Plastic Surgery Angst

Hope you don't mind but I need to purge some of the thoughts racing around in my head. It's a little long... As I think I've mentioned I am at the stage where I am actually starting consultations and such for plastic surgery. While I've been doing my research I've discovered I could potentially save almost $15,000 by going to Mexico to get surgery done. Of course the idea of not meeting the surgeon before hand, not seeing the facilities, a five hour plane ride 10 days after surgery, and the biggie, no post op care when I get home are big for me. But there are lots of stories from girls on these forums that have had excellent results and experiences going to Mexico. I do believe there are surgeons down there that are just as qualified and have just as good of facilities as those in the US. It's a matter of research. So am I just being frivolous with the money by wanting the comfort of being at home? What about all of the people on these boards that can't even consider PS because it's cost so much and they just have to live with it. Makes me feel even worse that I'd be willing to throw an extra $15k around. Then I start thinking about the fact that physcially I don't need PS. I don't get rashes or any of that kind of stuff because of hanging skin. It would be purely cosmetic. How can I justify spending that much money on something I don't need. Then I start thinking...well, maybe all this skin that I hate is just punishment for being fat my whole life and I should just live with it. Which I know is a totally silly thing to think but there ya go. I do know that emotionally this is a big deal for me. To finally have the body I've always longed for would be amazing. I know it's not going to be perfect, it's not going to look like I've been thin all my life and I'll have a major scar but at least it will be much closer than it is now! So maybe it's not necessary physically for me, and I know how lucky I am that it isn't, but emotionally it's essential. I'll never be at ease or confident in myself with this flabby skin hanging around. I guess I just never thought I would have these kinds of doubts and conflicts about having PS. I always intended to do it, always knew it would cost me a whole big chunk of change so why are these kinds of doubts and worries now plaguing me? So that's my story for today...fun, huh? Thanks for listening! Corinna Q

Corinna, I never had one rash with my loose skin - before or after weight loss. I just was tired of it and tired of having to wear clothing larger than I needed to help cover it up. Yes, PS is a choice and it's a big one but the PS results have been more life transforming for me than the RNY. I've read many of the satisfied client reports of the out of country experiences. Like they recommended, you need good follow up but I do believe that just about any doctor could have done my follow up since I had no major complications (except for what happened in the hospital). I don't think you should feel guilty for choosing PS but I understand your feelings. As I've been going through PS, I have a friend who has stage 4 cancer and just underwent a bone barrow transplant at Duke. Thank goodness she has a twin but she now has NO immune system and had to undergo extremely strong radiation and chemo to kill what was left of her immune system. I told her several times about the guilt I felt for having PS when she was fighting for her life. Even now she has to stay at Duke for 90 days to begin her recovery after already fighting for her life for a year. You make whatever decision is right for YOU at this moment in your life. CeCe

Corinna, Just to put your mind at ease.. I am one of those people that will probably never be able to afford PS, but don't EVER feel guilty... If you are lucky enough to be able to afford it, you want it, then go for it.... I know about 7 years ago I was researching tubal reversals... A lot of women were going to Mexico and I heard a lot of mixed reviews about that... some great outcomes and some horror stories... I still went out of state for my surgery to save money, but I wanted the standard of care that we have here in the US with the guidelines and regulations.... If I were in your situation and had the money to have PS I would definitely pay the extra cash to stay here in the US, I really think that follow up care could make a big difference. I also wouldn't worry that you don't have a huge flap of skin, if you are uncomfortable with the skin that you have and can get it taken care of, why not???? The decision is ultimately up to you and only you, but I would not feel guilty for wanting PS or that you can afford it, while others can't.... Just make sure to always count your blessings and be glad that you CAN afford it.... Good Luck with your decision... Keep us posted on what you are going to do... HUGS, Shawn M.

Egads, I know exactly how you feel. I've made 2 trips to a PS and can't make up my mind what to do. It's a lot of money for a facelift, neck lift and upper and lower eyes. It's purely vain, but every time I look in the mirror I feel so sad. When I was fat my skin was perfect, now I'm thin and look like I'm 90 years old. I really think I deserve to look and feel better on the outside after being brave enough to fix the inside. That's how I feel, and I'm going to go for it!

Corinna, most people wouldn't think twice about buying a new car every few years. That's a depreciating asset. Your body is worth everything! You deserve to feel good and feel like you have a normal body. You are still young and this will make a huge difference in your life. I had a few problems along the way, but I would do it again in a heartbeat!! I feel much more attractive and well...pretty darn sexy for a woman who has a 33 year-old daughter! (We just celebrated her birthday and I'm still in shock that she got that old, because it makes me really OLD!) Have your surgery when you're ready. You deserve it. And by the way, I would have considered Mexico too, but Randy wouldn't go for it. Considering I've had two revisions on my breast, it's a good thing that I didn't. Orlando was far enough! Keep us posted on your decision. Wanda