Mediaplanet: When did you first find out that you had gynecomastia?

Jay Roberts: I started noticing it developing when I was around 12-and-a-half or 13. At first, I just thought I was gaining weight, but then it got worse and worse. Eventually, I saw a doctor and found out what it was.

MP: You had to deal with a lot of bullying in school because of the disorder. What was that like?

JR: It was horrible. The bullying beforehand was really bad. I was getting into fights and it just wasn’t good.

“Gynecomastia is something that you can deal with. It’s something that if you have, you might think you’re going to suffer forever, but you’re not.”

MP: When did you find out that your gynecomastia could be treated?

JR: I met with some doctors with my mom and I found out that surgery was an option. I remember thinking; ‘This is amazing!’

MP: Did the bullying stop after you had the surgery?

JR: Yes! People at school were like, “Oh man, you look so good! It looks like you’ve lost weight!” And I kept thinking about how that one little surgery had changed everything for me.

MP: How do you feel today?

JR: I feel amazing. Honestly, amazing. I’m happier than before. It’s awesome. It’s changed my confidence, I’m a lot more confident, I have a lot more friends. Like, jeez, I can talk to girls now! It’s completely changed my life for the better.

MP: What advice would you give to other people living with gynecomastia?

JR: If I were to give them a word of advice, it’s that gynecomastia is something that you can deal with. It’s something that if you have, you might think you’re going to suffer forever, but you’re not. One surgery can change your life, can change your whole perspective on life. If you can, try to talk to someone about it. It gets better—life gets a lot better.