Extremely Ripped- from the neck down!

[morningstar]

I had DIEP flap breast reconstruction to replace the breast I lost from my mastectomy. The payoff? A tummy tuck. Do I admit to having enjoyed that one "perk" of breast reconstruction - hell yeah. But on reflection, trying to find meaning in what I experienced, I reallized the body part I always hated - my big freakin' belly, the belly that was so big people would ask me when I was due, the belly I would even (gulp) punch with my own fist because I hated it so, was there to be my new breast when the original breast was gone.

My belly, big for reasons I never imagined, now covers my heart. I love you, belly. I'm sorry I disrespected you so. (Sniff!)

-Susan L.G.

This got to me on a whole lotta levels, most of which I haven't examined yet. Thank you for posting this.

 

[teddy16410]

I had DIEP flap breast reconstruction to replace the breast I lost from my mastectomy. The payoff? A tummy tuck. Do I admit to having enjoyed that one "perk" of breast reconstruction - hell yeah. But on reflection, trying to find meaning in what I experienced, I reallized the body part I always hated - my big freakin' belly, the belly that was so big people would ask me when I was due, the belly I would even (gulp) punch with my own fist because I hated it so, was there to be my new breast when the original breast was gone.

My belly, big for reasons I never imagined, now covers my heart. I love you, belly. I'm sorry I disrespected you so. (Sniff!)

-Susan L.G.

Susan~ Thank you for sharing ~ To me it is one more prime example as to why no-one is ever in a position to judge another for anything. It is also my belief that for every judgement a person voices or writes about there are hundreds of readers that just wont dignify the remarks by sharing their personal & private reasons.

I applaud you for not only sharing your story but for finding the good in a horrid situation you had to deal with. THAT kind of thinking is what I think life is all about.

Maybe the next time someone talks about the people who were rude or mean spirited or *witchy* or whatever...Maybe- just maybe they will pause & wonder...I wonder what happened to that person today? Did they just leave the hospital where their mother died, did they just learn that their teen was taking drugs. did they just receive a call that their job has been eliminated?

As so many wonderful people "say" around here... Take a chill pill- take a deep breathe- calm down about it all

 

[jodijodi]

After battling breast cancer and working through reconstruction (which I hear is NOT easy), I think you've earned as many perks as possible. And may I say...you look fantastic!

I agree with this entire post!

 

[LaughingWater]

Is looking "old" synonymous with looking "bad"?

It shouldn't be. I know I have great admiration for older women and what they have to offer. Aging gracefully is bonus. Though being the baby of a large family my have something to do with that attitude ~ I've always been surrounded by older women.

I suppose we could examine why "young" is considered favorable. Is it based on beauty alone? Physical perfection (or the closest thing to it)? I suspect not totally.

Is it tied into opportunity and success? "Young" may convey more energy, more drive.

What about the psychological effect aging has? As the body slows down, we are subtly reminded of our mortality. Is that too disturbing a thought for most? The young never think of death, so maybe that's why this age range is the most comfortable.

 

[fit44]

Susan~ Thank you for sharing ~ To me it is one more prime example as to why no-one is ever in a position to judge another for anything. It is also my belief that for every judgement a person voices or writes about there are hundreds of readers that just wont dignify the remarks by sharing their personal & private reasons.

Well said Traci, ITA!

 

[LaughingWater]

Well, I think the words we use are key in this kind of conversation. I highly doubt anyone wants to come across as witchy. It is difficult to discuss a sensitive subject like this without hitting a nerve, but it's possible. Generalizations shouldn't be made, nor should opinions be immediately shut down as "judgmental" simply because it's a controversial subject. If we couldn't discuss stuff like this, a lot in life would remain largely unexamined.

I suggest that we look at this thread as one that is not condemning plastic surgery in general but instead exploring "why" in an attempt to figure out what is a healthy approach (doing it for you) and maybe what isn't (doing it for outside approval).

Of course, that is leading to a much more philosophical discussion about aging as a whole, which is a good discussion to have too. For those who like to blab about this kinda stuff anyway.

 

[fit44]

Well, I think the words we use are key in this kind of conversation. I highly doubt anyone wants to come across as witchy. It is difficult to discuss a sensitive subject like this without hitting a nerve, but it's possible. Generalizations shouldn't be made, nor should opinions be immediately shut down as "judgmental" simply because it's a controversial subject. If we couldn't discuss stuff like this, a lot in life would remain largely unexamined.

I agree.IMO, this thread began with judgments and generalizations. If this were a thread about plastic surgery in general, it would have taken on a different tone. Instead, it began with judging one person by her appearance. That is what I have a problem with. I have a problem with assumptions based on appearances. What bothers me the most, the video Morningstar is referring to is dark and impossible to get a clear shot of Jari's face.


"Extremely Ripped- from the neck down! I'm sure that this will be a controversial post (okay, everyone, fight nice!), but I have to admit, I'm a little disappointed. I was on the Ripped website today and watched a preview of Extremely Ripped. Jari looks like she's either had plastic surgery or botox. I think it's too bad that she felt she needed it. I have always felt that she wears too much makeup in her workouts for my tastes and thought it was unnecessary. "