Head Games!!!!

I am so happy with my progress and I'm getting so many compliments from friends and people that haven't seen me in years. I'm even starting to get attention from people that I have not known before (lol). I feel so good with all the energy I have but now I am starting to struggle with the seeing the loose skin and losing my hair. I know it's all in my head and I should not worry about what people may think about the skin but it is so hard. I know I can get the skin issue taken care of once I get down to my goal and maintain for a while. I just know that is going to be a while before that is done. I would love to know what others have done to get through this head game?!?!?!

I'm getting my hair cut next Tuesday.. lol.. Loose skin, definitely.. Right now I am still wearing my tank tops and shirts with short sleeves.  I am much older than you so I really have loose saggy arms.  The gym can only do so much for me.  Don't know if I will be able to afford any kind of plastics when the time comes.  My medicare will cover the loose skin on my "apron" if documented rashes (which I do have).  I don't know what or if it will do anything for the loose skin on those "girls" that hang way down, have documented rashes there too.  So, I just deal with it.  If I have any plastics, it will be for health reasons, not too much on vanity.  I am  65, my husband of almost 47 years passed away last year.  I am not looking for anyone so anything I have done is strictly for me.  Heard something a while back and it keeps on playing in my head, "Clothes can hide loose skin but not fat."  Good luck.  Let me know if you come up with a feasible solution.  I do understand where you are coming from.  

Oh the hair - it was BAD for me :-(  I actually purchased a wig and couldn't go through with wearing it.  My hair just looked like crap for a really, really long time (about 18 months).  

As for the skin, honestly no one sees that except me and my husband.  I can camouflage things pretty well and good shapewear is a godsend.  However, I will be having a LBL in July because that part really messes with my head.  

What can you do to get through the head games?  First of all, realize that most people aren't paying that much attention to you - lol!  Second, focus on all the NSVs.  Third, if you need it (and I did) get to a therapist to discuss body image issues.  

I've been losing hair since my supervised weight loss phase. It started in December and is still shedding at 6 weeks post-op. I use my hair stylist as my gauge. I just saw her today and she didn't mention my hair thinning. I asked her directly about it and she said she can't even tell. I feel like I always see it (in the shower being the worst). Knowing that she doesn't feel a difference makes me let go of that stress 

Hang in there!!

When I was mid-way in the weight loss process, I found that I looked older because the skin on my face was wrinkly due to the weight loss.  The skin on my neck was loose and baggy, and my hair was thin.  I felt terrible about it and wondered if it was all worth while if I was going to look worse.  but the excess skin on my face and neck quickly tightened, and my hair grew back.  I had abdominoplasty to remove the excess skin on my belly, and I feel just great. Most of the rest of my body is reabsorbing the excess skin, slowly but surely.  So don't let it get you down if you are seeing some issues mid-process.  Give it some time.  I guarantee the end result will be worth it. 

best wishes,

Carol

For the hair, I shaved my head to raise money for children's cancer research when I was 6 weeks post-op and I've kept it short ever since.  So I'm not really aware of any hair loss.  

For the skin?  Meh.  It is what it is.  No one sees the extent of it except for me and my partners.  And I refuse to have done all these awesome things for myself just to hate my body!  

Get a sassy haircut!! Its just hair......it comes back! Trust me! I have so much new hair growth! I have to use pomade to tame the new growth!

I know easier said than done! I struggle too with the lose skin in my arms. I also have lymphadema in my left leg and I HATE the way it looks! Instead of focusing on that I try and focus on how great I look in all my new clothes! Good bless clothing! lol!

Struggling with the hair loss as well.  My husband says you can't tell, but the amount in the shower is horrible and then filling up my brush several times.  My hair is thick anyway, so I'm going to go awhile before I think about cutting it.

I'm also starting to notice the skin at my arms and the new wrinkles on my face. 

BUT I know my insides are healthier, that is why I did this not my appearance.  Hang in there!