Re: surgery and self esteem

[Guest guest]

Hi there!

I'm new to the group and am so thankful that it exists! I'm just

beginning the process for orthognathic surgery - to hopefully get rid

of my sleep apnea and TMJ problems - and to give me a chin (yay!).

I'll be consulting with a couple of orthodontists in the next week and

should have the braces on by early December (thought that I was done

w/braces for good when I was 15 - turns out that whole situation

negatively contributed to my current one - oh well!). The OS

speculates that I should be ready for surgery by early summer '06.

During my recent treatment plan consult, when the OS showed me the

projected/morphed " after surgery " photo image, I just about fell off

my chair! Who is that person?! In the back of my head, I knew that,

of course, if my upper jaw is widened and pushed forward - and then my

lower jaw scooted forward (about 2cm.)to meet it - I'm going to look

different. I guess a part of me imagined I'd still look like 'me',

only with a chin! Wow. Aside from the health benefits (no more sleep

apnea or jaw pain while eating/speaking...), my appearance will

definitely improve. I know that I'm going to feel more confident

socially and when doing my work-related speaking/teaching. I'm so

anxious now!

My question about this topic is: for those who have gone through the

surgery, how long did it take for you to get used to the 'new face'

staring back at you in the mirror? -How did your

families/friends/co-workers react to you? Any post-op depression

related to the 'new you'? I'm not afraid of having the actual

surgery, but rather my anxiety stems from how people who've known me

for all or part of my 33 years will respond post-op.

Thanks to all!

Blessings,

>

> I didn't realize until now that I'm 11 months into this process (!)

> I've been seeing my facial contours changing and realizing how much my

> jaw has had an impact on how I feel about myself. While I wouldn't have

> said that my jaw per se affected my self esteem, I knew something was

> wrong with my appearance, definitely my teeth. It amazes me how much of

> an all around effect the jaw has on everything: biting, eating,

> chewing, talking, as well as how attractive I feel.

> While I know many of us are having surgery for functional reasons, how

> has this surgery affected how you feel about yourself? If you are pre

> op, how do you anticipate feeling when you look at yourself in the

> mirror and see what you've never seen before: everything aligned and

> healthy?

> Wow! It blows me away sometimes knowing what I'm about to have done.

> ~Joanne

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Joanne,

I am preop, but that hasn't kept me from becomming incredibly

focused on jaws and position. The way my jaw is changing (partly

also due to the bite plate which doesn't allow full closure of my

jaw, and I see the difference that makes in my face shape already!),

but also I notice other peoples jaws and bite. I was never

consciously aware of other peoples symmetry and balance before. Now

I see it everywhere!! It must be an occupational hazard for the

OD's and OMS's I would think! Have you found that too? I mean, I

notice it with actors, politicians, newscasters, people in the

grocery store...it is really amazing. Some people I have seen with

severe difficulties because of it, and I have wanted to start up

conversations with them if I can to talk about my jaw, and see if

they pick up a clue about their own situation. But some people you

just don't have an opportunity to say anything to them, and I

actually feel badly when I don't mention it to them anyway! And it

never would have even been a notion before to me.

Anyway, I will be interested in seeing what others think. Good

thread!

Hugs,

Fran

>

> I didn't realize until now that I'm 11 months into this process

(!)

> I've been seeing my facial contours changing and realizing how

much my

> jaw has had an impact on how I feel about myself. While I wouldn't

have

> said that my jaw per se affected my self esteem, I knew something

was

> wrong with my appearance, definitely my teeth. It amazes me how

much of

> an all around effect the jaw has on everything: biting, eating,

> chewing, talking, as well as how attractive I feel.

> While I know many of us are having surgery for functional reasons,

how

> has this surgery affected how you feel about yourself? If you are

pre

> op, how do you anticipate feeling when you look at yourself in the

> mirror and see what you've never seen before: everything aligned

and

> healthy?

> Wow! It blows me away sometimes knowing what I'm about to have

done.

> ~Joanne

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I think that is wonderful that your surgeon had the image projection

software (isn't there a name for the software that does this - I

can't recall it right now), for you to see the potential changes

through the surgery process! I would love to see that!! Actually,

I think it helps to have that image as you are in the process, as it

probably will assist you through the early " swelling phase " post op,

and to deal with the changes you see post op as well. I am really

glad you had that available to you. I am still pre op also, so I

don't have an experiential perspective about this issue, but do

think what you mention about self confidence improving is accurate.

It will be interesting to see what the surgery vets think about this!

Hugs,

Fran

> >

> > I didn't realize until now that I'm 11 months into this process

(!)

> > I've been seeing my facial contours changing and realizing how

much my

> > jaw has had an impact on how I feel about myself. While I

wouldn't have

> > said that my jaw per se affected my self esteem, I knew

something was

> > wrong with my appearance, definitely my teeth. It amazes me how

much of

> > an all around effect the jaw has on everything: biting, eating,

> > chewing, talking, as well as how attractive I feel.

> > While I know many of us are having surgery for functional

reasons, how

> > has this surgery affected how you feel about yourself? If you

are pre

> > op, how do you anticipate feeling when you look at yourself in

the

> > mirror and see what you've never seen before: everything aligned

and

> > healthy?

> > Wow! It blows me away sometimes knowing what I'm about to have

done.

> > ~Joanne

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Fran,

Thanks for your response! The software my OS uses is called " Dolphin

Digital Imaging System " . I've just uploaded a few photos onto this

site (see " S. " ). (He didn't have time to clean up/photoshop my

projected 'after' image - he said my upper lip will be a out a little

bit further and my chin a little softer than it appears in the photo.)

Good to hear from another 'pre-op'!

Hugs back at ya,

>

> Hi ,

> I think that is wonderful that your surgeon had the image projection

> software (isn't there a name for the software that does this - I

> can't recall it right now), for you to see the potential changes

> through the surgery process! I would love to see that!! Actually,

> I think it helps to have that image as you are in the process, as it

> probably will assist you through the early " swelling phase " post op,

> and to deal with the changes you see post op as well. I am really

> glad you had that available to you. I am still pre op also, so I

> don't have an experiential perspective about this issue, but do

> think what you mention about self confidence improving is accurate.

> It will be interesting to see what the surgery vets think about this!

> Hugs,

> Fran

[Guest guest]

Hi Fran, my bite is definitely changing. I'm chewing up the inside of

my right cheek like crazy. I'll wake up at night chewing it (I lay on

that side), and I'm like " What are you doing, stop that! " It's my

profile that's still bad.

I've been looking at other people too. In many cases their problems

interfere with speech as well as appearance. In some cases they know

they'd be a candidate for surgery, but the prospect of surgery

frightens them so they don't explore the option. MY OMS has mentioned

seeing it in his relatives. So it's not at all odd, I guess .

Looking forward to hearing what others have to say!

Hugs right back,

~Joanne

>

> Hi Joanne,

> I am preop, but that hasn't kept me from becomming incredibly

> focused on jaws and position. The way my jaw is changing (partly

> also due to the bite plate which doesn't allow full closure of my

> jaw, and I see the difference that makes in my face shape

already!),

> but also I notice other peoples jaws and bite. I was never

> consciously aware of other peoples symmetry and balance before.

Now

> I see it everywhere!! It must be an occupational hazard for the

> OD's and OMS's I would think! Have you found that too? I mean, I

> notice it with actors, politicians, newscasters, people in the

> grocery store...it is really amazing. Some people I have seen with

> severe difficulties because of it, and I have wanted to start up

> conversations with them if I can to talk about my jaw, and see if

> they pick up a clue about their own situation. But some people you

> just don't have an opportunity to say anything to them, and I

> actually feel badly when I don't mention it to them anyway! And it

> never would have even been a notion before to me.

>

> Anyway, I will be interested in seeing what others think. Good

> thread!

> Hugs,

> Fran

[Guest guest]

Hi looks like we're online at pretty much the same time. I hope

my oms has software like this. I've already seen projections of what

I'd look like thru a friend, and I was speechless...in a good way

I'll be getting my surgery next late spring/early summer. I'll be

watching the board and posting when I can!

Take care!

~Joanne

>

> Hi Fran,

>

> Thanks for your response! The software my OS uses is

called " Dolphin

> Digital Imaging System " . I've just uploaded a few photos onto this

> site (see " S. " ). (He didn't have time to clean up/photoshop

my

> projected 'after' image - he said my upper lip will be a out a

little

> bit further and my chin a little softer than it appears in the

photo.)

>

> Good to hear from another 'pre-op'!

>

> Hugs back at ya,

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Wow! I just looked at your projected after image in the photo

gallery! You must be thrilled that this is where your OMS is

heading for you!! It must make your preop time a little easier to

bear with if you know what you are working toward. Thanks for

sharing!

Hugs,

Fran

> >

> > Hi ,

> > I think that is wonderful that your surgeon had the image

projection

> > software (isn't there a name for the software that does this - I

> > can't recall it right now), for you to see the potential changes

> > through the surgery process! I would love to see that!!

Actually,

> > I think it helps to have that image as you are in the process,

as it

> > probably will assist you through the early " swelling phase " post

op,

> > and to deal with the changes you see post op as well. I am

really

> > glad you had that available to you. I am still pre op also, so

I

> > don't have an experiential perspective about this issue, but do

> > think what you mention about self confidence improving is

accurate.

> > It will be interesting to see what the surgery vets think about

this!

> > Hugs,

> > Fran

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jen

Im having lower jaw and genio in jan or febuary

How much is lower jaw being advanced and how advanced

in mm as far as the genio. Even though im 48 yera old male

i have a very similar appearance. Do you also have lip

incompetence where your lips dont meet at rest??

Thanks

[Guest guest]

What I remember from my OS appointment is that my upper jaw will be

widened and advanced, and my lower jaw/chin will be advanced approx. 2

cm. during the surgery (sorry- I'm still learning the details &

medical lingo for all of this). My lips do more or less meet when at

rest - only a very slight part.

Best wishes for your upcoming surgery!

-

>

>

>

> Hi Jen

>

>

> Im having lower jaw and genio in jan or febuary

> How much is lower jaw being advanced and how advanced

> in mm as far as the genio. Even though im 48 yera old male

> i have a very similar appearance. Do you also have lip

> incompetence where your lips dont meet at rest??

> Thanks

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Jen

Best wishes too you also when i get a surgery

date i will keep all informed this tuesday is molds

taken with my ortho. The way it feels to me now

with my bite after being in braces for 2 years that

when i move my lower jaw forward it seems like my

bite comes together nicely. I feel on tuesday my od

is going to now say it SHOWTIME and get ready for

surgery. im not going to schedule for november or dec

because of all the holidays hopefully in jan

Thanks again

[Guest guest]

Hi , I'm thankful too that this group exists. I've gotten so

much information from this, and it feels good when I can ask

questions on the board and be somewhat familiar with the terminology,

makes me feel less intimidated at my consults with my oral surgeon.

How did you reach your decision to go for it? I was originally

thinking I was just going to be re-braced (had them when I was 10-13

years old), and everything went from there. Surgery was mentioned off

and on while I was growing up, but they had to wait til I was done

growing.

I know I'm gonna be self conscious around people who've known me a

long time, but I'm pretty sure they'll be supportive

We should be getting our surgeries around the same time next year;

keep us informed thru your journey! I'll be getting upper/lower

too, except for an overjet and open bite.

~Joanne

>

> Hi there!

>

> I'm new to the group and am so thankful that it exists! I'm just

> beginning the process for orthognathic surgery - to hopefully get

rid

> of my sleep apnea and TMJ problems - and to give me a chin (yay!).

> I'll be consulting with a couple of orthodontists in the next week

and

> should have the braces on by early December (thought that I was done

> w/braces for good when I was 15 - turns out that whole situation

> negatively contributed to my current one - oh well!). The OS

> speculates that I should be ready for surgery by early summer '06.

>

> During my recent treatment plan consult, when the OS showed me the

> projected/morphed " after surgery " photo image, I just about fell off

> my chair! Who is that person?! In the back of my head, I knew

that,

> of course, if my upper jaw is widened and pushed forward - and then

my

> lower jaw scooted forward (about 2cm.)to meet it - I'm going to look

> different. I guess a part of me imagined I'd still look like 'me',

> only with a chin! Wow. Aside from the health benefits (no more

sleep

> apnea or jaw pain while eating/speaking...), my appearance will

> definitely improve. I know that I'm going to feel more confident

> socially and when doing my work-related speaking/teaching. I'm so

> anxious now!

>

> My question about this topic is: for those who have gone through

the

> surgery, how long did it take for you to get used to the 'new face'

> staring back at you in the mirror? -How did your

> families/friends/co-workers react to you? Any post-op depression

> related to the 'new you'? I'm not afraid of having the actual

> surgery, but rather my anxiety stems from how people who've known me

> for all or part of my 33 years will respond post-op.

>

> Thanks to all!

>

> Blessings,

>

[Guest guest]

- Hello and welcome to this group! It sounds like you and I

will be having our surgeries at about the same time, next June. I'm

a 47 year-old with an underbite and I've been in braces for 3.5

months. I will be having both upper surgery to advance my maxilla

forward and lower surgery to set back my mandible, plus neck/chin

Lipo too (my OMS is also a Cosmetic Surgeon). My OMS printed up one

of those " before & after " pictures for me, and you're right, the

change was quite awesome. The braces technology has changed from

when you last had them. Make sure you request Continuous Force Wires

when you are getting everything installed - they exert constant

pressure on your teeth and will move them faster. Congratulations on

beginning your Orthognathic Journey, and again, welcome to the

group! ~~~~ Diane (Idaho)In

orthognathicsurgerysupport , " " <schneij@y...>

wrote:

>

> Hi there!

>

> I'm new to the group and am so thankful that it exists! I'm just

> beginning the process for orthognathic surgery - to hopefully get

rid

> of my sleep apnea and TMJ problems - and to give me a chin (yay!).

> I'll be consulting with a couple of orthodontists in the next week

and

> should have the braces on by early December (thought that I was

done

> w/braces for good when I was 15 - turns out that whole situation

> negatively contributed to my current one - oh well!). The OS

> speculates that I should be ready for surgery by early

summer '06.

>

> During my recent treatment plan consult, when the OS showed me the

> projected/morphed " after surgery " photo image, I just about fell

off

> my chair! Who is that person?! In the back of my head, I knew

that,

> of course, if my upper jaw is widened and pushed forward - and

then my

> lower jaw scooted forward (about 2cm.)to meet it - I'm going to

look

> different. I guess a part of me imagined I'd still look like 'me',

> only with a chin! Wow. Aside from the health benefits (no more

sleep

> apnea or jaw pain while eating/speaking...), my appearance will

> definitely improve. I know that I'm going to feel more confident

> socially and when doing my work-related speaking/teaching. I'm so

> anxious now!

>

> My question about this topic is: for those who have gone through

the

> surgery, how long did it take for you to get used to the 'new face'

> staring back at you in the mirror? -How did your

> families/friends/co-workers react to you? Any post-op depression

> related to the 'new you'? I'm not afraid of having the actual

> surgery, but rather my anxiety stems from how people who've known

me

> for all or part of my 33 years will respond post-op.

>

> Thanks to all!

>

> Blessings,

>

>

>

>

>

> >

> > I didn't realize until now that I'm 11 months into this process

(!)

> > I've been seeing my facial contours changing and realizing how

much my

> > jaw has had an impact on how I feel about myself. While I

wouldn't have

> > said that my jaw per se affected my self esteem, I knew

something was

> > wrong with my appearance, definitely my teeth. It amazes me how

much of

> > an all around effect the jaw has on everything: biting, eating,

> > chewing, talking, as well as how attractive I feel.

> > While I know many of us are having surgery for functional

reasons, how

> > has this surgery affected how you feel about yourself? If you

are pre

> > op, how do you anticipate feeling when you look at yourself in

the

> > mirror and see what you've never seen before: everything aligned

and

> > healthy?

> > Wow! It blows me away sometimes knowing what I'm about to have

done.

> > ~Joanne

> >

>

[Guest guest]

-Joanne - Wow - 11 months! You ARE moving right along! It's 3.5

months for me, and my next appointment with my OMS will be at my 4.5

month mark. Time flies when you're having " fun " ! I haven't seen any

of my facial contours changing, but I am impressed at how great my

teeth are looking. My OMS took one of those " before & after "

pictures of me, and there is quite alot of change. He was only able

to " alter " my lower - he " did " a BSSO and some Lipo on my neck and

chin. I have scanned it onto a floppy disk, and will upload the

images sometime soon, so you can see the difference just a " little "

bit of jaw surgery can do (at least doing it on the computer is

painfree). ~~~ Diane (Idaho)-- In

orthognathicsurgerysupport , " jpulaski129 "

<jpulaski129@y...> wrote:

>

> I didn't realize until now that I'm 11 months into this process

(!)

> I've been seeing my facial contours changing and realizing how

much my

> jaw has had an impact on how I feel about myself. While I wouldn't

have

> said that my jaw per se affected my self esteem, I knew something

was

> wrong with my appearance, definitely my teeth. It amazes me how

much of

> an all around effect the jaw has on everything: biting, eating,

> chewing, talking, as well as how attractive I feel.

> While I know many of us are having surgery for functional reasons,

how

> has this surgery affected how you feel about yourself? If you are

pre

> op, how do you anticipate feeling when you look at yourself in the

> mirror and see what you've never seen before: everything aligned

and

> healthy?

> Wow! It blows me away sometimes knowing what I'm about to have

done.

> ~Joanne

>

[Guest guest]

- I just took a look at the pictures in your photo folder.

Wow - the before and after pictures are awesome! I also enjoyed

seeing the cephalometric tracings (images 4 and 5), as they really

show the impact that this surgery will be having on your appearance,

from your OMS's viewpoint. I bet you are SO excited to get started

on your Journey! ~~~~ Diane

> >

> >

> >

> > Hi Jen

> >

> >

> > Im having lower jaw and genio in jan or febuary

> > How much is lower jaw being advanced and how advanced

> > in mm as far as the genio. Even though im 48 yera

old male

> > i have a very similar appearance. Do you also have

lip

> > incompetence where your lips dont meet at rest??

> > Thanks

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Diane,

Thanks for your advice about the Continuous Force Wires - I'm

consulting w/orthodontist #1 today (will be 'interviewing' two & will

decide then which one to go with).

I know that the digitized 'after' photo is just an estimation of how

I'll look post-op, but I definitely think it will help me (and my

family) - in the months leading up to surgery - get used to how my

appearance will be changed.

I never thought that something that started out as just seeing on OMS

to have my wisdom teeth extracted would turn into all of this!

Good luck on your surgery as well!

Blessings,

S.

>

> - I just took a look at the pictures in your photo folder.

> Wow - the before and after pictures are awesome! I also enjoyed

> seeing the cephalometric tracings (images 4 and 5), as they really

> show the impact that this surgery will be having on your appearance,

> from your OMS's viewpoint. I bet you are SO excited to get started

> on your Journey! ~~~~ Diane---