Question:
I'd like to here from anyone who had their skin removed.

Hi, I am 11 months post-op and have lost 197lbs, I started out at 412lbs, and my goal weight is 150lbs (I'm 5'7"). So I still have 65lbs to go before I reach my goal, but what I'm wondering is how close to your goal weight do you have to be before you can have the skin removed? Do you have to have all the fat gone or can they cut fat off along with skin, because my belly and arms have ALOT of extra skin but the skin that is hanging has some fat in it to and the exercise doesnt seem to be affecting the fat thats hanging in the skin. People keep telling me that I cant stand to lose 65 more pounds because I'm so big boned and maybe their right because if it wasnt for the hanging skin and fat I would probably be a size 12, which is my goal, I'm a size 16 now. So if anybody out there has had their skin removed please e-mail me at [email protected], any information you can offer would be much appreciated. Thanx -Joy-    — Joy S. (posted on February 13, 2002)

February 13, 2002
My surgeon billed my Tummy Tuck as reconstructive after the RNY and my Insurance Company paid for every dime. On the day of the Tummy Tuck I weighed 189 pounds. I had lost 280 pounds. It was 2 days before the one year anniversary of my gastric bypass. The Tummy Tuck was one of the easiest surgeries that I have ever had. I could have gone home within a few hours after surgery. I was up and walking around with very little pain. It was nothing compared to the RNY. I went home the next morning and was in the mall on day 3 after the surgery. I just bought a really good, tall, soft girdle and I wore it all the time except to shower and to sleep. The worst part about the Tummy Tuck was that I had drains for 3 weeks and stitches for almost 5. I thought I was going to have them forever. It made the most incredible difference in my appearance. My surgeon removed over 18 pounds of fat and skin. I walked out of the hospital weighing 171. The people that dropped me off at the hospital were in shock when they picked me up the next morning. I was a size 16 on the day of the tummy tuck because of the huge roll. I went immediately to a size 10 and within 6 weeks was very easily in a size 8. The scar is still not to pretty but I have a completely flat tummy for the first time in my life. It made the most incredible different in my appearance. I am very happy with it. I hope this helps.
   — DeeDubbs

February 14, 2002
Hi, Joy, I am about 20 months post op. I lost about 175 pounds, mostly during the first 12 months & have held that weight since (give or take about 10 pounds). I am about 10 to 20 pounds over my goal weight of 165, as my weight varies practically daily (I am 5'9). I have just been approved by my insurance co & am setting a date for surgery. I will have a panniculectomy, which my plastic surgeon says is really the same as a tummy tuck (to him). I think it's really hard to tell just exactly what is left over fat & what is just skin. I thought my arms still had a fair amount of fat, but the PS said "you have no fat at all in there!" My insurance will pay 100% of hospital & 90% of surgeon's charges, although they would pay less if either were not in our "network." I think it might be time, now, for you to see your WLS surgeon or a plastic surgeon & get some really good, reliable, personal information. I've heard that "you don't need to lose any more weight!" line, too. I can't wait to see my results after the PS. The vast majority of responses I've heard are very positive. One thing I can suggest is that you start NOW gathering any proof or evidence of skin rashes or problems, of backaches or similar aches & pains so these will be well documented when you see the Doctor & apply for insurance coverage for your RECONSTRUCTIVE, not cosmetic, surgery. Do a lot of research so you'll be as well informed as possible. I actually have heard of people having tummy tucks or abdominoplasties at the same time as their weight loss surgery. I don't understand just how that would work, but, obviously, it IS possible to have excess skin removed before full weight loss is achieved. I don't know if having it done so early might lessen the final result, tho.. Good luck to you.
   — Kathy W.

February 14, 2002
Joy: I'm 2 1/3 yrs and 190 lbs PO from lap BPD/DS and during this last year have had ALL my redundant skin removed. That included and in this order, from 14-15 months PO, bat wings, breast reduction (includin the extra breasts under my arms LOL), abdominoplasty (chin lift & eye lift too, but that is cosmetic), inner thigh lift, and 7 weeks ago I finished up with a lower body lift and revision (anchor incision) on my TT. All covered by insurance, except the eyes, chin & implants. My PS and I planned these in stages accordng to where I had lost most of my weight. For me, and most, it generally comes of from the top down -- hence the butt was last! Only a consult with a PS who is accustomed to dealing with WLS patients and has a good record of obtaining insurance approval (unless you have $30-50,000 kicking around) can determine which body parts are ready to go. It usually takes months to find a good PS and more time for consult and insurance approval, so there is no harm is starting the process early. He can determine more accurately what and when things are ready. You are right, exercise won't do a thing to budge hanging skin and subcutanious fat (I know as I worked out 5 days a week my first ye PO and this was the conclusion of my WL surgeon, 3 PSs and the trainer at the YMCA.) However all of that skin and the fat hanging from it can be left on the OR table! My PS also uses lipo to contour an integrate the area he is working on. If the PS underestimates the timing, he should be willing to revise any surgery later on. Mine wants to tighten up my arms again (said he wants we looking good NOW as well as later) and always planned on revising my TT in conjunction w my LBL. Most PSs are perfectionists and will continue to modify their work as needed as our bodies change. Be sure you ask at consult though so you don't just get a cosmetic money grubbing surgeon. This is a big reconstructive process of the largest organ in the body (skin) and requires careful professional planning or multiple procedures over an extended period of time for best results.
   — Jill L.

February 15, 2002
I am pre-op, but my surgeon reccommends waiting 2-3 years to have any surgery like that done. However, if it is causing you problems then they probably would reccommend it.
   — emilyfink