Question:
When is a good time to inquire about my abdominoplasty?

I weighed 485lbs when I had my wls in sept 2003 and I am down to 335 lbs. I had my breast done on my year but the major problem is that my stomach is hanging alot with the extra skin. I need to know what is it a good time to inquire about having the abdominoplastly.    — SHAKEITHA M. (posted on October 28, 2004)

October 28, 2004
For best results plastic surgeons want you to be within 20-30 pounds of your goal weight. If your apron is limiting mobility you may need to have that removed and then have an abdominoplasty later. You can try wearing a girdle to help contain and control the excess skin.Congratulations and best wishes for continued success!!!!!
   — dianne E.

October 28, 2004
It varies from person to person. The former SMO tend to have PS done earlier in the WL process because many times the massive excess skin it is greatly limiting their mobility. I started at 442 lbs. I started seeing PS's at around 280 lbs which was 8 months PO, mostly because I wanted to get insurance approval and was not sure if I would need to squeeze it in before the end of 2003 because of possible insurance changes for 2004. It took about 6 weeks till I had approval. The approval was good for 6 months and the coverage wasn't changing in 2004, so it gave me time to hold off and loose more. I had a LBL at 12-3/4 months PO and went into surgery at 217 lbs. My goal weight was 200, so tehcnially I came out of surgery under goal as I had 19 lbs of skin removed. It took 2 months before that showed on the scale though. <p>I know of a few former SMO that had panni removals at around 300 lbs and do not regret it. You have to decide how much it is affecting your life. I would think by around 300 lbs it would make sense to start with the consults and maybe sooner if it is greatly impeding you. The more things cane be just skin and not a lot of fat in it, the better the end result. But each person has to decide when it is right for them. Most say you must be at goal and stable for 6 months. I did not follow that rule and made it clear to my PS that I was willing to accept the consequences of starting earlier. I've had to have some minor touchups as I've had additional surgeries done but it's not because I kept losing. It's because of the crap quality skin I have left and it has relaxed much easier than top quality flexible skin. The former SMO are never likely to have as good of results long term as someone who still has lots of elasticity in their skin, despite being overweight. Regardless I am still very happy with my new flat belly and curvy waist. The legs get done in about 10 days. I'm not looking forward to the recovery but I am looking forward to the results.
   — zoedogcbr

October 28, 2004
Everyone is different, and I really think you will know when the time is right for you. If I had to be within a few pounds of my goal, I would still be waiting. I think the main thing is to have a stable weight for a few months. I am still about 40 lbs away from my goal, but I had my abdominoplasty done 8/2/04, and I am very pleased with the results - no more back pain and I look good! Why not go ahead with a consultation with a surgeon and see what they say?
   — koogy

October 30, 2004
Since I'm sure one of the amazing and lovely members will answer your questions, SHAKEITHA just want to congratulate you on your success - you've made one of the most important and bravest decisions of your life - best of luck on your continued journey!!!!
   — Anna M.