Image Issues & Skin Removal Questions

Okay, I'm new to these postings, so please forgive my ignorance. I had surgery just over 11 months ago, I have currently lost 126 pounds and still losing. I haven't been able to attend the support groups and have limited contact at NMH as I was referred by my HMO out of network. My question (actually a couple) is one, image, I am having image issues and feeling torn because in I am finding it difficult buying "smaller" clothes. I feel great and don't even remember the last time I was able to move as well as I now do, and do NOT regret having this surgery. I am struggling with being perceived as "small", don't want to be thin, just healthy! And it seems wrong to buy clothes in an XL. Can anyone help? Also, I am curious how others experience has been with pursuing the tummy tuck, breast reduction, thighs, pannus surgery. I have plans to start this when I hit around 195/200 and am not sure what all information I should go to my MD with armed with to give me the best possible chance of approval. Any support and help I could get would be much appreciated. I have very little contact with others who have had this surgery and have a difficult time talking to my husband about my feelings with it all. Thank you. Beverly

hi i also have image issues where i still see myself as very large or obese. what was your starting weight and were are you now...we had surgery five days apart...i want to get the tummy tuck and arm lift done what is a pannus surgery??? sorry if not no help but i wanted you to know i too try to still buy the large clothes and i avoid mirrors silly huh michelle open rny 10-06-03 330.5/171/135

Hi Michelle, My heaviest weight was 367 on August 27, day of surgery I was 359 and I currently weigh 233 (down 126 pounds). No I don't believe it's silly. I still look in mirrors but know I veiw myself differently than others do. pannus, if I understand correctly, is the area right under the belly, If I understand it correctly anyways. My own goal is to get anywhere under 200, then pursue surgery for breast reduction, thighs, and tummy tuck. I have more back problems now than I did prior to surgery crazy huH? LOL Oh well.

beverly, i also have more back problems after surgery then i di before i am trying to get to 160 before i go and look into surgery. are you going through insurance to cover the ps? i am going to try too, i see others that are my weight or sometimes heavier and seem to look so skinny compared to me i am like look at you your so thin and they tell me what they weigh and they are like 10-15 heavier then me i definityly got a self image problem lol take care michelle

Hi Beverly, You're absolutely not alone at all with the image issues. I look at myself naked in the mirror and I still see a fat girl. i see lots of lumps and sagging stuff, nothing really tight and firm anywhere! I started in a size 28 and now wear size 14 on bottoms, size large on top. It blows my mind!!! I don't think anyone can really help us with this, except for to say that it is getting better for me. I'm learning to take compliments on my body and my looks. I always had a pretty face but now men watch me, make passes, etc, and I think there's something stuck in my teeth... why else are they staring? haha. My boyfriend is very very skinny (6'3 and 170#) and he likes ME! so freaky! Any of this sound familliar? (well, except the boyfriend part) For plastic surgery... I REALLY need it on my arms and tummy/apron area. My breasts would be nice, as would my inner thighs, but those aren't as critical as the arms/tummy. I'm looking into going to Brazil or Costa Rica because it's much cheaper. I haven't had much luck finding good information about it, but I'm still looking. There is a big convention in Las Vegas for www. metnetbrazil.com this month but I can't attend. Maybe next year. No real rush, i just really want it done. Horrible that we go from these huge fat bodies to these nasty saggy ones. Stupid skin! Anyway, hang in there, you're not along at all!! Amy Lap RNY 10/22/03 5'9: 349/203/180???