Plastics

Hi everyone, I have a question How long after surgery do we need to wait till we have skin removed?  I am 8 months out and 12 lbs before I reach my goal of 135. I have these bat wings and I want to know did anyone have there bat wings removed?  I also don't want to go below 135 lbs. so how do I stop loosing weight when I reach my goal?  I heard so many folks keep loosing weight afer they reach there goal,  I don't want too. Any info would be appreciated. I look to the board for you all have helped me in so many ways, and I thank you all for the post.
A big thank you to all those who post and help us walk through this weight loss. You are all awesome.
Tomygirl

Betty,

Most surgeons seem to recommend you be at least 2 years out from surgery before you have any plastics...or stabilized in your weightloss for a minimum of 6 months.  Each surgeon is different, so ask yours to see what they recommend. 

As for brachioplasty (bat wing surgery) I have not had it (or any plastics) done but I know several on here have.  Hopefully they will post soon and fill you in.  My cousin did have it done and said it was one of the most painful things ever done.

Now, as for stopping the weightloss...I have no ideas!  I know you can up your calories but I really don't know what else.  I did not make it that far...I stabilized between 140 and 150 and was happy there.  That is something you should definately speak to your surgeon about, too.  Remember...they are the "authority" on you and your medical issues.  That is what they are there for.

Thanks beautiful, I will have to wait it out skin and all for the 2 years. That is what my Dr. said wait for 2 years as plastic is a major surgery. I will take one day at a time when it comes to weight loss and see how it goes. I just don't want to look like a skelton. I am 58 years old and I just want to be healthy.
Thanks for all your post your are such a blessing to me. 
Love ya,
Tomygirl,

It is a good idea to wait until your weight has been stable (within the same 10 pounds for 6 months) before you get any plastics done.  Sure, it can be done before that, but you will end up needing to revise it.

I am freshly home from the brachioplasty.  The compression garment is uncomfortable, and it ITCHES, and I can't reach for anything.  Even the keyboard is challenging -- LOL.  I had my back and boobs done at the same time.

As for stopping WL -- don't do it.  Let your body find its own low point.  It will  eventually settle out at a new low (for you) and remember, there is generally a re-gain for RNY's.  (You didn't say which surgery you'd HAD)  I do know some DS'rs who adjust their diet to keep from dropping more weight, but there is not the regain issue with the DS that there seems to be with the RNY.  So if you are one of the lucky folks who happen to keep losing on the RNY, count your blessings, let it work FOR you, and let your body do its own adjusting.

I do understand re: being anxious to get the plastics.  I never counted on being so UGLY after weight loss. But in the grand scheme of things, it will all come together in due time, and you will look back on the timing and say wow, how fast that all happened.

Thank you for the input I feel like you, I am so ugly with all the skin, and I had the gastric by pass and my dr. said wait for 2 years as this is a major surgery. So I guess I will do the right thing and wait it out. My daughter had gastric by pass 3 years ago and weights 106 lbs. She is trying to gain so she can have plastics done but her metabolism just keeps the weight off. She eats and can't gain. I just don't want to lose alot of weight and look like a ghost, that was my concern about trying to stay at 135, but I guess I will just have to wait and see what the metabolism decides to do. Thank you so much
Have a good day
Tomygirl

Hi Tommygirl,
    Congratulations on your successful weightloss. You have done so well.
As for stopping weightloss, my doc encouraged me to eat a little more when he thought I was loosing too much weight. Your body will stabilize in time. There are just somethings we cannot control.
    Thank you for all of your support with knee replacement surgery. This is my second day home, and I feel great. Finding comfortable sitting and laying positions can be a challenge.
     Best of  luck to you.
     Peace,
      Cindy

Thanks and I am so glad your knee surgery is done and over with. I guess I will wait it out and see what happens with the weight loss. I will have to put my trust in the Lord and let the dr. help me with this. I will continue to pray for a full recovrery for your knee.
Tomygirl

Hi there - the usual information is that you wait until your weight has stabalised for at least 6 months otherwise you may lose more and then you would be unhappy with the results or you may gain a few lbs and then you have wasted money - so if you give things some time usually in that 6 months your body redistributes everything - ie some people look gaunt but in about 6 months it kind of settles again and they don't look so bad.... - then you will get better results...

I had my bat wings removed in December and of all the surgeris I had, that one was the worst and most uncomfortable. But to be fair I also had a breast reducton then too, so I had to wear this jacket which was not comfortable and rubbed against my armpits - so it was two surgeries and maybe if I only had my arms done I would not have had to wear it... There was no real pain in the arms - or if there was I was more worried about my armpits that anything else....but I am happy with the results for sure.....

You are doing great!

Jackie

Thanks Jackie for the comments. I guess in a nut shell I just can't stand the way I look and I just wanted to rush into it and get it done. Thank you for the advice. I will deal with the bat wings and the saggy skin for another 16 months. I rather be safe than sorry. Thank you so much, you all have been so good answering my questions and concerns.
Have a great weekend.
Tomygirl

I will be 8 months out almost to the day when I have my plastic surgery. My doctor approved me for it since I have been stabilized for about 2 1/2 -3 months. I lost quickly, but my doctor is really great.

My insurance approved me for originally a tummy tuck and a breast lift....but then I was approved for a full lowerbody lift and breast lift with implants. I am having the Low body and breast lift done at the same time and then after recovering and the swelling goes down I will get the implants.

Good luck to you.

Brandy