VSG Maintenance Group
How much do you lose from plastics?
Good morning!
I started this journey as a heavy-weight (362 lbs). I've lost 132 and my surgeon and I have set a goal of 198 lbs. That is still overweight, but at my age and where I started we both felt that was a realistic goal. My question is: Does anyone know the average weight you lose in skin after plastics? I know if is different for everyone because of how you carry your weight. I'm also guessing because I had more to lose I'll have more extra skin. So let's say I get down to 198 and then have plastics. After the procedure I'm wondering how much I'll weigh? I've also heard your metabolism revs after plastics and you lose faster for a while during healing. Is this true?
Any insight you have will be helpful. I'm shocked I got this far and am actually considering plastics in the next year!
I started this journey as a heavy-weight (362 lbs). I've lost 132 and my surgeon and I have set a goal of 198 lbs. That is still overweight, but at my age and where I started we both felt that was a realistic goal. My question is: Does anyone know the average weight you lose in skin after plastics? I know if is different for everyone because of how you carry your weight. I'm also guessing because I had more to lose I'll have more extra skin. So let's say I get down to 198 and then have plastics. After the procedure I'm wondering how much I'll weigh? I've also heard your metabolism revs after plastics and you lose faster for a while during healing. Is this true?
Any insight you have will be helpful. I'm shocked I got this far and am actually considering plastics in the next year!
OH Support Group Leader
I've been doing a lot of research and reading about people's plastic experience over on the PS forum. Some people lose inches, but not until the swelling goes down which can take months. Others stay the same size as they were before plastics. Most experience weight gain for awhile after surgery because of the bloating. I've seen reports of 15 pounds of skin, but most are more like 8 pounds for someone that was 300 pounds to start. I'm expecting about 3 pounds of skin which will probably be put right back in with implants. While I'd love to think that I'm going to weigh less post plastics, I'm not counting on it.
From what I've read, the metabolism does kick in for awhile, but after that it goes gack to what it was which means that the changes have to be lifestyle in the long run. After a tummy tuck, some report that it's more difficult to eat and they have more restriction for awhile so rely on protein shakes. There's lots of good info on the PS forum, as well as on Dr. Sauceda's group discussion board.
I'll let you know in December how much skin he takes off and whether I shed any weight in the months post plastics.
From what I've read, the metabolism does kick in for awhile, but after that it goes gack to what it was which means that the changes have to be lifestyle in the long run. After a tummy tuck, some report that it's more difficult to eat and they have more restriction for awhile so rely on protein shakes. There's lots of good info on the PS forum, as well as on Dr. Sauceda's group discussion board.
I'll let you know in December how much skin he takes off and whether I shed any weight in the months post plastics.
HW: 249 SW: 229 GW: 149 Age: 63 - Body by Sauceda - 12/2011
Well I wasn't a heavyweight but I did lose around 100lbs. I had my LBL last October along with a breast lift and I was at about 143 at the time of surgery. I have a fairly low body fat percentage so mine was mostly skin removal and the skin weighed less than 3 lbs combined from both procedures. He removed about a 6" strip of skin all the way around and then the rest on the boobs. I did drop down to 134 immediately post op because of the revving of the metabolism, but this does not happen to everyone. I have maintained pretty close to that weight for the past year and am scheduled for round 2...arms and thighs along with a few minor revisions. I spoke to my PS about my fears of losing additional weight and he said that I probably would. I've been trying to regain what I lost for a year and have only managed to put on about 2lbs and I am afraid to drop anymore.
If you have a large pannus, chances are you've got more weight to it than I did. Last year, one of the ladies on her, Misseye was her user name had an LBL at about 170lbs, after losing nearly 200lbs and he removed 8lbs I believe. I don't think she went into hyperbolic mode like I did though so her weight stabilized faster and I think she ended up around 160ish.
I'm happy that I had my plastics and I do think it's worth it. Just be sure to find the best surgeon you can...one with lost of years of experience with post weight loss skin because we are different that regular folks. Good luck to you!
Laura
PS I have pics on my profile if you want to friend me.
If you have a large pannus, chances are you've got more weight to it than I did. Last year, one of the ladies on her, Misseye was her user name had an LBL at about 170lbs, after losing nearly 200lbs and he removed 8lbs I believe. I don't think she went into hyperbolic mode like I did though so her weight stabilized faster and I think she ended up around 160ish.
I'm happy that I had my plastics and I do think it's worth it. Just be sure to find the best surgeon you can...one with lost of years of experience with post weight loss skin because we are different that regular folks. Good luck to you!
Laura
PS I have pics on my profile if you want to friend me.
Yes, I often wonder how much more "deflating" I'll do. I know that will bring the weight of the removed skin down. I remember Misseye! She lives near me and I always loved her posts. I remember wanting to be as successful as she is.
Thank you for the info. I truly appreciate it.
Thank you for the info. I truly appreciate it.
OH Support Group Leader
When I had a tummy tuck and breast reduction, years before WLS, the surgeon said he chopped off 3-5 pounds. I don't remember what the scale registered. Since my sleeve, I've only had my bat wings sliced off, and I don't think I lost anything to speak of from that.
--Dorothy
--Dorothy
Highest weight: 292 Pre-op weight: 265 Goal met: 150 Six years out: 185 and trying to lose again!