Question:
Fat in some places, too thin in others does this change

I am almost at goal (have a BMI of less than 25 now), but many people are telling me I'm "too thin", or "gaunt". They base this, I think, on my head and shoulder and chest areas, which are indeed pretty thin; but my hips and thighs still seem pretty large to me. I know fat doesn't change places in the body, but the cells inflate and deflate -- I just wonder whether I can expect things to even out a bit over time? Anyone?    — Karen I. (posted on August 10, 2002)

August 10, 2002
I've always thought I had big hips. When I had my tt on Wednesday and the doctor was drawing on me before surgery, he warned me that many of his patients accused him of making there hips bigger after surgery!! He said they aren't used to having such a small waist after the tt and it appears that there hips are bigger. I told him I knew better and that I knew my hips were already big and he completely disagreed with me and said there average to small!! After surgery I asked him how much weight he took off and he told me about 4 pounds but that it really was more excess skin and not fat. Basically, what your perception is and what really is there may be VERY different. I feel like I can trust this man since he does this for a living every day. I don't know if your considering plastic surgery or not, but they would probably be the best judge as to what's "normal" for you.
   — Patty H.

August 10, 2002
Yes, it does even out a bit after some time. Takes about 3 yrs for your butt to round back out after being flat, with fluff at the bottom! LOL! Those sharp angles at the neck will be much smoother within 6 months if you are well nourished & hydrated. I weigh the same as I did at 13 months (8 yrs now), but I don't even look the same AT ALL. The skin has a layer of muscle under it, has built back the collagen base there, so the skin is smoother (well, as much as it can be at my age!)... time, being much better nourished that I was before.... I know. Time is the last asnwer you want to hear, but enjoy the process. Being bony is a short event for most of us!
   — vitalady

August 11, 2002
Thank you both. I *am* thinking about the abominoplasty thing, but not for a while yet -- as Michelle says, I kind of want to let things settle out for a while, and see where they wind up. And Michelle, while it's definitely not a thrill to see that time will remedy some of what's bothering me, at least I have something to look forward to! Hey, it's a journey. And I'm on it. That's a lot to be thankful for.
   — Karen I.