timing for plastic surgery (11 months out)

Hi, I wanted to post on the 50+ board since you all know what it's like to be in my situation and your responses will help me more than on the PS board. My surgery date was 11/10 and I've lost 160 pounds in the past 10 months. I am STILL 40 pounds from being "acceptable weight" but I'm very acceptable to me! I consulted a PS 2 months ago and she scheduled me for Oct 24 the abdomioplasty and mastopexy with implants. This is a totally out of pocket expense for me and will wipe out our savings as it is close to $18,000. People have told me to wait as I am only 11 months out by time of surgery but I don't think they understand what it is like to have your skin on your stomach hang down mid thighs and the skin of my boobs reach my belly button. I feel so disfigured and want to have the skin cut off so badly. I have been stable within 5 pounds for the past 3 months so I don't anticipate really ever losing the remaining 40 pounds (except what is cut off during the PS). I am happy being a size 8 but feel disgusting with my boobs and especially my apron. Am I being vain? I guess since I'm not "skinny" yet, people who didn't start out with a BMI as high as mine wouldn't understand....do any of you?

If you are happy and your PS is happy than pooh on the rest of those folks. I have never been one to believe in taking polls. You will always find negative people. If you are a size eight how dare anyone say youu aren't skinny. At this point in your journey comfort has to play a big role. Embrace this next step, let us support you and quit asking for outsider opinions. If people give unsolicited advice, tell them that your PS is the expert and you are going to listen to her. I also would ask her to submit to the insurance company just in case since your panni hangs so low. Many hugs, Loris

Hey Ann, I can understand that you'd want to get plastics done. Hey at 7 months. and down 200 lbs, I stand in front of the mirror holding up skin on my arms and stomach and side..saying "without this stuff i'd look thin". I can't even get pants to fit right because i should be in a size 46 but i have to wear a size 50 to accomidate the extra skin. But at the same time you don't want to spend 18K and be disappointed with the results 5 months from now. The reality is that you might start dropping again (at least it's possible), and might want to wait a few more months before jumping into surgery. I've read posts by people who jumped the gun in terms of plastics only to be disappointed when they started droping weight again, and ended up with a flabby looking stomach, and sagging breasts. Scott

I know you really want to get it done, Ann, but Scott is right. Are you having health issues caused by the skin i.e. aches, infections, and rashes? If not, try to put it off as long as possible to get closer to your goal weight. Otherwise, you will probably need more surgery down the road and that is a lot of expense and pain to go through twice. All the best! Hugs, Tracy 303/166/135

Ann, I totally understand your wanting plastic surgery now...but, I work at a hospital and the plastic surgeons there say they really don't want to do ps on a wls pt until they are at least 18 months out. My surgeon wants me to weight 1 year after I'm at goal weight. I'm waiting, but, I sure will be happy to get rid of this belly skin and unattractive breasts. Hugs, Lori 384/233/199