body changes Body Changes are Frustrating

[Cindi_Augustine 102]

Hi all, I'm a veteran of WLS and a life coach. I had my surgery in Vancouver Canada, and lost 100 lbs. Lately I've noticed that so many wls successes struggle with body changes. I've been pretty lucky myself, as an older married woman I'm okay with some sagging and wrinkles, but I would love to hear from others about what struggles they might have with this issue. You can share here, or message me privately, it would really help me become a more effective coach. And hopefully I can share some tips, too.

Thanks!

[S@ssen@ch 745]

I'm in my upper 40's and this is my 2nd go-'round with WLS. When I had Lap-Band surgery in 2005, I was younger and more "pliable". Having lost the same amount of weight with each surgery, I feel qualified to compare 30's vs 40's.

In my 30s, I didn't notice any sagging or wrinkling. I was happy. I felt good, I looked good (makes me wonder how/why I allowed myself to get right back where I started, but that's another story). Now, a little over a decade later, I'm more wrinkly and saggy. Not significantly and nothing I cannot hide under clothing, but I noticed it and it makes me self conscious. I also noticed crepey skin on my thighs. Again, easily covered with clothing. But the worst by far is the saggy, flappy upper arms. I try not to go out in public without these flappers covered (hard to do in Texas 100 degree heat by the way). I started this 2nd journey with no intention of plastic surgery, but I'm telling you...when I hit my goal, I am going to see someone about these arms and if my finances allow, I'm getting them taken care of.

[yes_anastasia 43]

Body changes really ARE so challenging to process! I'm down 199 lbs and have already had 1 round of plastics (second in October) but it doesn't solve all the problems. It definitely helps, but I know rather than the copious amounts of loose skin to make me feel uncomfortable and remind me of how large I was, I'll have a TON of scars literally all over my body as a reminder. I am very thankful to be where I am, but it's very hard to see what I've done to my body.