Question:
Is it true the last thing to go is.....

I have read that the last thing to go is your tummy.I'm 8 months out and have lost 130 pound. I'm 23 pound until goal and I'm wearing a size 12. Everything is getting smaller but my tummy. At what point does this go down. I'm realistic to believe that not all of it will go but lordy i look bad naked. Maybe this is a vain thing!!!!TTFN    — sarah C. (posted on December 31, 2002)

December 31, 2002
Congratulations on your AMAZING weight loss! Unfortunately redundant fat and skin tend to be present and stay present in our abdominal area. That's why so many folks have to have a panniculectomy or abdominoplasty after WLS. Before I had plastic surgery I wore a very firm and supportive panty girdle. It helped with the icky bulge. However, I thought then and still think now.....I look o.k. in clothes but, have mercy, I'm a train wreck underneath! Best wishes to you!! Happy new year!
   — ronascott

December 31, 2002
It was true for me. I had maintained 130 lbs for about 9 months wearing a size 8. I noticed that my 8s were getting looser although there was no difference in my measurements?!?? Turns out I had lost about 5 pounds--apparently from my abdomen. Boy was I surprised to find that I could wear a 6! I am still wrinkly looking from the stretch marks but it does look better now than it did when I hit goal weight. I think your skin recovers to some extent with time.
   — ctyst

December 31, 2002
I think it also depends on whether you're an apple or a pear shape person. Myself being an apple, I know I've got another 30 or 40 pounds to go before I see any more major difference in my waistline. I love being able to wear a size 14 jeans (the ones without the elastic waistband, thank you) but hate that I have to wear a looser fitting top to hide the flab that hangs over the edge of the waistband! I KNOW I'll be looking for a tummy tuck or panni removal at least (dream would be a body lift). But am I right here about the differences in where you carry your weight? Are you pears having as much trouble with excess tummy skin? As for it being a vain thing, I personally think we've all deserved the right to be a little bit vain...think of it more as putting yourself first for a change! TTFN - Anna LAP RNY 7/3/02 -100lbs.
   — Anna L.

December 31, 2002
Your loss is wonderful! How pleased you must be! My experience was that my stomach was one of the last things to go. I had a pretty large stomach, and could wear it as a kilt! I ended up having abdominoplasty, but I am still not even a 12. I am a 14 on a good day. Like the others, I still have a fair amount of loose skin, but I wouldn't trade the weight I've lost for anything. Good Luck to you!
   — Cara F.

December 31, 2002
At only 8 months out, I would cut yourself some slack. I think our bodies keep adjusting for the first 2 years after surgery. Even once you hit goal, the skin will continue to catch up with the weight loss (to some extent). That is why I think it is smart for people to hold off gettting platic surgery until after they are 2 years post op, IMHO. Good job and Good luck!!
   — Karen Sue B.

December 31, 2002
Hi Sarah, I'm still waiting for mine to shrink. I am almost 19 months post and look pretty small, but for this paunchy belly. I have been using a skin firming lotion. It's futile, but family seems to think it's making a difference so I continue. I'm not eager to jump into another surgery, but probably will at some point at least for my breasts. I have started some abdominal exercises. I know I've read (here) you really can't tighten up the belly without surgery, but I honestly wonder if there is some sort of combination of exercise/moisurizing/time that can make it at least look acceptable. Just thinking out loud here...hope you find an answer to your question. -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 -145
   — KimBo36