Question:
How good are the chances of not having to have plastic surgery
My pcp says I will hate how I look afterwards. I don't want to go in planning on havig plas srgy. I am 51 and need to loose 90-100 lbs. I am bordering on canceling because of this issue — ljordan1 (posted on October 30, 2007)
October 29, 2007
IMO, if you are ready to back out of the surgery because you possibly might
need plastic then your not ready to commit to the surgery. As far as
your PCP is concerned I wouldn't listen to them. Mine told me I was going
to regret having it done and was dead-set against me going through with it.
He even went as far as writing a letter to my surgeon saying he was
against it. Well, 2 years and 140 lbs later, I DON'T regret having it
done and yes I do need plastic surgery to get rid of my "apron"
but then I didn't do this to make myself a bathing beauty. I just wanted
to live a longer, healthier life and I've succeeded in that. Oh ya, when
ever I see my PCP I ALWAYS mention to him that I'm glad I didn't listen to
him and went ahead with the surgery and I would do it again in a
heartbeat.....Good luck......neenee
— Nee P
October 30, 2007
You WILL hate how you look after you have lost 100 lbs...I lost 145 lbs and
have had 2 rounds of plastic surgery and I still need 2 more rounds ..one
for my wings and one for my thighs...but I have decided I am done with
surgery and will just live with it...There is a slight (note--SLIGHT)
chance that your skin is elastic enough that it will shrink back on its
own...but like my doctor told me going in ...there are NO exercises you can
do to help your skin, as skin has no muscles. So if you are concerned you
might have plastic surgery afterwards and that is a condition of backing
out of your RNY ... then you should back out of it...although I think that
is a stupid reason for not making yourself healthier.
— fishnrockport
October 30, 2007
I am 52 years old. I had my surgery Sept 6 '06. Yes, I have some skin and
flab, but you know what, I dont hate it. I hate seeing pictures of myself
112 lbs ago!! I hate how I felt 112 lbs ago. For any PCP to say that to
you is ludicrous!! If this is your only reservation then I recommend that
you not have this marvelou surgery performed. As is so often said, it is a
tool not a fix! having said that, you can work out, eat right, and watch
your body change for the better. I have noticed so many changes from what
was first saggy and flappy to a tightened more toned area. I anticipate a
tummy tuck some day, but it is not something I cannot live with if I dont.
It saddens me that this one statement coming from someone who has probably
not had our problem could deter you from such a life changing, for the
better, committment!!
— dessary316
October 30, 2007
I always go to the major point of health. Looking good is a bonus and the
need for plastic surgery is highly individual. But what about your health?
What is that 100lbs doing to your overall health? Your mobility? How good
do you think you look now? Will weight loss without plastic surgery be any
worse? I am currently unable to have the surgery due to health issues
discovered in my pre-op phase. If you don'thave the surgery, will you plan
to lose the weight another way? I may have to find another way, due to
lung disease. I have been told that lap band patients lose slower so the
skin has a chance to shrink more slowly. But they have problems, too. Good
luck and best of health! Carmen.
— [Deactivated Member]
October 30, 2007
I always go to the major point of health. Looking good is a bonus and the
need for plastic surgery is highly individual. But what about your health?
What is that 100lbs doing to your overall health? Your mobility? How good
do you think you look now? Will weight loss without plastic surgery be any
worse? I am currently unable to have the surgery due to health issues
discovered in my pre-op phase. If you don'thave the surgery, will you plan
to lose the weight another way? I may have to find another way, due to
lung disease. I have been told that lap band patients lose slower so the
skin has a chance to shrink more slowly. But they have problems, too. Good
luck and best of health! Carmen.
— [Deactivated Member]
October 30, 2007
90 pounds does not necessarilly mean you will need plastic surgery if you
exercise and do what you are supposed to do. Don't let that deter you. If
you do..................it is just another excuse
— bderuiter
October 30, 2007
This may sound harsh, but i gotta say this.....if this skin thing is gonna
stop you from a life saving surgery then by all means dont do it, your head
is in the wrong place!
I wish you the best of health in your final decision.
No one here is going to tell you anything different than that!
— Kathy-R
October 30, 2007
You will need plastic surgery so just plan on it. I had my gastric bypass
4 years ago and got a tummy tuck 2 months ago. My arms and legs are fine
so they don't need any help. I did not like that flappy tummy that I was
left with. It was the best thing I did getting rid of it. I feel so good!
If you don't want to go that route plan on buying some good undergarments.
Spanx Power Panties are the best to hide that sagging tummy. Good luck to
you.
— Carlyn M.
October 30, 2007
Your PCP is crazy! I lost 93 lbs and I am ecstatic at how I look. Here is
my advice....the RNY or lapband is just a tool. It's how you use this tool
afterwards as to what your results will be. You cannot go back to your old
habits. You must change everything you ever knew about eating and
exercising. This is a full service program and will not work if you don't
follow it to the letter. Many people have loose skin issues because they
choose not to exercise before or after surgery. I had been a member of
Curves for over 5 years prior to wls and continued afterwards (I started
doing walking tapes days after surgery) one month post op and about 6
months later I joined a full service gym where I do excercise classes,
strength training machines, treadmill, bike and elliptical. I go approx.
4-5 x a week. My loose skin issues are very slight and everyone marvels
but I attribute my success to exercise first and foremost. So if you are
willing to follow your surgeon's plan for success including exercise, you
will be successful. Go to my profile and check out my before, during and
after photos to see if I look better or worse! LOL. I'd do it again in a
heartbeat! Good luck!
— Sheri A.
October 30, 2007
I'm 53 years old. I have never had plastic surgery. I have lost 130 and
still have another 60 to loose. My belly and waist will never firm up,
maybe someday I'll have my apron removed. I am so....happy I had surgery
and so glad I stayed in counseling a year after. I would strongly suggest
counseling before you consider surgery. Plastic surgery should be the
least of your worries....think of health, a better life because you can
move freely.
— debmi
October 30, 2007
Your PCP's comments are outlandish and unkind. There are far too many of
us in our 50's that have lost the amount that you are targeting. Most of
us have 'flaws' in little sags here and there, but we also have wrinkles
too (you can't stop the aging process). I use clothing to maximize my new
shape. Spandex underwear really minimizes the small apron that I have.
Flowing sleeves mask my minor batwings. Pants that fit snug in the thighs
keep my loss skin in check. I were a two piece swim suit without a second
thought.
Your bariatric surgery/center should be able to provide more accurate and
comforting information than your PCP.
— SAChick
October 30, 2007
OBVIOUSLY your PCP is a anti WLS doc. I ran into some like tat pre op. Most
notably a pulmonologist who did his BEST to scare me, I am happy to report
I had surgery anway, over 6 years ago, not only did WLS save my life but it
gave me back my life. Thankfully my PCP was is supportive! If the weight is
causing you health troubles do know long term stufdies now out over 10
years show WLS is safer by far than remaining MO. Death rates are way less
for post ops.
— bob-haller
October 30, 2007
Would you rather live with a little bit of excess skin or with all that
unhealthy weight you are carrying around? Even if you were to nix the
surgery and lose the weight on your own, you would STILL have a little bit
of excess skin. I agree with another poster, if you're worried about
excess skin, you are not committed to having this surgery. Your PCP is not
in your body, and apparently he's anti wls. Screw him, you don't need
negativity-- it is YOUR body. Just make sure that you firgure out which
you want, excess skin or health and go from there. Good luck, God bless!
— crystalsno
October 30, 2007
Hi Cindy. I'm 42 and had my open RNY on 5-25-07. I'm down 93 lbs as of
this morning. Go me! My surgeon told me I probably wouldn't need
plastics. I have 20 lbs til my surgeon's goal and 25 until my goal. I
have a little bit with the batwings but, honestly, I'm NOT going to need
plastics. I haven't seen any gross, hangy skin. lol I asked my husband
for his honest opinion and he doesn't see a need for plastics either. You
might luck out and not need it. :) As for your PCP, don't listen. My PCP
was deadset against my surgery too and, honestly, has made it very
difficult for me. But, I love going in with my husband for a "I look
great don't I butthead!" visit. lol In the end, you have to do what's
best for you and your health. I was 265 when I had my surgery and I was
172 this morning. I wouldn't trade my RNY and the new me for anything!
Good luck!!!
— lv2beasahm
October 30, 2007
I agree with the other posters. If the only reason you want WLS is vanity
then you are NOT ready. PLEASE DO CANCEL. When your joints ache, you are
short of breath, have cardiac issues, diabetes, and pee on yourself when
you sneeze, maybe then you will be more realistic about this surgery. WLS
is NOT COSMETIC.
— MAG
October 30, 2007
Cindy - I am a support group leader and have been for 3 yrs. I have quite
a large group. I have heard one person say that they hated their body
after WLS and regreted having it. If you only have a 100 lbs to lose, you
are not all that big. I find that the skin begins to tighten up if you use
allot of moisturizer and exercise. It will never look like it would if you
had never had a weight problems, but it isn't that bad. You need to look
at yourself in the mirror and decide where your priorities are. How do you
think you look to people now at 100 lbs over weight?? You may not be ready.
Maybe a talk with a psycologist will help you decide if you are ready. If
you are not ready, it is not a sin, WLS is not for everybody. This is a
decision that only you can make.
— jk_harris
October 30, 2007
I cant believe he would say that to you. You need to do whats best for
you. Who knows you may not need plastic surgery after losing weight being
that you only need to lose about 100 my friend lost 120 and she didnt need
plastic surgery. Dont let anyone get you down do your own research and
make your self happy.
— crlindfw
October 30, 2007
Are you kidding me??? I lost 110 lbs and my life came back to me! You have
to remember that health issues are #1 to lose the excess weight, and then
you LOOK great after. 90 to 100 lbs will not leave you with huge gaping
flaps. Get real. Your doctor needs a slap in the behind.
— Kathy A C.
October 31, 2007
Everyone is right on target. I am 53 and have no plans on having plastic
surgery. I couldnt afford it even if I wanted to. However, I am three
months out, and let me tell you the things I can do that I havent done for
25 years is amazing. I mopped all the floors at the house the other day,
and did it in one try. No stopping to rest, and no needing to. WOW! I
didnt do this to look better, but let me tell you, I have lost 90 pounds
since the first of Jan. And that has to look better than I did 90 pounds
ago. I firmly believe you need a dr that is supportive of your decision to
IMPROVE your life. It isnt just about the looks -- good grief -- this is
too hard to do just for vanity. It is about the health. Mine gets better
every day. Saturday I was ON THE FLOOR with my grandkids. Something I
havent been able to do in a long time. Like everyone else says, if your
DR can discourage you with remarks like that, it is time to rethink what
you really want. Good luck.
— JIMSLAFFINGIRL
October 31, 2007
Hi Cindy, I am 51 years old and have lost 160 pounds. I'd like to say
(and gosh, I hope without sounding arrogant or vain) that I think I look
pretty darn good!! But what is so very important to me is that I feel
fantastic!!!! I have a fairly small apron of skin that, with clothes on,
is hardly noticeable. The picture on my profile is with just everyday
clothes on, no spanx or pantyhose or other control garments. I think the
weight loss has made my breasts flatter but not necessarily saggier, if you
know what I mean! lol I do have pretty ugly batwings but can hide those
with tops with sleeves. I just don't wear sleeveless tops very much. My
husband's opinion is I do not need plastic surgery and that is good enough
for me. I hope you will decide that feeling/BEING healthier is good enough
for you too!!! Best of luck to you whatever your decision!
— LindaLee H.
October 31, 2007
Many great points here! WLS is meant to treat a medical condition, not make
someone look better naked. I weighed 266lbs two years ago and now hover
between 128-134. Many "small" clothes are loose on me. And yes, I
do have saggy skin and would jump at the chance to have plastic surgery if
I could afford it, but as long as they keep making tops with 3/4 sleeves I
can hide the worst of it from the world. I still have to deal with two bad
knees due to the weight they used to support, but I can only imagine what I
would be dealing with now without the weight loss. I would definitely be
diabetic by now (I was borderline before) and well, heart disease does run
in the family, so who knows? Unless I'm having a bad day with my knees,
walking and going up stairs are no longer something I avoid. I'd much
rather deal with hiding the loose skin than trying to hide the fact that a
single flight of stairs left me out of breath. Maybe you just have the
"pre-surgery" jitters that so many of us get and are using this
as an excuse. If you only need to lose 90-100 lbs then you probably won't
have any rashes from the loose skin, (I don't) so plastic surgery won't be
necessary. Is there someone in your surgeon's office you could speak to? My
surgeon has a therapist as part of his team. Best of luck!
— packrat
October 31, 2007
boy did you get response to this! i think it is a problem close to
everyone's heart. well, here is my negative answer. this surgery is trading
one form of defromaty for another. But! BOY DO I FEEL BETTER! i can walk,
hop run, dance, BREATHE all the wonderful things i could not do before.
that is enough to go thru this again if i had to. good luck, make the
decision that is best for you. you have to live your life, not your pcp.
marsha
— madone2
October 31, 2007
I have lost 115 lbs. I am now 147 lbs and a size 8. I look fantastic with
my clothes on and there is only one other person that sees me with them off
and he loved me before I lost the weight. In a perfect world with
unlimited funds would I have work done? Absolutely!! Will it ruin my life
if I don't? No way!! I feel and look fantastic. I have some saggy skin
but it can be hidden very easily.
— KristineMarie
November 1, 2007
I wasn't going to wear a bikini before WLS, so why would I care after? That
was my thought going in. I am 10 months out and have lost 181 lbs... I have
wings and I have an apron... at first I was not considering plastics, but
my surgeon is going to do tummy tuck, hernia fix, and arms on me in
January, and I say "great"... but do I hate the way I look? I
can tell you, I am almost 31 years old and now can fit in any seat, can
wear nice clothes (which, by the way can suck it all in) and can keep up
with my 3-year-old and play on the floor with her and just feel great!
Would I trade that because I was afraid I would hate the way I look?
Personally I think a little saggy skin looks a lot better than the sausage
arms and ball body I used to have! I wouldn't trade the new me for the
world, saggy skin and all! Best of luck to you!
— airbear762000
November 1, 2007
Hi My pcp also didnt want me to have WLS, she talked me out of it 2 times.
In 4/06 i weighed 347 pounds now i am 204 now I am 204 pounds & very
proud of myself... I dont think im gonna have Plastic Surg. done I do have
some Flubber thats what I call it but its healthy Flubber with not too much
fat cells in it. I am more proud of my accomplishments than i am worried
about my skin. I guess i will never be in a BIKINI but i never was anyway.
You need to be very comfortable with WLS becasue the changes are for ever
& I do walk everyday to help the skin sagging & MY legs look the
best they have in my whole life...best of luck Barbara
— babs810
November 2, 2007
If you are having WLS for cosmetic reasons, you may very well hate how you
look afterwards, but if you are having it for cosmetic reasons, you
obviously don't like how you look now.
The main reason to have this surgery is to improve health. Some people do
decide to have plastic sugery afterwards, but there are plenty who don't
and who think that their post-WLS body looks much better than it did before
surgery.
I would much rather have a long healthy life with saggy skin than have no
life at all.
Ask your surgeon to introduce you to some WLS post-ops who have not had
plastic surgery. This will give you some idea of what to expect.
Best wishes.
— mrsidknee
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