Question:
Anyone out there that was 350+?

Did you have a lot of excess skin? Do you have any tips as far as dealing with sagging skin?    — Beverly M. (posted on May 22, 2004)

May 21, 2004
I was 400 lbs and now is 195lbs and still reaching for my goal wt. I was sent to see a plastic surgeon. and am in waiting for my approval. Yes I have alot of excess skin that will not go away. it has to be removed. there's not much I can do but stay on my diet and exercise. He said all my weight now is in my apron and breast.etc. so I'm looking forward to having them removed.
   — B4real

May 22, 2004
Beverly, I was 365 lbs at the time of my open BPD/DS. I've lost 205 lbs so far (I'm still losing - very slowly). I'm 22 months post-op. Just one year ago I had to have a hernia repair/abdominoplasty - the hernia I had from when my son was born by emergency c-section had finally gone far enough south that it could not be ignored any longer. I had a pretty large panni at that time. During that surgery they cut off about 9 lbs of fat/skin. Since then I've lost more weight, of course, and so I have a whole new little panni. I fit in a size 12 comfortably, but would probably be a size 8 if it were gone. I saw my surgeon a couple of months ago and he said that I didn't need to lose many pounds more - if any at all. He thought I would lose a minimum of 9 to 12 lbs with PS should I choose to pursue it. I do have a lot of excess skin - my arms are the worst. I have major sharpei butt, and my thighs are not the prettiest sight, either. I look great in clothes though! LOL! Its just naked that's not so pretty. But you know what - I don't really care - cause I'm so stinking healthy! I plan to wait as long as possible before pursuing further surgery. Further out post-ops have told me how much the body continues to change as time goes on, and I'm so thankful for their sage advice! Hope that helps a little. Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

May 22, 2004
I was 396 when I started and am in the mid 170s now at 19 mos post-op. I have a lot of sagging skin and am in no hurry to do anything about it, if ever. I look great in my clothes, but it's just a little scary without them. I'd love to have all the sagging skin gone, but just don't want to undergo another surgery because I'm pretty healthy now and feel pretty good. I have noticed, however that since I started running about 8 mos ago, some of the abdomin skin has shrunk but it will never take care of all of it. It's all a matter of what you're willing to do and at this point, I'm just not willing to undergo another surgery.
   — Cathy S.

May 23, 2004
I was 360, now 18 months later, I am 170 and size 8/10. I am literally a walking 'puddle of skin'. I could probably have 20 - 30 lbs of skin removed overall. The worst areas are tummy, thighs, arms and breasts. In other words, everywhere. I would not trade my WLS for ANYTHING, but I think I am actually more self conscious now. Notice how all the cute summer clothes are sleeveless? I have a tough time finding clothes that cover the arms. I look great in clothes, but when I take them off, watch out! Told my hubby that he need not worry about me cheating. I want to have it all removed, but am scared about having another surgery and just don't have the funds to cover it. It is a tough spot. I worked so hard to get the weight off, and this is the end result. Well, enough of the moaning, I feel good, so that is what counts. As far as tips, I have none, other than I am in the same situation and am just trying to figure out how to deal. Just remember, you are not the only one! Take care!
   — thecobles

May 23, 2004
I started at 353 almost 8 months ago and I already have alot of wrinkly skin, tummy, arms, thighs, breasts.........lol You name it I got it! As soon as I hit 170 I can see a PS, I have 43 more LBS to go!
   — Saxbyd

May 23, 2004
I started at 366, and as of 12 mos and 9 days post-op I'm down 200lbs. People warned me pre-op about the skin issue, and I was like "yeah whatever..." But now, when I look at myself in clothes I can "pass for normal", but the skin under the clothes...ugh...I can say mine isn't AS bad as it could've been for the amount of weight lost, but I don't like it and plan to get it taken offffff of me!! However, this in NO way would deter me from WLS, I'd do it again in a heartbeat!
   — Sungurl B.

May 24, 2004
Yup, I look like an alien under my clothes LOL I started out at 556 lbs..got down to 213 lbs and am now fighting a 50 lb regain..I can't get plastic surgery because I am on medical and the only thing they covered was the panni. I never wear shorts in public..my legs are horrific one is much bigger than the other one.
   — Dawn H.