~Do any of you post-ops feel this way?~

Hi there fellow losers (my peeps).....

There is really going to be 2 different questions/issues that I am curious about-and I would like to see if I am normal (okay, guys-I know.....Im not "normal"...) but maybe to see if anyone else might feel the same way as I do....

First of all, I went shopping with my daughter (22) and my mother yesterday. They had me trying on shirts that they thought would look "cute" on me, where say-the back was a little bare at the top (showing off a special tattoo I have) BUT.....the arms were basically sleeveless-the sleeves were so little....this makes me self conscience and I was standing there, it looked good in the mirror when my arms were down, but lift them up and MERCY ME....the skin hanging is more than double the size of my actual arm now. I stood there going NO WAY can "I" wear this-and they both yelled at me. Megan said - "Mom, WHY did you have the surgery IF you arent going to wear anything that fits correctly and looks cute on you?" The whole time we were in there-they were making comments that I wasnt looking for anything that "fit" correctly. I actually got 2 things yesterday in a small-that "fit" correctly, and covered my hanging arm skin. Maybe not as "cute" as the other stuff-but comfortable to me-keeping me in my comfort zone.

I know several people at last months meeting said that the outfit I wore to the meeting was too big-and I was shocked because I had JUST BOUGHT that outfit less than a week before the meeting and thought it fit good. Does anyone else do this? So, am I EVER going to be comfortable? I had a friend make a comment to me one time a couple of weeks ago-I was hot, but didnt want to take my hoody off because the shirt I was wearing had no sleeves and I said, no-my arm skin will show-and she said "your not going to be one of THOSE types of people, are you?" I guess I am.

For those of you who are comfy enough within yourself to wear whatever you want-even if you flaunt it-more power to you-I do NOT look at you any different, in fact, a lot of times I think to myself-I really wish I had the self confidence and self esteem to do that and not give a rats rear end. Its NOT about what other people think of me (or is it?) because I really really like the fact that people dont stare at me out in public anymore-so am I afraid I will draw attention to myself? I dont think its that, because even at home-I pretty much cover up-and have only worn a swimsuit in my pool with strictly friends and family maybe a dozen times in 5 years.

2nd situation: How many of you are being told-or are told on a regular basis that your too thin now? I have been told by more people than you can know that I am too thin....Since WHEN is 180# on a female TOO THIN? Please tell me. I am still considered overweight with my BMI standards, only 2 points or so-but still-AND I have been told that I dont look "healthy" anymore. My face is too skinny and I have had numerous people say that since they can see my collar bones and shoulder blades etc-that it doesnt look "healthy".....or they give me a hug and say that I am a bag of bones!! Please, please, please-do any of you have good responses to this?

Maybe mentally its me-maybe it is-but I tell you-When I was big, I covered up and yet could never blend in, in a crowd-stuck out like a sore, throbbing, bright red thumb!!! I do find myself still looking for an XL in tshirts or whatever, when a medium will fit. I still look for all the coverage. I dont want shorts above my knees because of all the hanging skin on my thighs...You name it-If its hanging, I want it covered up. Even when I get my tummy tuck, which I will-I still wont bear my tummy, but I just wont have to get such long shirts to cover my apron area. I hate that the most.

Ok-please let me know how you feel and if any of you do this same thing. I dont feel like I am the only one-but I appreciate ANY and ALL comments from all of you. Love you guys-Janet