I am a qualified doctor of psychology. Reading this makes me so sad – you have unconsciously placed a condition on feeling better – the surgery – and no matter what anyone does or says they cannot get you past that condition.

I really hope it does work out for you.

I did a similar thing a few years ago for myself and when my condition was satisfied I got what I hoped for. I really really hope you do.

Ben

Again, congrats on losing the weight without the surgery. That is will power. In time, with that same drive, you will be able to afford the procedure.

1) I’m a bit of a health nut, and really believe that if you actually learn to eat right and dedicate yourself to working out, you could be in amazing shape. Seriously, the pic you posted, you’re not as big as you may be seeing in your mind. I got sick of being chunky back in 2002 and bounced from one trainer to the next until I finally found someone who actually knew what the fuck they were talking about. I competed in my first fitness & figure competition a year later.. placing 3rd in my class. It *can* be done.

2) Now that I’ve said that, I’m also a plastic surgery advocate. I believe that it can be a wonderful thing… IF… you educate yourself about the procedure that you want done and you find a BOARD CERTIFIED plastic surgeon. So many people make a dump mistake by going with the “bargain” surgeon. Set up as many consultations as you can, feel out each of the surgeons, ask a lot of questions. I may be stating the obvious, but some people just have to much trust in medical professionals. Once this is done to your body, there’s no 100% fix if you end up with ugly scars. Just *please* do your research

Like you, I don’t by this whole “you need therapy” thing. You don’t suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder or any of that other crap. I heard all the same things before my surgery. It’s not like this idea of lypo just popped in your head overnight. If you’ve been thinking about it this long, then it just take it all seriously, save up your money, and find a good surgeon.

I worked really hard through college to save the money for my surgery. It took my 5 years but I saved every dime. I didn’t want to go in debt or take out a loan, so I learned to be patient and just save. I’m not saying go be homeless, because that’s never fun. But, I did cut my bills where I needed too. I had the cheapest, junkiest cell phone, I stopped going for manis and pedis twice a week, gave up tanning salons, highlights, etc. Funny enough, I even cleaned out my closets and sold old stuff on eBay.. and made a few hundred to put toward my surgery fund.

It took a long time, but I used the time to research the procedure, doctors, and made some great connections on plastic surgery support forums. Thankfully, my time did come, and I’m already 1.5 years post op.

OK, so I know I wrote a novel, and it may sound silly for one to say they’re passionate about plastic surgery… but I just think it’s really important to share and help educate, as someone sent me a similar message when I was in your shoes. Best of luck

Lindsay

For overall total health … taking care of yourself from the inside out is exceptionally important. Working out, eating healthy as well as talking to a therapist are all wonderful and good things for you. I do that.

I was a bit of a chunky monkey when I was younger and I was constantly picked on for being different and I started therapy off and on since I was 12 years old. Discovering weightlifting and fitness came in college and I stuck w/ it through out my life.

If I didn’t take my Wellbutrin for my depression, didn’t work out and didn’t talk to a therapist, I would be dead now.

Please don’t be so hard on yourself and others and remember there are loads of people who love and care about you.

Take care!

Take care xx