Trying to find where to start :)

Hello,
Had my lap band for almost a yr and a half I expect and I am starting to think about plastics that appear to be needed  (sigh).  I go to the gym every day varying gym time m, w, f and water aerobics t, th, sat, and sun.  I still see dimpling and sagging sticking around especially in my stomach and seeing it some in thigh area too.  I am curious where is the best place for me to start finding what to do and how to do it and when to do each step.    I doubt my insurance will pay for it..and that's okay, this is still something I want to get done.  Would love any suggestions or recommendations if someone knows someone in my area.  Also, my stomach sags (not like it did before my weight loss but still it sags...how much was removed for some that have had the surgeries (if you don't mind telling me, If I am too nosy, I understand.)  Trying to figure out how much of what I think i need to lose is actually my lovely elephant skin that I wish removed.  Looking forward to hearing from you, Have a great day,
Swoosh :)

 Start interviewing plastic surgeons.  You need one you're going to like because you'll be seeing them a lot.  Ask for their opinions.  I'm assuming most will be honest and tell you whether or not your issues can be worked on or not.
Good luck
L.

Thank you :)  Yes I expect that is a good place to start.  I should work on specific questions as well, I need to give that more thought as well.  If you know of any questions that are ones that should be discussed up front plz let me know I would hate to leave out something obvious.  :)
Swoosh :)

Swoosh,  We are about in the same place in our journey.  I think since you should wait 6-12 months after goal for plasticsI am lurking a lot on this board to see before and after pictures and problems and solutions. (I did the same before my lapband)  That way you can see the whole spectrum and options.  Then when closer to goal I will start talking to Dr's.  I figure I am about a year from goal.  There is a Dr. here that is mentioned alot Dr. Sauceda with wondferful prices and results but he is in Mexco which scares a lot of people.

HI,
Thank you for your reply :)  And yes it will be about yr before actually wanting to have it done still have a few pounds and toning would like to do first, just unsure how long every thing takes to get set up and all so was trying to avoid adding time to the wait to have something done.  Going to Mexico to do the surgeries does scare me, I don't know that I could do that.  but it is something to look into and I appreciate it.  Never thought my skin would annoy me more thin rather than fat lol :) and I do know that it takes a the skin longer to re coop even with all the training I am doing so it is understandable that i look like Horton the elephant...  funny felt like a cow before and an elephant now...ah to be s sleek racehorse lol  (well since changing animal groups and all lol).  Keep me posted on things you find out for you,  I would be curious to know :)  Hope your day is great,
Swoosh :)

A previous poster was right; many PS want you to be at goal weight a minimum of 6 months before  undergoing surgery. However, you can certainly start your research earlier than that! It didn't take me long from first appt. to surgery....about 6 weeks. But I pretty much knew what I wanted done and had chosen a surgeon based on referrals from friends prior to even having my first appt.

I suggest you start by talking to your WLS office; they often work with a handful of PS, and that way you know you are getting someone EXPERIENCED with WLS patients. We have unique needs and having someone with experience with people like me was important.

Good luck!

THank you :)  That is outstanding advice :)
Swoosh :)

Wow, great job on the weight loss!

Many plastic surgeons will give a free consult. You can go see them and find out what they think would be best for you. It is a good idea to be at a stable weight for 6 months but there's no reason why you shouldn't start interviewing (and start saving your money, sigh).

Make sure you ask them about their experience with WLS patients. We are very different from people who haven't lost a lot of weight. Good PSs will have an album of pictures you can look at so you can see their work.

Thanks for the info :)  Yes I wish to be prepared... I did something smart (well I think it is).... I took my tax refund and a few extra pennies and paid off my car two yrs early....  its only an 05 so its good to go for awhile still...  AND I still put the car payment in savings each month... (minus $50 that I put in my sons savings now)  So  I am still making car payments but they are for work on me :)  so by the time I reach my goal I should have at least a good down payment if I have to take out a loan or perhaps have the majority ready to pay for services, we will see ;)  either way I think its better then waiting till I am able to get where I want to be and then saying okay...now what???    AND if next yr this time I have funding together and decide I don't need surgery after all (  miracles do happen)  then  I will have a bit of money for something else :)  Either way... I win :)
Swoosh :)