I don't think he is insecure. The author admits that she barely talked to him during the time he wanted the surgery. It seems equally likely that he was secure

I don't think he is insecure. The author admits that she barely talked to him during the time he wanted the surgery. It seems equally likely that he was secure while wanting the height extensions to get a leg up in life. You don't have to be insecure to want something better for yourself.