Question:
Since I have lost my weight I have been so critical about myself.

I cannot get over the fact that I have lost so much weight. When I look in the mirror I can't believe that it is me. I actually look almost thin.I am down to 142 pounds and a size 6/8 jeans. But.... I still feel like I am 250 pounds and am not feeling good about myself at all. My skin does sag at the arms, inner theighs, and upper belly (lower is great because of TT) When I bend down, It looks like I am an old lady with hanging upper stomach. I know I am being critical and should count my blessings, but it is so hard to do that when I see myself naked. Anyone else feel this way about themselves?    — Dawn H. (posted on September 21, 2002)

September 20, 2002
Hi, I am almost a year out. I started at 271. That is what I weighed the day I left the hospital. I know I gained more, but this is what I go with. Today I weigh in between 150-153. I feel great. And I am much thinner. I am waiting on a TT. I don't actually have an appointment until Feb of next year. But I wanted to wait until after Christmas... So this way it works out. Anyhow.... I too feel the way you do. I still feel that I am so much bigger than what I am.. I have lots of excess skin, and sometimes I just sit and cry..... I hate it. I know I have to look better and god above knows I FEEL better.... But I WANT TO KNOW in my heart I LOOK as good as everyone tells me. So no you are not alone.
   — TONYA B.

September 21, 2002
I know exactly what you guys mean. I am only in the begining phase and have lost 63 pouds since surgery 6-6-02 and I have massive skin hanging. Sometimes it is a real struggle to just get up in the morning and face the day with all of this hanging skin. I am praying that I lose 43 pounds before January so that I can go and have 2nd consult with surgeon. I already went and talked to him about pricing so I could be prepared financially. He said that I could return at 200 lbs and start the insurance game. I do not want to wait til I am at goal (150-175) and end up losing 20 pounds of skin and being anorexic looking at 130. I do believe that 160-175 is going to be my goal weight therefore if I start the ins process at 200 it will take a few moths to get approved and by the time I am approved I will have lost more weight. I do feel for you and I feel your frustration with the skin issue. I hope it all works out for you. God Bless.
   — Skyedancer4u1

September 21, 2002
I understand completely how you feel. Plastic surgery is a godsend!! Since you had you lower stomach done, does your doctor do revisions for free?? You could then have your upper stomach done and maybe he would only charge you something minimally if you paired it with another procedure like liposuction of the arms. When I had my tt, my doctor did my entire stomach and it looks great. I had liposuction on my arms at the same time and they have tightened up like you wouldn't believe. I can't afford to have my thighs done and I doubt I ever will have that surgery. My arms and stomach were my biggest problem area to me. You need to pick which are yours and then do something about them if you want to feel better about yourself.
   — Patty H.

September 21, 2002
Yep, I am very critical of myself. I remember being so big and saying I'd be happy if I'd just get to such and such weight...I'd get there and say well...I'd be happy if I get to this weight instead...my goal keeps getting lower and lower...and I don't ever seem to be content...I've lost 130 lbs starting at 282. I am 5'3" and a size 14 now ... I see people in the before/after library at my weight but several sizes smaller (because they are taller) and I get so bumbed. I feel like I'm going to be chubby forever. Also, I didn't want to go through any of the plastic surgery stuff...but when I see the skin hang under my arms and the sides of my breasts I am so disgusted...I think I'm just going to have to finance till I die to get things taken care of. My belly and thighs are barable (for now). I don't have a big pouch, just a little jiggly. No advice, just a msg to say you aren't alone. Best wishes. -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 -130
   — KimBo36