New to reconstructive surgery please help me

[zeroette 11]

Hello my name is samantha I am 22, my heaviest weight was around 450 pounds I weighed in at 398 pounds on my surgery date i had gastric bypass on September 20th 2012. I'm down to 230 but my surgeon says my goal is around 200 I can not seem to get under my current weight, I'm getting very frustrated with this. What should I do some of my family and friends think i should get reconstructive surgery to finsh and get the rest of the weight I need off. But from what I understood you have to have excess skin away from fat and muscle in order to remove it right? I have what I call fat sacks of skin that just hang around it prevents me from doing things I'd like to do. I get rashes and boils underneath my bottom stomach that hangs and when I walk and try to run for exercise my theighs get rashes and boils to so I need advice on what to do. Please help...

[SeaGirl 193]

Hello my name is samantha I am 22, my heaviest weight was around 450 pounds I weighed in at 398 pounds on my surgery date i had gastric bypass on September 20th 2012. I'm down to 230 but my surgeon says my goal is around 200 I can not seem to get under my current weight, I'm getting very frustrated with this. What should I do some of my family and friends think i should get reconstructive surgery to finsh and get the rest of the weight I need off. But from what I understood you have to have excess skin away from fat and muscle in order to remove it right? I have what I call fat sacks of skin that just hang around it prevents me from doing things I'd like to do. I get rashes and boils underneath my bottom stomach that hangs and when I walk and try to run for exercise my theighs get rashes and boils to so I need advice on what to do. Please help...

I don't have reconstruction experience. But I feel your pain. I just wanted to let you know I support you.

[zeroette 11]

I don't have reconstruction experience. But I feel your pain. I just wanted to let you know I support you.

Thank you!

[Threetimesacharm 1,400]

Not sure what kind of plastics you are thinking about but it sounds like a Tummy Tuck or LBL. I don't think that there is anything wrong with getting plastics now as you can still continue to lose after surgery.

There is currently a show on TV called "My 600 lb life" and it has shown some bariatric patients who went for tummy tucks when they were no where near their goal weights; it can be done!

[zeroette 11]

I'm just starting to research everything as well as doctors. But unsure if I should go through my surgeon or maybe my primary to find a new surgeon for plastics. All I've done so far is look online because my next appointments aren't until April.

[loseitsoon 157]

I would go get a few consults with plastic surgeons, they are usually free. They can give you some kind of idea what would be best for you also if your insurance would pay for some of it. Good luck to you.

[zeroette 11]

I would go get a few consults with plastic surgeons, they are usually free. They can give you some kind of idea what would be best for you also if your insurance would pay for some of it. Good luck to you.

Thank you that's what I was thinking of doing

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

Good wayy to shop for a local surgeon is read reviews on realself.com

[Gina1010 86]

I am in a similar situation. I need plastics for everything but mostly irritated by the extra skin on my tummy and thighs. My arms and breasts need help too but that can wait. I am far away from my goal but have my first consult for a panni this friday. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I lost over 175 pounds with 50 more to go. I hope they can help. I will keep you posted.

[NMJG 1,266]

good luck to you, honey. hugs!

[zeroette 11]

I am in a similar situation. I need plastics for everything but mostly irritated by the extra skin on my tummy and thighs. My arms and breasts need help too but that can wait. I am far away from my goal but have my first consult for a panni this friday. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I lost over 175 pounds with 50 more to go. I hope they can help. I will keep you posted.

I lost around 220 and still have around 30 -40 or so to lose... I really need to go get seen I now have a rash and 2 boils on my thieghs so no walking until they go away...

[mariamitani 405]

If it is causing rashes and boils i believe insurance does cover a pannilectomy which removes the excess skin only. you will have to go to your PCP(primary care physician) start there. Once you get to your goal weight and maintain for a while you can get a Tummy Tuck which isnt covered by insurance and they will tighten your abdominal muscles and remove access skin. good luck