Some thoughts rattling around violently in my brain right now

I find this discussion intriguing, and I believe that this specific forum is the only place where it can be truly engaged in. Anywhere else, people simply do not comprehend it, and even broaching the subject will have negative repercussions.

What particularly catches my interest, as you also pointed out, is the reason behind our dissatisfaction with height while others seem unaffected.

Regarding why this affects some individuals and not others, I suspect that the crucial factor lies in how we interpret height-related experiences. The spectrum of processing such experiences ranges between internalizing them or externalizing them.

To elaborate on this concept: Consider an extreme case of someone who struggles with criticism. When informed that they are behaving poorly, they respond aggressively by yelling and insulting incessantly. This individual’s brain swiftly channels the intense emotion from the criticism back at the source, essentially projecting it outward.

In contrast, envision someone who immediately withdraws in shame, internalizing all the negativity from criticism, and becoming overly embarrassed by it. They allow the adverse emotions to deeply affect them.

Applying this to the context of height, these scenarios could manifest as a shorter man displaying excessive aggressiveness when faced with negative feelings about his height, commonly referred to as Napoleon syndrome. This stereotype often surfaces in the media concerning shorter men.

On the other hand, a different individual may internalize these emotions, feeling defeated and inadequate due to their height, absorbing the negativity as a personal shortcoming.

It is my assumption that many, if not all of us here, belong to the internalizing category. We have internalized the notion of inadequacy as men because of our height.

In today’s society, this belief is incessantly reinforced. Through movies, social media, dating applications, and other platforms, we are bombarded with this perspective constantly. As others are similarly exposed to this belief, a feedback loop forms where they reaffirm this perception.

Therefore, if you internalize and absorb this perspective of inadequacy, gradually you will perceive it more strongly over time due to this feedback loop.

When you combine this with a personality that is determined to solve problems and find solutions relentlessly, you create a potential candidate for limb lengthening.

Regarding why other shorter men may not experience this, I propose the following:

1. They may possess a psychological defense mechanism that shields them better from internalizing the idea that short men are inadequate.

This defense mechanism could be positive, such as excelling in a physical sport or martial art, leading to confidence in their physical strength and abilities, or an externalizing mechanism that causes them to deflect negative perceptions without internalizing them.

Or it could be that they were exposed to fewer negative incidents related to height.

2. Divergent personalities may play a role.
It is plausible that many short men, possibly a significant majority, have internalized the belief of inadequacy linked to their height, but lack the relentless problem-solving trait and resilience to tackle such issues persistently.
Combine an internalized view of inadequacy in short men with a tenacious problem-solving personality, and you have a potential candidate for limb lengthening.

Most individuals lack awareness of the procedure. If you are 5’1 and are unaware of a method to increase your height, your mind will acknowledge this because there is no solution available. Whether it is due to financial constraints or a lack of 8 months for recuperation because of family obligations or other reasons.

However, once you become informed about the surgery and its potential outcomes, and you have the financial means and the necessary recovery time, the idea that you have the potential to become taller will persist in your mind at no cost until you undergo the procedure.

Nobody else can respond to these inquiries apart from you, as it constitutes a genuinely individual choice. Your psychological condition and thought process are distinctive, and providing you with a generalized statement is unfeasible. Your observation regarding being 5’8.5″ falls somewhat into the category of “somewhat short, but not entirely.” Scientific data indicates advantages in height progression from under 5’10” to 5’10”. Furthermore, there are advantages in progressing even up to 6’0″, although the benefits diminish significantly beyond this point.

I used to be 5′ 9′ (similar height to you). I first learned about limb lengthening surgery during the pandemic.

My initial reaction was that this procedure must be unsafe! However, after conducting some research, I found out that it is quite safe if performed by a reputable surgeon.

My following thought was that this surgery must have a permanent impact on your abilities! Yet, after further research, I discovered that individuals can make a nearly full recovery and still engage in sports and gym activities after the recovery process.

My subsequent concern was that this surgery might result in an alien-like appearance! Nevertheless, through my research, I realized that most people look normal afterwards.

My next worry was that this procedure would be financially out of reach for me! But through research, I learned that affording it wouldn’t be an issue and I could even work remotely during the process.

At that moment, the idea of undergoing this surgery lingered in my mind for a long time, and I couldn’t come up with a valid reason why I shouldn’t proceed. Despite wanting to find a reason, I couldn’t. Being in decent shape and taking care of myself, the mental image of being “tall” on top of that was challenging to ignore.

I had my consultation in late January and underwent the surgery in mid March. Five months later, I now stand over 6ft tall and can walk without any problems (although my gait isn’t perfect yet). I am pleased with my appearance in the mirror, feel more confident in social situations, and overall, I am very happy with the outcome.

I’m not saying this to persuade you to follow suit. Actually, if you can live without it, then you probably should, lol. This process is painful, brutal, and mentally exhausting. It’s not for the faint-hearted. Nonetheless, it is a fulfilling journey for those who are willing to endure all the challenges to reach the goal.

I recently underwent limb lengthening surgery and experienced a 7cm height increase. While still in the recovery phase, my back and legs have not fully recovered their strength yet. However, the change from about 5’7 to 5’10/5’11 is visible. Receiving positive feedback from strangers is satisfying, making the journey worthwhile. The newfound confidence and masculinity are pleasant surprises. Contemplating this surgery for almost two years has shown me the importance of embracing change. It is worth noting that after hours of research and months of deliberation, I concluded that it is the right decision.

Would you be willing to share some specific experiences you have encountered? What kinds of positive feedback and affirmation have you received?