I’d like to share my story with others in the hope that I may serve as an example, or an indication to them of what changes undergoing cosmetic surgery can make. I underwent an extensive amount of surgeries - a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast reduction and breast lift; but want to make it clear that these things are not about losing weight (in actual fact very few kgs difference from the before and after shots) The reason I chose to do these surgeries was about looking different and a chance to give my body a kick start into fitness and health with massive head start.
With any surgery comes the involved risk and stress on your body. I was mindful of finding a top surgeon who would not only respect my stance, but not judge me. The minefield of referrals, long hospital waits and my distrust of the medical system in my state had always stopped me from pursuing surgery. The surgeons at Bangkok Phuket Hospital; organized by Restored Beauty Getaways gave honest feedback with realistic outcomes, setting expectations for each patient. They operate under the highest level of integrity and confidentiality and I am confident that anyone who undertakes a surgery with them will be delighted beyond words.
Why surgery for me?
I would hazard a guess that I was a fairly typical Aussie lass looking down the barrel of being forty and unhappy about my physical appearance. Active when younger, but after two children, the stress of an on going illness in the family and the sedentary life a suburban existence can offer, I stacked on weight. Many attempts with a range of severe and restrictive dieting, support groups, gym subscriptions, activity classes and personal trainers resulted in see sawing weight and the loss of confidence as I gained more weight and unable to shift it. A spiraling case self confidence and depression about the milestone I was about to hit and being in the physical condition I was brought me to the decision to do something immediately about it.
It may be difficult for others to understand why someone who supports the alternative health lifestyle, no chemicals or toxins in the house and consumes mostly organic products would consider surgery. I also understand that its difficult for someone who has never been overweight to fully appreciate the consuming existence of this physicality.
Imagine every time you sit, a soft mass also rests on your lap – and its attached to you; that there seems no gap from the drooping breasts to the drooping belly, all pulled downward by gravity. Unable to do a sit up, bend over to help your children to do their shoes, touch your toes or do up your own shoes, unable to shave your legs properly - all not through lack of flexibility or stretch; but through the physical impossibility to reach that far because of the eternal mass in front of you. Imagine what its like to be constantly asked by strangers in the street when the baby is due, of what its like when you turn around din a café and the table next to you has all its settings upset, unable to go on theme parks rides or having to ask for the extension belt in order to get the airplane lapbelt across safely.
Now imagine that there is an opportunity to drastically change that reality and set you on a more positive path? Who wouldn’t want to explore that?
Do the surgery for the right reasons.
The best reason to undergo surgery is for yourself, not for your partner, your family or for the ladies at the gym who look at you strangely. Something which shocked me when I first arrived back after recovery was to realize that generally, other people don’t notice what you look like. I hadn’t told anyone of my adventures and went to a few social events with close friends. I was astounded that not even they noticed any changes with my body ( or at least mentioned it to me) Instead of wearing flowing long clothes, I now wear tight fitting or figure accentuating outfits – so I would have thought the changes were obvious – especially with the size of my much diminished breasts. This was a big learning point for me on the motivators for a surgery such as this – do it for yourself – not for others. If you choose to tell others, ensure you tell those who will be supportive of your decisions and surround yourself with people who will genuinely care about your confidence and health.
Only a Starting Point
This surgery is only ever meant to mark a starting point for those who have weight issues. My belief is that now I feel better about myself, I am now enthusiastic about getting out of the house, wearing comfortable but trendy exercise gear and joining in on social outings without the shame and fear it used to hold. I now wear tight t -shirts and jeans, proudly showing off a belt and a flattened stomach – even if that showing off is just for me.
Educate yourself
Restored Beauty Getaways provide a thorough service with the information they provide about the surgeries and the travel options available. Use the internet to research the procedures and watch videos on similar surgeries you are thinking of undertaking. There are plenty on youtube – just do the searches. Understand the risks involved, but also understand the risks with you staying the way you are at the moment. Weigh these up carefully and make your decision with your eyes open.
Prepare yourself
Six months before I underwent surgery, I undertook a detoxifying course to ensure my body would be healthy and ready to heal quickly and cleanly. I chose to have plenty of raw and unprocessed foods, enhanced with good quality supplements and glyconutrients in order to give my cells the best opportunity to bounce back after surgery. I also took up extra gentle exercise and became very mindful of extra activities I could undertake to strengthen muscles and endurance.
Identity
It important not only to prepare physically; but psychologically for the surgery. After surgery you will look different, hold your body differently and move differently. Do not leave it till surgery day to begin to work on what this new identity you are about to create will mean to you or to those around you.
Relationships to food may or may not be a major issue or contributor to your physicality. Undergoing surgery is not the answer to an obesity issue. It aught be used in conjunction with a range of strategies; all focused on self acceptance, sensible lifestyle choice and an ongoing commitment to maintaining the body image you want to create.
This surgery will not immediately make you into a supermodel. I understand that I have a journey in front of me with fitness and more reshaping; but its now not such an insurmountable task that I can’t see past the doorstep. I am excited about going to my exercise classes. Clothes fit and look better. I have dropped a few sizes and am encouraged to continue dropping as I focus on a sensible eating and fitness regime. I stand up straight and smile. I feel sexy and desirable; even when naked and staring straight into the mirror. The stitches and surgery markings will fade with time and I look forward to wearing the first bikini I have ever owned.
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