Timeline, considerations, motivations?
Hello all,
I'm sure you receive these questions thousands of times, but the search function on this website did not result in much help.
I will start by saying this is very premature on my part, and amounts to me "dipping my toe" in the water. I have VSG 9 months ago and have lost 100lbs. I would like to lose another 30-45lbs. ultimately to weigh between 135-150 range. I have noticed the greatest change in my skin in the past 25lbs. and I'm worried that these last pounds will only make it worse. However, I have heard that as you maintain, your skin will "normalize" to some extent. Still, the the stretchmark-riddled and loose skin on my stomach, and the skin on my thighs really bum me out.
Before, and immediatley after surgery I thought I'd never consider plastics. Like I've been given a huge enough gift, I'll look good under clothes, and I'll move on and be happy. Even when I heard a plastic surgeon speak in November, I thought no for me. And I still hold out a little hope that between time and exercise, the skin will firm up (though I'm finding it harder to convince myself of this). I guess I feel a little like I already dodged a bullet with one surgery, and also a little guilty of my motivations. This would be purely cosmetic because I don't feel happy with the way my body looks. Which of course prompts the question: will I ever? It's just hard to be 23 and have come a good long way, but know I will never feel comfortable in a swimsuit while my friends can frolic around in bikinis on spring break. I feel very guilty for even wanting another surgery...I'm sure some of you on here can understand.
Anyway, so if anyone can speak to their timeline (investigating plastics, starting the process, having the surgery), what issues did you consider in the decision process, and what were your motivations--health or cosmetic or both? Thank you so much!
I'm sure you receive these questions thousands of times, but the search function on this website did not result in much help.
I will start by saying this is very premature on my part, and amounts to me "dipping my toe" in the water. I have VSG 9 months ago and have lost 100lbs. I would like to lose another 30-45lbs. ultimately to weigh between 135-150 range. I have noticed the greatest change in my skin in the past 25lbs. and I'm worried that these last pounds will only make it worse. However, I have heard that as you maintain, your skin will "normalize" to some extent. Still, the the stretchmark-riddled and loose skin on my stomach, and the skin on my thighs really bum me out.
Before, and immediatley after surgery I thought I'd never consider plastics. Like I've been given a huge enough gift, I'll look good under clothes, and I'll move on and be happy. Even when I heard a plastic surgeon speak in November, I thought no for me. And I still hold out a little hope that between time and exercise, the skin will firm up (though I'm finding it harder to convince myself of this). I guess I feel a little like I already dodged a bullet with one surgery, and also a little guilty of my motivations. This would be purely cosmetic because I don't feel happy with the way my body looks. Which of course prompts the question: will I ever? It's just hard to be 23 and have come a good long way, but know I will never feel comfortable in a swimsuit while my friends can frolic around in bikinis on spring break. I feel very guilty for even wanting another surgery...I'm sure some of you on here can understand.
Anyway, so if anyone can speak to their timeline (investigating plastics, starting the process, having the surgery), what issues did you consider in the decision process, and what were your motivations--health or cosmetic or both? Thank you so much!
I wound up with reconstructive surgery one year to the day after my rny. My surgeons (WLS and reconstructive) were all surprised, but all agreed that, in my case, it was appropriate.
I had the typical rashes but also scarring that was significant under my panni and buttocks in back, as well as a torn/chronically pulled chest wall muscle that would not heal unless I had breast lift/reduction and brachioplasty. Since I was very much DONE with weight loss (down 124 pounds, 10 pounds below expectations and at under 20% body fat as a 55 year old woman), they submitted me for surgery.
Because of the health issues, my insurance agreed to pay for the LBL, the breast lift/reduction, the arms, and my thighs. My surgeons said that, because they tag-team and the way they do it, they could add the anchor cut and extend the breast reduction line around to my back to reduce the "side boobs" at no extra charge beyond what the insurance would cover.
Everything but the thighs is done, and I'm having them done in another couple weeks. I started asking if the surgery was possible in late August 2010, had the first round in 12-2010, and will finish up this month, 3-2011. So for me, it's been fast. Typically, my WLS surgeon, PCP, and reconstructive surgeons all recommend waiting until you are absolutely sure you are done losing weight and are stable for at least 6 months before looking at reconstruction.
Now, I keep calling it reconstruction rather than plastic surgery because in my case it WAS reconstruction of a suit of skin that was so dang big and so dang damaged that nothing else would help it. Your case may be different. For me, there was a huge health component. But, I will definitely admit, the cosmetic component is great!
I love being able to wear cute bras that I don't have to roll myself up to fit into (and then the creases in the empty breasts peek out the sides anway...). I love having a WAIST again, although it turns out I have a generally straight, athletic-type body. Who knew?? This summer I will definitely still be in tankinis with skirted bottoms - but mainly because of the scars. Next summer, while I'm not planning on bikinis because of my age, there will be at least one to wear when we're in the middle of the lake and it will look GOOD (we're boaters, so I spend a lot of time in swimsuits).
As far as your skin firming up, you're young enough that it might to some degree. More likely is that as you build muscle, it underlays the skin differently and makes you look better. Additionally, when you're in the middle of the loss process and for a bit afterward, your body continues to hang onto its central fat, that right around your organs. Once your weight settles for a while, some of that fat redistributes and your face, upper chest, and arms will regain some of the fat that was shed early in the process. You'll look better then than you do at the bottom point of your loss - without gaining any weight back.
I guess this ramble is mainly to say, hang in there. You might want to talk to your physicians about the possibility of further surgery, and talk to a couple of reconstructive/plastic surgeons in order to find out what they say, but probably not make any plans just yet.
I had the typical rashes but also scarring that was significant under my panni and buttocks in back, as well as a torn/chronically pulled chest wall muscle that would not heal unless I had breast lift/reduction and brachioplasty. Since I was very much DONE with weight loss (down 124 pounds, 10 pounds below expectations and at under 20% body fat as a 55 year old woman), they submitted me for surgery.
Because of the health issues, my insurance agreed to pay for the LBL, the breast lift/reduction, the arms, and my thighs. My surgeons said that, because they tag-team and the way they do it, they could add the anchor cut and extend the breast reduction line around to my back to reduce the "side boobs" at no extra charge beyond what the insurance would cover.
Everything but the thighs is done, and I'm having them done in another couple weeks. I started asking if the surgery was possible in late August 2010, had the first round in 12-2010, and will finish up this month, 3-2011. So for me, it's been fast. Typically, my WLS surgeon, PCP, and reconstructive surgeons all recommend waiting until you are absolutely sure you are done losing weight and are stable for at least 6 months before looking at reconstruction.
Now, I keep calling it reconstruction rather than plastic surgery because in my case it WAS reconstruction of a suit of skin that was so dang big and so dang damaged that nothing else would help it. Your case may be different. For me, there was a huge health component. But, I will definitely admit, the cosmetic component is great!
I love being able to wear cute bras that I don't have to roll myself up to fit into (and then the creases in the empty breasts peek out the sides anway...). I love having a WAIST again, although it turns out I have a generally straight, athletic-type body. Who knew?? This summer I will definitely still be in tankinis with skirted bottoms - but mainly because of the scars. Next summer, while I'm not planning on bikinis because of my age, there will be at least one to wear when we're in the middle of the lake and it will look GOOD (we're boaters, so I spend a lot of time in swimsuits).
As far as your skin firming up, you're young enough that it might to some degree. More likely is that as you build muscle, it underlays the skin differently and makes you look better. Additionally, when you're in the middle of the loss process and for a bit afterward, your body continues to hang onto its central fat, that right around your organs. Once your weight settles for a while, some of that fat redistributes and your face, upper chest, and arms will regain some of the fat that was shed early in the process. You'll look better then than you do at the bottom point of your loss - without gaining any weight back.
I guess this ramble is mainly to say, hang in there. You might want to talk to your physicians about the possibility of further surgery, and talk to a couple of reconstructive/plastic surgeons in order to find out what they say, but probably not make any plans just yet.
Rebecca
Circumferential LBL, anchor TT, BL/BR, brachioplasty 12-16-10 Drs. Howard and Gutowski
Thigh lift 3-24-11, Drs. Howard and Gutowski again!
Height 5' 5". Start point 254. DH's goal: 154. My guess: 144. Insurance goal: 134. Currently bouncing around 130-135.
Circumferential LBL, anchor TT, BL/BR, brachioplasty 12-16-10 Drs. Howard and Gutowski
Thigh lift 3-24-11, Drs. Howard and Gutowski again!
Height 5' 5". Start point 254. DH's goal: 154. My guess: 144. Insurance goal: 134. Currently bouncing around 130-135. 
(deactivated member)
on 3/6/11 11:33 pm
on 3/6/11 11:33 pm
Hi there,
I'm in a similar spot -- I won't be ready for plastics for at least another year but I'm learning all I can here. I carry so much extra weight in my stomach that I'm positive that I'll need surgical help.
The one thing I would like to caution you about is to stop feeling guilting about plastic surgery. You ARE worth it. Do you know how many people go out and spend good money on expensive cars, houses and vacations -- but would look down on people that get plastic surgery? Well, they are essentially doing the same thing -- they are treating themselves to something special because they feel they are worth it. You are worth this!
Trixie
I'm in a similar spot -- I won't be ready for plastics for at least another year but I'm learning all I can here. I carry so much extra weight in my stomach that I'm positive that I'll need surgical help.
The one thing I would like to caution you about is to stop feeling guilting about plastic surgery. You ARE worth it. Do you know how many people go out and spend good money on expensive cars, houses and vacations -- but would look down on people that get plastic surgery? Well, they are essentially doing the same thing -- they are treating themselves to something special because they feel they are worth it. You are worth this!
Trixie
I turned 58 had been weight stable for 2+ years and started looking at PS. I ended seeing Dr Sauceda in Monterrey Mexico in Jan and had an LBL, BL, arms and upper inner thighs, and 4 days later a full facelift. I love my new perky bewbies. They'd been so sad, floppy and pointing south for so long. Having the LBL, got rid of the panni, the loose skin on my back, tightened up my abdominal wall, lipo'd my muffin top and I feel like a new woman. Basically, I spent what I spent on my my car 5 years ago - which was under $20k. I'll be 59 in a couple of months and feel like my life is front of me. I feel good about looking at myself. I don't have to look at my muffin top which I really hated, the hanging skin is gone and I don't have to try to hid it with clothes. Granted, it's just me at home with my puppies, kids are grown and on their own. I did this specifically for me! It makes me happy looking at my new body and face.
It's such a different attitude than when I lost weight. That made me healthier, now I can see that I really am normal, like others that don't have a weight problem. Selfish, you betcha! I want to enjoy the 15 years that diabetes was going to take away from me. I have that time back now. Also, did I say how much I love my new perky bewbies!
It's such a different attitude than when I lost weight. That made me healthier, now I can see that I really am normal, like others that don't have a weight problem. Selfish, you betcha! I want to enjoy the 15 years that diabetes was going to take away from me. I have that time back now. Also, did I say how much I love my new perky bewbies!
Chris
HW/225 - 5'1" ~ SW/205/after surgery 215 ~ CW/145~ BMI-25.8~Normal BMI 132 ~DS Dr Rabkin 4/17/08
Plastics in Monterrey - See Group on OH Dr Sauceda Jan 13, 2011
LBL, BL, small thigh lift, arms & a full facelift on 1/17/11 UBL 1/21/13
Love my Body by Sauceda
I found your post so encouraging that I just had to reply! I am 51 years old, 3 years out from surgery, and thought I may just be too old for plastic surgery, even though I'd love to not have all this heavy skin pulling me down in the front. It is nice to hear of someone really appreciating the gift of weight loss and cosmetic surgery! Thanks for sharing.
Blessings, Jill
WLS 5/31/07. Maintaining a weight loss of 141 pounds and feeling amazing!
Don't feel guilty about wanting to look good! We all do.
I had my lower body lift and breast lift at 21 months out. I had lost about 100lbs. I did not think I'd want plastics either but the smaller I got, the worse my skin got. And I have been weight lifting heavily for 12 years. It was just not gonna change on its own. And I felt like I worked so dam hard in the gym for so long that I deserved to get that skin removed. Yes, it was purely cosmetic, but who cares? I look and feel so much better about myself.
The first thing I did was investigate plastic surgeons...did lots of research. I knew that I wanted Dr. LoMonaco going in and that's who I ended up with! I did go to a couple of other consults and they didn't compare. So, start by finding a good surgeon and asking questions and researching.
Hopefully your youth will help with the skin retraction. I am 47 and have terrible skin and too many yo yo diets didn't help. Good luck. I have pics on my profile if you want to friend me!
Laura
I had my lower body lift and breast lift at 21 months out. I had lost about 100lbs. I did not think I'd want plastics either but the smaller I got, the worse my skin got. And I have been weight lifting heavily for 12 years. It was just not gonna change on its own. And I felt like I worked so dam hard in the gym for so long that I deserved to get that skin removed. Yes, it was purely cosmetic, but who cares? I look and feel so much better about myself.
The first thing I did was investigate plastic surgeons...did lots of research. I knew that I wanted Dr. LoMonaco going in and that's who I ended up with! I did go to a couple of other consults and they didn't compare. So, start by finding a good surgeon and asking questions and researching.
Hopefully your youth will help with the skin retraction. I am 47 and have terrible skin and too many yo yo diets didn't help. Good luck. I have pics on my profile if you want to friend me!
Laura
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