Plastic Surgery??

Just wondered if anyone else had this problem - after losing 100 pounds, I still have the upper arms of a 331 pound woman.  It's almost impossible to find shirts that fit, that have large enough sleeves, and if I buy them large enough to have big enough sleeves, then they're too big. And it's REALLY almost impossible to find nice dresses, esp RED dresses, that don't have VERY SHORT sleeves, or they're sleeveless, which, is OUT OF THE QUESTION for me. I have some flab other places, like my boobs are kinda flat and saggy lol and my belly sorta hangs, but my arms are seriously out of control.  Is plastic surgery my only option? I don't think there's enough exercising in the world to "fix" my arms, and I would have the surgery, but there is no way I could afford it, even with financing. I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!!

Sorry I can't help you outside of suggesting home made clothing so they are tailored to your needs. I do feel for you tho because it is this very thing that scares me about my own arms. I see everything else getting slightly smaller but my arms seem to be going NOWHERE. Best of luck and I will be watching this thread. Beth

I also can't really help you here..I haven't lost a lot of weight..but I am still worried about my arms..they make me sick now and i am sure the day that i do lose a lot of weight they are still going to bother me then..the only thing i can think of is finding some good arm exercises and maybe that will help some..but it seems this is the problem for a lot of people..and my fear!

I would get with a good trainer to ask about what exercises you can do the put some extra muscle in those arms. It *might* help. In the short term I would defiantly find a good and affordable seamstress. A great seamstress can work WONDERS. Why make yourself feel bad when clothing CAN be tailor made for you!?!? Besides, women of every size and height have their clothing altered. Don't feel like it's something you have to endure, it's something that is going to make you look and feel better!  FYI I did this very same thing for my wedding. The dress that looked the best on me had detachable short sleeves. I had my seamstress make beautiful long flowing sleeves out of white chiffon material. Get creative and feel proud of your accomplishments!

My thin arms live in saggy voluptuous skin... at some angles my skin literally falls in concertina crepe folds....

Clothing: 3/4 sleeves are my only salvation. 

When buying dresses... my suggestion is to layer it with a jacket or cardigan in a weight to suit the season.  This opens up ALL dresses as possiblities.  If you choose one of those thin fine front tie up ones it works well with a summer dress. The layered look can actually look very smart/ pretty.

It is disappointing after loosing so much weight not to be able to just buy off the rack.  Personally, I will be having the Plastic surgery- even though it leaves a scar I figure a scar looks better than the skin... and if I am lucky then it will fade well- if unlucky I am no worse off.

There is a Plastics Forum on OH... it's worth checking it out for specific info.  There is a section to the left of the PS mainpage with FAQ.

Em

I completely understand where you are coming from -- my arms are AWFUL!  I do the 3/4 sleeve thing too!  I can't stand short sleeves because they are way too short or way too tight.  I call them my cabbage patch kid arms....that's what they look like -- folds and dimples -- BLEAH! Arm exercises can help some along the way, but unfortunately I doubt it will help much now that the "damage" is done -- but what do I know? I know nothing about plastic surgery but I have been told by my doctors that it IS my only option!  Good luck!

Yes, I am also a fan of the 3/4 sleeves!!  It's just that they are hard to find, esp in the warmer months!  I have a formal event to go to and I want a red dress (never had one!!) but they all have tiny sleeves or NO sleeves!  If anyone comes across a red dress, in about a size 20 or 22 with 3/4 sleeves, or at least sleeves about down to to elbow, please, PLEASE let me know!!!!!!!!!!!  Thanks!!!!!

Find a dress you like and take it to a seamstress and have her alter the sleeves. I guess look for on that you would like with longer sleeves and then go for it. Beth

I agree with Beth.  Find a sleeveless red dress then have a seamstress add a sleeve- so it matches well perhaps you could have the sleeve in a sheer material with an interesting cuff/edge?  eg bell, or one of those semi-medieval ones where it dangles longer? or maybe a satin edge on a sheer?

Another idea: have the dress made from scratch- Simplicity and Butterick have their sewing patterns online for browsing.  Then the seamstress (or you if you're a sewer) can literally make it to fit YOU, always the most flattering option.

Em