last 20 lbs and contemplating plastic surgery..

hi

so i had my surgery back in december, and im down 100 lbs, less than 20 to go.  my stomach feels very fatty, like im thinking that i might end up going lower than 135 because of it.  i have questions i would appreciate answers to if you can help
1. can the last 20 or 25lbs make a big difference to the stomach area??
2. will the stomach area shrink as time goes by and the fat cells shrink??
3. how long does it take to see the results of how your body is going to bounce back after losign the weight ie, i've heard that the fat redistributes itself. 

i am 30 years old, did you guys have lose skin, and then it shrunk any at all???

thanks

The last 20 - 25 lbs can make a difference but that depends on your build.

Yes, your skin can pull back somewhat over a period of time; I'm 42 and my panni pulled back slightly but since I've been overweight since age of 4 or 5, I wasn't expecting a miracle.

I was 6 months at my goal weight (after discussing why I couldn't lose anymore weight) I had my consult with my ps.  I scheduled the surgery for 6 months after that.  I wanted to be at my goal weight for one year before doing plastics.  The majority of surgeons will not do surgery until you are at goal for at least 6 months.

well my arms and neck are fairly small, and it appears that it's all in my belly right now, maybe some in my upper thighs, but suspect i wont lose much more in my legs... i know everyone is different, but im just trying to get some people with experience.

thanks

FWIW, most people overestimate how much skin weighs.  I went from 349 to 160 and the skin removed during my lbl was only 7.5 lbs and the skin from my arms, maybe one lb per arm.  My thighs are being done on Friday and my ps estimates those at 7 lbs total... secretly I'm hoping for 40 lbs.  ;)

oh i know that the true skin wont weigh very much, i guess i'll have to wait to see the true results of my weight loss when i hit 130, and go from there.

thanks for the input

I think there is a reason why most insurances won't cover a TT/Panni removal for most until you are minimum of a year out.  The skin is the last organ to heal once you lose weight.  My waist used to measure 63 inches now its 40.  I have to tuck my stomach in.  I have to wear tight workout underwear or it looks like I have my ass in front of me since it hangs through.  My panni has drooped down to my mid thigh.  I'm within 15% of my goal.  I'm not seeking to be a perfect size,etc.  

Sometimes, when you lose weight slowly your skin has a chance to rebound.  However, if you have been obese for many years it just won't fully bounce back.  Some surgeons won't even operate on a person until they can prove their weight has been stablized. 

I'm having a TT in August and though I have a little more weight that I want to lose, some medical issues are moving this earlier than expect.  

Just keep working out.  The only way you can really burn those fat cells that are burried, is to really get in the gym and push your limits with cardio and core work.

Good luck!!

thanks Jen,  I'll take your advice and try to push the work outs!!   my pani isnt bad really, like i can see my pubic area, so it's just not tight i guess, definatley not too bad compared to what i was!!!!

I thought I had 20 lbs to lose, but after seeing two plastic surgeons and 2 general docs, I realized I dont have much to lose at all, if any.  So, its worth it to go talk to them and see if they can examine your skin for readiness.

thanks missy,  i guess it couldnt hurt to have a consult with one, just to look at the skin.  I think i'll give it at least 10 more pounds though becuase im not on a plateau so im still losing, and i can actually see the change in my stomach area just by losing 5lbs, so it may be that i do have the fat there.  Maybe with my frame i am designed to be more towards the 125 to 130 lbs mark instead of the 135 lb mark.

i'll update when i can get into a surgeon for an opinion.. thanks again every oen for your different views on this, it is truly appreciated!!