Body Image Issues

So, I have to wait for my PS. I would think at this point I would be so happy in a size 10/12 but I dislike my body right now.. Its frustrating.. I feel like I there is an inner saboteour in myself.

How do I manage this until have a surgery? Did anyone else go through this feeling?

 

Thanks,

I know exactly how you are feeling.

I went into my sleeve surgery with the mindset, if only I lose this weight I'll be happy - no plastic surgery for me. The first 1.5 to 2 years, yes I was happy, overjoyed. I went from a size 24 to a size 10. But then, the thoughts started creeping in that I still "LOOKED" the same. I was thinner, after all I did lose 100 lbs, but I still had the shape that I had. I started to see myself as fat again. The inner voice started calling me a failure. I started eating horrible again. I went to a normal checkup and was surprised to see that I had gained 10 lbs in 3 months. Huge eye opener. I went home and had a heart to heart talk with my husband. I explained to him my insecurities, especially my body image issues. I never thought we could afford PS, but Hubby helped to make it happen. We sat down and researched like crazy about PS options. We made a realistic budget and made it a goal for me to have PS in one year. I went over a year, just by a little bit, but it is ok to be flexible to allow for life. Some people will hang up a special outfit that they want to fit into as their goal. I hung up the estimate for my surgery to help me keep sight of my goal. I not only lost the 10, but an additional 5 and have not wavered from my eating plan again.

There's a little line in all of us. Only you can decide if and when you want to cross it. You crossed it once when you made the decision to have weight loss surgery. My hand is out as a support buddy to help you along your path, if you would like.

Gail

Gail,

Thanks for your support. I think I need to take the same road. Plan it a year out from today.. and maybe refocus on getting more physically fit.. maybe avoid looking at  my stomach and boobs too much.. (out of sight out of mind?)..

I plan to go to support group this weekend, plan on the calender, discuss the plan with the hubby, maybe get some self help reading materials...

Michelle

Gail, I feel exactly the same way, thank you for posting. I also am experiencing some of the same internal issues related to body image.

Michelle, yes, I'm in the same position. After going from a size 22/24 to 10/12 I still have the same shape and don't feel like my body has changed that much. I never wanted PS but after a year of maintenance I realize that's what it's going to take to make me happy with the results I worked hard to achieve.

I understand PS may not be possible in your immediate future (for me, it was a 6 month pre-planning thing which is now coming up very soon.) So what did I do in the meantime? I concentrated a lot of my fitness. Non scale victories. I did some therapy to help with my body image issues. I did a lot of imagining and visualizing what my body will look like once it's all healed from PS and how happy I will be. I think mentally preparing yourself now will help if/when you take the plunge for the PS.

 I kept reminding myself that I had regained my health. I focused on the positive things. I used great support bras and shapewear and in clothes no one knew the difference. I did as much as I could to camoflage the imperfections until I had plastics. It does mess with our heads after we lose the weight and then see all of the skin. It's hard not to think of it as fat. I think by making a plan like you have described is a good idea. What you are feeling is perfectly normal.

Thanks Renee. I spoke with my hubby about it.. we have a plan.. I wear plenty of support wear.. I am thinking maybe I will wear it more often..

Thanks,
Michelle

I was really frustrated by the look of my body after losing so much weight. It was so disheartening to see all that loose skin. For so many years I just wanted the weight off, and I didn't realize the loose skin would be this bad. At the time I was really uninformed about plastic surgery, so once I learned about the various procedures I'd need, it was like a burden was lifted. Things just didn't feel hopeless anymore. I think it just helped to know there was some kind of solution, even if that solution is aways off and expensive.

I still haven't had plastics yet, as I'm still saving and losing weight, but I can see how certain procedures can benefit some areas of my body. I'm not there yet with my thighs, but I can picture my arms after an arm lift, stomach with a tummy tuck, etc. I try to focus on getting ready for plastics, while reminding myself that my body won't look this way forever. I don't know if this helps you at all, but this has been my experience. Just know that we've all been there with the body image issues.

I just posted about this same thing, didn't see this post first.  I too hate my body and am hoping that my mini tummy tuck next month will help me see myself differently.

Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone.

Thanks Staci!! I  feeling a little better about it.. I decided I need to take control of my destiny.. I am going to look at my skin anymore.. I am ignoring it for now.. I decided to work more hours at work so my PS could be attainable sooner, I am going to work out more too.. I figure I might as well build up my muscle plus running and exercise helps me feel better not so depressed or sad about the situation..I am also going to my support group tomorrow.. also I am supporting myseld in a positive way by watching the biggest loser, reading OA books, and drinking more water..

Michelle