Body Transformation: When Slimming Down Isn’t Enough
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1by Beauty Blogger Angela Wagner
I like to think that, if asked to describe me, most people would focus on my exuberance for life, my quick wit, my crafting abilities, or my dedication to my kids. I know for a long time, though, that wasn’t the case. About 2 years ago after my second child was born, I found myself in a bit of an emotional rut. If I’m honest, I was in a physical rut as well. My hobbies weren’t exactly athletic and my body reflected that.
I found myself making excuses to avoid doing things with people. For example, a bunch of mom friends were planning a hike with the babies in backpacks or strollers. When someone offered to give me a ride, I told them I would meet them at the trailhead. Instead, I just never showed up. I told them I was busy even though I just stayed home and watched some Disney show instead. I wish I could say that was a one-off incident, but I had done that numerous times before. I also skipped out on amusement parks and the fair because I was worried about whether or not I could fit on certain rides.
Soon, I found myself at the heaviest I had ever been: 243 pounds. I could say that I was shocked or appalled, but I wasn’t. It just was.
Then one day I was just sitting in my kitchen reading and it was gorgeous outside. If you have ever been to Texas in the springtime, you know what I’m talking about. My kids were with their grandma, so I had no excuses. I decided to go for a walk. It wasn’t a long walk or a particularly vigorous one. But, I was able to think without any interruptions – no phone, no kids, no computer. It was refreshing.
So, I decided to do it again the next day. Soon enough it became a habit, and I began to notice changes in my body. The more I exercised, the more I wanted to do. I found myself going to the gym a couple of times a week in addition to my afternoon walks. My back and knees didn’t hurt anymore, I felt more focused, and I slept like a rock (when my kids would let me). I was hooked on feeling and looking better, and over the course of about a year, I got in shape and slimmed down. I honestly don’t know how much I weigh now, but I know I can run a mile in 8:45, I can do back-to-back yoga and Pilates classes, and my most comfortable jeans are a size 6.
Happy ending, right? Not exactly. Every time I look in the mirror, I see a physical reminder of who I used to be. Thanks to my sagging, loose skin, parts of my body kind of resemble a melted candle. Even many of my thinnest friends have the same problem with their tummies after pregnancy.
I tried to make peace with my current body, but I can’t. I’m finally fit and healthy, but my shape doesn’t really tell that story. I have sagging skin on my upper arms that hides the muscles underneath. I have a lot of extra bulk around my middle that keeps me from wearing fitted tops or dresses. After I shared my frustration with her, a friend of mine referred me to the plastic surgeon who fixed her tummy after she had twins. According to the website of Synergy Plastic Surgery in Austin, I am an ideal candidate for post weight loss surgery since I have reached a stable weight and am now maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
After considering all my options, I’ve decided to have plastic surgery to remove all this extra skin. According to my research, I’m in good company. In 2014, nearly 45,000 women and men had plastic surgery to contour their bodies after weight loss. This isn’t about being vain or trying to “buy” the perfect body. I just want a body that I am comfortable in – one that reflects who I am now. This surgery will be like the bow on top of a present: it will be the finishing touch on the ultimate gift to myself.
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- Body Transformation: When Slimming Down Isn’t Enough - July 16, 2015
