When this is all said and done! Will you need Plastics???

mrscjwilson

So here I am...finally enjoying my weight loss journey thanks to MFP and all the great people Ive met so far! (Thanks guys!)....
However! I am mortified of all the hanging skin on my body! The more I lose the worse it gets....I went to see a plastic surgeon for a consultation...he says that he can actually feel the muscles that Ive building under the skin but that it will NEVER be completly visible because of all the loose skin.....let me go back a little bit... I was at my highest weight 309 lbs! Ive lost a total of 126.8 lbs to date and have appx. 22- 25 more lbs to go! Its taken me over 3 years to do this but here I am........
The cost for JUST a tummy tuck is around $5,000-6,500....just cant afford it!
Is anyone else in the same situation?
Any suggestions?

VeryKerri

I am in the exact same situation and was wondering the same thing. I hope someone has an answer besides surgery, but I am doubtful.

Michelle_J

I don't have too much loose skin but my sisters look like an extra pair of knees. And yes, when i get to my goal weight, I will get them put back up where they belong. I might have to pay until I'm 80 but it will be worth it to me.

nicolepope11

I am sorry I don't have any advice, but I wanted to say "WOW!" You are doing awesome. You are so close to your final weight! Congrats!

Michelle_J

and congratulations on your 126 lb weight loss. That is INCREDIBLE!

mrscjwilson

I don't have too much loose skin but my sisters look like an extra pair of knees. And yes, when i get to my goal weight, I will get them put back up where they belong. I might have to pay until I'm 80 but it will be worth it to me.

Are you planning to take out a loan? Loans are not an option for me, I still paying on my horrid student loan!

gangstagirl625

no im not but do you have ins. if so you can get you regular doc tell the ins company that your excess skin is some sort of problem ( your doc will know what to say) and is phisically hindering your weight loss any further and that it needs to be removed and maybe your ins will take care of it or at least most of it . It doesnt hurt to ask what the worst that could happen they say no. Good luck and congrats

Charrisse

If I had unlimited funds - I would love to get the girls put back where they belong.
I didnt have alot of weight to lose, but since Ive had 3 babies my stomach skin I dont think will ever be TIGHT, Maybe, I dont know. I still have 10 lbs to go, but I think Im really trying to lose skin and not fat now. Its annoying. But for me, I think I might be more annoyed by the scars plastic sugury leaves. I wish there was a boob lift without scars! Id be SO THERE LOL
If I had unlimited funds my list would be:
a full set of tooth vaneers
boob lift
lipo on tummy hips thighs and neck (turkey gobbler!)
spider veins zapped (gonna do this anyway this spring)
laser on face, neck chest for sun damage/ wrinkles (probably will do this in the fall anyway)

CelesteENelson

I have a feeling I will be in the same boat. I started my journey at 327 lbs and am currently at 251. I however do not having a bunch of hanging skin but I do have a pouch still that runs from hip to hip where I carry alot of my weight which I have a feeling will be hanging skin when I am done. I have also noticed that my boobs are just empty sacks hanging basically. they wrinkle when I try to put them in my bra so I have to kind of fluff them so they dont look bad. I know it sounds bad. But my husband has already told me that he will be happy to pay for whatever surgery I would like done. Breast lift/augmentation, tummy tuck, arm tuck, thigh tuck. That is where all my weight was hanging. But I still have about 72 lbs to lose. My trainer told me that with alot of water intake, moisturizing the skin and losing weight at a steady pace will help the skin bounce back. But hearing what the surgeon told you I am a little concerned. But we will see. Feel free to friend me and we can keep chatting about it.

hummzz

So here I am...finally enjoying my weight loss journey thanks to MFP and all the great people Ive met so far! (Thanks guys!)....
However! I am mortified of all the hanging skin on my body! The more I lose the worse it gets....I went to see a plastic surgeon for a consultation...he says that he can actually feel the muscles that Ive building under the skin but that it will NEVER be completly visible because of all the loose skin.....let me go back a little bit... I was at my highest weight 309 lbs! Ive lost a total of 126.8 lbs to date and have appx. 22- 25 more lbs to go! Its taken me over 3 years to do this but here I am........
The cost for JUST a tummy tuck is around $5,000-6,500....just cant afford it!
Is anyone else in the same situation?
Any suggestions?

OMG! This is my fear! I'm just starting and I've lost 21 lbs and I can already tell I will have loose skin when I lose all my weight! I guess I best start saving for my surgery now. I saw it for the first time on Tyra years ago and knew if I lost weight I may have this problem too! I don't have any specific suggestion for you but I thank you for the heads up so I can save now.

crystal_sapphire

are you doing strength training?

CelesteENelson

They have some fantastic new procedures where they can go in thru your belly button or thru your arm pit and you would have little to no scar at all.

Michelle_J

I've been saving for a while. I work from home so I don't have to pay horrendous gasoline prices, save bc I eat lunch at home, I extreme coupon. I might have to take out a small loan but not a full loan. And I haven't looked into pricing yet bc I wasn't sure I would ever make it to my goal weight at one time (I had given up on weight loss after tons of failed diets....) but I don't want anything added, just put back up.

gangstagirl625

i plan to have breast augmentation surgery because i was only a 36A and it seems like the more i lose is the more i lose if you know what i mean by the time i reach my goal i will probably be a negetive 36A. lol

mrscjwilson

no im not but do you have ins. if so you can get you regular doc tell the ins company that your excess skin is some sort of problem ( your doc will know what to say) and is phisically hindering your weight loss any further and that it needs to be removed and maybe your ins will take care of it or at least most of it . It doesnt hurt to ask what the worst that could happen they say no. Good luck and congrats

Good thinking, been there and done that though and incredible enough 2 doctors that Ive been to have told me "its not as bad as you think"....Im looking at them like...your not the one walking around listening to a cresendo of applause all the time only to discover its your skin slapping together!!!

classicshell

My fiance had surgery to lose his 200 pounds (it was medically necessary - he needed an operation on his hip ASAP, but they couldn't do that until he lost 300lbs total...he lost 100 on his own before the surgery). He has loose skin on him now too, and it bothers him a lot...I still think he's the most handsome man ever, but he's really self conscious about it. I would like to get him the plastic surgery he wants, but we just can't do that. His family is still working on paying off the 10k surgery for weight loss that his insurance wouldn't cover.

Maybe, once we both graduate college, we'll be able to get it....I hope I don't need plastic, my weight loss goal is a 100-115lbs. Ah, now I'm nervous!

YeaILift

It takes time. The loose skin will get tighter as your body fat gets lower. Over time the skin gradually tightens up, at least partially, after a one or two year period where the weight loss is maintained and exercise continued. This should not be a problem if you make this a lifestyle and not a diet.

Also, you need to change your body composition. This means working on the ratio of your body fat to lean body mass. You should gain muscle to replace some of those lost pounds while preventing loss of lean body mass when dieting - This will dramatically improve loose skin from appearing. Also, loose skin is one thing, but still having body fat is another.

This is important to getting tighter skin. Be honest with yourself and do that by taking your body fat measurement. This can be done with skin fold calipers or a variety of other devices or procedures.

Calipers might not be the best method if you have large folds of loose skin. Last but not least, only after you reach your ultimate body fat percentage goal, you should give thought to surgery.

source: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/louis13.htm

FearAnLoathing

I dont know what im going to do if this happens to me,i hope it all works out for you

nerdyandilikeit

I'm just starting my weight loss and I have at least 140 lbs to lose, and my best friend has at least that much too, so this makes me nervous as well. I've got student loans out the *kitten* so it would be a LONG while before I could even afford to save for it. I'm sure it will be annoying, but for now I have to content myself with getting healthy and cross that bridge when I come to it.

mrscjwilson

are you doing strength training?

Yes...I am...there's only so much that can do i guess...Im willing to do the work believe me!

bloodbank

It takes time. The loose skin will get tighter as your body fat gets lower. Over time the skin gradually tightens up, at least partially, after a one or two year period where the weight loss is maintained and exercise continued. This should not be a problem if you make this a lifestyle and not a diet.

I've heard this "2 year" rule before. Truly, if you continue eating well & strengthening your body for 24 months after you've lost all that you'd like to lose your skin WILL tighten some, even if it feels like an eternity. From what I've been told by a friend who's had abdominoplasty, a good plastic surgeon won't touch you before that time has elapsed. If nothing else, that's some time to save up money?

jewelzz

Yayyyy for your weightloss!!!! I also have has consultations wth surgeons.! And I think anyone who has lost alot of weight over 100lbs like me.have some issues they would like to address when they hit their goal.I want my boobs done and a tummy tuck with an adominal girdle.Cost 15000.I dont have alot of loose skin at all I was blessed with good skin But more then what i'm comfortable with.Here's to saving for it!!!!:bigsmile:

mrscjwilson

are you doing strength training?

I sure am...Im not afraid of the work its taking.

mrscjwilson

They have some fantastic new procedures where they can go in thru your belly button or thru your arm pit and you would have little to no scar at all.

REALLY! tell me more? website info? costs? something.....?

karenjoy

I would not think of it as the cost here in the UK would be prohibitive and also I don't think I am going to need it. I might never get washboard abs, but I am happy with how my skin looks apart from on my lower stomach and my 'bingo wings' but they are both improving more than I ever imagined, I think that over time, eating right and keeping an eye on your weight and fat levels your skin tightens up, after all it goes back after having a baby, so I am sure that it will go back after losing weight. I met a lady sometime ago who had lost a lot of weight, and asked her about this. She said strength training, working on the muscles that support the skin and time were the best way to deal with it.

RPerry44

I am in the same boat. It scares me that I will end up looking like a shar pei puppy. But I feel better! I also do not have that kind of money. I am hoping my insurance will cover it. Actually I am praying my insurance will cover it!!!

AngelsKisses75

A girlfriend of mine, that has less than good credit, was able to have her work financed. You have come so far, and are doing such a good job! Don't let this bring you down! :flowerforyou: You are working hard and I am sure that when the time comes to move forward with this your research will find you where you need to be. I will see if she can recall who did the financing for her and get it to you. (Hopefully I remember :blushing: )

juliana1977

I dont think I will need a tummy tuck, but my girls are looking so bad.... not that they were looking good before but they were firmer...
All my family lives in Brazil and plastic surgery there is a fraction of the here, so I will do there. I will probably cost me $1200 for both!
I would try to do as much weight trainning as you can and wait a year or twoo and re-evaluate again!

AngelsKisses75

:frown: I feel bad! She does not remember the site she used, but said it was the receptionist at the doctors office that suggested it.

blessedtobefit

My journey to freedom started 4 years ago and I can testify that YES you can tone and reshape your body with exercise and proper nutrition. If all you do is cardio you will drop the weight, but in doing so you will lose muscle. Strength training is vital to build lean muscle and burn fat. Results don't happen in the gym, but in the kitchen. If you don't properly fuel your body then all you are doing is spinning your wheels and your body will not change.

My youngest son was born by c-section and I didn't think I could ever loose my tummy. Today, I am a size 10 and when I started I was a 28. I look and feel better than I did 20 years ago and my tummy is gone. You don't have to have plastic surgery to change your body, but you do have to decide you are going to change your life. The greatest battle I fight is the battle of my mind. Everyday I choose to change, I choose to be accountable for every bite that goes in my mouth and I choose to exercise with everything in me. It took me 17 years of neglect to reach 257 pounds and it has taken 4 years of determination and hard work to reach 141 pounds.

I live in TN and being raised in the South...you don't eat or live a healthy lifestyle. Fried chicken and sweet tea is in every home. My grandmother and mother were amazing cooks, but as an adult all I knew how to cook was with bacon drippings and crisco. Everything I made was fried and loaded with butter. Learning to eat healthy has been a challenge, but not impossible. I made up my mind to change and poured over websites and cookbooks to teach myself a new way of living. I stopped eating fast food and learned to make healthy homemade meals at home for my family. I substituted white flour, white bread, white rice and white pasta with whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Cut out red meat and replaced it with lean chicken and turkey. Snacks are no longer chips and moon pies, but fresh fruit and veggies. I stopped buying sugared cereals and processed and boxed foods. I didn't think I could afford to eat healthy, but I could sure afford to eat bad. It was a choice I made and if I can do it, you can too!

I drink a gallon of water everyday and exercise 6 days a week. Circuit training is my favorite exercise routine with cardio everyday and strength training 3 days a week. I surround myself with like minded people who help me when I struggle and build me up to pull out things I never thought possible. I jump, I run, I spin and I smile. I set goals and everyday I reach for my dream. Everything in life that is worth something, is worth fighting for. Don't look for the easy way out, but fight for your dream and never give up!!

BOLO4Hagtha

My journey to freedom started 4 years ago and I can testify that YES you can tone and reshape your body with exercise and proper nutrition. If all you do is cardio you will drop the weight, but in doing so you will lose muscle. Strength training is vital to build lean muscle and burn fat. Results don't happen in the gym, but in the kitchen. If you don't properly fuel your body then all you are doing is spinning your wheels and your body will not change.

My youngest son was born by c-section and I didn't think I could ever loose my tummy. Today, I am a size 10 and when I started I was a 28. I look and feel better than I did 20 years ago and my tummy is gone. You don't have to have plastic surgery to change your body, but you do have to decide you are going to change your life. The greatest battle I fight is the battle of my mind. Everyday I choose to change, I choose to be accountable for every bite that goes in my mouth and I choose to exercise with everything in me. It took me 17 years of neglect to reach 257 pounds and it has taken 4 years of determination and hard work to reach 141 pounds.

I live in TN and being raised in the South...you don't eat or live a healthy lifestyle. Fried chicken and sweet tea is in every home. My grandmother and mother were amazing cooks, but as an adult all I knew how to cook was with bacon drippings and crisco. Everything I made was fried and loaded with butter. Learning to eat healthy has been a challenge, but not impossible. I made up my mind to change and poured over websites and cookbooks to teach myself a new way of living. I stopped eating fast food and learned to make healthy homemade meals at home for my family. I substituted white flour, white bread, white rice and white pasta with whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Cut out red meat and replaced it with lean chicken and turkey. Snacks are no longer chips and moon pies, but fresh fruit and veggies. I stopped buying sugared cereals and processed and boxed foods. I didn't think I could afford to eat healthy, but I could sure afford to eat bad. It was a choice I made and if I can do it, you can too!

I drink a gallon of water everyday and exercise 6 days a week. Circuit training is my favorite exercise routine with cardio everyday and strength training 3 days a week. I surround myself with like minded people who help me when I struggle and build me up to pull out things I never thought possible. I jump, I run, I spin and I smile. I set goals and everyday I reach for my dream. Everything in life that is worth something, is worth fighting for. Don't look for the easy way out, but fight for your dream and never give up!!

WOW! You give me hope! I'm glad things worked out well for you.

Also, @mrscjwilson, congrats on you success!