Fighting guilt

Okay, even going with the residencey program, for the full monty of plastics, I'm looking at spending 13K.  I've never spent that much on myself. Ever.

I could redo a lot of our house for that money.  I could do a lot of things with it.

I really, REALLY want to feel like I look nice and be able to have nice clothes, but I'm starting to feel guilty about spending the money.


Anybody??

Definitely, but I knew I had to do it for my mental health. I'm a single mom of 2 with no "babby-daddy" so money is a huge issue for me. My boyfriend (whom I've known for 20+ years) tried to talk me out of it. I looked good in clothes and he loved me regardless of my floppy skin. Plus he was worried about me having surgery. After surgery, he finally admitted it was the right thing for me to do. He knows first-hand how much it helped my mental state. BUT he is really against me having any more surgery. I really want boobs and my thighs are a shar-pei mess. I will probably go with the boobs, because I miss having them and my surgeon will remove my bra-bulge at the same time, but I have decided that unless I win the lottery, my legs are staying as-is. I can live with that.

Good luck with your decision.

Laura

I think I had guilt for about 5 minutes.  I look at it as 'completing' the journey.  My husband is on board with me and my PCP has even cited stats of people who have the plastics are much less likely to regain, wether from the 'completing' of the journey or geting rid of all the excess fat cells.  She is just being really supportive also.  I also like to think that I am setting a good example for my son, that you MUST take the time (and money) to take care of yourself.

Good luck with your decision.

I always draw the analogy that my surgery (23K) is like a new car. And by today's standards, not even that nice of a car. I'd drive a car for what, maybe 7-8 years? Well I'm driving this body forever.I also like to think about all the money I have saved in the past couple years on fast food and eating out. It sounds funny, but seriously, I would spend sometimes 20 bucks a day eating my fast food in secret. Don't even get me started on what I could spend on sushi!!! :)

Like the other ladies (and the man that will surely chime in) have said, this is an investment in YOU. You deserve to feel good and look good and be free from the burden of the extra skin and the emotional toll that takes. It isn't just a vanity issue--it is a mental health issue. I totally agree that having the plastics is the finishing touch on the journey and that we are far more likely to stay compliant with our eating and exercise to protect our investment.

I say go for it and don't look back, except to check out you cute new butt!! LOL!

Denise

Well said Denise!!!

You could always postpone the procedures if you are having doubts or money is an issue.  I know I struggle with the thought of spending this sort of money in the current economy. 

Another option...not have the full course of surgery.  As I began consultations, I had an idea what I wanted.  I luckily have no issues with my arms and thighs....but I have decided having my boobs done is not worth it.  I was never going to have an implant and have enough breast tissue to give me a D cup ( I wear a 34 G now and they seem so small!)....but as a 40 year old, I plan on never going bra less in public.  My breasts look fantastic in my bras and don't give my issue with running, so that was one area I decided to forgo surgery.  

LBL it is...and I am really only doing that once my body is truly at a stable weight.  I am running a marathon in a few weeks and another in February.   I am a bit taller than you and feel like I eat like a cow to maintain my weight in 150's....so that's another issue...will my body regain a bit once my higher intensity training subsides? 

If you have the money, your family is supportive, you are truly at a stable weight you can maintain and are willing to accept the risk of these elective procedures....go for it.  

I am really having a hard time with it. WE are getting ready for a big move in the spring and I sometimes feel like things are tight, I look at all the things I could do with the money and I feel guilty about it. But my husband is very supportive of my desire to have the plastics and he tells me to do what is right for me, and that in no way will taking care of myself, take anything away from my family, except maybe a big vacation in 2012.  We will do that other year.

Bethany

Money is always an issue, but I would not feel guilty about spending 13K on myself. I really wouldn't. If I get done what I want to do, it will be closer to $25K. And I just liken that to a new car - and we tend to get a new or almost new car every 5-6 years. I told my husband I'd be willing to drive my car an additional couple years if need be when it all comes down to whether or not I do it and how I pay for it.

My SIL financed her plastics and paid it off in a year instead of four years - she was very determined not to feel guilty about it. So she buckled down, quit eating out and going out, kept her car when it was paid off, and paid off $24K in a year! I can try that approach too.

GURL!!!  Tell me about it.  My husband lost his job of 21 years 2 weeks ago.  I had already paid the surgeon cash for the surgery to the tune of $14,000.  So....yes I understand.  But, I know that this is important and if I don't do it now, I never will.  I know so many people that didn't do it because of the money and regret it now.  I'm just moving ahead and will worry about the money later.  Maybe that isn't the most sound advice but that is what I am doing.

Well, going to start with the first one of the LBL.  its still a little over 6K, but I should see the biggest results.

Shooting for Dec 6th.