Question:
At-goal post-ops: did your overhanging stomach shrink more than you thought?
Enough so that you didn't end up resorting to plastics? I've had an overhang ever since my first C-Section in 1990, and while I'm not at goal yet (but only 30 lbs. away!), I don't see it shrinking enough to ever look even HALFWAY normal. While it has already shrunk more than i thought it would have at this point (now only overhangs from hip to hip - used to wrap a bit around my back). Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated! (Proximal OPEN RNY 7/7/03, 226/162/132, 5'1") — sweetmana (posted on December 29, 2003)
December 29, 2003
I'm a 1/2 inch shorter than you. I got to 127.5 at my lowest and my
stomach was the only place I had any excess fat. I think for the same
reason you mentioned: the c-sections. I had two tubal pregnancies, but it
was the same kind of hip to hip bikini cut. After those, I always had an
overhang and it got worse as I got heavier. I'm going to have a tummy tuck
soon I think. I look ok with tight jeans and a baggy tshirt, but would
like to be able to wear whatever and not have to worry about my stomach
looking out of proportion to the rest of me. Good luck with getting rid of
the last 30 pounds. Maybe you'll have better luck with your stomach going
down because you're younger or have better genetics or something? S
— sherry hedgecock
December 29, 2003
I am at goal for the most part, down 108 pounds in 10 1/2 months, at
5'7" and 139.5 pounds. My abdominal skin makes me nuts, and as I got
closer to goal it looked worse, since there was less fat and just deflated
skin. I'm not nuts for my arms or legs either, but I will live with them
since the thought of such visible scars doesn't seem to make those
surgeries worth it to me. I am planning an abdominoplasty next August.
— Fixnmyself
December 29, 2003
I started this process just 10 pounds short of twice your starting weight,
442. I actually thought I could get by without PS based on losing 200 lbs
in 94/95 and not feeling like I needed PS. Well 9 years later and
regaining of 200 lbs has shown me I do not really have much choice. I did
not shrink as well this time. My gut has shrink tons but hangs a lot.
Moisture in my belly button is the worst part for me as it can get very
sore. I'm scheduled for a full extended abdominoplasty and lateral thigh
lift (basically a lower body lift) on Feb 23rd with insurance coverage of
the abdominoplasty part. We are also trying to get approval for the
lateral thigh lift but if not I will pay for that. I will also need a 2nd
abdominoplasty to remove a smaller pannus above my waist (strange anatomy
prevents it from totally being taken care of the first time). Insurance
has already approved that surgery too and it will be done in early May.
<p>I am 35 lbs from goal and all I see is the closer I get and the
more the fat comes off the more the skin hangs, so I have no delusions
things will improve without PS. Starting at your weight etc. you may luck
out. It really comes down to how you are built. If it's not hanging a lot
right now then I would give it some time. You might be surprised,
especially if you are younger. Here's to lots more shrinking!
— zoedogcbr
December 29, 2003
I'm sorry that I don't have better news for you, but I am at goal at 9
months post-op, down to 148 at 5'7" from a starting weight of 280. I
actually don't have much of an apron, a real small one, but, I have an
overhang in between my incision and belly button that causes a small pooch
when I wear jeans. My hubby says he doesn't notice it, but everytime I
look in the mirror, it's the first thing I see. That's just my own
insecurity though. Also, the biggest reason for having PS for me is that
my abdomen is covered in stretch marks which make me look like a sharpei.
Yuck. What everyone says though, is correct, that the loose skin is more
obvious the closer you get to goal and that last 30 pounds could make a big
difference. O.k. to answer your question....I could get away without
having to have abdominoplasty, but for my own self-confidence, I am
choosing to have it done. My mother who was not obese, also had severe
stretch marks so I think I'm just not blessed with great elastic skin.
Hopefully, you'll have better luck. Congrats on a great weight loss!
— denisel
December 29, 2003
Nope. Towards the end it just got worse and worse as it hung lower and
lower. When it reached my pubic bone, I was good to go for insurance to
cover the reconstructive panniculectomy.
— mom2jtx3
December 29, 2003
I WISH! I had my surgery at 29 years old, almost two years ago and my
doctor kepy telling me, "with your age, you'll bounce right back into
shape." Yeah, right!!!!! In August I had abdominoplasty and it was
the best thing I ever did. My plastic surgeon took off six pounds and 28
inches of skin (when she cut me from hip to hip, that's how far my skin
dropped). Honestly, I considered it all part of the process and it was the
best thing I ever did. That surgery alone took me from a size 14 to a 10.
Sorry, I don't have a better opinion. :( (Open RNY 4/29/02 -165 lbs.)
— stacey L.
December 29, 2003
I wish I had good news that everything shrinks back into place. If I knew
that would happen within the next year or so, I'd be happy. I always said
I wouldn't do plastic surgery just because it seems like it would really be
a rough recovery. The more research I do, the more that opinion changes.
I am down 102.5 lbs and have some real issues with the excess skin.
Luckily I have no infections from it which I know can be very
uncomfortable..then again, it is cool weather & who knows what it will
be like in the summer? Although I'm much older than you (42), I'm leaning
towards the PS as the flab is just plain disgusting and has a direct
bearing on my attitude. I am in a size 14 probably in a 12 soon, but could
easily be in an 8 or 10 with the skin removed. I'd like to lose 30 - 40
more lbs before I make any final decisions as I can't imagine losing weight
after PS to the point you'd need it again. YIKES. Oh...and yes, the
C-sections or any abdominal surgeries can make the skin issues more
drastic.
Even if I knew then what I know now as far as weight issues, I probably
would have still been heavy but at least I would have kept myself more
active! Muscle & toning are really hard to get back after they've
vanished.
Best wishes to everyone...keep up the absolute great progress!!
— Diane S.
December 29, 2003
I've dropped 278 pounds in 15 months and have been at goal for the past 2
months. As I had always carried most of my weight below the waist (which
is a great look for a 6'3" man), I had resigned myself to needing the
panni removed. Fortunately, most of the skin has snapped back enough where
I don't envision needing a TT (although there are lots of other medical
reasons why I might need to have the excess skin removed). So, I guess
that there is some hope that rapid and large weight loss won't necessarily
result in a large overhanging lower abdomen.
— SteveColarossi
December 30, 2003
I am 3 lbs. from goal, 15 months out,and I also have the stomach that
hangs. I have noticed though, that my stomach is the very last thing to
keep shrinking, but it is still shrinking, even though I haven't lost any
weight for about 2 months. Yes, it still hangs, but looks perfectly fine
when I have clothes on. Clothes off is another story. :) I would like to
have a tt, but have chosen not to because I would just rather not have
another surgery. I actually only look like I have a poochy stomach in
clothes. You can't tell that it hangs. 243/143/140
— joeandteri
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