Question:
PLEASE share your thoughts about plastic surgery

I weigh 331 pounds and I am 5'2. I have been approved for wls and I am getting nervous because I do not know how thin I will get or what my actual body type is. I have the two stomach thing going on where the second stomach hangs touching my thighs. My arms are very flabby. I have had big arms since high school which has been about 15 years. I am concerned about excessive flabby skin especially not knowing how small I will get. I was wondering if anyone else had a story to share about your weight loss success and whether you have had to do plastic surgery or not, or are considering it. If you have thought about it or have done plastic surgery what was the main reason for your choice? Was it that you absolutely had no other choice due to your own self esteem or because you wanted a totally new start all the way around? I know that everybodies body is not the same but I am trying to get a general picture in my mind of what my future may hold. Yes I will be healthier because of the weight loss but there are many who are depressed because of how they look underneath the clothes. Please share.    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on July 6, 2009)

July 6, 2009
Hello! I know just what you mean of being scared of the "new you" I lost 125lb with wls I had extra skin on thighs, arms, and around the middle. I am 2 1/2 years out of my wls. I lost the weight in about a year. I then joined the gym to gain some strenth and tighten whatever muscles and lift some skin. After working out for a year and maintaining my goal weight I am now in the journey of the plastic surgery. 5 weeks ago I had a full lower body lift. It is absolutely amazing! I have the body I had when I was 20 (now I am 43). The surgery was very scarry to me at first but I decided I did not want to look like an old lady with all the extra skin. I am still recovering from this surgery but plan to have a breast augmentation and my arms (bat wings) done in the near future. Once you feel really good when the weight comes off the plastic surgeon can help you see what the possiblities to what your body can look like later. The decision to have the plastic surgery was just more of the journey which started with the gastric bypass.
   — MSskinnynow

July 6, 2009
I am Gayla and am 23 months post-op from a lapband. I went from a size 26 to an 8-even a couple of 6's. I was ALWAYS obese. I have lots of skin. Really it's just deflated. My husband is happy with or without. I DID consider plastic surgery and who knows what I'll think in the future. But, for now I will not have any surgery. I LOVE how I look in clothes-even sleeveless shirts are in my wardrobe. My 20 year old daughter is good at putting it into perspective for me. Whatever works for you is what you will want to do for yourself. When I would complain about my turkey neck she reminded me that I used to have 3 chins, so what was I complaining about. I know that some people have emotional and physical issues with the skin after surgery. DO NOT let this deter you from this POSITIVE life changing event. I wouldn't change a thing. The fact is: I wrecked my body from years of abusing it. Even with the excess skin, it is so much fun. You do what is best for you. God bless and good luck. Gayla
   — gouldsfiya

July 6, 2009
I've lost 157 lbs in the last year, I really need to lose about 75 more, I will have plastics done. My stomach hangs down to my knees, I'm not sure if my ins. co. will pay for it, it might be a fight, but I really need it. I do not care about the bat wings (I prefer to call them angle wings) I have been wearing sleeveless tops, but my arms were never all that big. With all the excess skin hanging on my stomach, it throws me off balance if I turn too quickly, I've also had rashes, which I am doccumenting with my Dr. and girdles do not help, because the leg openings are always too big and the skin falls through them, not a pretty sight plus it is very uncomfortable to say the least. I'm 59, so I don't think that my skin is elastic enough to tighten up.
   — KathieV

July 6, 2009
Please check out my blog. It is listed under dragonflier. I have posted my whole journey and story there with lap band and plastic surgery. There are before and after pics there, ADULT, so you are forewarned. LOL. Trish
   — dragonflier

July 7, 2009
I had RNY/LAP a little over 2 years ago and lost 140 pounds. I do have sagging stomach (called an apron) but otherwise had no skin problems. I decided against plastic surgery because I heard it can be very painful plus I consider my stomach part or my personal story. Again, I want to emphasize that I had no rash problems, etc.
   — Muggs

July 11, 2009
I had open rny in may 2007. I lost 115 pounds, gained back about 10. through all of this, I did not lose one single cup size in my bra! I had a breast reduction on the 2nd of July. I am thrilled! I had such neck, back and shoulder pain, my insurance (BCBS) covered it. I will have to pay 20% up to 1800.00, but I consider that a bargain. I would love to have the resst done, especially with the stomach, but I cannot afford that right now. I hear spanx is really good, so I may try that. I have tender areas, but I have been virtually "pain" free. Just a little discomfort. I didn't exercise like I should have. If I had to change one thing, it would be to GET ACTIVE ASAP after your surgery! Good luck.
   — Debbi S.