Skin - skin - skin... I look like a Shar Pei

No question this surgery has been a blessing to me. Not one regret. But - I will say that I look like a smooshed souffle - or a shar pei. I was determined NOT to have the PS after surgery - I swore I wasn't going to get cut-up again if not absolutely required. Over time and with the help of a little post-surgery amnesia - I'm starting to give it some thought. I've lost enough weight that I've developed a Pannus (sp) that stretches from over one hip bone through the other. EWWWW. And I'm starting to have trouble with itching, etc. If some of the Post-Ops that have either decided for or against want to send me some tips or advice- both on whether you think it was worth it to do/not do PS and in the meantime - tips for how to manage the extra skin - I'd surely appreciate it. Best, Michele P

Hey Michele, Before thinking of plastic surgery give your body time to shrink. You are only 6 months out of surgery. Plus, try some skin rejovinating (sp) cream and see if that might help a little bit. That is the advice I have been given incase I may need it. Just a thought. Di

I am close to 11 months post op and I know for a fact, even tho I'm 47, I need PS. I cannot jog, and walking is hurting my joints, and my ankles and I have no desire to flop around. It does take time, and my surgeon said I can't do any abdominal exercises for 1 year so that does have some effect on my tummy still hanging around I would imagine. I do know that I have lots and lots of spare tires around my lower belly and sides, and that has got to go!!! Just be patient, though some people get their tt early, you need to have medical necessity first, unless you can afford it out of pocket. My insurance- BCBS Comm BLue PPO said that. And I don't have to wait a year, but they do recommend it. And my surgeon has to write a letter of medical necessity. Or else it gets denied. And I've been through one PS who didn't even give me the time of day. Best wishes, and just be patient, though I know that is easier said than done.

I am the palstic surgery Queen. LOL I also swore after surgery I would not have PS. BUT after time passed and I got adjusted to my new body....well I wasn't happy anymore. So I had just about every area done except for my breast lift, calves and lower arms. Glad I did it all, but suffer from severe complications from inner thighs.

I was checking out your profile and you look gorgeous! Which of your procedures did the insurance approve? I am just beginning the plastics and am hoping for the best. I'm just wondering , what are the complications from the inner thighs? Hugs Linda

Just wondering if you have possibly gone for a consult with Dr. Vincent DiNick. He is a wonderful plastic surgeon. I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone. Good luck to you. Carey

You know when i had my wls i kept looking at pics of ppl with lots of extra skin, i kept thinking ewwww that looks so gross. But then i thought about it and said hey it looks a lot better than all the fat! you think your skin looks gross? You should see mine! I have a turkey neck, my legs are awful, my arms have to stay hidden with three quarter length sleeves and my stomach hangs so bad that it pulls on the nerves on my back and make me hurt. So now i am trying to get up the nerve to at least do a tt. Just know that a good girdle does wonders as does a push up bra! The best girdle i found was at meijer and was only 7.99 i just make sure it has firm control. AS for the the itching and infections in the skin, my doc prescribes nitrozol powder that works wonders. Just make sure to have your pcp document any and all infections, it helps in the approval for plastics. Hugs Linda

I can't have PS until at least 12 months out so I'm not in any rush...just pondering the idea. Thanks for the tips - particularly on the nitrolzole powder. I can see where that will be helpful particularly in the heat. And ditto on the Meijers girdles. I spent a fortune on special ones ... the one from Spanx - Higher Power? Rolls down constantly making me look like a tube of toothpaste squeezed in the middle. The special order really expensive one? Despite careful measuring it came in so small that I can't imagine how much more weight I'd have to lose to make it fit. And the El Cheapo Meijers brand? Works like a champ. Go figure. Gosh I've missed this board. Best, Michele P