Body Image Issues

So here is my basic frame work: I'm 23 and 2 years post op I've lost about 120-130 pounds I was obese since age 13. I went from sizes 18-20-0X to sizes 8-10-12-M- all depending on brand cut style etc. My mother had a RNY 4.5 years before I had mine and she has had great results and ended up having a tummy tuck etc. 

Here is my problem- I look in the mirror and I'm disgusted by my body. Never before in my entire life was I disgusted with my body until I lost all the weight. I just see all this skin and cellulite and it makes me sad.  I tried on bathing suits and I just wanted to cry because I just saw a 23 year old girl in a "grandma body".   I wear spanx with almost everything and am a shape wear expert. I can't help but think this might not be healthy. 

At this point in my life a tummy tuck is not an option. I've been told it is best to wait until after children (although I'm pretty sure I want to adopt) to have the plastic surgery. Plastic surgery is also quite cost prohibitive at this point in my life. I also have a feeling that this is a problem in my head not with my actual body. 

I'm not sure what to do... I feel alone in this like no one understands what it is like to have "a body like this". Any help will be appreciated. I need support/ advice. 

I'm so sorry to here the struggles you're going through and I hope you know you're not alone. I am also 23 and had  VSG surgery about 4 months ago. My story and progress is very similar to yours and I know exactly how you feel with those body image issues. I know this is easier said than done and I think the mental struggle to love yourself is harder than any part of the surgery process but you need to make YOU #1 priority in all facets of your life. Your mind isn't going to change unless you work to change it, just the same way you committed to getting surgery to change your body and health for the better, you need to commit to your mind the same way. Therapy and self help books concentrating on young adult body image issues has helped me a lot. You and I have many many years to live and what good is it to be 23 and disgusted with our reflection? I've begun focusing on meditation and even just listening to self-affirmation meditations helps remind me the important things in life. You are young, you are healthy, you have been given amazing opportunities at such a young age to take control of your health, and I hope you are surrounded by lots of love. Focus on those wonderful things and eventually you'll break free from the negative body images. I too used to wear spanx with evvvverything...now I rarely do and it's an amazing feeling to look in the mirror and like what I see knowing that I don't have lycra sucking all my organs in lol. Investing in your mind AND body is the greatest investment you could possibly have. 

To quote one of my favorite shows (Rupauls Drag Race LOL) "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you going to love somebody else?"

Focus on today..and right now...instead of thinking "i'll love myself when i have that tummy tuck". Love yourself now flaws and all...and if a few years down the road you still want that tummy tuck, go for it. 

Good luck chica! 

Why can you not get a tummy tuck now? Many people get tummy tucks and go on to have healthy pregnancies afterwards. My surgeon posted about this very topic a while ago, but I cannot find the link. He said he understands self-esteem issues of younger women and knows some need it to feel more self-confident on the dating front. He does not pull the muscles as tight in women who wish to become pregnant at a later date.

Personally, I had to get rid of the skin for my mental health.