How significant it is to having the hanging skin removed?

I was wondering just how significant it is to having the hanging skin removed? We don't have the finances to have it done and I would feel guilty having us take a loan out for it when my husband has been laid of so much lately and is still not at his regular job. I don't want to lie to myself that it is such a necessity, but at the same time I am really struggling to get back on track. See, I wonder to myself that if I would have the skin removed, that I would feel better about myself and WANT to STAY on track!!!!  Is this just a BIG excuse? Tell me what your thoughts are or have been on this subject. I hope I have explained myself clear enough.
I have pictures of my hanging skin on profile in my July 2008 entry.
Thanks & God bless!
Cindy

 Despite having lost 250 lbs before plastics, I never had a sense of true WLS success until my belly was removed.  I had 26 extra lbs of skin hanging from my abdomen and so I still looked deformed.  When I woke up able to see the tops of my thighs and curve in my waist, I FINALLY felt like I was a success!  It meant the world to me and I am sure the rest of the work I plan to have will only solidify me in continuing to feel successful.

For me having the TT & Upper Arm Lift was the icing on the cake so to speak..
It was worth every penny, but I would not of made debt doing the TT & Arm Lift. (I came into some money,so I paid cash for my surgery) Especially if the Husband isn't working steady.

For me it was like the pink elephant (my apron of skin/fat) in the room was finally gone after over 27 years of it being my constant companion. It is still surreal to look in the mirror and realize that is the body I last saw at 15 (minus the saggy boobs) and stretch marks.

I will say that having had the TT and having a flat tummy is GREAT motivation to stay on track, so no I do not thing it is an excuse thing.

I agree with the above posters.  I worked really hard to change me, but that stomach was the constant reminder that I'm still wasn't normal.  And breasts, I feel like I'm a woman again.  I'm just a few weeks out from an anchor and breast implants, and got to say, the first time I saw myself in a reflection at a wal-mart front door... I was normal.   Normal.  Can you believe that?   No child would point, nor rude adult have something to say about me.  Well, I'm not perfect lol, but I fit in.  Also nothing like trying on some shorts this morning, and I'll be able to wear them.   Or wiping myself.   I am grateful.  I also came into some money and didn't have to borrow.  It however wasn't something to motivate me.  I have no problems keeping on track, cause this is easier than being tied to food 24/7 and all that that entails.   I hope you figure this out. 

Bonnie

I also agree with the posters. To me it is well worth the debt and the pain! The difference is nothing short of amazing and miraculous!!! I will add you as a friend so you can see my side by side comparison pictures of what a difference it can make. I am in various states of undress so I ask that you please do not share the pictures with anyone, especially with men. It make me uncomfortable. Thank you.

We work so hard on our weight loss journey and along the way my plastic surgeon and I talked about  working on my body journey.  It is not a BIG excuse and it keeps us on track through this journey and we definitely feel better about ourselves. 

I work with my plastic surgeon and through his guidance, I  was able to do some of the with exercise; but you still have loose and sagging skin.

Find a plastic surgeon that understand obesity and the issues we are dealing with; and can work with you.  Depending on how much weight you have lost, some of this can be covered by insurance.  But I will tell you, I save every penny I can to have my body put back together.  I will have to do it a few surgeries at a time, but I know I will get there.

Good Luck!  Stay focused on the journey!  It gets better.

I am a plastic surgeon and have a strong personal interest in managing MWL patients and am always humbled to participate in their care. By removing excess tissue I see my role in management of the MWL patient primarily in two regards:

(1) to alleviate symptoms that result from ptotic excess tissue, and

(2) to allow the patient to fully actualize the weight loss that has been possible because of the bariatric surgeon's initial care (i.e., create the pt's ideal bodily form after weight loss).

This latter point presents itself often in the initial consult with a MWL patient when she states that despite having lost the weight, she still doesn't "feel thin(ner)." The excess tissue often is an impediment to the MWL patient fully realizing the work she and the bypass surgeon have undertaken.