I don't think I'll ever have plastics

You have the right idea. Work on getting stronger now. If cir****tances change down the road and you want PS, then being stronger will only help with that. Should you decide down the road that you still don't want PS, then once again you will still benefit from being stronger. I work out 6 days a week. My thighs are like rock, except for the inner thigh that has loose skin. I'm not entering a bikini contest. But being stronger has made me love my body more. I love walking across a parking lot with a spring in my step, instead of waddling and limping.

Now I think in terms of possibilities, whereas before I thought in terms of limitations. I am amazed at how when challenged my body is responding with muscle even at my age. I love my body, it is amazing (loose skin and all) how it has become stronger, more flexible, has more stamina. I look pretty good in clothes now and compression wear helps, but it doesn't give me the high that giving my body a challenge and completing it does.

I wish you great success on your journey. You may have work to do on building up your body, but I think your heart is in great shape judging by how much you love your grandmother.

Love this:

Now I think in terms of possibilities, whereas before I thought in terms of limitations.

Your goal of being someone who is strong and fit is a wonderful goal and does not require plastic surgery.

I never saw it as something needed or even wanted.

You're on a fun ride. Hold on.

I haven't had any plastic surgery and I don't care to. Maybe boobs down the road -- but I got lucky in the arm/leg/stomach dept. I was like you, dedicated to working out/toning/ doing whatever I could to fill the skin with muscle :) you never know! So don't listen to the doom and gloom.

Attitudes and "mindsets" change with life experiences. If you put this thread in a time capsule and took it out at 1 year, 2 years etc. posts will vary from almost everyone.

As someone else said "enjoy the ride". Get healthy and love on your Grandma!! In the future, whatever...

I can tell that you are young. Life will hold many changes because that is how all lives are. You may end up with a high-paying job and plastics could mean just a small portion of your savings.

You may marry into money. You may find money to be more of a challenge as life goes on.

The important thing is to follow your own heart and your own dreams.

Those dreams will change too. For now, getting strong is the best goal you can have. The future will happen and you will do what is right for you then.

That is a nice future to think about! Thank you for your support. I know that if it is ever financially viable for me in the future, I would of course have them! Who doesn't want to look a bit better? After I get through school (which will take awhile since I JUST enrolled) my quality of life and career will be vastly improved, so that is something to look forward to.

Yay for school! I enrolled about a year post op and am graduating with my associates tomorrow :D

CONGRATS on your graduation! You really have come full circle then! Thats awesome and inspiring!