Question:
Do all people who lose over 200 pounds need reconstructive surgery?

I am planning on having my RNY hopefully sometime this fall. I am 5'2" and currently weigh about 380lbs. I figure that if all goes according to plan I will loose about 200lbs in the next 2 years and I was concerned about needing reconsructive surgery. I carry most of my weight in my rear-end and legs.    — [Anonymous] (posted on May 16, 2001)

May 16, 2001
Unfortunately, no one can predict accurately if you will or won't "need" reconstructive surgery for redundant skin. So many factors come into play. Age is a very big factor. The younger you are, the better your chances of NOT needing plastic surgery later. You physical health, you family history, your damage to your skin (from sun exposure), the number of times you've gained and lost weight.. all of those things can go into your outcome. It's so hard to take on all of the things that will come up related to weight loss journey and contemplate them right now. Give yourself time to work on each step as it comes to you. It's wonderful to be able to PLAN.. but sometimes no matter how great your plan.... it might not be applicable when you finally get to that stage. Regardless how your skin looks after you're well on your way to goal, you are going to feel so much better! Best of luck to you!
   — BethVBG