Question:
Slow weight loss = little need for plastic surgery; true or false?
I've noticed people touting the Lap-Band on the ground that its slower weight loss will reduce the need for plastic surgery. I doubt that's true. It seems to me that it's the number of pounds post-WLS'ers lose, not the speed at which we lose, that sends us to the plastic surgeon. I'm no Lap-Bander, but after the initial big drop, I'd say I was a slow loser. I lost about the same number of pounds month after month for the first year, then a smaller number of pounds month after month in the second year, and at the end, I'd lost more than 150 pounds, and I needed plastics. What about other long-term post-ops who lost slowly? Did you need plastics, or not? — Virginia N. (posted on March 6, 2007)
March 6, 2007
Among the surgeons with whom I've discussed this topic, the general
consensus tends to be that it is the length of time the person was obese
and the condition of their skin that impacts whether they will
"need" reconstructive work.
I lost my weight rapidly--- over 90 pounds the first month, 250 pounds by
my 11 th month-- and had been over 400 pounds for years. I did need to
have my upper thighs reconstructed (after large clusters of varicose veins
were removed, I was left with large indentations that the surgeon felt were
medically necessary to fix). And, then after a double hernia repair, the
surgeon also performed a modest panniculectomy (only needing to take off
less than 3 pounds of skin). And, I don't feel compelled to have anything
else fixed (just yet).
So, whether I prove the exception or the rule, I think that my rapid weight
loss had nothing to do with the areas where I needed reconstructive work.
— SteveColarossi
March 6, 2007
I believe Steve in right.. that it is the length of time of being obese and
how big you are. If you lose quickly and don't exercise, everything will
tend to sag more. I think that is more a case of poor muscle tone under
the fat/loose skin that contribute to this. I think that the biggest
advantage of the lap band is that it is less invasive, reversalable, etc.
You lose weight slower due to the fact that there is no malabsorption going
on, just the restriction of food.... Kari
— Kari_K
March 6, 2007
It has several areas that hold this true, however, the main one is your
skin period and how much elasticity it still contains. However, if you
exercise exercise exercise while you lose the less sag you will have to
have removed, but again that all depends on how much elasticity your skin
still has. Good luck!
— crystalsno
March 6, 2007
I agree. The question of reconstructive surgery post WLS depends on a
couple of things...how long you were obese, genetics, and your age. None
of which you can change. And, yes, with the lapband the weight loss is
slower. Ive had mine for six months and lost 66 pounds so far. My skin is
saggy, but its ok. I feel better, look better, and my health has improved
dramatically!
— gtali1954
March 13, 2007
There are many things that impact how much loose skin you have. Think of
it as a balloon. If you blow it up and deflate it right away, it retains
much of its original shape, whether you let the air out quickly or slowly.
If you leave it blown up for several days, and then let the air out, either
slowly or quickly, the balloon is still stretched out of shape. how much
out of shape also depends on the type of balloon, and the amount of air in
it.
I lost weight slowly, but have a huge stomach flap and
"batwings!"
— Novashannon
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