Hi all. Just looking for a little support while I continue my recuperation. As many of you know, I've had both hips replaced and I'm also having cataract surgery as well. I've had one eye done. The other one is Monday. I love being able to see well again but all I see are the ugly scars on my hips, and when I look in the mirror, I see an old woman looking back at me. I see lines in my face....I have excess skin in my neck area, and bags under my eyes. The boobs, belly, etc. can wait since it's covered up with clothes but my face is there for all to see and I don't like how I look. I never thought of myself as vain but boy do I want to see that skin get tightened up ASAP.

Oh, and I also have found myself struggling some as far as eating goes. I haven't fallen off the wagon by any means, but I have a lot of downtime and I know I'm eating more than my allotted calories. Doing a little too much grazing. I'm trying to keep it to a minimum....eating fruit rather than Cookies...stuff like that. But my mom keeps chips in the house and I've splurged a bit. I know I'm keeping it to no more than the one ounce but even so...that's 150 calories I don't need.

Can't wait to get home, get back to work, and be in my own environment again so I can feel more in control of both my food intake, and my recovery. Thanks for letting me vent a little.

what i see and have always saw, IS A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN INSIDE AND OUT

you just had major surgery, you need time to heal....and i am so sure you are doing better than

you think you are food wise......

Hi gowalking,

I know the feeling well. I underwent cosm. surgery and I have abdominal, breast and arm scars I have to face daily. Yesterday I posted about buying a bikini. And I needed help from the associate. All I could think about was how terrible my arm scars must appear. Than that evolved into what I'm going to do cover them if they are still this apparent when I go on vaca in Dec.

And as for face/neck wrinkles and such... I know I'm only 36 but the wrinkles are coming in. AND when I rode my motorcycle this summer, my neck skin flapped in the air (first time ever). OMG!!!!! That's disgusting. Now I have all these face/neck moisturizers and tighteners which are helping actulally. It's just that it's a hard pill to swallow. It's not just age, it's losing so much weight and the skin is lax everywhere.

You know just as well as the rest of us, that post surgery is stressful and is no time to harp on the scale or any other number for that fact. Take it easy, practice moderation and get yourself through the next surgery. Focus on recovery than all the aesthetics can be dealt with later.

You look marvelous. And if it makes you feel better, just think of me on a beach (white as can be) in my first bikini walking like my arms are fused to my body. That has to help >< a little ahhaha

Hi there friend, you have been through so much -- pain is exhausting and when you look in the mirror I'm sure you are seeing that deep fatigue that comes with a long recuperative period. You must be so ready to get home again. New eyes, new hips......this is a very big year!

When I'm having self image crisis moments I try to thank my body as a way to reconnect. Sometimes it feels like there have been true betrayals there, that I got so off track, things happened and I lost the mind/body/spirit connection and could not get it back. The thanking seems to take me to a place of wholeness, even just in that little moment I know I'm on my way. It's the real goal -- not the weigh-in number or even how I look but that feeling of being whole and at peace with my body, myself. Definitely a work in progress and these human bodies, oh my. Complicated vessels sometimes!

Now, if your mother wants to help she can get those Cookies the hell out of the house.

Sending best wishes from New England on a crisp cold day.....keep in touch!

GW, Just remember all the great advice you've given to so many others and realize this is just a very small bump in the road.

tmf

My heart goes out to you. You've been through a lot both physically and emotionally yet come through it all with a level head, lots of bravery, and immense poise.

I don't have any wise words of wisdom except to be patient with yourself. Give your mind time to process all the trauma (and it IS trauma) you've been through. I'm sure once you're healed and back to your normal life, you'll see things with a decidedly more optimistic view.

((hugs))

All of these hardships you are going through are part of building a new you! It will be worth it!

You have been such a voice or reason & inspiration with your many posts to others topics so please be as patient, kind and supportive to yourself! You have come so far and will continue to soar

Thank you for the kind words. It means a great deal to me. I was not prepared for the trauma. That's a good word...this has truly been traumatic in terms of the surgery and the recovery. I look forward to the time when it becomes a distant memory.

The others have said such great things so I'm offering heartfelt hugs:) for this temporary situation it is a process and think how far you gave come and will be going xoxo

Take it easy, you will refocus yourself soon enough!! You have been great support for so many of us. I wish you all the best. You will continue on this journey with great success. Feel better.