Need Opinions Pleeeeeeeez! :)

Hi all, I had WLS 4 years ago and have been involved in the industry ever since. I first started out as a Pre-op educator for my original surgeon's program. I progressed to event planning and have helped O.H. with a few events as well as local Phoenix programs. I have most recently worked for Dr. Terry Simpson (WLS author and Lap Band suregon) for over a year and a half and recently quit to get some personal things taken care of (medical, daughter's spring wedding, etc). One of the teeny reasons that I quit was that I felt I was setting myself up for having to "be perfect". Since I worked with pre-ops and post-ops daily, I was always aware of their feelings over my looks. I felt pressure to be the perfect role model. It kept me kind of on the right path though I am 20 pounds over my perfect goal weight. ...... So, when I quit, I all of a sudden (and big surprise to me) got pursued with employment opportunities. The one that is most interesting to me right now is with a Cosmetic Surgical Practice. These plastic surgeon's specialize in reconstructive post weight loss patients. I did not go to them for my own abdominoplasty. Their practice also includes staff that does the bizaare stuff as well.....botox, skin stuff, etc. The job is as a Cosmetic Coordinator and would be a blast. They are interested in me because of my experience in the industry and my contacts around AZ. It is definitely "not" because I have a Barbie Doll look that other's would want to copy!!!! So, I'm wondering......will this be too much pressue for me to look perfect? Will I feel that this is too worldy of an environment? I feel my relatives will go negative...........On the other hand...I totally believe that people have the right to complete their weight loss journey with reconstructive surgery. I don't feel like I"m going to work for a Vegas show room or anything but there is a negative feeling from many in our church towards plastic surgery. Perspectives? Opinions? ....Bring it! I can handle it! Huggggzzzz! Joyce in az

Joyce, this is MY opinion and ONLY my opinion. I think that having the extra skin removed is great but we need to be careful not to go beyond that. We need to be careful not to fall into Satan's snare of having to look "perfect". This might be a great job for you and help keep you on track but PLEASE be prayerful and careful about the temptation to have "just a little bit more done". By the way, I've been watching the travel channel and they have the National Geographic type shows about isolated indian tribes in other remote countries. These people don't wear a lot of clothes. It was comforting to me to see that a woman's natural breast as she ages is to be flat and hanging. Be careful not to fall into the trap of having your "breasts" enlarged. That is NOT natural and NOT how our Heavenly Father wants us to look. Good luck Joyce. Like I say, this is my opinion only. Melody

Dear Joyce, Hello I am Kathy Sparrow and I am LDS as well. I appreciate your questions. I am 5 yrs post opt and I choose to have a tummy tuck to remove the excess skin, and a breast lift to place them where they would be normally. I did not choose to have any other surgeries for the simple fact that our bodies our temples. I agree with Melodey and that we as an individual should include the lord and emplore his help in making these decisions. As far as a new job, I think its great. If you can help others in your job then why not? As for family just remember judge not.... they will be held accountable as well. Good luck in your new job and life. always Kathy

All I can say is don't be caught up in the opinion of others. You and only you have to decide if PS is needed or not. I don't think in WLS PS isn't necessarily a vain decision. It doesn't matter what others might think. That extra skin is such a problem in so many ways and getting rid of it is such a relief. I had a TT 4 years ago and 3 years ago I had a breast lift and lower body lift. I have terrible psorasis and I had gaping sores where ever I had hanging skin. I was miserable. I did get responses from people that claimed I was doing it for vain reasons. Honestly....I do feel better look wise, but that was the driving force behind the surgery. I have crooked teeth and would like to get my eyes lasered. Maybe someday I'll do something about that...but would some fault me for wanting to have a pretty smile or not wear glasses. I doubt it. So, having PS should be a very personal decisions....encountered with much prayer. You do what is right for you and don't let anyone sway you. I'm so happy that I had PS and it has made my life so much better. Christy