Some people turn to alcohol, I turned to...beauty products?

So after WLS, I am feeling better about my appearance and am obsessed with beauty products.  I have been spending way too much money on make up and skin care.  And of course, I want the expensive stuff.  What saddens me is that I did not feel good about my self image before WLS.  That since I am now small, I look good.  That I have bought into the small=pretty lie.  You know what is funny, is that it only applies to me.  When I see a larger person, I don't see them as less attractive because they are larger.  Then I ask myself, why is my self worth tied to my appearance.  It is not appearance that makes me attracted to another person, male or female. Someone's behavior, is far more important to me.  I can look at someone whom I thought was gorgeous at first.  Then they show that they are ugly inside and there appearance somehow is different, not as attractive. 

The thing is, I did not have the WLS for just for beauty, but for health.  I was terrified I would end up like my mother with all her health problems that are related to her SMO. 

This is just some ramblings I have on a Sunday morning....

I think we go through lots of stages on the way to small and then after.  Beauty products are expensive but at least not harmful.  Maybe get into making your own.  Then at least you are being green, healthy and looking great. 

And I totally agree, pretty is as pretty does.  Physical appearance is only a small part of someone being attractive.

Ramble away! lol  Yep, I got into Lancome...dang expensive! So, I'm trying to switch to Burt's Bees all natural products. But, I have a feeling nothing short of plastics will help these wrinkles and droopy jowls. 

For a while post-op, I was dressing up every day, using moisturizer and putting on jewelry even. Now I'm back to more of my usual sloppy programmer ways. I think some of it is just the newness and excitement of "hey, I can look pretty good now even with less effort".

I totally understand what you mean.  We see ourselves and judge ourselves different than we do toward others.  So, here is a thought....I used to struggle with addictive shopping, and decided that I needed to share with others.  So, instead of buying some beauty products for yourself, make some gift bags filled with some cheaper products that you can give to others during the holidays.  If you are like me, you will will feel greater self-worth by paying it forward.

I've bought a lot of make up but mostly from the dollar store.  They have some good brands there, mainly out of season colors.  I almost always bought good foundation but eye shadow, liner, lipstick, blush and mascara can be found at the dollar store.  I have seen the exact same stuff at Walmart for $5 or more.  Fortunately I have never wandered into a department store and been to the cosmetic counter or I would be in trouble.  Since my teen age daughter usually steals my make up anyway I can't see paying more.  At least the foundation she won't take because it's the wrong shade.

I am having this same addiction and i figure its the best transfer addiction you could ask for. i use totalbeauty.com to find new products and reviews. surprisingly you can find amazing products for super cheap. i love seeing the reviews!

also have a slight addiction to shopping in the regular section too lol

its hard to adjust from being large ... then small... but i think we will always have an open mind and heart for those who are obese because we know exactly what it's like to be obese and we are not so vain as to only look at the outside like some people :)

I don't think you bought into the small=pretty lie.  I think that you feel good, and you want to look as good as you feel.  You want other people to see how good you feel.  And there is nothing wrong with that!