Question:
I have a question....

I am almost 2 years post op, at goal weight (with a slight bounce-back amount of 5 lbs.), and I want to have a revision done to MAKE ME LOSE MORE WEIGHT!! I know - in my brain - that this is very silly, but I think I'm addicted to surgery. I think it is because of the attention and the compliments I got once the weight started falling off, and now, those compliments and attention is gone. I know insurance wouldn't pay for more surgery, and I know I won't get it done, but I WANT to lose more weight and my body is happy at this weight, so I can't physically seem to lose anymore on my own. Anyone else feel this way? Thanks!    — michelle T. (posted on January 20, 2004)

January 20, 2004
Hi Michelle, I read your profile and my one thought is(and you can take it for whatever you think it's worth) a revision isn't going to help you deal with your food issues. I'll bet you'd be surprised if you got that counseling you mentioned and started working on some of the reasons you're sabotaging yourself. I've read profiles on this web site of people who have gotten their heads straight and went on to lose the rest of their weight or their regain. You've still got a VERY powerful tool but it is your tummy, not your brain. You're a beautiful lady and you can do this without having to go thru the risk of another surgery. Good luck to you.
   —  SCbabe B.

January 20, 2004
Michelle, after reading your question and your profile I understand what you are going through. I am 1 year 5 mounts post op and down 160 lbs. I currently weigh 160-165 lbs, and I am in a size 10/12/Med tops. I too am having a hard time getting a hold of my body image. I have never been able to see my true self, I have always compared myself to others. I look at my mom, who is a size 12. How can I be smaller than her when I have this huge flap of skin around my waist? I simply cannot comprehend it. Also, as a fat person, I always accepted that my body wasn't perfect and dealt with that....well now I see a possibility that it could be perfect (realistically that is). My point is that I too see a small bulge here and there and get really upset about it.....my boobs are horrible. I would probably need $50,000 in PS in order to get rid of things I dislike, but you know what? I would probably still see things I do not like. I too, enjoy all the complements and attention and will be saddened to see them go. In my opinion this is just like having a baby. Being pregnant everyone asks how you are doing as you walk in the door, once you have the baby, you are a second thought. This can be very difficult to deal with. So, after all that, here is my analysis. When we were big, we made it ok. We spent lots of energy on not dwelling on our faults, making sure we weren't affected severely by the things we did not like whether it was what people said, how we were treated, so simply how we felt. I think this is what we need to continue to do. There isn't anyone in the world who is truly and completely satisfied with the way they look, there is always room for improvement. You/we chose to get WLS to make ourselves healthier probably thinking we would look better and feel better about ourselves. Obviously just losing weight doesn't make you LOVE everything about your body so you need to accept what you have and move on. Make yourself happy like you used to and you know what? Now you're physically healthier so there is one less thing to dwell on. It boils down to self confidence and self esteem. They are not something you automatically have, you much work hard to obtain them Good luck in your journey. E-mail me if you want to chat.
   — Angela A.

January 21, 2004
And she lovingly responds.....Finding a good therapist would be your best bet! Your issues do not appear to be physical - but are located in your mind - the way you THINK about food and your body. If you find a good therapist that deals with food related issues and start regular therapy, I would wager you would feel leaps and bounds better about yourself. Best of luck on your journey to emotional health!!
   — MissKimberly