(cross-post from main forum)
Even after losing weight, I still find myself struggling to feel confident and not trying to fade into the background for fear of people looking at me and judging me when out in public. A fear of rejection exacerbated by things my family did to me over the past several years is contributing to this. This is becoming a real issue for me as I’m working to start an entirely new life. I’m not even fully sure how to put into words all of what I’m feeling (as you can see by my rambling), but I need to rid myself of these “shrink upon myself", “go away, go away, don’t look at me" irrational thoughts that ping into my head out of the blue. I know they’re illogical, but knowing that and making them stop are two different things!
Has anyone had similar issues and have advice to ‘re-train’ my thinking? Or even know of specific self-help books or websites to point me to. I’m talking to someone, but need more immediate attention. After losing weight, going through more than 10 plastic surgeries and battling hypothyroidism/adrenal fatigue the past few years…… I AM READY TO LIVE LIFE….and….LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST! No regrets, no worries.
Thanks in advance for interpreting my ramblings and offering any help/advice!    

Alot of us have issues like what you describe in your post. And many of us seek help in the form of therapy..It's not a bad thing to go to therapy..the bad thing is needing it and not seeking it..

You can't just pull confidence out of your ear. It has to grow and sometimes that's hard..My daughter has hypothryoidism and adrenal fatigue..it's very hard when the rest of the world wants to party all night long and she has to get rest..

You're ready to live life..you just need alittle push! counseling..that's my advice..it will help.

i lost 200 pounds FAST...and have lots of hanging skin 7 years later. i still feel "icky" when i see myself naked. i still have this imbeded feeling inside me of being inferior. its not as BAD as it was, but oh yes, its still there. probably all those years of deeply feeling inferior...ever since i was a kid.
i would give anything to have a body lift, and get rid of this darn skin!!  :-)
you are not alone.

As you can see from my plastic surgery list, which doesn't even include the last 2, I've had many! Even now, nothing is perfect and never will be. What I'm learning ....slowly.....is to be grateful for what I do have. I'm not sure where you're located, but you may want to consider breaking up into smaller pieces. You're body will thank you as well as the way you heal and scar since you're only taking careof smaller areas at a time. The two surgeries I can tell you gave me the most immediate "mental" benefit was a tummy tuck and then later breast lift. They give you the most 'bang' for your buck! Surgery is not cheap and I'm probably looking at 2 more years to have everything paid for. I have an excellent surgeon though who could charge probably 10x more than he does. He's just that great (and an awesome person to boot!). Have you ever taken a look at makemeheal.com? A great site for plastic surgeries and also surgeon references. Many there take surgery overseas (Mexico/Brazil, etc) to afford since it's way cheaper than in the states. I don't post this reply to make you feal that you "have" to do surgery, but rather from a position of knowing how bad you can want it and then how you feel after. I wish you the best and would be glad to answer any questions you might have!

Thanks to both of you for your feedback! I agree it's a daily struggle both emotionally and physically. It is getting better. I've already worked through many things and am down to my last few that are holding me back. I will get there!! 

((( HUGS ))) 
You need therapy.  You are a very brave,wonderful lady. 

I recomend a book:

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)

Don Miguel Ruiz (Author)

And a second book by thesame guy:
The Mastery of Love: A Practical Guide to the Art of Relationship: A Toltec Wisdom Book

Heading over to check them out! Thanks!!

I actually seem to have more feelings of devine destiny best summed up as: Lead, Follow, or get out of the way.  Preferrably the latter.

Feel free to launch into something like: "As soon as you lose 200 pounds in one year, come talk to me.  Until then, sit down and shut up."

KImberly-Have you been evaluated for Social Anxiety Disorder? My daughter-in-law looks like a fashion model, but always struggles with feelings that others are looking at her and judging her harshly. This comes from a stepfather who demeaned her as ugly and worthless when she was little, and has nothing to do with the reality of how beautiful she appears to the rest of the world. She has been helped with antidepressants and therapy. Best wishes to you!  Jenny T

The things you tell yourself are the ones that really mold your thinking. If you tell yourself you're not pretty enough, or too fat when you are in good health and much smaller after WLS, if you pay attention  to strangers who may glance at you or even outright look, and assume they think negative things, then you need to change what you tell yourself.
The number one thing to remember is that NOBODY is perfect.  Most likely people see a lovely woman if they happen to look your way. And many times we think someone is looking and thinking about us or our appearance, and in reality they didn't notice us because they were chatting or actually looking for someone they know to show up, or were thinking you look like someone they'd like know.
So do some self-affirming chatting, after all, you've come a long way Baby!  Enter any room like you own it, and expect good reactions and people to show interest in you. Practice at home, get together with close friends and go out in a group.
Self confidence can only come from inside you.
Best wishes.