Lisa, I was 241 on my DOS, 5'3" & 56 years old. I was also terrified of loose skin, too. But consider the fact that every sag or fold you have right now is made worse by the weight that's pulling it down.
I was particularly worried about my breasts, which were already pendulous and an overflowing DD in my bra, and my upper arms continuing into my armpits and upper back.
Taking off the weight improved those areas greatly. Less weight, more perky and tight.
I didn't expect the lack of improvement in my apron or the deflated balloon effect on my face.
I'm extremely vain, not conceited, overly concerned about my looks. My mom pounded it into me how ugly I was. In fact, I looked a lot like her. There was a lot of self-loathing on her part, which was passed on to me.
Post-op, I worked out to build muscle where I could, but also consulted with cosmetic surgeons. They told me they couldnt believe I'd ever had WLS, and I was buck naked as they evaluated me. My efforts at muscle-building had served me well, and my hiking and canoeing had toned all kinds of muscles.
I still had my apron and I was growing yeast there between showers. I qualified for a panniculectomy, and the hospital would pay for it with Charity Care. But after it was explained to me, I chickened out.
A facelift would have affected the dimples I had inherited from my dad, and they were my saving grace. losing them would just take a little more away from the little self-esteem I had left after being brainwashed by my mom.
I decided to live with my new flaws and celebrate my perk and health and active lifestyle. I avoided sleeveless shirts and learned how good posture improved everything.
I've posted this photo of me 10 months after surgery before, but I'm posting it again, as well as a photo of my wrinkled face taken in the last week. Remember that I'm 13 years post-op and 69 years old.
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