Beginning Research

I can't believe it took me this long to find this section of the message boards hah!

I have lost 120 pounds with the lap band and am facing the familiar issue of excess skin. The skin is playing a mental game with me. I feel I still have weight to lose even though it is only skin and as a result have a BMI of 19 (very low!) I don't know how to make my story short, but I'm looking for advice from people who have gone through the same thing as my 18 year old friends can not relate.

I have been at my goal for about 9 months now and have seen some improvement in the excess skin. I am young, 18, and weight train twice a week but I have been told only surgery can fix the issue drastically.

The skin has made me very self conscious and I don't want to bear this burden for the rest of my life. I am going off to college in the fall and don't know if I have the money for PS with the expense of college but this weighs heavily on my heart and I want to start researching my options.

On a sidenote, would it be a bad idea to get a TT if I plan on having kids in the future?

Thanks,
Lauren

Well, its good that you are thinking about this now. I waited almost 5 years before I decided it was the right time. I'm doing my TT in August. I feel good about the decision. I have heard 2 things about your issues.

1. Money options: Some PS Surgeons will allow you to finance and make payments, some require you to make payments until its paid beofre you do the surgery - kinda like layaway if you want to look at it like that.

2. Kids: I have heard that you can have kids, just not right away. You should probably get other opinions from the female members and even the PS Dr as I am not a qualified medical practicioner.

I hope you go thru with it, it should be a reward for yourself.

Good Luck!

Hi Lauren:

I cannot imagine being 18 and where you are.  So my advice comes from someone over twice your age who lived through another 10+years of being morbidly obese before even having the wls. 

I had my first PS last week, over 7 years after my wls.  I did have a child during that time.  I'd carefully consider that and look for others who may have had children post TT.  I don't think I would want to do it, then have kids and need to do it again.  But I wouldn't want to stop living my life, if it bothers you that bad right now! 

I don't know what your body looks like but I've always found that mine bothers ME more than anyone else.  In fact, my body didn't bother anyone else at all, not even my husband.  And my plastic surgeon surprised me when I talked to him about my neck, one of my MOST bothersome areas, when he stated that people don't really notice that.  He showed me that people look at you from a certain point up, so most don't even see my neck.  It was eye-opening for me, but yes, my neck still bothers ME! 

Regarding the money, plastic surgery financing is way too expensive from what I've seen.  If you have good credit, you may be better off getting a high limit low interest rate credit card.  And even then, debt is another burden to carry at any age. 

I know I haven't given you any answers but only you can decide what you need to do.  One thing I learn again all the time is that nothing (externally at least)  is going to make me happy or change my life.  My husband asked me if the plastic surgery would make me happy.  He was surprised when I said no.  Am I happier at almost 100 pounds lighter than I was 8 years ago?  Yes, about my weight and health, but overall, no.  Am I happier now that my stomach is flat and my boobs are back where they belong?  A bit - I look better but I've traded the skin for enormous scars and I will still never look good naked.  So, as wit the wls, you are trading something less desireable for something more desireable, but still not perfect.  And you are trading one burden for another in my opinion (debt). 

I'm happy you are being so thoughtful in this process.  You will make the right decision for YOU.  I wish you all the best in your journey!!! 

Read the reply on this thread by Dr. LoMonaco.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/plasticsurgery/4314318/Pregnancy-after-tummy-tuck/#35571696

Care Credit lets you take out an interest free loan for 18 months.  You can also use residency programs to get a lower cost.

Good luck!!

Laura

Thank you for all your input.

I definitely do not want to jump into anything, but I have days where I just cry because every girl my age flaunts around in their bikinis and have perky breasts while I have none at all and a flap of skin that makes a clapping noise as I run. Don't get me wrong, I am so thankful for how far I have come and how much happier and outgoing I am in general. I should really give myself more credit for the hard work I have put in but there are those days where you can't stop thinking about the reminder the skin is of those horrible memories that came with being obese.

Laina: I agree that it bothers me more than anyone else by far. I feel like the skin would be a dealbreaker to finding love when so many girls out there don't have the issue. I have some body issues that need to be addressed with counseling which I hope to start soon. I don't want to feel that I will never find someone who could love me like this because I know it isn't true. Even if/when I find a serious relationship, I don't feel comfortable enough to be naked or be touched. Sorry if this is getting long or too much information. I just have been holding all the emotions in for so long and am grateful to find a place to connect with people on the same journey!

Laura: Just from browsing the boards yesterday, seems like many people LOVE Dr. LoMonaco. I actually contacted his website yesterday because I am in Texas and would be willing to travel with someone as experienced in post WLS PS.

I think I should just slowly begin consulting with surgeons. Ones who aren't only trying to sell me their service but actually are honest and share the advice I need for a HUGE decision.

Lauren!  Let me jump in here.  I'm not eighteen, I'm twenty-five, but I also live in Southern California (Hollywood/Beverly Hills/Malibu area) so believe me, I know just how you feel about the girls in their bikinis.  I have had large, heavy, sagging breasts since I was a child ebven before I was obese and well before my weight loss surgery, and I understand the shame and frustration they cause. 

I am graduating from university (tomorrow) and having plastics in June.  I don't have the money either, but I've spent so much time agonizing over this that I decided it was worth the struggle.  I am putting my surgery on a credit card, and will have to start paying interest on the balance beginning in September.  I know that it may not be the best financial decision, but it's worth it to me.  You may be able to take out a loan, especially if you have a cosigner.  If you have good credit, you may also be able to get a credit card with an introductory no-interest period.

It's hard, especially being so young, but there are options.  Is your family supportive?  They will be a good resource for you.  Also, if you can get some things covered by insurance, that will help.  I couldn't get anything covered, so I am choosing to return to Mexico to have my plastics done.  Surgery abroad may also be an option for you.  You're doing the right thing by beginning your research.  Take your time, talk to lots of patients and multiple surgeons, and look at all of your options.  If you want it that badly, you will find a way!

NursieGirl, who is your surgeon?

For my cosmetic surgery, I'll be going to Dr. Luque in Mexicali.  I will update the good, bad and ugly after surgery! (June 10th)

If you have medical insurance, find out exactly what plastics they cover and what criteria you need to meet to get it covered.  Then start documenting those things now in the hopes that insurance will help you go pay the bill.

I'd consider a paniculectomy (just skin removal without the tummy muscle tightening) if I planned on having kids in the future. 

Good luck!