Question:
How soon can should I start looking into plastic surgery?

Am officiallly 7 months out and ive lost 100lb and i have allot of hanging skin. i had some complications in the beginning that caused me to lose faster than normal. I weigh 165lb now and I really have allot of extra skin. I just want to know how soon can I see a plastic surgeon.    — sheri B. (posted on May 5, 2003)

May 5, 2003
My PS said when your weight had sstabilized for 3 months
   — Robert L.

May 5, 2003
Generally, the rule is when you are within 20 pounds of goal, but I have also heard that you shouldn't consider it before 18 months post-op as your weight should stabilize first. With that said, many have had plastics closer to the one year post-op mark.
   — Cindy R.

May 5, 2003
I don't know when the best time to have it is -- I think that's very individual -- but I don't think you can see a plastic surgeon too soon for consult ideas. How and who you pick will be verrry important, from what I've seen. When I got close to goal, I was very impatient and wanted to get on with plastics, but was forced to postpone it for other reasons. Now, I've decided to wait til I've been stabilized at goal for at least a year, because I've read many mixed stories of people who are thrilled with their PS results, and some who aren't. I think we tend to want to get it OVER with, already, but being verry careful about who you pick, for what type of procedure(s), will probably pay off more for you than rushing into it. That said, how can it hurt to just go see the plastic surgeon for a consult? You don't have to commit to surgery right now, you can solicit their ideas on what they'd like to do and how, compare the different techniques, and ask for lots of pics and referrals from other patients. No need to rush, but ... no need not to postpone investigating and having fun thinking about how and what you want done after working so hard on losing your weight. :~)
   — Suzy C.