This weeks question comes from my recent post, The Choice for Plastic Surgery after Weight Loss. In the article I gave my reason for choosing to have plastic surgery after weight loss and I talked about how hard of a decision it was for me to make.
Most comments were from those who supported my decision and they shared their views on the plastic surgery issue. However, those who had a different point of view, and felt that surgery is not the answer, got the impression they weren’t able to contribute. Many saw the anti-surgery comments as negative and, in essence, unsupportive of my decision.
This is partially my fault as I made the post very personal. In reality this blog is really a personal journal made public so sometimes I just vent or rationalize for myself while letting others in. That sometimes doesn’t make a good forum for healthy debate.
I’m not naive, I don’t think everyone thinks my decision was the right one, but as I said in my original post, “My decision is one that not all will agree with but in the end it’s mine to make.”
That being said, I thought it would be beneficial to actually hear what peoples position are on plastic surgery without it being a supportive/unsupportive issue of my decision.
So….
How do you feel about plastic surgery after a significant weight loss? Would you have surgery if you had the means?
Let’s try to keep it nice. I won’t take it personally, if you won’t. :~)
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Roni started this blog in '05 to journal her weight loss. 70lbs later, she's committed to living a conscious, healthy life and hopes to inspire others along the way. Read more on the about page.Like the new look of Roni’s Weigh?
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Hi Roni! In my post from the entry that you had about your upcoming surgery I stated that there are a lot of questions that I have to ask myself mostly about putting people out and money issues. If someone offered me a TOTALLY FREE tummy tuck I would have one, but probably not anything else on my body. Don’t get me wrong, I have many problem areas, but the only one that gives me trouble time and again is the belly.
Oh and I have to share a story with you. I got my dad into reading GreenLiteBites and when the Vitamuffin competition showed up,I told dad that I would enter. He laughed at me and said that if I got in the top five he would pay half of a tummy tuck and if I won he would pay for it all. I thought you would get a kick out of it!! My dad and I LOVE your sites! :)
I would not. I live in Michigan and most people don’t look perfect here. If I was famous, lived in a warm climate, or had really competitive people around me that valued looks for career advancement, that might be different.
But I don’t know if things will change as I get older. I am 33 and still happy with my looks for the most part. The only problem I ever have is with my thighs. My mom does have a turkey neck…and if I get that I might cut it off! :)
There are so many other natural and gentle ways you can try. Like mud wraps :)
I have never been small…and after my daughter was born I’ve lost a lot of weight and am at my smallest ever. I work with a personal trainer regularly and no matter how hard we work, my tummy still will not tighten up (well you can feel the tight muscles under the loose skin but you can’t see it!) If I knew that I were done having children and could afford it I would absolutely do it…more for my own self-image. (also I have no boobs left after my child either— side note I went from a DD after her to an A..to justify my reasoning— I would have a lift and/or enhancement also!) It’s no one elses business what you do with your own body so to anyone who wants plastic surgery I say go ahead!
I would absolutely have a tummy tuck. After all of the hard work of losing weight I think it is well deserved. You’re such an inspiration to me, Roni! I hope to be as successful as you very soon!!!
I think that is a hard question. I would definitely try other options first and it would take a lot of thought for me, even if it was offered for free. Like the PP, I would have to know that I was done having children and that I’d tried all my other options before I felt it would be worth it. Roni, I also think you are an inspiration. You didn’t go out and have weight loss surgery… You tried all your options and have really stuck too it. And as your reward, as the cherry on top (of you new body) you allowed yourself to have the procedure so that you felt better about yourself. Good for you!
So, I suppose the simple answer to your question is, yes I would have the surgery done.
If I could get away without a scar I think I would go through with a tummy tuck. After losing 30lbs (with your help!) my son still likes to play with Mommy’s “pizza dough” on her belly. Still hoping it might tighten up on its own though!
Roni, you are awesome! I am always so impressed with your eloquence in your blogposts. What a great way to start a discussion! I want to say first of all, I am supportive of your surgery, and I think you have done so much hard work to improve the lives of other “losers” with blog to lose and your other projects. You are such a positive support to people who are their own worst critics. Ok, on to the surgery topic. This is a subject I struggle with. It is hard for me to justify spending around 10k on a tummy tuck/breast lift when there is so much need in the world. I do feel tempted because we live in AZ where swimsuits are just another regular outfit for summer. I have the post baby extra skin, and deflated breasts after breastfeeding 2 kids (currently breastfeeding my sweet baby girl). It is hard for me to say yes I would, without a doubt. In the end, I might rather say I would spend that 10 thousand dollars leaving more of a mark on the world. I am still undecided. I look at my body as future fertilizer sometimes, and sometimes I want to look great in a bikini! LOL ;-) I guess I will settle for a tankini to hide the tummy bulge and a good bra for now, until I am sure of what I want to do. ;-)
This is so hard to answer. I would never, ever spend the money on it, so then it becomes a non-reality and therefore, a fantasy. So, in my fantasy world, I would have the perfect body, even if that meant surgery. So then yes.
How is that for a non-answer?
Best of luck to you!!
YEP, I sure would have it if I had the means. I got HUGE when I was pg with my dd and my stomach is nothing buy skin! I just lost 42 lbs and in a heart beat I’d get that skin removed! I don’t like when people say “try everything first”. Plain and simple, if you have saggy skin (especially with stretch marks), that skin will NEVER, EVER be tightened with working out. it’s just not going to be. Anyways, small vent there. My point..yep, I want a tummy tuck, but can’t afford it.
I’d do it. You only live once…might as well do it looking and feeling the best you can.
I don’t know. I would advocate it for other people more than myself. I am not worried about being vain, the money, that I could do better things, etc. I would just hate to have the actual surgery. I would hate the incision, the scar, the recovery, etc.
I care about how I look but I don’t have really high standards (I guess?). I think most people who complain about extra skin don’t look that bad. Especially if they are wearing clothes. Some people look as though they need it but I don’t think I am overweight enough to look like that. But I haven’t lost all my weight so I don’t know…
you’re very intuitive – I didn’t comment because of the very reasons you mentioned. I have thought often about plastic surgery. I guess at the end of the day these are my thoughts as they pertain to my body:
1) I think, after making and taking the proper effort to get yourself healthy, if a body needs “tweaking” then it’s a great idea
2) I don’t really think surgery FOR weight loss is a good idea because I don’t know that you learn how not to get there again
3) I’m quite afraid of the pain that would come after the surgery. For that reason, I don’t think it will be a reality for me.
And 4) If I were really honest – if I could get past the pain, I’d have my nose done!! And I know my nose hasn’t changed since I lost weight!! HAHA
Im the same as Beth…the smallest I have ever been, themost healthy and Ive had three kids…my stomach is just as she described…I have strong abs UNDER the flab, thats just so disheartening after all the work I do. I have a personal trainer and work out 6-7 times per week with a great way of eating and surgery seems to be the only thing left for me to try. We dont have the means and ultimately, I am chicken…but I WISH I could get a tummy tuck every day I think about it….
I would like to thank Roni for being brave enough to post this question. Obviously it is a very personal thing for you, and it shows real maturity that you are willing to open this topic for discussion.
I can understand why people choose to have surgery after weight loss. That is a very personal decision, and one that I would never judge. I am, however, deeply saddened by the way that our culture has begun to vilify completely natural, normal variations in the human body. The flat stomach is a completely arbitrary ideal…I just got back from an art museum and noticed that ancient sculptures of Venus show rolls of fat on her sides when she bends over! She is not overweight, even by modern standards, and her stomach is not protruding, but it is soft and fleshy-looking. This used to be considered BEAUTIFUL.
I understand that removing excess skin can be a way of saying goodbye to one’s old, obese self. I know that it can bring closure to some people. I also see some people being encouraged by surgeons to have procedures that they do not need and that they are beautiful without. At some point, surgery is no longer about remedying the effects of past obesity. Surgery becomes about attaining an “ideal” body that nobody over the age of 30 (or who has ever had kids) actually has.
I respect a woman’s right to do what she feels will make her happy and confident. I just don’t have to respect any force in society that makes women feel bad about their normal, healthy, bodies.
Yes, I would and I plan to once I am done having kids and can get to where I want to be with my weight. It’s a totally personal decision and if you want to do it and have the means to do it, I say go for it. I am totally not opposed to it at all. I don’t judge people for doing it…I’m more jealous that they can do it when I can’t right now. :)
I admire you, Roni. I really do. I hope to (one day) get to the point where I can be comfortable in my body and if that means a tummy tuck or a lift or whatever, then I’ll do it!
I have always wanted a flat stomach. I have always been a big girl too. I saw Roni’s before and after pictures and its really motivating to me. I haven’t had children yet, so of course I am going to wait until that is done. Eventually I am going to do it though. I agree with most everyone else-it is definitely a personal choice and it will really only effect you, not anyone else. (except your significant other who would have to help foot the bill).
I want to add one more thing to my comment….
I will never have any implants. I don’t mind lifting and tucking and sucking stuff out, but I never want implants. I have a very good friend who had a tummy tuck and breast lift with implants done after having gastric bypass surgery (and losing 170#!) and she says the implants are uncomfortable and they bother her. This is not something I desire. BUT…if someone wants them, I will not judge that person. It’s just not something *I* want for myself. ;)
hi roni! i am a faithful reader of your blog, and a fellow ww. i sent a dear friend to your site who was contemplating a tummy tuck herself. she went ahead with it, was sorry the first 48 hours after the surgery, but since then, has not regretted it for a moment. i have lost a significant amount of weight(75 pounds) and faithfully excercised my way down, however, i still have excess skin that hasn’t gone away and to be frank, probably never will on it’s own. if i had the financial means for a tummy tuck, arm lift, and boob job, heck lets just call it a full body lift, i would do it in a heart beat! I would not go through life feeling inadequate about how i look and feel, if I could do something about it. It isnt just about how you look, how YOU feel about yourself affects every aspect of your life. I say “good for you” and keep up the great informative site, its a true inspiration.
I would. I think if you’ve accomplished something as big as losing weight, you deserve to go the extra mile to get a procedure that might make you gain even more self confidence. Personally, I would get breast implants because I lost more weight there than anywhere else. :oP
I’ve always said I have six-pack abs under the belly skin! LOL Roni, you do what you need to do, girl. It’s all about what makes us feel the best about ourselves, but man, it’s tough putting it out there publically. Know you have my full support. L
My answer is easy and has nothing to do with money. I am terrified of medical procedures so just for that reason I would not have any plastic surgery. I don’t want to go under anesthesia for any reason and I don’t want to be in any kind of pain plus I have just heard too many horror stories about what can go wrong. Having said that, if it didn’t terrify the heck out of me, I would definitely do it if there was something I didn’t like about myself. I have to say that I am really lucky that after losing over 60 pounds I don’t have any loose skin so it’s not an issue for me. I don’t mean that to sound snobby in any way, I’m just very lucky that my skin went back.
I really believe that everyone has to do what they think is best for them and if the surgery will make you feel better, go for it!! Good luck!
All I need is someone to pay the bill! Seriously, I would get a tummy tuck in a NY Minute if I had the money for it. I’ve had three kids and always considered my stretch marks and “pooch” (OK, let’s be honest, pooches don’t HANG like mine LOL) “badges of honor”. But in the past year, I’ve really thought I’d love to just get that belly removed because I’m just so self-conscious about it. I could probably go from a size 14 to a size 8 in a matter of hours with a good tummy tuck. :(
And yes, I’ve done enough sit ups and crunches — I know they aren’t gonna get rid of excess skin. Period. And neither will mud wraps, as someone else suggested. Your doctor was right, Roni – that skin doesn’t go back to it’s normal state – whether it’s from losing weight or having kids or both!
The “problem area” I would work
with would be my arms since they
would regularly be most visible. I
am at the age where that begins to be a “problem” regardless of weight
loss. I say the decision is up to
each individual and what she feels
she needs for herself.
I am really torn on this issue myself. I have a bit of loose skin over muscle after having my son and losing about 75 pounds (just a few more to go!).
There are a few reasons I probably will not have surgery (other than the money). One is that I really don’t feel (personally of course – your results may vary) it is very loving of yourself to have essentially slices or chunks of your body cut off. Also, I really feel like I would nitpick my looks more if I paid thousands of dollars to do something and feel less satisfied than if I was just the way I turned out. And the weirdest reason probably is that I would be afraid to be tightened too much so that I would not be able to easily do a full backbend (which I can do now).
That being said, I might consider less invasive things, like using Retin A on my stretch marks or trying laser skin tightening.
hmm, this is a tough one as I haven’t reached my goal weight. I am still very overweight (260+ lbs) but that is down from 320 and I don’t have a lot of signs of sagging. Just- still fat.
I have seen bodies of those who have lost a significant amount of weight and it often seems like there is fat trapped under the skin that still needs to be lost.
It also seems that those who lost weight without any exercise (IE: strength training) tend to have more sagging skin than those who do exercise.
I think I am in denial about my own skin, as I hope that when I do get down to a healthy weight for my height (5’4) that my skin will not be a ruffly mass.
I just don’t have an answer. I can’t say I wouldn’t because maybe I would, but right now I wouldn’t mainly because I still have a lot of work to do, not to mention the fact that it looks really painful. I’m not to keen on blood and the other runny stuff.
Also, I find the scar much more scary than loose/wobbly skin. It would be weird to me to have a giant self-imposed scar on my body.
I think weight loss related plastic surgery is much different then getting a nose job or something more superficial like that.
I would and DID get plastic surgery. I had an extended tummy tuck that turned into a circumferential body lift all because of loose skin following weight loss and 3 children. I am only 12 days post op and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
HOWEVER, what I would not do again is tell everybody that I had it done. I’m getting way too many negative comments! Anyways, Roni, you are an inspiration to so many and we all thank you!!!!
To gottahavefaith: I too, am saddened by our society’s epidemic of self-hate of normal, natural women. Virtually every woman I know can name something they HATE about their bodies. Do we really need to look like “boobs on a stick”? Must we really correct any “problem areas” to give us self-confidence; go under the knife, filling our chest with over-size balloons, and vacuum out unwanted pounds so we have no extra “flesh”? Yet almost every man who likes to look at fake boobs would never want them on their wife or girlfriend. I want to be the best I can be for my age and fitness level…without the knife. Should self-confidence be related to the size of thighs? I pray my daughters can find “something” to love about their natural, beautiful bodies.
I would do it in a heartbeat…Boobs too.
After a few years how is the scar? Im curious. I might start a ‘hot mama’ fund =)
I would love to get rid of the saggy belly after two children… I’ve lost the weight but still am self conscious.
i’m scared of general anesthesia, the painful recovery, and the risks associated with the surgery itself. so i could never get plastic surgery, because to me, the negatives far outweigh any potential increase in the quality of life post surgery.
however, this only applies to me. i don’t consider plastic surgery as wrong. if plastic surgery helps you feel better about yourself or even help you love yourself, then who is to say plastic surgery can’t be a life-saving procedure?
I did get an extended tummy tuck with muscle and hernia repair at the end of February. It was the best decision I have ever made and I am saving up to get the rest of the skin removed on my backside and possibly my thighs. I am pretty sure that i am going to have a breast lift and implants done as well and maybe my underarms.
My background is that I got rid of 176 pounds through changing my eating and exercise. When I say exercise, I am talking about intense cardio on machines(60 minutes), road biking(20 to 30 mile rides), lap swimming(75 minutes) and long walks. I did weightlifting, heavy weights that built muscle and intense ab work. I did this with a trainer and by myself. I am now a certified personal trainer. I also got rid of this weight over a 3 year period. Most importantly, I am 46 and was up and down between 280 and 328 since I was 18.
With all this being said, it didn’t matter what I did, I could not get my skin to shrink and I absolutely believe that it would never get go back to normal or even close to normal. I donated my skin to a medical study I am in and the researcher said that the fat that I had left is considered a normal level. I just had too much skin to left to ever reattach to the muscle because of how long I carried my weight.
Now, to some of the posters that talk about perfection, I do not have a perfect tummy. I still have stretch marks, soft skin that will never go away, I have a gentle curve in my lower tummy that will probably never go away and the scars that I have are major. But for me it is the most beautiful tummy I have ever seen and I love my new bellybutton. I will not have 6-pack abs that show but what I don’t have is all the excess skin that was forever causing me problems including health problems.
I have to say that it has totally changed my life for the better. Forget the looks aspect, but hygiene wise, it is SO much easier to take showers and even to dry off. When I take my yoga classes now, I don’t feel like I am suffocating nor does my skin catch under me and cause me pain when I do different positions. The benefits are countless.
I think it is a very personal decision and because every person is different, you cannot compare yourself to someone else. There are so many factors involved with a decision of plastic surgery and while I respect everyone has an opinion about it, there is an old saying regarding people’s opinions. That includes mine!
I respect your decision to make this such a public decision and giving the opportunity to express our opinions about this subject. Btw, my core is so much stronger that I am amazed at how my workouts have changed and I am still not back to full capacity yet! I’m working out harder than what I did BEFORE my surgery! I have to hold myself back so that I don’t cause myself unnecessary pain because I have done too much.
Thanks again Roni for allowing such an open discussion about such a personal topic.
Undergoing Plastic Surgery may can be taken from different approaches. aesthetic, medical or just for vanity. I would get one only if my face would require it due to age.
I think it is really cool of you to post this and open up the questions in this way.
I didn’t comment before because I don’t think anyone can really say what is right for someone else.
I don’t think I would do it until I had cut my body fat % to a point where I knew what was left really was loose skin. I think a lot of times people expect skin to tighten up when they still have 20 percent bf and that isn’t realistic really. To get the uber low bf that gives the look many are after take way more work than most people are willing to do. It is probably more than I’m willing to do, I’m not sure yet, I’ll see but I don’t think I would use surgery.
I’ve lost weight and have the saggy boobs to prove it. I would never mess with those cosmetically though because I think natural women are beautiful and natural women at my age, having lost weight, will have saggy boobs. Nothing wrong with that. I’d rather that to grapefruit halves stuck on my chest.
I might get excess skin removed if I had a severe amount that was affecting mobility or health and fitness. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t ever get lipo.
That said, I think everyone knows best what they want for their own body. I just hope more people without surgery can find the confidence to say the hell with it and get out there on the beaches and wear whatever the heck they want. The one thing about surgery that I don’t care for is if the only people out there wearing the bathing suits at the beach are the perfect looking bodies earned in part at least with a knife. I worry about all the people that get unrealistic expectations from that. I think we are already there with boobs. I know I wouldn’t want to be 20 years old again competing with boob jobs. I’m wondering how many young moms feel the extra pressure for a flat stomach if they live in an area where most people can afford a tuck.
Hi Roni, Hope you aren’t getting caught up in the “everything has to be perfect” trap that many plastic surgeons peddle. Most are willing to go along or even suggest areas that could be improved….it puts food on their table. Even after you have this second surgery, I can almost bet that you will still find areas on your body that aren’t exactly as you would like them to be and you will be thinking about a little more “tweaking”. Eventually, you will find that all the dieting, eating properly, exercising and plastic surgery just won’t stop the hands of time. As we age, the body undergoes changes, period! The older you get, the more you will realize this. Unless you plan on becoming an exotic dancer or a porno star, I say “stop trying to make yourself perfect”…..it will never happen. Now, let me conclude by saying I personally have issues with aging and looking my best, too…yep, I’ve had a face lift, the bags removed from under my eyes, botox injections, and Juvaderm (collagen) injections. I’m 66 years old and look pretty darned good for “an old bag.” I will continue to do whatever it takes to keep myself looking the best I can for as long as I can. And yes, I admit, plastic surgery is addictive. But when you get the expected results, it’s definitely worth it….at least it’s worth it to me!
Hi Roni! I have to say that you are the perfect candidate for plastic surgery. You have done all the hard work. You lost the weight. You exercise and you have patiently waited to see how your body would respond to the weightloss. Now that you have done what you can on your on, I am all for getting surgery to finish up what is making you unhappy that you can’t fix with your continued hard work. I am all for surgery if it is to help deal with something that makes you unhappy with your body that you can’t fix on your own with diet and exercise. I would totally do it if I got to my goal weight. I would be very afraid of the recovery pain though.
I think there is a line – where exercise does not remove the excess skin.
I would LOVE to see a study on where that line might be (I realize genetics come in here) in regard to pounds.
I know that (for me) it is possible to work down from 215 lbs (5′ 6″) and get my body back.
But is it possible to get the body back at 230 lbs? 250 lbs? I don’t know.
I have done major yoga and pilates all the way down. In addition to cardio. I started free weights after I hit my goal range.
My tummy and thighs are now firm. My belly is flat (in clothes).
Someone meeting me – would have NO idea what my body used to look like.
My tummy has major wrinkles below the belly – but I might have had them after 3 babies anyway (largest was 9 lbs 3 oz).
And at my heaviest (after babies) – I carried my excess weight mostly in my belly – looked pregnant all the time – so I had a LOT of skin left after the fat (finally) left. The skin kept “soaking up”.
If I had waited until I was done loosing weight and then started exercise, would it still have “soaked up” as much as it has? I have NO idea. That would be an interesting study too.
I am on my second year of maintenance – so my weight is stable – but the conditioning of my belly and thighs continues to improve.
The difference between this year and last is notice-able (at same weight) and I think that skin is continue-ing to “soak” up more (I am 47).
It is VERY much an internal game now – to see how good it can get after the end of this year.
when I started – my pilates instructor told me that I could do amazing things with my belly. And she saw it all – because I stripped down to my underwear so she could see the whole ugly mess.
I did this with a (later) personal trainer too – so she would know exactly what we were up against.
The ONLY really bad pocket of skin that I have is on my chest wall – under my arm pits. My breasts are now still large (no surgery there either) as I am in a 32E. I can hide with clothes. REALLY good bra helps a LOT. And the “ugly pocket” continues to get better too. it will never be great. It is so much harder to “work” that area.
If I had known – how far I would be able to come without surgery – I would have taken progress pictures. I have general pictures – but not “body part” pictures and I wish that I did.
Good question. Thanks for being open and honest. I stand by -it’s your blog and you can say what you want to! Anyhoo, This is a tough question. Right now this very minute I say no. For one main reason -I too am terrified of any medical procedures. I recovered nicely from my 2 c-sections, and love the idea of a boobie lift especially after nursing, a tummy tuck after I lose my 50 pounds would be fantastic but I don’t think I can bring myself under the knife for that fear. If it could happen without being knocked out, I would be more inclinced to say yes. I say it’s everyone’s personal choice, if it makes you feel good, than go for it. Oh, boy, gotta go say some prayers! I am a nut about stuff like that…
Hi Roni! I never like to say never. Plastic surgery is a personal choice and I think it’s completely rational to want something like that when you’ve done everything in your power to make your body look and feel healthy but still deal with some things that are just not under your control (i.e. loose skin). Would I do it, honestly, I don’t think so. But I don’t have that problem (probably b/c I don’t have children). When others do it I say more power to you!
Take Care!
I’m not sure if I would or not. If I had the means, I probably would feel so guilty spending so much money on something so temporary. I don’t mean that to be a sleight, but that’s just me. When you look at the rising costs of everything we buy, it makes having that kind of surgery seem so selfish. However, when I dropped all my weight before, I had so much excess skin that it made me uncomfortable to take my shirt off to go swimming. I even went to see a plastic surgeon and he told me that my skin would not tighten automatically. He said it has lost its elasticity. So, if I had the means to do it and that money couldn’t be better spent on paying off more bills, or something important, then I might actually have my excess tummy skin removed.
I would SOOOOO do it. Your photos made me want one. I know that there are lots of other ways to work your tummy, but sometimes they just do not work. I think that we (people who have or are trying to loss weight need to feel good about the way they look.
Like one anonymous poster, I try to never say never. This is an issue that I have thought much about, and I still have mixed feelings…
Personally, I think the small imperfections are what make a person beautiful, the little things that make each one unique. I know, that sounds so cliché… but really, when I think of people I’ve loved, it’s not their flat abs or sculpted arms or straight teeth that come to mind… it’s that one certain mole or the scar on their lip or the crook of their nose… well, you get the picture.
Also, I don’t think I could ever be comfortable with having any kind of unnecessary surgical or medical procedure, cosmetic or otherwise.
So the simple answer would be no, I would not have plastic surgery myself. And while I certainly don’t have the means anyway, money wouldn’t even be part of the equation.
With that said though, I do lots of things that other folks don’t understand, like getting tattoos. I cherish my ink and even 10 years after my first piece, I wouldn’t undo a drop of it. To a lot of people, that makes me crazy.
What it really comes down to is letting that (others’ two cents) go and having the clarity of mind, the guts and the conviction to weigh your options and do your homework, and if after that it’s still for you, just to GO for it. And I think that applies to most things in life, not just plastic surgery.
Far be it from me to judge another person’s decision.
What does bother me, however, is the way such procedures are made light of in popular culture. On one radio station I listen to, a commercial for the “mommy makeover” plays on literally every single break, and in nearly every public toilet I use hangs a poster for breast enhancements by a popular local plastic surgeon. It’s one thing for an adult woman (or man, for that matter) to make an educated decision about their own bodies, based on their own personal experiences and feelings. It’s quite another to constantly bombard even young and impressionable girls with the notion that no matter what they do, their bodies will never be beautiful enough without the pain and expense of undergoing surgery. That, in my eyes, is tragic.
How’s that for a complicated answer? Haha! ;-)
I truly admire you, Roni, for airing all of your personal thoughts and issues here for the benefit of others who may be struggling. Kudos to you for starting this discussion, and really, for all that you do. Your sites, especially GreenLiteBites, have helped me tremendously on my own mission for a healthier lifestyle. So, thanks. And good luck with the cookbook!!!
I secretly covet some lipo and skin tightening on my thighs and butt. But I know that for the money, it’s just not worth it for me. But for someone who has the will, money, and has educated themselves, I say go for it.
Hi Roni!
I think if I had lost a really significant amount of weight and had worked out consistently and had not seen my problem areas improve I would want to fix what I wasn’t able to fix but…..I don’t have the means to do this and I wouldn’t do it unless I had a real surplus of money that I wouldn’t need to use on my children – I would need to know that all of their needs are being met including college savings etc.
As a parent to a daughter, one of the most important life lessons I want her to learn is accepting herself fully and completely. For me, a change like plastic surgery does not show an acceptance of who you are, or who you were. I wouldn’t want my daughter to do it, so I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing it myself.
Abso-freaking-lutely!!!! I’d do it in a heartbeat (if I could afford it). There’s nothing worse than working so hard to get in shape and drop a significant amount of weight, and then have all that loose skin around as a reminder!
I so agree with Julie, above. I have two daughters, and they watch everything I do. They are noticing that I am eating very healthy, so they want to, too. They see me exercising, and they want to be active. They’re watching and listening and perceiving so much more than we as parents give them credit for. So teaching them that the only way to be happy with their “imperfect” bodies is to go under the knife multiple times seems like a very bad idea.
I want them to love themselves, warts and all. We are what we are, and there is so much more to concentrate on than how we look in a bathing suit. There is life to live and good work to be done.This may sound cliche, but outward beauty is fleeting. I’d much rather make sure I and my girls are inwardly beautiful.
Roni, I would have every kind of plastic surgery offered if I could afford it! Kudos to you for having rewarded yourself with surgery after losing weight. I can’t think of a greater way to reward yourself!!! You can’t please everyone! However, everyone is entitled to an opinion. I just don’t agree with most of them!!! You are such an inspiration. Keep it up!
DBryan
I personally would not have the surgery regardless of the money issue. I’m not one to take a risk, and if I don’t have to be cut, eh, I won’t be. :) I know what a long process it is to loose that much weight, and how nice it would be to take it to the next level, but if it wasn’t hurting me, I just wouldn’t bothere. I’m not even sure what the payoff for me would be. A family member of mine actually works in reception at one of these hospitals, and says how awful it is for her to see parents say bye to their kids and go into surgery. I would have to agree. Not that I would judge anyone for doing it, I just don’t think I have a reason to. :) Cheers.
If I had the means or someone else would give them to me I would have surgery in a heartbeat, no question about it.
After having worked so hard (and still am) between changing my diet and incorporating exercising into my life anything to help show my results would so be worth it for me. At 45 your skin/body just does not go back into place like it did in your 20s especially after having twins in my late 20s and a c section at 36.
I am a firm believer that cosmetic surgery is a personal choice and if done within reason (not in an addictive way like the living barbie doll) am all for anything that make you feel better.
Hell yeah! In a heart beat. I hope we have the means in a few years because I want my saddle bags & my flabby tummy skin gone.