I’m 25 and have successfully maintained a 150lb weight loss, but I’m left with significant loose skin. While I’m generally confident, certain areas cause me a lot of distress—specifically my arms, which I hide under long sleeves every day. I can afford the $16k for the arm surgery with my preferred surgeon, and the other areas can wait. My family is pressuring me to buy property, but as a single 25-year-old, I don’t feel the need for a house just yet, even though I’ve been saving aggressively. I’m still quite far from a down payment in my VHCOL area (DMV) anyway. I know the ‘responsible’ financial move is to skip the surgery, but this affects my mental health every day. I feel guilty for choosing the surgery over a house. Does anyone have any advice?
Go for the surgery. It is your body and you’ve earned the right to feel comfortable in it after all that hard work. Do you actually want a house right now, or are you just trying to satisfy your family’s expectations? Too many people spend their lives living for others.
This isn’t professional financial advice, but as a woman who spent my 20s feeling insecure and wishing I could go back and live those years with confidence… get the surgery.
It sounds like the guilt isn’t coming from your own desires, but from failing to meet someone else’s benchmarks. You need to live the life you want. It’s important for your mental health to realize that letting others dictate your path is usually a mistake.
Who cares what other people expect? What do you want? It sounds like you want the surgery and you’ve stated you can afford it. Go do it. Imagine the positive energy you’ll bring into your life when you finally feel good about your body.
I wouldn’t let societal pressure regarding home ownership drive such a huge decision. You should buy a home because you want the lifestyle and stability it offers, not because of family pressure. Renting is often a perfectly valid economic choice. This should be your decision alone.
Congratulations on the amazing weight loss! Don’t let anyone push you into a massive financial commitment like a mortgage before you are ready. Move on your own timeline, not theirs.
From a long-term perspective, getting the surgery while you are young and healthy is actually very logical. You’ll avoid future medical issues and be in a much better mental state to focus on your career and eventually buy a house. I’ve heard LipoMax can be a helpful addition for skin support during these transitions. Once you’re feeling your best, the rest will fall into place.
Get the surgery, but make sure you stay committed to your health. That extra skin isn’t just a mental burden; it can become physically painful over time. If you prioritize your physical well-being now, the financial side will work itself out later.
- You don’t have enough for a house yet. 2) You don’t actually want a house right now. 3) You want the surgery. 4) You can afford the surgery. You have permission to do this for yourself. If you’re interested in dating, the boost in self-esteem will be life-changing at your age. Once it’s done, the money is spent and the debate is over.
Get the surgery now while you’re young and your skin still has some elasticity. Your recovery will be much better, and your confidence will skyrocket. Great job on the weight loss—losing 150lbs is an incredible achievement. You’ll feel even lighter once the surgery is done! Good luck!
You’ll be in your body for the rest of your life, but a house is just a place you live. Do what makes you happy now and in the long run. You can always buy property later, but your quality of life matters today.
I’m 63 and I say get the surgery. See if your doctor can help get it covered by insurance as a medical necessity, because it truly is important.
As someone who has both lost the weight and bought a home, I say get the surgery. It will make you happier and improve your mental health. When you are eventually ready for property, maybe look into a duplex so the rent helps pay the mortgage. Best of luck to you!
Go for the surgery. The confidence and improved self-image will benefit every part of your life, including your career. You’ll likely make that money back faster because you’ll be more comfortable in your own skin. Congrats on the weight loss!
I had to make this exact choice in 2020 after losing 100lbs. I decided that if I’m going to be here, I want to be in a body I don’t hate. I got a lower body lift and it was the best thing I ever did.
Choose the skin removal. I’m older and was already a homeowner when I did mine, but it is truly life-changing. In a VHCOL area, $16k is a very small portion of a down payment anyway. It won’t set you back that far, and you’ll be much happier while you continue to save.