Question:
Why does it seem that people become more bottom heavy after WLS

I am not trying to offend anyone, because everyone should be congratulated for their weight loss, but after looking at numerous before/after pics, I am noticing that many people are bottom heavy. Some look as if they have only lost weight in the top half of their bodies. Why is that? And am I destined to have a huge butt for the rest of my life?? I apologize if I offend anyone with this post, but I am curious. Thank you    — [Anonymous] (posted on September 8, 2000)

September 8, 2000
Genetics, gravity and lack of exercise are the culprits. That's why God gave us plastic surgeons!
   — Allie B.

September 8, 2000
I had seen the same thing, and after speaking with a personal trainer & literally exercising my butt off for over two years! This is what I have learned. When you lose weight, you lose it from the top down ... most people feel that walking is sufficient for the "exercise" portion of this procedure. Now, Walking is wonderful, but you need to work the upper body in conjunction with the walking in order to lose the butt & hips. Good Luck!! Mary Anne
   — Mary Anne M.

September 8, 2000
Losing weight so rapidly contributes to loose excess skin. Most morbidly obese persons I have known or seen have very big stomachs and hips. Your age and elasticity will determine whether you will have a big problem or a minor problem. Plastic surgery is an option to correct it, and in many cases, can be covered by insurance. I know I'll be making my appointment for a plastic surgeon in April 2001.
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 8, 2000
I don't know about everyone else, but I know that my last 20 pounds (I am 15 pounds lighter than my goal now) came straight from my butt. It is flat as a pancake now. I am working with weights so hopefully I will regain some shape. I had the bottom-heavy look until the rest of my weight came off. Now, for the first time in my life, I am smaller on the bottom (size 6) than on the top (size 8). So, eventually things even out if there is not a big apron problem in the front. I didn't carry my weight in my stomach when I was heavy -- it was more evenly distributed all over my body. Cheers, Ann
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 8, 2000
Not everyone ends up bottom heavy. We all carry our weight differently and lose it differently. Plus after you lose weight their is usually more loose skin on your lower half of your body. I lost weight porportionately - if anything I'm a little smaller on the bottom than on the top. One of my friends calls me 'No Butt' so I wouldn't worry so much about how/where the weight comes off - more importantly that the weight comes off! My first priority in losing weight was to improve my health - and I've got to say I felt immediate improvements - looking better was an added benefit.
   — Jennifer L.

September 8, 2000
All good answers below... My problem is not the butt or hip area I'm very slim and firm there.. I do have a panni area and like the first poster said.. That's why we have plastic surgeons ;-)
   — Victoria B.

September 8, 2000
Please check ou my pics on this website under "PAula Sisson- Kent, OH" I am definately NOT bottom heavy. All my25# of excess eight is around my stomc- not my hips or leg. A common place for women to carry ecesss weight is their hips and thighs- and wherever one carries the most weight- is inevitablly the last place to lose it. Hope this helps! SplitSiss@hotmailcom
   — Paula S.