This is a really big hurdle for me...

I never thought getting a bathing suit would be so difficult. I haven't worn one in public in at least 15 years. We are going to the beach, though, and I want to wear something other than the long shorts/ tank tops I've worn there since I've lost weight.

I thought once I had plastic surgery, it would be so easy to pick one out. Instead, I have recurring visions of the scene from Jaws where everyone runs screaming in terror from the beach...only what they'd be running from would be me in a bathing suit.

I'm not thinking bikini. I am 48 and have looked at everything from tankinis to one pieces to swim dress/ almost mumu type things. I thought I was going to hyperventilate yesterday trying to find one. It would almost be easier just to go skinny dipping.

Did any of you have this kind of issue after your ps?

hi, I struggle with bathing suits too. I often wear board shorts with a tankini top, and recently I bought two one pieces (I can finally wear them post LBL-before the panni prevented them from fitting properly around the legs.) There are alot of diffrent things out there....rece ntly at a water park , I saw many women wearing what almost looked like workout gear, some dresses(cover up)- in that strech material. Sarongs are great over the bottom of a bathing suit- all depends on the parts your most uncomfortable with.

Yes I feel your pain.  I think I am more uncomfortable now than befor my plastic surgery.  My legs & arms are a mess and I feel like people focus on this because they see a nice flat tummy and nice rear end ( never thought I would say that) and then hear comes the rest of me. It really bothers me and I can do nothing about it for the next three years till I get the first round paid for and yes I am working all I can to get it paid off faster. I even struggle with shorts and tank tops I feel trapped in this body and it is a night mare. Wish I could help you.

Actually no, I don't have that problem. I started feeling better about the swimsuit even before I had PS. I had gone down to FL and my friend and her girls were there (15,13, & 11). I was not comfortable walking on the beach in my suit but the girls told me to get over it and I looked better than quite a lot of the women on the beach. Fast forward to this year after the plastics on the beach in a bikini and having people at the pool compliment you. There are so many people that are wearing bikini's w/ butts, guts and such just hanging out. For me I may not be perfect but especially after plastics I know I look so much better than quite a few of the people at the beach & pools. It will just take time to build your confidence but just remember so many people would die to look how we do now after PS.

Sonya

Good Morning Shelly,

You know, we are our own worst critics.  I am sure you look incredible, it's just that first step.

I have not had my PS yet, but after losing 82 pounds in the last year I decided it was time to get a couple of good looking suits.  I live in FL and have a pool in the back yard, for Heaven's sake.

So I got skirted bottoms and tankini tops.  They really don't look too bad and cover up the tops of my thighs.  The tankini tops have lots of support for the girls.

Good luck and enjoy yourself, you have worked hard to get here!!!!!

...next year after my plastics, I am thinking about getting a skanky one for the back yard!!!

Nancy

I have a bikini picture I just posted in my profile last night.

The bottoms are a medium and the top is a large.  When I bought it last year, it was just for the fun of it; because,well, I could wear that size.  I had no intention of wearing out in public.  

Now that I've tried it on after all the plastics (yesterday actually), I took the picture and although I know it looks better on me than it did last year - for some reason, I still seem freakishly huge.

I know in my head I look better, so I will probably suck it up and just wear it and get over it.  Heck, on the way home from somewhere, we past a woman walking down to the complex pool in a bikini.  I told DH - "I have no reason not to wear mine if she can wear hers."

Shelly, Ive seen your afters and girl you can wear whatever you want! You look great! I have swim suit issues too :( My arms are flappy but what bothers me in a swim suit is my thighs. I wear swim shorts and a tight tankini to keep my girls from flopping out due to sag. But wait!! My girls no longer sag!!  I will stick with the shorts and get a new tankini. Its nice because if Im feeling brave or there are not many ppl out, I can pull the tankini up and tan my belly :)

Shelly dear, you forget that most of us have seen your incredible pictures.  You look awesome and I would proudly wear ANY type of bathing suit if I looked so good.  Heck, my 23 year old daughter just had a swim party at my house on Sunday and let me tell you, some of these girls (who were all in their early 20's)  wore tiny bikinis and they don't look half as good as you do.  Besides, who cares!  You're never gonna see these people on the beach again and they're probably not looking anyway.  JUST DO IT!!

Laura

Gosh, you ladies surely know how to use kind words and great advice to give a girl confidence. I think I have a suit picked out, and next step is just to buy it. If I get really brave, maybe I'll post some pics of me in it.

Thank you!!!

I know how  you feel  I now have the tummy of a 16 year old ,as my surgeon puts it, with a  breast lift and reduction, and then comes the legs of a 55 year old  I freakin hate it  now I am fixated on my legs and arms  When will it ever end ?  Thats what my husband wants to know... hmmm NEVER  CUZ IM JUST GETTIN GOING~~~Seriously tho.. you must fake it till you make it.. and after awhile you become comfortable in your own skin... I look at myself now and see the body of a 25 year old  I know because I remember it   then I look at my face  Ya think I got some distubed body image going on?
Get out there and be proud of your accomplishments..you have come so far !

Best Wishes

Natalie