How far along were you in your journey before you had plastics?

Hi - I'm 50 lbs away from my goal (so near yet so far) and am wondering how long you were in your journey were you before you had your plastics

In terms of weight loss - had you lost all that you wanted to or did you have some excess which plastics removed ?

Did you find it best to maintain a stable goal weight for a period of time before plastics?

When did you see a surgeon about your plastics?

Part of me thinks I should get to within X lbs of my goal weight and maintain it for a while, the other part of me says have it as soon as you hit goal so you don't get tempted to gain.

I'm thinking I need an arm and breast lift/reduction and a tummy tuck.

Thanks for your feedback.

I had my WLS in July 2008.  The best scenerio is to lose everything and keep it stable for 6 months.  I didn't do that and might end up with a tummy not as flat as others but I'm okay with that.  I maintained 161-169 since April.  I bounce around alot on the scale because of how I hold water.  I really want to weigh between 145 and 155.  They took 7 lbs of skin alone from me and a bunch more from lipo and fluids so that leaves me wiht a little more weight to still lose.  I am hoping that the surgery gives me fresh motivation to lose the last 10 or so lbs. 

I think its fine to be researching and looking at options now but I would lose more and maintain it before having it done.  Just my opinion anyway.  Good luck!

I reached goal 14 months post-op and had brachioplasty a month later.  My arms were HORRIBLE and I'm so thankful I had them done (pics on my profile page).  Now I just need to save up for the rest.

Laura

I lost almost 200 pounds (got to goal). After a year at goal then I did plastics (extended TT and brachio). I wanted to see where my body "settled." I lost slightly past my goal and then bounced up a few pounds to where I felt and looked best and could more easily maintain. (144 was my lowest and now I sit at about 146-150 routinely.)

I honestly believed when I first got to goal that I might not have needed plastics--I was thrilled to be healthier and thinner. Then, sitting at that same weight for a while changed my body and mind.

I think my body changed (sags moved around, if you can believe it) and my perception of my body changed. I moved from just being grateful to be thinner to really thinking about the kind of comfort in my body I wanted, what kinds of clothes I wanted to be able to wear, how my extra skin was impacting my life. That helped me prioritize better. PLUS, the extra time gave me the chance to get mentally "ready" for another surgery.

Give your body time to "settle" and your brain to do some thinking and adjusting before you dash off and do plastics.

I am not sure regain won't happen just by getting yourself some plastics. Plenty of people on these boards have had plastics and then regained. I would not think that a compelling reason to rush into plastics.

Best of luck to you!

Nicolle

Most plastic surgeons want you to be at a stable weight for a given period of time (6 months minimum).

Also, don't count on PS removing too much weight; skin doesn't weigh as much as we think it does!

Hi ladies, thank you for your frank replies, at this stage I'm information gathering only so all of this is great feedback and will help me to make the right decision when the time comes.

Thanks again

I chose to do mine when I hit goal and have maintained it  within 2-5lbs for 6 months. Thing is, I am only a year+ out.

WLS 9/1/09
Goal  4/1/10
TT/BA/BL/Chin/Lipo 11/18/10 and 12/2/10

Some would say that my choice to have surgery is too soon. However, my WLS and my PS both supported it. I lost all of my weight very fast and have maintained beautifully since. I believe I am doing all of the right things and I am ready for my PS. I want to get on with my life more than anything.

Good luck to you!