Question:
Anyone around my height & weight have to have plastic surgery?

I am pre-op, surgery date is June 27th, at Northwest Suburban Hospital. I am a 26 year old female with 3 children. I am 274 and 5'5. I wanted to know if theres anyone that had to have plactic surgery or there arms or thighs or stomach that is around the same height and weight? What are the chances of my skin adjusting back?    — Quiwana B. (posted on June 8, 2002)

June 8, 2002
I am 5' 5" and starting weight was 245. Now lost 110 lbs and at goal. I just had a tummy tuck a couple of months ago and just love it! I had two c-sections previously, a couple of other abdominal surgeries too, so tummy was bad! Insurance agreed and paid for it! Your age might help you out, as I am 42, but it still sags. I plan to do thighs, arms and boobs before I get done!
   — gina P.

June 8, 2002
I am 29 years old. I weighed 307 on 4/29/02 (the day of my open RNY) and have lost 32 pounds. My doctor and support group leader seem to think there's a good chance that I will NOT need plastic surgery because of my age. According to them, our skin, at this age, has a lot more elasticity. I'm crossing all fingers and toes that I won't need it! I can tell you that the rolls on my back are going away and there is no sagging skin. I also started walking at three weeks post-op. Not for weightloss puposes, but for toning reasons. My legs are starting to tighten up too! Good luck!
   — stacey L.

June 8, 2002
I have not had my surgery yet, but I am also 26. I understand that it is very good to drink plenty of skim milk, even with being young it can help your skin go back in place, also using cocoa butter lotion is great, everyone I ever talked to used that after child birth to help with stretch marks. Best Wishes
   — Jennifer E.

June 8, 2002
I think that it just depends on your skins elasticity (good or bad skin genes). My friend who is 16 months post-op went from 294 to 135 at 5'7", 26 years old, and her skin is very saggy. She wants the tummy and boobs done. Her arms did fine. Thighs a little saggy. I didn't think she would need it because when she was down to 200 she wasn't sagging at all. You will just have to wait until you get there to figure it all out.
   — Cheri M.

June 8, 2002
I am 2 1/2 years post and about 10 weeks post from a tummy tuck. I love it, but I am 42- your age is your best chance of avoiding any plastic surgery. I was told to wait 1 year after you lose all the weight you expect to lose and I am glad I did. I still would like to do arms, tighs, butt- whatever, but as a self pay, I doubt I can afford it- maybe a little at a time:) Anyway, first things first- good luck at BTC- you are in good hands!
   — M B.