Should I Or Shouldn't I?

[Lissa 2,631]

Okay, folks. I had a weird visit with my WLS surgeon today. Weird because he actually told me that I look really good and don't "need" to lose any more weight. I'm 245 still and probably have 20 pounds of skin that should be removed in my stomach area.

He gave me a referral to the plastic surgeon and documented my tummy issues (rashes, a boil, need for powder constantly under the roll) and he thinks my insurance will cover the Tummy Tuck, if I choose to do it.

My plastics consult is August 31, so one year and one day after surgery. I'm stunned, but I somewhat agree about the weight loss. I don't really have much more I can do except shape and tone, which I'm working on now. My original goal was 170, raised to 190, but aside from loose skin and the tummy area, I'm pretty much toned up.

I'm looking for comments, advice, delusions. Help me decide if this is really something I want to do at this point.

[jacksmommy719 63]

I would make that decision after losing the skin...see how you look and feel then? By the way, Great job!!

[Webtrekker 39]

are you happy where you are? are you maintaining or still losing?

[Lissa 2,631]

I'm still losing, but VERY slowly. I dropped 15 pounds last month, but now it's coming off ounces at a time and not consistently. I'm personally happy with my appearance except for my stomach area. I'm mentally and physically happy with it, although my head doesn't always realize that I've lost over 100 pounds. A few weeks back, I realized that I can do everything I could do before I got so big and that makes me happy as well. I'm healthy, too, which is another bonus.

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

So, I want to lose another 40-50 pounds, and at my visit yesterday it was brought up what amazing things can be done with plastics. I am so far from even thinking about it. Also, I don't currently have rashes, boils or anything so not sure insurance will pay for it.

I don't know how tall you are, but I personally am not ready to stop as I am shooting for a lower BMI, I weigh about 205, but still wear a size 16 and am still "obese". I personally figure I have another 6-12 months of weight loss and stabilzation before even thinking about plastic surgery.

[Foxbins 625]

If I were you, I'd wait until your weight loss ends. Losing 15 lbs a month is still substantial weight loss. The more you lose, the more skin can eventually be removed with plastics.

[FishingNurse 1,210]

Okay, folks. I had a weird visit with my WLS surgeon today. Weird because he actually told me that I look really good and don't "need" to lose any more weight. I'm 245 still and probably have 20 pounds of skin that should be removed in my stomach area.

He gave me a referral to the plastic surgeon and documented my tummy issues (rashes, a boil, need for powder constantly under the roll) and he thinks my insurance will cover the Tummy Tuck, if I choose to do it.

My plastics consult is August 31, so one year and one day after surgery. I'm stunned, but I somewhat agree about the weight loss. I don't really have much more I can do except shape and tone, which I'm working on now. My original goal was 170, raised to 190, but aside from loose skin and the tummy area, I'm pretty much toned up.

I'm looking for comments, advice, delusions. Help me decide if this is really something I want to do at this point.

Lissa:

my goal weight was set a bit higher than some too. I am a fan it for the following reasons:

1.) easier to maintain

2.) LESS loose skin- or none like me ( I know I am lucky)

3.) less chance for regain per my surgeon

4.) keep your curves! :-)

and if you like the way you look, and feel good and are healthy then it sounds like you are going to be joining us in maintenance very soon!

[FishingNurse 1,210]

oh and I forgot to mention that I think you will feel great about getting the skin taken care of! I say go for it!

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

dr. documented my tummy issues (rashes,rolls etc.)

Lissa

i thought they wouldn't perform any plastic surgery til about one year out post WLS - could be wrong (good question to maybe ask L'l Miss Diva)

you will be seeing plastic surgeon end of next month, he'll explain about everything.

great that your dr. took pictures of your different phases - that is totally helpful/necessary to be approved by insurance.

dr. commenting on how great you look is terrific, suggesting its not necessary for you to lose any more weight how nice to hear, but....

If you would feel better with 10 -20 lbs more lbs, go for it. What do you have to lose

from reading all your past posts, i know how much you exercised to help prevent/alleviate a lot excess skin from showing its ugly face.

i know you will continue the exercises for toning and just...to keep being fit

ps - i never exercised - have mainly hanging skin from my behind

was too embarrassed to go into gym. i should have gone to gym, but i'll work on that now theres always tomorrow

sounds like insurance will pay for Tummy Tuck - totally terrific - i would definitely have the procedure.

as far as your rolls with tummy - have the operation - but i don't think your tummy weighs 20 lbs or so,, again could be wrong (always cover my ass)

congrats on all your hard work

great job

kathy

[Tiffany Talbert Corbet 46]

What does your primary say? That's great that the surgeon thinks you're done and don't need to lose more, but (imo) I would think your primary would know you better and have a better opinion on where he thinks is most healthy for you to land. I LOVE my primary, and regardless of what my surgeon says when this all takes place and I get to where you are (milestone-wise), I'll take my primary's opinion over the surgeon. Just my 2 cents.

PS. Great work! How exciting! I'm still waiting for the insurance to give in and just approve the surgery so we can get on with it. With so few requirements, one wouldn't think it would take very long to approve when they are all met.

[Lissa 2,631]

Tiffany, My primary is a joke. He's been seeing me since I was 11 years old and his answer to every problem, from acne to ammenorhea, is "lose weight". Well, now I've lost the weight and that's still his answer to everything. @@

Sleeve of Steel, I don't think "thick" is my preferred body style, but I definitely don't see me as one of those skinny little ladies.

Likasulema, Even with the consult, I won't be having surgery within a few months, I'm sure. I have exercised like crazy and will continue to do so, but it's not making a huge difference for my stomach area. I'll keep working on it, though.

Foxbins, I should have been clearer. I have not been losing 15 pounds a month consistently, although I did lose 15 pounds last month. I'm not sure why that happened. I am steadily losing inches and clothing sizes, though, even when my weight isn't changing.

One thing I should have mentioned is that my surgeon now has a BMI calculator that measures muscle to fat and gives a readout of what/where the fat distribution is. I am right on target for how much muscle I have, which means I've done an amazing job of creating/maintaining muscle (no heart damage! Yippee!!). I now know how much each of my limbs weighs and, according to the calculator, all of my fat is now concentrated in my abdomen. The machine is really interested. You have to stand on it barefoot and hold onto handles while it does it's calculations. It also tells you whether you are properly hydrated, both inside and outside your cells. I'm right on target there as well!

[Willow216 91]

Your insurance might for the Tummy Tuck? Fantastic for you! I never heard of that but that is so wonderful for you, go for it and keep us updated, you are doing soo well!

[coops 1,790]

Lissa,

I honestly think that you will 'know' when you are done... you've done such an awesome job to date and you are so aware of your health and fitness, that I feel you will re-evaluate once you reach your year marker.

If you are currently happy with how you look and feel, perhaps lowering you goal is the first step? Again, I just have this feeling that you will know when the time is right to go into maintance.

Regarding the skin... a year out maybe a little soon. As you know, I am now just over 2 years post op and I can honestly say that my skin is better now that it was a year ago. In saying that I would not hesitate in getting the tummy area sort; the 'boys' lifted and possible a little work on the upper arms.

The only real area I don't like, no - I hate, is the tummy. This is due to the texture of the skin and the apron. My GP said that I would be a good candidate for a Tummy Tuck and should get good results (I just gotta find the money for it). Now, my apron isn't that big now, there is some fat left there but not that much, however, the overall shape of the apron is a nightmare in clothes. I feel that is 'mishapes' dresses and the general line of the clothes... if that makes sense. One day I will get rid of it!

If I was you I would give it another 6mths or so to make your final decision re goal and as far as the tummy tuck goes, well I would definately do it.

Please let us know what you decide x

[Lissa 2,631]

Thanks, Coops! I know I'll have some rebound on the tummy skin, but it's in pretty bad shape after 2 c-sections with over 9 lb babies both times. I had stretch marks bleeding during my first pregnancy and my stomach has never recovered from the second c-section. I'm not even sure what the result would be after surgery, so that's one question I'll definitely be asking!

I'm not 100% sure if my insurance will pay for a Tummy Tuck, or if it's actually good for a pannulectomy (sp?) or something else entirely.

I have been talking to a couple of IRL friends today and I've decided to do a couple of things in anticipation of my plastics appointment. I'm going to add in a dedicated ab routine (more than I've been doing), up my cardio and my weights, especially the weights for my arms, back and stomach areas. I know none of that will magically change my skin issue, but I want to be in the best possible physical shape I can before I have surgery. If surgery is the decision I make, that is.

No matter what, I think I probably have 4 or 5 months before I could possibly be scheduled for surgery, so I have a little time to work on both continued weight loss and toning.

[coops 1,790]

Lissa, that my friend, is a great plan. I would defo concentrate on the core muscles! Having a strong stomach area will not only help with the results but also the recovery.

Here's a thought... When I was going to the boxing gym, we did a lot of core exercises, with and without weights - medicine balls and kettle bells. Now, my back has gone and I can't train for the time being. As you know, I have been going to physio for a few months and I am seeing great results - she told me that the core exercises that I was doing isn't that effective! I thought I had a strong core, but clearly that wasn't the case...the exercises she has given me aren't weight bearing and are very gentle but I am seeing results around my waist and lower ab area. Sounds completely bonkers I know... have a look for some good toning exercises for you core area, and do the ones you feel will benefit your body shape...

Sounds like a TT would be the best idea, after the c-sections and incredible weight loss that you have had! Keep us update my sleeve friend...x