Body image - I did something today that shocked me...

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

I tried on and bought a bikini. Not to be ever seen in public...hahaha... but for my plastics before and afters. I was thinking I would die when I saw the photos, but you know what, I am proud of my body even with the extra skin! I didn't really think that way until today. I even did a couple of muscle woman poses to show off what I know is hiding under that skin.  

[AmandaRaeLeo 2,146]

Good for you and congrats on your awesome success! I hope to be so fortunate. :-)

[Butterthebean 8,146]

That's awesome Jane. You're right to be proud of your body. You look great and you've accomplished so much.

[lsereno 2,525]

Great looking muscle definition on that bicep! Can't wait to see the after pics. You already look great!

Lynda

[MystiGal 143]

You look amazing!!!!! Such an inspiration!

[Sleeved in Seattle 280]

You look great, whether you go forward with the PS or not. I mean come on, how much horseback riding do you do in a bikini, anyway? Not in our neck of the woods!

[BrownDoesAll 409]

Looking great!!

[Tiny One 223]

That's right, you gotta own your new body!!!! Good job.

[gamergirl 4,610]

Okay I am going to be very honest. After all your posts about all your loose skin and how much you had, and how you needed surgery, ext? I expected something quite different than what I see. To me, you look freaking amazing. You see loose skin, I see a long, lean, slender body. Totally understand why you feel the way you do because we are our own worst critics, but just believe me, you look great!

[Lisa's Hope 421]

You look awesome!!! Gives me an idea of what I may look like at your goal weight ALTHOUGH... you muscle definition is so much better than mine! You have done an amazing job!!!!

[soocalchic 1,087]

Look at those guns on you girl!!! you'll be super sexy when you get nipped and tucked.

[LipstickLady 25,682]

You look amazing!!!

[M2G 1,836]

Okay I am going to be very honest. After all your posts about all your loose skin and how much you had, and how you needed surgery, ext? I expected something quite different than what I see. To me, you look freaking amazing. You see loose skin, I see a long, lean, slender body. Totally understand why you feel the way you do because we are our own worst critics, but just believe me, you look great!

TOTALLY AGREE WITH GG^^^^!!!!

I think you look amazing. If I looked that good I probably wouldn't bother with plastics...

I know this is a personal journey for everyone, but I'm just being honest. I think you will look even more fabulous after you get all your work done, but please be proud of all you have accomplished. I never did and never will have a bikini body, so I love to see it when people rock their bikinis after a major weight loss.

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

Thank you for the compliments, but I have long suspected that Target dressing rooms have magical mirros - how else can you explain those terrible pants I bought last summer...lol.

In all seriousness, plastics is SERIOUS business and I wouldn't do it if i didn't need it. What those pics dont really show is that when I sit down, my tummy lays on top of my thighs. My thighs and arms are wrinkled like an elephant legs. I can go on.

Most of my "close up and horribly real" photos are not edited for modesty but, I have a couple that will give a more accurate representation of the situation. What my photos DO SHOW is that working out pays off and I believe I have a good chance of having good results from plastics because the frame underneath is in decent shape.

TOTALLY AGREE WITH GG^^^^!!!!

I think you look amazing. If I looked that good I probably wouldn't bother with plastics...

I know this is a personal journey for everyone, but I'm just being honest. I think you will look even more fabulous after you get all your work done, but please be proud of all you have accomplished. I never did and never will have a bikini body, so I love to see it when people rock their bikinis after a major weight loss.

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

This is the view I see when I put my arm down, slightly in front of me. I am sharing the ugly because I want to paint the real picture.

The reason I shared my bikini pix in the first place is I was amazed that I looked better then I thought. I had NO idea that my back was that muscular. I don't lift weights, i do julian michaels DVDs, did crossfit for awhile etc and other exercises. It was a refreshing and empowering look at myself. I have spent alot of my life loathing my looks and I don't feel that way anymore.

Extra skin... well... I could live a happy life with loose elephant skin arms, but, I would rather not have it.