Struggling with body image

I have had a TLH/BSO, and have found that my hysterectomy has had emotional repercussions for which I was totally unprepared for. Although hormonal changes may have had a significant role in this, it is very likely psychological as well.

I have developed some serious body image issues. Prior to my hysterectomy, I have felt youthful and attractive. I have liked young-looking clothes and enjoyed wearing short skirts and low-rise jeans, and have even shopped in the “juniors” section. Now, I feel that I have changed into an old woman overnight. I no longer feel youthful and attractive, and lost interest in nice clothes, makeup, styling my hair, etc. For instance, I went out to dinner tonight with a friend, and not styled my hair (just combed and air-dry) and had no motivation to put on any makeup at all.

Has anyone else had body image issues that arose after hysterectomy?

Hey there....thanks for sharing your feelings. I had some body issues before my surgery because of weight gain but now since my surgery it's WAY worse and the more I think about it the more depressing it is, the more I eat, the more I gain. It's mentally draining me thinking about it which in turn becomes physically draining because you don't eat right which makes you more tired and less energetic. I also feel like I have more wrinkles which is probably caused from pain and exhaustion from lack of sleep because of hot flashes. Like you I haven't done anything with my hair, no makeup and wear my baggies all the time because it's more comfortable. I just started ERT so I'm praying that will help get me out of this slump. I need to get my butt in gear and start moving to get this weight off. I know for me it's the weight issue more then anything and the surgery has of course caused swelling which causes my stomach to stick out even further then it already did.

Sorry I'm sure this is helping you any but maybe we can push each other to make the effort to care about how we look and then maybe we will start feeling better. Hugs to you.....oh ya I'm 41 how about you? Too young to feel old

I just told my husband tonight that I don't feel pretty anymore. I still do the hair and make up, but I don't see myself the same way.

It isn't the fact that I had a hysterectomy that makes me feel old. That truly doesn't bother me. Something has just changed.

It must be hormonal, that's all I can figure. I've actually lost weight since surgery so it's not a weight gain thing although I have quit exercising so I'm much flabbier and I hate that!!!

One thing I know is that everything I have experienced since the hyst has eventually balanced out so I pray that this will too, for all of us.

Let's hang in there! Best wishes!

I have had a full hysto. It absolutely stinks!! I have gained so much weight and feel the same as you guys. I have no energy or the want to put nice cloths on any more. My stomach feels like i've got a blown up ballon inside. I constantly fight with myself thinking i have made the biggest mistake in my life. I almost wish i had the physical pain back rather then the emotional. I hear ya about the low rise pants. Shoot, i look terrible now. I have tried everything, kickboxing, working out, dieting, diet pills, what the heck!! Does it get better or do we just get bigger and older looking??

Thank you everyone for your replies and sharing your feelings. This is a difficult struggle, and I certainly feel for you.

I am now only 2 months post-op, so I don’t know where this road is leading. I am coping by forcing myself to look the best I can, putting on some makeup before work, trying to wear decent clothes now, etc.

However, what was once second nature now feels completely foreign to me.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by sweetheartsok ....oh ya I'm 41 how about you? Too young to feel old

I’m almost 50, but used feel a lot younger prior to my hysterectomy. I was told that I look a lot younger than my age. Since I am only 2 months post-op, I basically look the same, but completely feel like a different person inside.

Pre-hyst I felt like a 30 year old. Now I more feel like a 70-year old!