Swimming Naked

The Russian girl at the spa tries to preserve my modesty by leaving the room while I undress. I told her not to worry and am out of my clothes and onto the table in before she can close the door. She gives me a tiny blue towel to cover the stubble she is going to ruthlessly rip from my body in just a few minutes. I am curious as I wait for her there in my black bra and blue loincloth as to how many of her Brazilian wax customers are shy when naked. I am also delighted to realize I am so comfortable sans clothing these days. Every morning I slip out of my hotel bed and into the shower with no stop to remove anything. I let the endless supply of hot water flow over the sensual new body that I have worked for, paid for. I have become vain, leaving off dressing until the last possible minute, watching myself in the mirror as I treat my skin to the lovely sounding “Mandelular body soufflé”, dry my hair, pamper myself. Two years ago I would have dressed in the dark to avoid the reality I thought had no solution.

I have had many interesting reactions to my decision to have the tummy tuck. Most people just tell me I look great and keep their private thoughts to themselves. Those people I call my friends. Some people think surgery is all they have to do to achieve a perfect body and I have to explain to them that they have to first learn the discipline of diet and exercise. They are unconvinced and ask for the name of my doctor. I give it, knowing he will set them straight. Another response I have heard frequently is summed up in one statement from a slightly drunk friend at a bar. “Damn, that must have hurt like a son of a bitch.” My reply to her was, “No pain, no loss.” I must admit I was floored this week when a male acquaintance said with a touch of disapproval in his voice, “That must have cost a lot.” I just told him yes and let it pass, but I’m using this vehicle to reply to his accounting soul. No, I cannot justify it financially, but I could not afford not to do it. For my friends who tell me I look great and let it go, thanks, I love you too. For those that are looking for a quick fix for their own issues, my advice is to stop searching for that magic pill and get to work. For those that fear the pain, know that the brief physical sting is of no consequence compared to the years of emotional hurt that filled my life. For the fiscally responsible let me add it up for you. Doctor’s fees and hospital, $6,120, new clothes for my new body, I guess well over $4000 in the last year. Being comfortable in my own skin, priceless.