Coping with Body Image Issues

KarenG. · March 10, 2008

I agree about surgeon research. I have done mine and (I think) found an excellent one. His before/after pics have impressed me more than any others, and his manner is professional as well as comforting. I think it's because he specializes in post-weight loss patients.
I can deal with a raised/red/thicker scar on my tummy. Not a fleur-de-lis, but a horizontal scar that is covered over by panties/swimwear is a-ok by me. The problem I am really having is with the boobs. They look fabulous in a bra, but when I take it off, not so much. Sag city. I can't handle thick, raised, red hook scars on my breasts. I'm sure that sounds really vain, but I just can't. I'm seeing a derma in a couple of weeks to work on the scars I already have...laser therapy for lightening, steroid injections for flattening. I am going to wait and see how my scars react to that treatment, as well as my plastics consult to decide on the breasts.

It's just....sad. I want the perfect remedy, and I want it all at once.

Hi Pashimina - what is the name of the PS that you are using? I have some consults scheduled. Remember - both in NYC!

pashmina · March 10, 2008

Hey yeah!

My consult is with Dr. Schulman at Welcome | Madison Avenue Plastic Surgery

These are the other PS's I checked out for consults:

Dr. Michelle Copeland: Plastic Surgery

Plastic Surgeon NYC New York City Manhattan

Manhattan Plastic Surgery New York City NYC Englewood

www.drafridi.com

I found I was most impressed by Schulman's work. My holdback is that his surgical fees seem to be double of what my NYC metropolitan area research has shown (i.e. breast lift in the neighborhood of $10K- not including anaesthesia, hospital fees, etc..)

Who are you seeing?

Congrats on getting so far by the by. That's amazing!

KarenG. · March 10, 2008

I am seeing some people at NYH because that is where I always go. It seems like you have been doing great too. What is your timeframe for PS?

pashmina · March 11, 2008

Thanks. I'm down about 60 lbs, but I hit a plateau; but I'm starting with a personal trainer this week to get over the hump. Hopefully that will do it.

The consensus seems to be that you should wait until you're at a steady weight for 6 mos. before PS. I'd like to be at goal weight by 1 year out (also August) so I'm thinking by December I'd like to have a surgery date...earlier if I/Dr. Schulman think it's going to work out better that way. I want to give my body maximum time for muscular tone and healing.

How about you?

KarenG. · March 11, 2008

Thanks. I'm down about 60 lbs, but I hit a plateau; but I'm starting with a personal trainer this week to get over the hump. Hopefully that will do it.
The consensus seems to be that you should wait until you're at a steady weight for 6 mos. before PS. I'd like to be at goal weight by 1 year out (also August) so I'm thinking by December I'd like to have a surgery date...earlier if I/Dr. Schulman think it's going to work out better that way. I want to give my body maximum time for muscular tone and healing.

How about you?

See I have the hernia problem so I may decide to do it even before I am at my "goal weight". I have been losing pretty steadily but would like to lose another 30lbs or so total. I probably will opt for the end of the summer or early fall unless my hernia really starts bothering me in which case I may have to do it earlier.

60lbs is a great loss. The exercise has been really helping me lose steadily even when I am not eating as wisely as I could. I also have been really well restricted for over 2 months now.