PS? More for the ladies...

One step beyond Indie's post on hecklers...how have y'all handled others who think plastic surgery is vain and not something a Godly person should do? I have told a friend of mine from the beginning that I intended to have a tummy tuck and breast augmentation and perhaps a thigh lift because of the excess skin and she was not so supportive but she seemed to understand. Now, though, she only sees that I'm in a size 2/4/6 and am "cute to the max" (her words, not mine.) She's a 16ish. That may or may not have a thing in the world to do with the price of tea in China. She's *especially* appalled that I am considering a breast augmentation and doesn't understand why I can't just be satisfied with smaller breasts. I can't seem to get across to her that I've lost 1/2 my body weight and all I have left is skin. Yes, I have 32 DDD but it's all skin. It's terrible. Forgive the graphics but if I bend over I can reach all the way around them with my thumb and middle finger. That's not normal. I'm single and I'm so ashamed of my body I would never be able to reveal it to my future husband in the way I should be able to. I work out and I eat right and I take care of myself but I still hate the way I look. So I guess my question is...what is your perspective on plastic surgery after this massive weight loss? Should I just be thrilled that God gave me the chance to be healthy and able to protect my fertility by losing the weight or is it okay to want to finally not hate my body? Thanks MM

Good question MM..... Here's my take. God gave us our bodies, to respect, honor, and take care of them....we should be proud of them. If that means having to get a little medical help...so be it. I do not think that plastic surgery is a sin, or wrong. I also think -- in cases like your's -- it is medically necessary. Much worse things could happen under that skin. Know what I mean? I am a Minister of Music, and my Pastor and I both had the surgery. I was worried how the congregation would accept it, but they have been more than supportive. My pastor was significantly larger than I was, so I faced a little more turmoil, but over all it's been a positive experience. I too am struggling with the PS side of it. I am already married and my husband swears he will love me when my DD's are hangin' to my knees . But I expect that I'll want some work done too. Right now I couldn't bear to even think about going through another surgery, due to all the complications I had with the WLS, but it's getting better. My bravery is coming back. Basically what I'm saying is that you have to do what is right for YOU! If it comes down to it, just don't discuss it with people who don't understand our plight for health. Sometimes being a Christian can be so difficult. We burden ourselves with guilt that just isn't necessary. Pray, make an educated decision -- and go with it. Keep the faith! HUGS Kimberly

Thanks, Kimberly. I know what you mean about not being able to think about another surgery! A year out I'm just now beginning to think it might be okay again... I think something I struggle with in many areas of my walk is guilt. When she said what she said I just felt this crushing guilt that I hadn't felt in regards to the plastics before...I just needed the input of people who'd walked this road. Thanks again. You really helped! MM

MM, I too think you need to pray, educate yourself about the pros and cons, and then listen to what the Lord is telling you. If you have a peace about it, then I say go for it. This is between you and Him. I knew that the WLS was for me because I had such a peace, not even nervous the day of surgery. Just my opinion. I wish I could afford the PS, but can't. I don't have any rashes or anything because of the extra skin so it would have to be paid out of pocket. Some day I pray that we can afford it so that I can feel better about myself. Shel

Thanks, Shel. I'll be paying out of pocket, too, for the ps if I wind up going that route. Of course, I'll be praying for discernment and wisdom and contentment in whatever cir****tances if the Lord tells me no...I hope He doesn't...but if He does, I've disobeyed Him enough in my life enough to know that there's a good reason He says no and I'll sure listen! I hope you get your PS, too! MM

Hi Minnie Mia I haven't had my surgery yet; it's 10-17-05. I agree with the posts above. For me, I feel that PS is the second part of WLS, it's just the next step due to the medical problems caused by the sagging skin which is the result of WLS. To me, it all goes together. As far as a breast aug., if my doctors feel that there is any kind of a medical problem with my breasts after the weight loss then, just as with my apron (panni), thighs, etc., & if our insurance will cover it, then I will believe that the Lord is guiding me in that direction too just like He has with the WLS. God bless you! Cindy