwegian Labour Party politician Kamzy Gunaratnam has undergone breast reduction surgery at Oslo’s Rikshospitalet, she confirmed in an interview with Dagbladet on Tuesday.

“Everything went well,” Gunaratnam said from her sickbed, describing herself as “a little sore and tired” but in good spirits. She emphasized the procedure was motivated by long-standing physical strain, including chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as limitations on physical activity.

The 38-year-old MP, who has represented Oslo for the Labour Party since 2021, shared updates before and after the surgery on Facebook, where her posts—including a playful “breast in peace” sign-off—garnered over 5,000 likes and hundreds of supportive comments. She told Dagbladet the decision came after years of discomfort dating back to childhood, when her breast size first became a physical burden in primary school.

“Over time, it’s affected my ability to exercise, sleep, and even perform daily tasks,” she said. “I want to run, to move freely—this was about quality of life.”

Gunaratnam secured a referral through her GP and requested the surgery be scheduled before summer to minimize time away from parliamentary work. She praised Rikshospitalet’s staff for their professionalism and noted the process, from consultation to recovery, had been “exemplary.”

Beyond personal relief, she hoped her openness would reduce stigma around the procedure, which she said is often mistakenly dismissed as purely cosmetic. “Many women endure pain, restricted movement, and financial costs—like the small fortune my husband spent on specialized bras over the years,” she added with humor.

Her public posts have already prompted messages from women considering similar surgeries, she said. “If sharing my experience helps others feel less alone, that’s meaningful.”

Gunaratnam also commended Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre’s efforts to reduce hospital wait times, recalling his immediate concern when she mentioned her upcoming absence: “‘How long was your wait?’ That tells you where his priorities lie.”

She plans to return to work after a brief recovery period, stressing the importance of addressing physical health without hesitation. “My advice? Take your symptoms seriously and talk to your doctor. No one should just endure pain.”