Decided NOT to have plastic surgery?

I had a lap RNY in Dec., 2002. I went from 295 to 148 in the first year, and have stayed at 160 for the past 8 years (I'm 5'71/2"). I had absolutely no complications and am perfectly healthy (have been anemic in the past but now that I'm religious about my vits I'm fine). I wear a size 10 (32 waist), size large (sometimes even a size 8, 30 waist, or a medium). I have no problem staying at this weight. Sometimes I've gone up as high as 170, but I just get back to basics with my protein and I get back to 160 easily.

I would LOVE to have a tummy tuck (my surgeon has told me I don't need a lower body lift), a breast lift, and have my arms (which are really quite bad - they really, really bother me) and even my thighs done (although I could live without doing the thighs). My loose skin has become a MAJOR preoccupation of mine, to the extent that I'm afraid to start a new relationship with a man, because I am so embarrassed with - ashamed of - my body without my clothes on. Although people say I look fine in my clothes (because I know how to dress to hide my flaws), I actually have very, very low self-esteem when it comes to my body underneath the clothing tricks. Just typing this, I'm getting tears in my eyes because I feel like such a freak.

The problem is, I simply cannot afford $20k+ in surgical fees. I don't have a rash under my panni and my breasts are not large, so I don't qualify for an insurance-covered tummy tuck or breast reduction.

I suppose I could go heavily into debt to have all these things done (and have all the associated surgical risks and perhaps not get the results I'd like), or I could just accept my body as it is and get on with my life. Don't get me wrong - I am eternally grateful to have lost my weight and be where I am today. There is simply no comaprison between my life now and my life the was it was for the first 32 years of my life. Aside from giving birth to my daughter, WLS was the best thing I've ever done (even better than getting my PhD!). :)

I guess I need therapy for this... but I'm wondering: has anyone else on here simply come to terms with their loose skin, and opted NOT to have plastic surgery? If so, how have you dealt with coming to terms with your body? Does almost everybody get plastic surgery post-op?

Thnx, friends. :)

 Try a residency program, my tt was 4k and made all the difference in the world.  My arms 3.5k.  I refused to live being miserable in my body.  It was worth the investment in me.

Hey Heidi!  Where you been girl?  Missed you!

Hi there,

I am looking into plastic surgery too and was wondering were you got yours done? and how would I find residency program in 

my state, "Oregon"? 

Congrats on your surgery also!

Or check into Dr. Sauceda in Mexico..
I read wonderful things here and on his OH forums of his patients now past and future.
The more procedures you do, his price goes down.
I live in Israel and get Disability so for me to travel is out of the question.
You have done phenomenal and should continue to do for you. You deserve to do the best for you in your body and mind!
Check out other options before deciding that you have to only accept yourself with the excess skin.
Mikimi in Israel

I went through the same situation you are in now. I tried to accept it - I tried to get comfortable with myself and the flapping and sagging skin. I didn't succeed. I too understand the apprehension of getting into a relationship. How does one tell someone in the beginning dating stage - hey, I used to be morbidly obese and now I'm not but I still have the skin. I opted to live like a poor person for awhile. I cut back on everything - shopping, cable, eating out, whatever expenses I could stop, I did. I also took money out of my 401k. I had a LBL in may and it was the best decision for me. I'm having a vertical scar thigh lift next week and will have my arms done this winter. I am 33 years and love myself but with 50+ years left of living, I need to live life to the fullest. With the skin, I wasn't / still not completely living to the extent I should be. You are 32 years old. The debt will come and go but the embarrassment and uneasiness of having the hanging skin will be there without surgery. I could be wrong, via therapy, you could accept it. I couldn't.

This is just an opinion of one.

 That is insurance fraud. I would be very careful about posting that suggestion on the Internet. 

I hear very word of your post and I just want to tell you that you are not a freak-you are a caring, smart woman who wants a happier life for herself.  Not sure of your age, but we only have one life. If the surgery will emotionally and mentally stimulate your life, then it is worth the investment. One caution: do not do it  because of a man. My husband married me at my highest weight and I knew he loved me for who I am. That is the kind of man you want to find. SOmeone who will accept you regardless of your physical flaws. Do the surgery for YOU and your well-being. May God Bless you.

 There are some excellent options that do not cost $20k. I went with Dr Sauceda! Loved him! I am returning in January for my breasts and thighs. His care is excellent, his prices are reasonable and he has a lot of experience with massive weight loss patients.