how long did you wait before PS?

I have lost close to 95 lbs (down to 180) and since i have been obese all my life my skin hasnt exactly shrunken like everyone else's and i have it ALL over arms, boobs, tummy(i still even have two rolls but they are just loosse skin) and thighs. I TRULY believe if i was to get all this taken off I would be at my goal (140-150)...I am at a point to where i'm not loosing but not gaining and wondering if it really is b/c of all the loose skin...all this loose skin is really damaging how I feel almost to where I feel like where I was pre-op...i know this sounds bad but i get in these moods to where i just despise looking at any swimsuits or people wearing them or anyone showing off skin....just please someone help me! lol


and one more ? I have noticed now I get even more rashes under the flab of skin that hangs over my pelvic area more now then pre surg, does anyone else experience this?? thanks for ALL your comments they are very much appreciated!

I had my tummy tuck after about 15 months. But that set off fatigue and I ended up gaining 30 pounds so be careful with those thoughts!  Also document all the rashes, document, document, document - pictures, doctor visits, etc. If you are going to have insurance cover your surgery you need a lot of documentation. If your tummy hangs down past  your mons, your insurance probably will approve skin removal but not tummy tighening - my doctor did it anyway. 

Diona

I had a tummy tuck/muscle repair 10 months after my gastric bypass.  I lost 135 lbs.  They removed 3 to 4 lbs from my panni.  

I would suggest that you go to your PCP, have him take pictures, or document that you have a rash or breakdown of skin, and then get a topical cream for it.  Chances are it will not work anyway but at least you will have tried.  This way when its time for your plastics consult, your PCP will write a letter stating that he has seen you for skin rashes.  This will help your case with insurance to help get some surgery covered.  They do not like you to have your plastic surgeon write the letter because they think he has something to gain (and he does, money from your surgery).  They prefer it to come from  your pcp since he can have an unbiased opinion as he isn't getting monetary benefit from your plastic surgery.

Hope this helps. 

Definitely document the rashes! For some people it helps with insurance to try to pay for the panni removal. I had my tummy tuck a little bit before 2 yrs and Breast lift and new boobies at 2 yrs and a little over a month. The skin never seems to weigh as much as you think it would, which is weird! Although I think it does depend on if it still has any fat in it, etc. I was at goal before the TT and my advice would probably be to be as close to goal or maybe with in 10 lbs for the best result. I did feel exactly the way you do...the skin was horrible for me. It was like why did I do all this work and I still look like crap!?!? Worse (maybe?) for me was being single during this  process...guys would look at you, in clothes of course, and think wow you look amazing! But all I could think about is if you only knew and could see me WITHOUT clothes! Can you say SURPRISE!!!!! haha!  I am very happy with the results from both procedures. I do need 2 more though (1 more surgery) for thighs and the back part. I'd still like to do my arms too but the skin just isn't enough to justify the cost! I think I'll lose about 6-8 lbs of skin from the last one!!!  (6 lbs from TT). All I can say is it's worth every penny it costs! As someone else posted though, it takes A LOT out of you, more than I ever thought. You can't exercise for awhile, I also gained from my lowest then, plus I was SO weak! It's bad enough where I'm postponing my last surgery 2 yrs instead of just one more like I had wanted to. Very best of luck to you!!! :-)

Most PS want you to be at a stable weight for 3-6 months before having any PS.  I would document your rashes since your insurance company my pay for the panni removal.  I had a LBL 20 months post op of WLS.  I had my second round at 2 year 7 months after WLS.  Sometimes PS can jump start your weight loss again.  My first round I lost 10 pounds in 2 weeks.  This past rounf I only lost 2-3 pounds which was probably the amount of skin that was removed.  I never go rashes before or after surgery so I can't help you with that.

I was almost 6 yrs out when I had my LBL/BL.  I wanted to make sure I would keep my weight off and I needed time to save up since I didn't want to go into debt.  I never persued the insurance route since i didn't have repeated skin issues and the PS i wanted to use was not on my EPO.

My next surgery is scheduled in less than 2 weeks to finish the process.  I'm having my thighs, arms and side boobs taken care of.

Good Luck!