Question:
After Surgery will I REALLY start wanting to take care of myself?

Right now I have to force myself to do all the everyday hygiene things that normal people do (hair, makeup, shower,look in a mirror) I am wondering will I ever get to the point where I will want to do it. Instead of feeling like I have to do it? Please any help you can give me is appreciated.    — Rene C. (posted on March 27, 2002)

March 27, 2002
I am still pre-op, but my opinion would be a big YES!!! I know how you feel about make up, etc. I used to think "why bother", but I found once I started wearing make up on a regular basis I felt better about myself. Being a large person, hygiene is definately important. There are a lot of large women that are very well groomed, then there are also a lot of women who are just plain slobs. Just because we're fat doesn't mean we're slobs. Take pride in your body and go buy some shower gels and lotions, they make you feel better, then take the time to put on a little make up and do your hair, but do it for YOU!!! good luck...if you'd like to email me, please do...
   — candymom64

March 27, 2002
I am 5 weeks post op and down over 20 pounds so far! I feel so blessed to have had this surgery done, I HATED looking in the mirror everyday, I did it but didnt enjoy it. Now it just gets better every day, i have even been putting on makeup! regularly!! every pound off makes me feel better, , my dh also helps by telling me constantly how sexy I am, (but he always did) I think you will love the new you! good luck, becky
   — rebecca N.

March 27, 2002
Have you had your psych eval? Sometimes not wanting to take care of personal hygiene, and here I am speaking more of not bathing or showering than bothering with makeup, can be a sign of depression. Good luck
   — Becky K.

March 27, 2002
I too wondered the same thing. I believe like the previous poster said, the desire to spend the extra time for hair and make up will grow stronger with every pound lost. I remember when I couldn't leave the house without my hair being perfect and make up on. Being overweight I've slacked tremendously, I just pull my hair back in a scrunchie and I'm doing good to put on foundation and powder for makeup. I can't wait to start watching my shrinking image in the mirror and getting excited about my new image!!
   — sunsect

March 27, 2002
As a previous poster mentioned, this could definitely be a sign of depression, and that will NOT necessarily get better after surgery. In fact, if it is depression, it may get WORSE after surgery if not treated. I know. I've gone through depression both before and after surgery. One of the classic symptoms of my depression has been difficulty in forcing myself to take a shower, iron my clothes or brush my teeth. I'll do it most of the time, but it takes all my energy, and if I am not planning on going anyplace, I'll often skip it. When my meds are adjusted and I talk to my therapist, it all usually goes away pretty quickly and I'm back to my usual neat, clean self! If there is any possiblility that this could be depression, please go see a PCP, or psychiatrist or psychologist. The surgery alone will not cure depression. Good luck. If I can help answer any other questions, please feel free to email me at [email protected]
   — Maria H.

March 27, 2002
Rene, You are wonderful and beautiful person, you have so much going for yourself. Not only are you beautiful on the outside, you are also beautiful on the inside. You love yourself unconditinally, and because you do; you take wonderful care of yourself. No matter what size you are, you have to love and nuture yourself, if you don't do it for yourself, than no one else will do it for you. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
   — Dee D.

March 28, 2002
I am 11 weeks post-op and 50+ pounds less. I must say I feel as if I am more aware of my body in a positive way. It is not a burden to move around and I have been told I have a sexy strut now.(LOL) I have found that my smile is one of my best attributes so now I am bleaching my teeth. I am still not comfortable in a bathtub but I take sented showers and am now back to shaving my legs and arms which is something I have not done in years. Like you I did the basic and my attitude was, "why bother". But as the weight is coming off I am beginning to feel like a butterfly coming out of a cocoon. I am even getting contacts. It's a whole new world to look forward to. Remember, it is what you make of it. I plan to enjoy everyday of this new ride.
   — Gloria G.