As a bariatric and general surgeon, I often see patients who've achieved incredible results with medical weight loss, especially using GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro® (Tirzepatide) and Semaglutide. These treatments help patients lose significant weight safely by controlling hunger, improving insulin response, and boosting metabolism.

However, after major weight loss, many patients are left with excess skin around the lower abdomen -- known as a pannus. This can cause rashes, irritation, and discomfort, making daily life difficult. In such cases, a panniculectomy -- the surgical removal of that excess tissue -- is not just cosmetic but often medically necessary.

Once a patient's weight has stabilized or plateaued on Tirzepatide, we can safely perform a panniculectomy to restore comfort, mobility, and confidence. It's often the final step in a weight-loss journey -- completing the transformation started with modern medical therapy.

Definitely 50 and under. Unfortunately, it is something you need to do to lose/maintain.

And keep eating protein. I eat it couple of hours.

What type of carbs are you eating? Complex or simple?

I eat a lot of nuts but not breads,

I am not sure about calorie restriction. It is not something we usually do. We eat a ton of protein, a decent amount of fats, fewer carbs, and liquids. I eat constantly but it is nuts, cheese, chicken, tuna fish, meats, cold cuts, etc.

I want to do a "reset" so to speak. I have gained with (was up to 205 pounds) and have restricted calories to get back to about 189. But I feel I am starving!!

Sooooooooooo -- I want to get back to lower carbs and higher fat/protein. There's soooo much info online, so I wanted to come here with fellow DS'ers to get your thoughts.

I am not one to do less than 20 carbs a day. Not sustainable to me. 50 is pushing it. lol What would you all suggest? I want to lose another 30-40 pounds and calorie restriction has been incredibly slow (15 pounds lost has taken me 3 months and has now slowed to a crawl or even gains -- when I'm BELOW 1400 calories). I'm hungry constantly.

What would you wise people suggest?

Thank you so much!!

Debbie ~

If you really want to do the protein drink routine, I would suggest Premier Protein with 30 grams of protein. I love the milk chocolate. When I really don't feel like chewing; this is what I do so my weight will not drop from skipping a meal. I like the taste and it helps me maintain. I can prop myself up in bed, watch game shows on television and fall asleep - I love that.

On another note, I think I will try your idea of eating just protein; Meat that is, for a month. I love eating bison, veal (very high in protein), elk and also venison. All of these come in a ground meat package so it is easy enough to just make a beef patty, or brown up a pound and add a few sauteed veggies, and call it dinner. Heck I can even shovel spoonfuls into a tortilla shell and have tacos. So thanks for the idea. The primary reason I want to try this, is from time to time, I have a bit of swelling in my right leg calf. I sit with my legs crossed and wearing socks will also trigger a bit of swelling. I have been checked several times to make sure there is no blot clot; and all IS OKAY. I also bought an ELLIPSE and really need to use it several times a day while seated at my computer. I just want to be rid of whatever causes this inflammation.

Anyway, go back to your basics and let all of us know, how you are doing. Trying the protein drink thing for 30 days should give you an idea about a RESET. Good luck and take care.