Question:
Slow weight loss = little need for plastic surgery; true or false?

I've noticed people touting the Lap-Band on the ground that its slower weight loss will reduce the need for plastic surgery. I doubt that's true. It seems to me that it's the number of pounds post-WLS'ers lose, not the speed at which we lose, that sends us to the plastic surgeon. I'm no Lap-Bander, but after the initial big drop, I'd say I was a slow loser. I lost about the same number of pounds month after month for the first year, then a smaller number of pounds month after month in the second year, and at the end, I'd lost more than 150 pounds, and I needed plastics. What about other long-term post-ops who lost slowly? Did you need plastics, or not?    — Virginia N. (posted on March 6, 2007)

March 6, 2007
Among the surgeons with whom I've discussed this topic, the general consensus tends to be that it is the length of time the person was obese and the condition of their skin that impacts whether they will "need" reconstructive work. I lost my weight rapidly--- over 90 pounds the first month, 250 pounds by my 11 th month-- and had been over 400 pounds for years. I did need to have my upper thighs reconstructed (after large clusters of varicose veins were removed, I was left with large indentations that the surgeon felt were medically necessary to fix). And, then after a double hernia repair, the surgeon also performed a modest panniculectomy (only needing to take off less than 3 pounds of skin). And, I don't feel compelled to have anything else fixed (just yet). So, whether I prove the exception or the rule, I think that my rapid weight loss had nothing to do with the areas where I needed reconstructive work.
   — SteveColarossi

March 6, 2007
I believe Steve in right.. that it is the length of time of being obese and how big you are. If you lose quickly and don't exercise, everything will tend to sag more. I think that is more a case of poor muscle tone under the fat/loose skin that contribute to this. I think that the biggest advantage of the lap band is that it is less invasive, reversalable, etc. You lose weight slower due to the fact that there is no malabsorption going on, just the restriction of food.... Kari
   — Kari_K

March 6, 2007
It has several areas that hold this true, however, the main one is your skin period and how much elasticity it still contains. However, if you exercise exercise exercise while you lose the less sag you will have to have removed, but again that all depends on how much elasticity your skin still has. Good luck!
   — crystalsno

March 6, 2007
I agree. The question of reconstructive surgery post WLS depends on a couple of things...how long you were obese, genetics, and your age. None of which you can change. And, yes, with the lapband the weight loss is slower. Ive had mine for six months and lost 66 pounds so far. My skin is saggy, but its ok. I feel better, look better, and my health has improved dramatically!
   — gtali1954

March 13, 2007
There are many things that impact how much loose skin you have. Think of it as a balloon. If you blow it up and deflate it right away, it retains much of its original shape, whether you let the air out quickly or slowly. If you leave it blown up for several days, and then let the air out, either slowly or quickly, the balloon is still stretched out of shape. how much out of shape also depends on the type of balloon, and the amount of air in it. I lost weight slowly, but have a huge stomach flap and "batwings!"
   — Novashannon