Are you more youthful now?

Yesterday a co-workers wife (AnnMarie) came into the office - I don't get to see her often - maybe once a year, but she has seen me go from my original FLUFFY state to my current weight and is always very complimentary and happy for me. I've been letting my hair grow now for the first time in probably 30 years, and while its not long it is longer and a totally different style for me. AnnMarie gushed over my new 'do' and said it was very youthful and becoming on me. WOW!! That made me feel great!

It also made me think about the term 'youthful' and how it applies to me now - I have always felt (and looked) older than I am, mostly due to the weight I carried around and the fact that I could never dress my age, really - always felt matronly. I always tried to be stylish, but when you're in a size 4X or 32 pants (and no, that's not a waist size - LOL) - its hard to feel stylish. I always kept my hair short because of my weight as well - felt it was a little more becoming.

So now that I can shop in regular stores I find myself picking up things that I would never have worn before - I'm not trying to look like my teenage granddaughters by any means, but it is nice being able to buy more stylish, fashionable clothing and finally looking my age, not older - because people always thought I was older than my sister, who is 4 years older than me - now they don't - and that makes me feel great.

So do you feel more youthful now that your 'fluff' is gone? That you're working out? Have your cothing styles changed? How about hair? And even make-up?

In the beginning, when I first lost the weight, I went through a "sexy" phase.  I bought low-cut blouses, push-up bras, I reveled in tight-fitting workout clothes.  I got lots of new lingerie.  I made sure my hair was colored and started wearing makeup, which I didn't before.

3 years out now, not only have my eating/exercise habits liened toward a return to the old ones, but I'm not wearing make up today, or a push-up bra.  LOL.  I've had some weight regain and some self-esteem loss. 

I'm really hoping to turn this around.

Kathy,
What a great post! I too feel youthful since losing my excess weight since I am able to buy clothes from normal stores I also started changing my dressing style by not just sticking to classic styles but gearing towards more trendy styles without the clothes making me look like I am in high school.

I also have started experimenting with my hair as far as cutting it shorter and trying different lighter hair colors. I would never have imagined wearing long boots that is my thing now with HEELS!! not just 2 inches but 6 inches. LOL I love that WOW and lastly I have started wearing make up in the past 2 year and hubby loves it!! Tells me how beautiful I look all the time.

When I look in the mirror I see my 74 year old mother looking back at me.  In fact, I went to coffee the other day with a guy I haven't seen in 15 years, he brought a friend to fix me up with.  I felt so old looking at this boyish looking guy, I immediately made an appointment with LifeStyle Lifts.  My surgery is going to be January 8th, 2011.  They gave me a preview of what my results will look like and I can't wait to stop seeing this old women in the mirror.

I've seen that advertised and actually put it in my iPhone if I ever get the courage (and money) to go thru with it, so I'll be anxious to see how you feel about it and your results. I feel like if I could slit the top of my head open and just pull everything up I would look a lot better - LOL!!

But come on Nan - your body rocks now! You've worked so hard not only to get the weight off but to 'cure' your lymphodema that it has to feel good to be able to go out and buy cute clothes off the rack, right? And a new hairstyle and make-up can do a world of wonders until you get the lift. Maybe treat yourself to a makeover at a nice cosmetic counter, and go to a new stylist for a new color or cut.

I'd love to get my girls lifted, my thighs taken in, and my face tightened just a tad...again, maybe someday, but for now I'll try to camoflauge what I can with clothing and make-up.

I had my makeover, I still see an old woman in the mirror.  The LifeStyle Lift is affordable because they offer 18 mos. interest free financing.  There is a women named Janet on the over 50 forum who had her LifeStyle Lift in August and she looks phenominal.  I want to get this done for me, not the people who are looking at me.  I just don't like what I see in mirror. 

I understand what you're saying and I think that's great - get it done for yourself - you've earned it! 18 months financing, huh? I may have to check into this after all. Do they charge you for the consultation? If so do they apply it if you decide to have it done?

Consult is free, 400.00 deposit to reserve a date and lock in the price which you can take from the interest free loan. The deposit you must pay within 3 mos. The 18 mos starts the day of surgery.

Thanks Nan - really appreciate all this info. I have to be accepted into the 50 Forum before I can see Janet's pics.

Closest location is Mt. Laurel, NJ

 

You need to be out of work for a week if you go for the surgery vs. the laser treatment.

The laser treatment is temporary (about a year) the surgery is long term more like 8-10 years.  Everything is done in their office, no hospital, they also suggest you stay in a local hotel which they provide a shuttle from because you need to have 3 follow ups after surgery during that week.