Do I deserve more...

Seriously? 

I'm not going to repeat everyone else. If you are not convinced whether you deserve it when the time comes, just do it anyway. 

Good luck.

I love this post!!! "...if you are not convinced whether you deserve it when the time comes, just do it anyway." This might be the course I end up taking - unless something drastically changes. I was so shocked how supportive my family has been with even considering it. Especially after I just had this major surgery less than 6 months ago. I definitely don't take that lightly. Thanks for the encouragement!

 Remembering that you chose the vsg to help you fight the disease of obesity might help you come to terms with plastics. When you are ready you have access to the final step that will give you total control over your disease.

I am at the beginning of the journey and have not yet had to face the plastics question but I do believe it will be another tool to deal with my disease by increasing my self esteem and that my friend is the key to all of this. Believing in yourself, believing that you are worth it.

There is nothing vain about having skin removal surgery, especially after larger weight loss after WLS.  You deserve to look as great as you are feeling.  You have worked hard to get to your current weight, and anyone that has had WLS knows just what work has to be done.  As for VA covering, awesome!  It couldn't be more fitting.  I say go for it if it is something you want and don't ever think you are not worth it!

 My apprehensions about my pending PS is my fear that im not going to be able to adjust to the new set of body image issues.

I havent come to terms with the new me as it is, and here I am ready to under go a life altering, body altering surgery that is going to rip away (literally and figurateively) the remainders of my identity as a former fat person. It's a very very deep emotional process for me and I really dont think im ready (but im also not ready to live with this skin for another day lol). 

I started counseling, but i dont think its going to help much, but its worth a shot. 

 so you feel me. i didn't know how to say it - but you just did. this decision is affecting me on a much deeper and emotional level than i was prepared for. but i feel you on not wanting to stay where i'm at - or even project i will be at the end of this. so... i guess it's insanity to keep doing the same thing but expect a different result. lol. i really do want something different - something better. 

p.s. you hit me right between my eyes with the thought of how this procedure(s) will take away my last bit of identity as a former fat person. i have no idea where that feeling comes from - from the beginning my aspiration has been to finally get to a place where i look and feel 'normal'. i hope counseling does help - i'm confusing myself and that ain't good. rofl!

good luck to you - you have done an amazing job and been a constant source of encouragement for me. please keep me posted on how your surgery goes and i'll do the same. take care - and keep being good to yourself.

 Please, please, please, don't choose to be normal.  Whether you choose to have surgery or not, choose to remain extraordinary.

You have served our country, and you have made a commitment to serve your health.  If you choose to have extra skin removed, it's another service to your health.

You have most definitely earned the benefits, you just need to allow yourself to believe it.

God bless, and thank you for your service.  

TYTYTY Texyradikal!!! I really appreciate your encouragement - and you're right - i want to be extraordinary! Reading your quote brought to mind the poem by Marianne Williamson:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.

We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

Your playing small
Does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine,
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us;
It's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

I need to meditate on this one again. Thanks so much for taking time to encourage me - I really needed and appreciate it! Take care, and be good to yourself.

Margaret

Hello seeingmyselfthere, first off of course you desrve it! I am also a veteran and will be having my vsg procedure at the Bronx Va, I also work for the Va in NJ in an out pt clinic. The surgeon I met in the Bronx this past July said they do now offer the reconstrution surgery to remove excess skin once a pt is roughly 11/2-2 years post op maintaining a stable weight. I say go for it and dont ever question if you deserve it, best of luck!

Hi Christopher82!!!! Wow - so excited to have a VA VSG buddy!!!  Thanks so much for your encouragement. I've been allowing myself to think about it and even dream about it more. I think I'm going to do it. I have a meeting with my PCP on the 25th. I'm just getting the ball rolling - I'm assuming it could take a minute before everything is a go. I'll definitely keep you posted.

On another note: I'm soooooo excited for you!!!! Dr. Stephens did my surgery and Lisa was my coordinator. Everyone (and I do mean EVERYONE!!!!) at the Bronx VA was so wonderful! The took excellent care of me and hubby, who traveled with me to have the procedure done since the Atlanta VA does not offer this procedure yet. I'm in contact with my surgeons office every month (sometimes multiple times a month :-) - they are always so encouraging and respond immediately.

Good luck to you - sending prayers your way for an uneventful and fully successful surgery!!!

Margaret