The NEW Girls on the Block!

Hi, Gals and Steve... Oh, you know that I have just had a time of it adjusting to the lack of B BS. I still have about 10 lbs to go until I reach my new goal and the top of my bras are hollow. I thought about buying new bras again, but decided on finding a different solution...Bra Inserts. Great idea, but I'm highly "allergic" to adhesives. The two Bandaids that I used in Dec left a rash and then their "image", which still can be seen today. After searching for two days at different department stores, I was really discouraged. The form of the inserts could be seen through my sweater. Some (the push up...fit under the breast kind) gave a "muffin top" appearance, which was awful. I decided that the teardrop shaped inserts that were available about 15 years ago would be the best fit. Ultimately, I found them at Victor's Secret, but they had adhesive. I returned to the store about 1 hour later and purchased my new pair. I was not allowed to try them on, as per the store rule, and they are not returnable. My plan was to line the adhesive side with PRESS 'N' SEAL! Have you stopped laughing yet? OK...so I lined the cups with Press 'n' Seal AND.... I could see their form under my sweater!!!!! AAAuuuuughghgh!!! I must have tried 7 different ways to place them inside my bra. Finally, I folded them in half...top touching bottom of the teardrop and put them inside the hollow! This was the best look for me. I have seen a slight "blush" area where they've been at the end of the day, but no significant rash. My blouses/sweaters are fitting better and I'll get a bit more use out of the current bras. At some point, I might be able to wear the teardrop as it was intended to be worn, which will probably mean that I'll have a lot less on top. Hopefully, I will never have an escapee problem. Can't imagine having to explain that one to on-lookers! R

I'm absolutely enthralled.... Please continue... And even though I have formed a minor league set of man-boobs , I have nothing to contribute at this juncture...

Actually, one saleswoman said that I wasn't that "bad"; she's seen worse. She tried to convince me to buy more bras, but was unsuccessful. I mentioned the WLS and that I still had about 12 lbs to go until maintenance, which could mean another size or two. She said that I shouldn't drop anymore weight or I'd look sickly. Well, I weigh about 162.5 so no skinny-mini here! I quiped that my Nutritionist has set the goal and I was following Dr's guidelines. Like she care... anyway... The most interesting part of our brief conversation was that she stated, "That many other woman have to "roll" their breast and then put on their bra." The idea of physically rolling any part of my excess skin into a "jelly roll" seems crazy and very uncomfortable. It seems impossible also. Although many woman make light-hearted comments about the excess skin or mis-shaped body parts, it really hurts self image. If we can't afford the PS, what are our options? Are we ready for another surgery? Now? In 6 months... 1 year? Simply choosing the "right" surgeon is overwhelming. As for breast surgery and upper arm surgery, there is always the chance that lymphedema, the chronic swelling of the arm to hand, may occur if the nodes are not handled properly or become blocked. The use of support undergarments, such as Spanx (body shaper...new fangled-girdle from upper body to knees), Assets (similar to Spanx), and padded bras are helpful. Taken away...most of us have the classic sagging, along with skin skirt across our stomachs. Legs are also affected. Wearing most smaller sizes becomes tricky. The arms may not fit...of course, I'm speaking about the 3/4 lengths, as most of us dislike the look of short sleeves. Actually, I believe that woman get a similar "stare" after WLS (pre-PS), if they show too much skin in front of the average on-looker. We were got gasping looks as morbidly obese woman. We get gasping looks in the sagging stage. Can you imagine how I'll be viewed at the beach / pool this winter on my Florida visit to see family? Last year, I was about 270 lbs. This year, I have major skin issues. I could opt to wear tights on my legs, along with a Spanx and bra under my bathing suit. A wet suit might work just as well! As for men, I've heard that many men decided not to have a TT. They "hide" their excess stomach skin under their belt line, which makes a pouching effect. Slim on top..belt..pouchy belly; similar to wearing pleated pants for life. Many of us are suffering from body dismorphic issues, but now it's "not just in our heads" as some cruel fools will say, but hanging around our smaller sized bodies. Sometimes I feel as if someone simply deflated my "fat suit" and I'm trapped inside the layers of it... until and if I can afford the second stage of WLS... Plastic Surgery. If I seem more sensitive about my body, it is more from the above concerns, than simply a vanity issue. Hope to hear back from you and my December Gals! Ro

I can relate to the body issues. I am constantly making comments to my DH about this saggy part or that jiggling part, but he is always saying it's not as bad as you think it is. Guess it's hard to believe him since he loved me even at 372 pounds. I do not know of any way to train my brain to just accept what my body has become. Dammit I want a cute belly button that is not traped bewtween skin rolls. If it makes me vain for wanting a belly button ring, I can accept that. Anyways, I have benn inspired by your post and am making a trip to VS today. I want new boobs too!!

If we're placing orders, I'd like a set, too...

Sure!! Of course my hubby says more than a handful is a waste

Well...My posting skills stink... so Steve's message is in the wrong place. No Biggie. AMY.... Get the B BS! Did you say bras in the Rainy Friday thread????? We are Surgery Sisters and we could also be the Joy...Joy...Sisters! Ro

Just for the reaction...YOU should go to VS and ask for a set. Ro

With my luck, I'd just get arrested.

Oooohhh! Belly Button Ring!!!! Very Interesting! What do you have your eye on? Any particular style? Now that we've gone this far... tattoo or no tattoo? None here...but someday I might get MOM on my left inner ankle. Enjoy your shopping trip! Somehow I think that you are more than a handful! Ro