Question:
Do most of the people who've had surgery need plastic surgery?

Just wondering how many NEED plastic surgery for excess skin removal. Or does it shrink back?    — Alisa Sheets (posted on April 18, 2002)

April 17, 2002
Alisa, I started out at 244 and am now down to 158, just 13-18 pounds away from my goal. I have an incisional hernia that needs repairing and my surgeon suggested that IF I want a TT, now would be the time to try to get insurance to pay for it. I have learned to live with the hernia during my wait for ins. approval. The TT though... I don't know of a woman yet, regardless of her size that WOULDN'T 'want' a TT. I really don't think I 'need' one as bad as many others might, but I would still like to have one. If my insurance doesn't approve it, I won't be too disappointed though, I have been happy with the way my body has shrunk back up. At seven months out I am close to the end of my weight loss, only loosing a couple of pounds a month. My body is STILL adjusting though, I am still loosing inches. I don't think a TT is necessary, in some cases it might be, but for others it would be the patient's preference.
   — DonnaCarol

April 18, 2002
I'm still pre-op, and I'm hoping I won't need to have a tummy tuck. I don't think I will because I'm pear-shaped--my tummy is the smallest thing on me. If anything, I'll need a butt tuck! At our monthly support group meeting, I see people all the time who talk about wanting to get a tummy tuck, and I think they look great the way they are! I don't know what they would have tucked! But, of course, I don't see them naked or even in a bathing suit--I guess everybody just has to be satisfied with themselves and do whatever it takes to make that happen. There's one woman at our meeting who now weighs less than 140 lbs. and has a tiny little pooch. She complains about her large apron, but I don't see it. I do think body image is a whole other issue with WLS--we don't see ourselves the way others see us. As far as NEEDING plastic surgery goes, I think it all depends on how each individual feels and whether or not they have any pain or rashes. It also depends on how much weight each person has to lose, how young they are, how elastic their skin is, etc. Good luck!
   — Kristie B.

April 18, 2002
Hi! I am pre-op but have read alot of stories of those who have had the surgery and spoke to many and I have had the same question. I believe the majority of people need plastic surgery when they are severly overweight in areas such as thighs and belly. It really all has to due with the elasticity of the skin and everyones is different. Most of the weight is lost rapidly which prevents time for you to prepare your skin by excercising. For myself, I can already tell that I will have skin dangling from my arms and inner thighs that I will want "tucked". I am hoping that once I am well enough to begin working out to build muscle in hopes that it will also help with the excess skin. Another thing to consider is that in many cases, that excess skin weighs an extra 10lbs or more (I know of someone who lost 20lbs in excess skin)! So when it is taken away- WA-LA!!!! More weight gone!!...........Best of luck ot you!
   — karmiausnic