Does anyone else have a giant Pannus?

Well, I am a bit different from everyone else that has answered because I actually did just what you want to. I went in for a consultation on a VSG and my surgeon recommended doing a panniculectomy first. I went in for surgery on 9/29 and (most days) I think it was the best thing I could have ever done. During the surgery, about 60lbs of skin and fat were removed. The difference is amazing. I had chronic cellutitis infections in the area and it hung so low that my mobility my impaired. The day after the surgery, I was up and walking around - almost better than before the surgery. Now, two weeks later, the difference is amazing. I can walk without getting short of breath, stairs aren't an issue, and my "bad" knee barely bothers me!

I just thought that I would give you a different perspective. :)

I so have to smile as I read your post.  I totally, if you read my profile, say/said the same thing.  I love my curves!  I do not want to be skinny.  I started out at 317 and thought if I get under 200 I will be satisfied. No you are not.  When I got there I set a goal of 190.  I was happy in a size 16 I thought first time I felt "normal" in 25yrs!  Well then I got to 190 and thought I needed to be 180 (I'm 5'7" and wear a size 14) well, yesterday I made an appt for a fill because I have only lost 5lbs in 2+ months (today I was happy to see 179.5!) and I am thinking I would now like to be 165!  I still don't want to be a skinny minny and want to have curves (I still wear a size 38H in a bra so there are curves) but I know that I need to get rid of a little more.  I just wish I knew how much PS would take off.  I have a big Panni and my arms are just horrid!!  I will never wear a short sleeved top EVER! and it's killing me because selection is limited.  The fat just hangs at my elbows.  I want it gone but I think I want to be smaller first.  How do you know how much will go with Plastics and where to set your goal?  At 165 I will still not be at a 25 BMI.  I think I Have to be under 160 for that.  So maybe 165 with weight loss and then add PLastics on top to put me in a NOrmal BMI range?  What does everyone else think?  Oh sorry to hyjack your post!  Yikes.  But I am so interested that is why I got on here today.  The dietician said at 5'7" my ideal body weight was 135!  I just laugh.  That is NEVER going to happen.  I haven't been there since I was 14yrs old probably.  I have size 11 feet for cryin out loud!

Ok enough blathering...just wanted to help.  Love my Band btw!
M.E.

Oh gosh, you guys I appreciate the perspective soooo much, but I just can't decide. I'm having my pre-op appointment with my surgeon and will hopefully gain some insight there next week.  I still think he's going to recommend the RNY, and I'm ok with that, I think that probably is my best option. Knowing how I am and my history and everything. 

I never saw myself as a person who would get plastics, but I could definately see myself doing that down the road, at least a tummy tuck.  How could I ever afford it, tho? 

I'm scared of making the wrong decision and regretting it.  I would just feel awful if I have some horrible complications and end up ill from this ELECTIVE surgery.