Question:
When did your surgeon recommend plastic surgery (skin removal)?

I am 8 months post-op. I'm 5'4" and I've lost 117 lbs. Even though I'm lifting weights and doing aerobic exercises I have excess skin. If you had the surgery, how long after your gastric bypass did you have it and what was your experience?    — Gina V. (posted on December 14, 2003)

December 14, 2003
At my 8.5 month follow-up my surgeon gave me the okay to begin the PS process after 113 lbs. loss mainly because I was complaining about the extremely excesive skin on my arms. Even he was surprised at how bad it was so early out. He had told me early on that he ususally didn't suggest PS until patients are 12-18 months out, so I was happy. You can read my profile about my PS experience. I had my arms and breasts done just 3 weeks ago. :-) Good luck to you! Sharon
   — Click

December 14, 2003
At my 6 month check-up my WL surgeon said I'd be ready for PS at 1 yr PO. I am now almost 10-1/2 months PO and am scheduled for the first part of my full extended abdominoplasty/lower body lift on Feb 23rd, 20 days after my 1 yr anniversary. I've lost 204 lbs and am 38 lbs from goal. I likely will not be to goal when I have surgery but should be within 15-20 lbs and that's what they estimate will come off with the total of both surgeries. I also know I will not instantly stop losing, so I will definitely get to goal and likely 10-20 lbs under, which is fine. My goal weight (200 lbs) is on the higher side anyway. However, 180 is about the absolute bottom I want to get to! <p>The first surgery will be a lower body lift, which includes the abdominoplasty and lateral thigh lift. The 2nd surgery will be similar to a panniculectomy but above my waist and around my back and the bra side hang-over. I have a smaller panni above the waist and larger panni below the waist. Because of this strange anatomy they cannot do it the normal way and wrap all of this into one surgery. Even insurance agreed it could not be done in 1 surgery and has approved both. We still are waiting to hear on coverage of the lateral thigh lift, but I'm getting it either way! <p>Many people and surgeon's say your weight must be stable for at least 6 months before PS. That is probably ideal, but for me that's not an option. I have come this far and am not going to live with the albatros of this yons of skin till fall 2004, when it can be gone much sooner. I'm willing to accept whatever the end result is. If in 5 years there is a small amount of loose skin, because I lost more than I expected, then I will deal with it. I see no benefit in waiting. When you've carried many many lbs of skin and fat for most of your life, why keep it any longer than you need to. JMO
   — zoedogcbr

December 14, 2003
I just had a Tummy Tuck on November 17th. I was 15 months out. I am now just 5-10 pounds from goal. Good Luck!
   — Stephanie B.

December 14, 2003
You shouldn't have plastic surgery until your only 20 pounds or less from your goal weight. I had mine done at 9 months post-op and I was 10 pounds from my goal weight.
   — Patty H.