Body Image and Issues after Weight Loss - Would you have plastic surgery? ($ vs. risk)

I have a problem with loose skin on my stomach...ever since I had my two boys (the last one was a 9 pounder!). Anyway, I've been considering a tummy tuck and lipsuction (on my big booty).

My question is: would you have plastic surgery? would you not do it because of money or because of the risk of going under the knife for elective surgery?

For me, I'm terrified to go under the knife when I have two boys that need me. What if something goes wrong? Even the best doctors can't stop something from happening if your body has a negative reaction, right?

On the other hand, I have a handful of friends who have done it and say it was not a huge deal. Yes, it took a few days to recover from the pain, but now, they're as happy as can be.

What are your thoughts?

If i had the money I would do it in a heart beat. Only you can decide what is best for you though. If this will make you more confident, happy, and overall feel better than i say go for it. Also your Dr. should explain all the risks to you and if you are high risk will not/should not operate on you.

Yes - not only would I, but I plan to. I have a savings account set up that I contribute a little to each month so that by the time I've been maintaining for 9-ish months, I'll be ready for a consult.

Yes, all surgeries are risky, but some types of surgery are more risky than others. Having excess skin removed is far less risky than having a more invasive surgery - and people have routine invasive surgery all the time.

Also, there are things you can to to offset the risk - making wise decisions, doing your research, choosing a properly licensed doctor, etc. Thanks to the collective wisdom here (plus a healthy dose of my own common sense) I'll know what questions to ask of a surgeon, what kind of surgeon to look for, how to determine what's right for me. I also won't be skimping on cost - looking for a "budget" doctor (not that I want to spend money needlessly, but this is one place where you don't go with the $599 special advertised at the spa, right? :) ).

And each person has their own level of risk to work with as well. I am perfectly comfortable with the idea of having this kind of elective surgery because I'm healthy. I don't have diabetes or heart disease or high blood pressure - any of those things that can trigger complications. I've never had major surgery before, but I have been under general anesthetic for having my wisdom teeth removed and didn't have a bad reaction, so I know that's not an issue for me.

Finally, I do believe that with any surgery of this type, you get out of it what you put into it. I know that I won't go have a tummy tuck and it'll magically look perfect. I know that there will be a level of commitment on my part to follow the directions the doctor gives - wear support garments, use whatever cream or lotion is recommended, etc. A lot of people slack on the aftercare and then dont' understand why they have less than optimal results. I figure if I'm going to spend $$$$ on surgery, then I should follow instructions to the letter. :)

So I think it's a determination that each individual needs to make. I'd never tell someone "oh you should do it" ... but I do think you need the look at the risks REALISTICALLY ... not with a panicked eye and not with an Pollyanna-like blind eye, either. The likelihood of *dying* from a tummy tuck is hugely slim. The likelihood of having complications can be largely controlled by doing research and making wise decisions. The rest is personal choice on how much level of risk you're willing to take.

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You asked for our thoughts, and that's exactly what this is--MY thoughts--so please, I don't want anyone to think I'm pushing my opinion on them, as it is only MY opinion. [/disclaimer]
My question is: would you have plastic surgery? would you not do it because of money or because of the risk of going under the knife for elective surgery?
I wouldn't do it, but not for either of these reasons. Rather, I refuse to voluntarily have surgery to change my physical appearance. I will have excess skin, no doubt--that comes from being over 300 pounds and from being obese my whole life. So I'll never look good in a bikini--who cares? I have a fiance that loves me already, so who do I have to impress? I'll already look fabulous fully clothed.

Now, I would make one exception, and that is if the physical issue were causing major health problems. For example, if I had a skin flap that caused a major rash or something. But for the sake of physical appearance alone, I wouldn't do it.

AGAIN, that's just my opinion :^:

I have always wanted plastic surgery. #1 on my list is breast implants, not because I want to have a huge chest, but because I don't feel mine looks very womanly at all. I also would like to get some lipo around my hips and thigh area (I CANNOT lose the fat here no matter what I do), as well as my flabby arms. I am not so much worried about going under and not coming out of it, although I know that is a risk that's involved. I'm more worried about my body rejecting the implants or getting infection. Imagine spending all that money only to have to pay to get something removed or even re-done. I don't have the money for any of this, and I won't for quite some time, so I don't know what my decision would be if it were actually something accessible.

Yes - not only would I, but I plan to. I have a savings account set up that I contribute a little to each month so that by the time I've been maintaining for 9-ish months, I'll be ready for a consult.


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Me too! I plan to get very close to goal. Then I will start consults. After maintaining for a while I will do procedure.:D

ditto jillybean's disclaimer :D

I don't think I would do anything really invasive like lipo but might consider skin removal IF it was A) Causing a health issue and B) I had given it sufficient time to regenerate itself as much as possible.

Please understand, I'm not saying I think that everyone's skin will just snap back if they wait long enough, and I do realize that because I haven't lost as much as some of you amazing ladies I'm not going to have the same perspective (I do have a little flibbity jibbity going on but nothing I can't hide with the right clothes so it's not a big distraction for me - I think I'm about 20 years past a bikini being appropriate anyway :D ), but I do think it's like everything else - everyone is different with different genes and different recuperative abilities and I think some of us jump at the idea of a "quick fix" and fall into the instant gratification trap without giving our bodies enough time to figure out they don't really need all that skin anymore.

But hey, by the time I hit my second childhood, I might decide I want to wear a bikini after all and head for the nearest cosmetic surgeon :lol:

If I had the money, I'd probably get a tummy tuck for my loose skin, along with a nose job, veneers, a breast lift, and liposuction :lol:

Okay, I don't think I would do that. I pride myself on being all natural (besides no surgical enhancements, I also do not wear make-up except on my eyes) and would most likely only get the loose skin tucked in, even if I secretly wanted the above procedures. No matter what I could get done surgically, I'll never be perfect and there will always be something else I'll have to pick on about myself. I'll just drown in my own criticism while looking as good as possible :D

If I had the money, I'd carefully research plastic surgeons and make sure I went to one of the best possible ones (like Brent Moellikin). However, since I do not, I am just hoping the loose skin will snap back with time, healthy eating, ab tightening exercises, and a tan.

Yoyo, I'm sure you're not implying that any of our 3FC members who have chosen reconstructive skin surgery are those who you describe as ones who "jump at the idea of a 'quick fix' and fall into the instant gratification trap". You've been an active member of our commununity for a while, so you're undoubtedly aware that members who have chosen surgery have done so after extensive research, consultations with experts, personal soulsearching and yes, time. So I'm certain that you were saying that you respect their choices, just as yours is respected here. :)

I do plan to have a breat lift and implants sometime this year. I would like to have my arms and a tummy tuck also done but can't seem to afford it all at this time. Basically I'm happy with how I look in clothes, it's the without clothes that bothers me. I'm well past the bikini stage too, but I did my best to lose the weight and I want to feel the best I can about my body.

I go back and forth on the idea. I have quite a bit of loose skin from my excessive weight. I don't ever plan to wear a bikini or anything like that but I may want to get some of the excess skin removed. At times, it is very uncomfortable and it'd be nice to get some of it out of the way.

There are risks and it may or may not be worth the risk. You could come through it fine, or have sever complications.

Money. Honestly, I'm not worried about the money although I do think there are better things I could do with the money. If you gave me a choice of trekking in Peru or getting plastic surgery, I'd probably choose Peru and postpone the plastic surgery for another year.

in a hot minute. I probably will HAVE to have a tummy tuck. i have the dreaded topical yeast rash that is after a 70 pound loss only getting WORSE and worse. I have scars under my tummy and on the tops of my thighs from yeast so bad I've had to miss work.

so NOT only will I have a tummy tuck. my understanding it that my insurance will pay for it as it's medically necessary.

i'm saving for the mastopexy.

I do realize that because I haven't lost as much as some of you amazing ladies I'm not going to have the same perspective I do think that makes a HUGE difference. :)

I used to be in the "no plastic surgery ever" camp. My mindset was why risk surgery unnecessarily for vanity.

However, my eyes have been opened somewhat by losing 70 lbs and realizing that by the time I lose the full 100+ that I want to lose, the "apron" of skin I have will still be there. If it were just a little loose and soft and stretchy, I might still have the same mindset I had. But it's more that that.

It's actively uncomfortable. It "flaps" when I run or workout hard (I know, TMI TMI).

It gathers in the front of my pants and means I have to buy a size larger than I otherwise would have. I know this for a fact because I can wear a 10 in a skirt which fits beautifully around my waist and flares over my "flap" - whereas I have to buy a 12 in pants (which then gap at the waist) in order to accommodate the extra skin hanging off my belly.

I am getting small skin tags at my groin/joint area where the skin hangs and rubs - I've finally gotten rid of the ones under my arms and lost enough weight that they're not coming back - I don't want to deal with them on my groin for the rest of my life!

And yeah, I know that w/out the skin, I'd be pretty close to having the flat tummy that I've always wanted and haven't had since i was too young to appreciate it! :)

Those are just a few of the things that are bothersome about the extra skin.

Is any of that a health risk? Nope. Could I live with it for the rest of my life if I had to? Yup. Would I be miserable? Nope.

But if I can afford it, if it makes my life easier, if I am comfortable with the risks, and if it makes me feel happier about myself ... then yeah, I'm going to do it.

Just FWIW.

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PhotoChick, you mentioned the dreaded apron (one of which I know I will have, probably down to my knees :dizzy: ). Though it's not directly a health problem, I would consider having that removed, as it is still a functional thing, not just physical appearance. If it is to the point that it makes you not want to run or not be able to dress yourself normally, that's a problem (I have this problem now--I run and some things "slap" around--it's not pretty!).

To answer the original question - would I have plastic surgery? Yes. I haven't yet because 1) I don't have the money for it yet (I'm saving), 2) I don't have recovery time available, and 3) I'm still losing weight and hope that my skin will do some recovery on its own. That being said, when I've maintained for a nice long while (photo chicks 9 months sounds like a good ballpark), if I have the time money and still want to I will have surgery.

I don't buy into the "plastic surgery = bad" camp. Beauty is beauty, confidence is confidence - however you get there... Its not a decision to be taken lightly, for certain, but its a decision that every responsible person should make for themselves, without feeling guilty if they decide to do it.

Anyhow, congrats on your amazing loss!

Though it's not directly a health problem, I would consider having that removed, as it is still a functional thing, not just physical appearance.
Oh I totally agree! :) I just wish the insurance companies felt the same way and would cover at least part of the cost. But unless I can prove that it's an actual health risk, they won't. *pout*

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amen to that, PhotoChick...but I could go on for ages about how much I hate insurance companies :rolleyes:
I don't buy into the "plastic surgery = bad" camp. Beauty is beauty, confidence is confidence - however you get there... Its not a decision to be taken lightly, for certain, but its a decision that every responsible person should make for themselves, without feeling guilty if they decide to do it.
I don't think anyone is trying to make anyone else feel guilty nor is anyone making the blanket statement that platic surgery is bad. I'm sorry if anything I said was misinterpreted as such :^:

Yoyo, I'm sure you're not implying that any of our 3FC members who have chosen reconstructive skin surgery are those who you describe as ones who "jump at the idea of a 'quick fix' and fall into the instant gratification trap". You've been an active member of our commununity for a while, so you're undoubtedly aware that members who have chosen surgery have done so after extensive research, consultations with experts, personal soulsearching and yes, time. So I'm certain that you were saying that you respect their choices, just as yours is respected here. :)

Oh my goodness no! And my sincerest apologies if it sounded that way :( ! I was actually thinking of something I saw on TV (about someone who I didn't think looked more than maybe 15 lbs overweight) who "had been trying to diet for a year" with no results so was having lipo along with a tummy tuck and thigh/butt lift - which seemed to me like a huge amount of invasive surgery to be having in one whack - and it just stuck in my mind, and kind of scared me actually, as to whether some cosmetic surgeons truly have the patient's best interest at heart and don't push people (especially women) to move more quickly than they should by promising perfection in appearance practically overnight.

And, I should also explain my definition of "health issue". I certainly consider chronic physical discomfort to be a health issue so I would no more criticize someone's choice of reconstructive surgery to aleviate some of the problems the ladies here have spoken of than I would someone who has a breast reduction to aleviate back pain.

My lesson learned today - I will try very hard to let the threads get a little longer so I have a better idea of other people's perspectives before letting my fingers run wild on the keyboard :o:o:o

Again, my sincerest apology!

Yoyo, no apology needed! I really was absolutely positive that you weren't talking about our members here, but I got a PM from someone who was concerned so I wanted to clarify. :hug:

Last night I was watching Extreme Makeover and they did a whole show interviewing the surgeons and experts where they told you the real deal on what it's like getting all the different procedures and healing times. It was pretty interesting to watch.

Oh my goodness no! And my sincerest apologies if it sounded that way :( ! I was actually thinking of something I saw on TV (about someone who I didn't think looked more than maybe 15 lbs overweight) who "had been trying to diet for a year" with no results so was having lipo along with a tummy tuck and thigh/butt lift - which seemed to me like a huge amount of invasive surgery to be having in one whack - and it just stuck in my mind, and kind of scared me actually, as to whether some cosmetic surgeons truly have the patient's best interest at heart and don't push people (especially women) to move more quickly than they should by promising perfection in appearance practically overnight.

And, I should also explain my definition of "health issue". I certainly consider chronic physical discomfort to be a health issue so I would no more criticize someone's choice of reconstructive surgery to aleviate some of the problems the ladies here have spoken of than I would someone who has a breast reduction to aleviate back pain.

My lesson learned today - I will try very hard to let the threads get a little longer so I have a better idea of other people's perspectives before letting my fingers run wild on the keyboard :o:o:o

Again, my sincerest apology!


Are you talking about that teenager who *couldn't* lose weight so she had a bunch of liposuction? It was very strange and a bit creepy.

As for the topic at hand, my "apron" is very small and no insurance company would cover surgery. It is uncomfortable (but just uncomofrtable- it doesn't get irritated or anything).

I would feel much better in a bikini with a tummy tuck, but that isn't a good enough reason at this time to put money away when I need other things (house, car, etc...)

Perhaps if I were single I would feel differently, but it is what it is.

I personally would not ever do it, but I think it's an individual choice for every person.

I do suggest that a decision like this is not something to be taken lightly. You need to weigh the factors for yourself and decide if it is worth the risk and cost to you.

Here is my odd thought on a subject I think a lot about now that I am thinking of committing to being healthy....warning my mind works a little weirdly, but I am harmless and mean absolutely no disrespect or insult to anyone:

I look at my excess weight as the outward expression of emotional wounds and a conscious insulation against more of those wounds. Therefore if my mind is ready to let go of all the old baggage and be healthy holistically again (inside & out), then having the excess skin removed surgically after I have completed the hard physical work, is only logical. Skin tags, rashes, and pendulous skin interfering with activity and wardrobe are not aspects that I count under the “healthy” column, so doing whatever possible to get rid of those symptoms and their root cause i.e. excess worn out skin, is the healthy thing to do.

Thanks for the savings account idea, maybe I will start a savings account on the same day I make the new lifestyle commitment, so in a couple years when the fat is gone, I can afford to have at least the worst of the hangy stuff removed.

As for the health concerns and wanting to be around and healthy for your children, I see your dilemma and do not envy your having to make that decision. Do all the research and then listen to your heart. Good luck and best wishes to everyone who continues to do things for there own comfort and well being even after the big job is done.

Are you talking about that teenager who *couldn't* lose weight so she had a bunch of liposuction? It was very strange and a bit creepy.

Sounds like it might have been the same - I didn't watch the whole thing - changed the channel as soon as I realized it wasn't some satire (and picked my jaw up off the floor). I just remember the doctor pinching this little inch of skin - looked to me like he was having to pull awfully hard to get even that much - and saying how he was going to "get rid of ALL THIS" and she was going to be "so hot". There was no mention of body image counseling - or any kind of counseling at all for that matter including after care - as I said, I didn't watch the whole thing so there might have been some of that later in the program but, for the part I did see, I think creepy describes it pretty well, with maybe a little nauseating thrown in.

I have had plastic surgery to fix a bunch of places "up." However, I am single and do not have any children. Also, I am young and do not smoke or have any other health complications to consider, so it was an easier choice for me. Additionally, I really had put on the weight in the first place because of severe depression/anxiety issues and now that I have been able to get that mostly under control I wouldn't want to be reminded everyday of that painful struggle. In any event, I have the scars to remind me, as well as the stretch marks. It was also a self-confidence thing. I had always felt so low about myself and my body and I definitely feel better having had surgery. If I didn't have the surgeries I would be nowhere near feeling as good as I do about myself and my body (don't get me wrong, I have my bad days as we all do but it is a much better situation nowadays). :)

This is one of those things that is a personal decision and everyone's experiences are different. I can completely relate to your concern re your children. I was very sure that i would have plastic surgery after I lost my weight and as each day goes by i am less sure. There is no way to make that decision until you see what you are left with and how it impacts your daily life.
I did have plastic surgery many years ago, when I was at a normal weight and before my children. I had a breast reduction because of back pain, athletics etc. I absolutely don't regret it, but there are always some complications. There is a much higher risk for infections in hospitals now- MRSA, VRE -that worries me. I think one of the things that started making me wondering if I should do it is reading some of the posts here about people who have experienced severe medical setbacks (not from plastic surgery) and it has made me wonder about going and looking for trouble. My life is actually quite good, my kids need me....... That being said for me I will see where things stand in the end. I can relate to the other posts where people have their own personal reasons for knowing this is the best decision for themselves.

You know, after having had two unwanted surgeries (cesareans) I would have to say it would be a cold day in **** before I had an elective one. Surgery is dangerous and recovery sucks.

Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to have a nice belly again - LOVE it, but I'd rather be alive, and surgery just has too many risks.

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful responses. I appreciate all of them and they have really made me think about all of this. At this point, I'm not inclined to do it...simply because of the risk. Even though I'm in good health, I have a history of chronic daily migraines and I had them for more than six months! I would hate to stir up trouble in my body and to create any kind of stress that would cause them to return on such a regular basis. That said, I can't say I'll never ever do it....I'm just not ready to do it now. Also, I'm hoping that once I lose more weight, I'll feel better about myself and not feel the need to go to that length to feel more confident. Luckily, I have a great hubby who loves me no matter what and is completely against me undergoing surgery. Again, thanks all of you for helping me out! :hug:

after having had two unwanted surgeries (cesareans)
Well I do have to say that the two surgeries would be hard to compare. I mean a c-sec, you're cutting all the way through the muscle layers and into the abdominal cavity - and into the uterus. A tummy tuck involves skin. There's no penetration of the abdominal cavity and no involvement of any internal organs. It's kinda like comparing a filling to a root canal. :)

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Body image can be a very difficult thing. Even a relatively fit person who looks "fine" to most of us, may have body image issues that make it very painful for them to deal with what they perceive as a severe quality of life issue. I'm not going to judge even that.

For myself, the issue would have to be pretty severe, but in my case it very well could be. Losing slowly may help, but if my skin doesn't shrink with me significantly, when I reach goal, I could find myself living in a large skin suit. Aside from the aesthetic discomfort, skin rub and skin infections can make such a condition painful, not just unsightly.

I recently watched a documentary (it might have been Big Medicine) that showed a woman whose weight loss left her obviously in a large "skin suit." Skin that had been her inner thigh, now reached her knees. Skin that had been her upper arm, now hung like a bag at her elbow (her "turkey wing" underarm skin hanging down eight inches or more). Sixty pounds of skin was removed, just to give her a reasonably normal appearance in clothes (it apparently will take several more surgeries for her to appear relatively normal nude).

I don't consider the surgery cosmetic at that point, but medical. Twenty pounds of extra skin between your legs, I would think would make even walking uncomfortable.

So, I definitely would consider plastic surgery if there were medical as well as cosmetic concerns. If my body ends up odd looking, but not causing physical discomfort, I probably wouldn't, but that's just me (and my husband). We appreciate "odd."

Well I do have to say that the two surgeries would be hard to compare. I mean a c-sec, you're cutting all the way through the muscle layers and into the abdominal cavity - and into the uterus. A tummy tuck involves skin. There's no penetration of the abdominal cavity and no involvement of any internal organs. It's kinda like comparing a filling to a root canal. :)

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Yes, they are very different.

However in abdominoplasty, sometimes the abdominal muscle and fascia is involved as well, so it's not just "skin". It's not the uterus either though! :lol:

:)

Would I have plastic surgery? Yes - in fact I just did lol :D I'm 8 days post op from a full tummy tuck. Removed 4lbs of skin and well I'm now swollen like a drum/barrel and can't get into any of my clothes at the moment

Thought long and hard about it - I haven't hit my 'ultimate' goal but to be honest I'm not sure I ever will - just not sure my body would suit being that weight. The apron got in the way - I'd sweat on my underwear cos of the fold, it'd make the 'flap flap' noise when I ran (and running capris would ultimately try and make a bid for freedom by sliding down) and generally make me look (yup a 'looks' reason!) not as good as I could do.

I've been morbidly obese for the majority of my life - there was no way that skin was going to go back on it's own. Have taken out a rather (eek) large personal loan to finance it and hoping (check up with PS tomorrow - hopefully getting the last drain removed whoopeee!) to have a breast lift mid/late august.

I obviously listed my reasons above; I do have one ultimate goal though to join the british forces. Something I would never have contemplated at my previous weight/condition. I KNOW I'm fit enough etc. Whether or not the sx bars me from joining; we shall see :)

(and running capris would ultimately try and make a bid for freedom by sliding down)
Hahahaha! Yeah, mine do the same thing! It's one of the reasons I generally don't run on the treadmill - aside from sliding workout pants, my boobs bounce too much for comfort. At least on the elliptical I only have to deal with sliding pants! :)

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Being 200 and losing 50 isn't the same as being 300 and losing 150 as is I'm sure being 400 and losing 250 or whatever... all of this difference in loss can change ones view of the skin removal issue.

I knew since I was overweight my whole life and obese since high school that I would have skin issues. My weight loss is recent and still in progress so I'm not sure where my body will end up, but the loose skin thing feels a lot different then I thought it might. It's not just an issue of vanity and it's just starting to get bad at this point.

Would I consider it? Yes, I'm considering it. I'm not sure to what extent as I'd had to borrow money, but I will need a few things done. Not sure I have the nerve to do a full body lift even if I need one. Seems very drastic and scarey....I would like the apron removal and under-arms done at the very least but I won't decide until about a year out from near-goal.

If i was to get anything done, it would be having my saddlebags removed. No amount of diet and exercise will change those and it really makes buying nice trousers a pain, but i dont think i ever will, even though i dont like them i feel they are a nessisary part of me and my shape (not sure if that makes sense).

Although im not sure you would count it as plastic surgery, something i am most definitely planning on getting done is laser eye surgery. Glasses suit me but bloody **** they are annoying!

I would never have elective plastic surgery. If I had a medical problem that necessitated it, then maybe.

My reason for this opinion is different then most, although I do have similar thoughts like the others who've said they wouldn't. Unfortunately, my body rejects stitches, especially the dissolvable kind. I've had several moles surgically removed and I have some ugly scars from the internal stitches "working" their way out. For some reason my body refuses to start healing until the stitches have been "pushed" out. It's not pretty and it's incredibly annoying. Somehow, I doubt plastic surgery would work for me, I'd just end up with more scars.

This was kind of an eye opener for me. When I read plastic surgery my mind instantly thought nose job, eye lift, face lift, etc etc. Which those things I have personally been opposed to.

But when i started reading tummy tucks and breast lifts, I was thinking.....yeah if I had the money I would have that done in a hot minute!! I am sure I will have the belly flap when I have reached goal....my belly hangs that way already. I have large, long saggy breasts...(sorry if that's tmi) I am not looking for perky...I would just like them to stay on the proper side of the equator on their own.

For me the biggest reason I don't is money. I think I could have the breast thing covered by insurance because I do have back problems. I might have to be more vocal with my doc about them and not just accept it as fact of life. Being overweight I have had rash problems under my belly and my breasts too. Maybe I will have to visit doc for these problems rather than use OTC creams and I can get insurance to pay for it.

This was kind of an eye opener for me. When I read plastic surgery my mind instantly thought nose job, eye lift, face lift, etc etc. Which those things I have personally been opposed to.You know ... I sometimes feel this way, but I also think, as I get older that I wouldn't mind an eye lift. My eyelids (thanks Dad's side of the family!) are droopy and make me look half asleep or sad ... and it's gotten worse as I get older. I can't say I'd mind fixing that ... or tightening up the "jowls" that my weight loss has left under my chin.

But then again, where do you stop? Honestly my problem is not with any kind of plastic surgery per se,but with the overdone plastic surgery and the mindset that a woman has to look a certain way to be beautiful. But there's a difference to my mind between doing things for yourself and doing them for others. :)

I am not looking for perky...I would just like them to stay on the proper side of the equator on their own.
Haha. I have a friend who says she just doesn't want them to look like flat fried eggs when she lies on her back. ;)

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"Plastic surgery" does have that connotation of cosmetic surgery to most people, so surgery for excess skin removal is usually referred to as "reconstructive surgery". We really are reconstructing our bodies from the damage done by years of obesity and as many of the posters have noted, it's actually not the least bit "cosmetic" -- that is, done for appearance's sake. Appearance isn't what most of us focus on ... it's functionality and health concerns. Few of us would choose reconstructive surgery in order to appear more beautiful or younger. No, all we want is to try to look and feel normal. :)

You know ... I sometimes feel this way, but I also think, as I get older that I wouldn't mind an eye lift. My eyelids (thanks Dad's side of the family!) are droopy and make me look half asleep or sad ... and it's gotten worse as I get older. I can't say I'd mind fixing that ... or tightening up the "jowls" that my weight loss has left under my chin.

But then again, where do you stop? Honestly my problem is not with any kind of plastic surgery per se,but with the overdone plastic surgery and the mindset that a woman has to look a certain way to be beautiful. But there's a difference to my mind between doing things for yourself and doing them for others. :)


Haha. I have a friend who says she just doesn't want them to look like flat fried eggs when she lies on her back. ;)

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my friend is having an eye lift done for medical purposes. seems droopy eyelids impede your vision and are dangerous. her insurance is covering it.

I probably would if I had the $$. But it would just be skin removal - which probably means more than a tummy tuck, it would be a lower body lift, and remove the bat wings. The loose skin gets in the way sometimes.

I wouldn't get any boobs, or anything done to my face - ever. I believe in aging gracefully, and that there really isn't any inherent problem with aging. It's what every living thing does! But, to each his/her own.

My sister just had some lipo done on her hips and thighs. She always had some saddlebags, no matter how low her weight was. We were talking the other day, and she kind of feels like she cheated in a way by having the procedure. Even though she didn't do it for weight loss, but for some reshaping. She says now that she wishes she had done it 10 years ago. And she looks great, too!

Most definatly, I need to lose 100+ and I know I will have lots of extra skin, l love my big boobs DD, and I know that when I meet my goal, my boobs will shrink, I will want implants and and uplift, and don't forget my big thunder thighs, well **** I guess I will need a whole body uplift
paulas

Just my opinion, but I think our society's pills or surgery solution to everything is a highly dangerous approach to health and wellness. I try to find natural solutions whenever possible. I don't own a scale, but I have dropped from a size 26 to a size 18 with a size twelve as my goal. I brush my skin and massage with a variety of essential oils. I have seen very good results from this. I'm not positive that it's going to give me the bikini bod when I reach my goal (although I am thinking positively on the matter) but I know that my apron is already smaller than it was. Surgery, only to save my life. I'm not downing anyone else's opinions or choices, simply expressing mine

Count me in the "no plastic surgery unless absolutely medically necessary" camp. Last year when I hit 165 after losing 110 pounds, I had lots of extra skin (including the dreaded "apron"). Well, now it's pretty much filled out again because I'm 9 months pregnant (filled out with a baby but also some fat!) So after I give birth and lose the weight again, my body will be even more jacked up. And my breasts will be even droopier (which I can't imagine, since they're already at my knees). All that said, however, as long as I can run and I can fit into some decent clothes, I'm happy. I kind of resigned myself to not looking good naked a long time ago, and I'm perfectly ok with it. If I'm healthy, I honestly don't give a rat's patooty. Maybe I would feel different if I were single -- I'm not sure.

I'll probably never have that much "extra" money, and if I did I can't see choosing to spend it on surgery when I could use it to travel instead. Me with loose skin in Italy or me with tight skin in my living room? Hmm...that's a no-brainer for me.

This is one of those personal decisions I can't really imagine judging anyone else for, though.

Hi ladies, it's been a while since I've posted but I wanted to chime in on this topic. I recently had plastic surgery in March. By no means was it for cosmetic reasons. Last summer I was determined to lose the 50 pounds I've put on over the years and pushed myself a little too hard with the exercise, therefore resulting in a protruding disc in my back, not fun at all! After physical therapy for 2 months it was better but still had lots of pressure. My back surgeon suggested a breast reduction. I was terrified because I had never been put to sleep and I was so afraid I wouldn't wake up. Well that was over 4 months ago and I'm still here lol. I went from a DD to a C and I'm so happy with how they turned out. To make things even better, our insurance paid all but 100 bucks of it. I'm finally able to get my weight loss back on track after so much down time but I know I've got to take it easy this time. I still have about 40 pounds to go and after having 3 kids I'm sure my "flap" won't go away....but in my opinion as much as I would love a tummy tuck, the complications out weigh the benefits. Having been there and seeing the stress and emotional discomfort during healing you go through, I'd rather keep my flap lol
Sorry for the long post, I think I got a little carried away

LisaMarie - I think my answer and your answer are basically the same (well except the having kid part)

This is what I said...
Money. Honestly, I'm not worried about the money although I do think there are better things I could do with the money. If you gave me a choice of trekking in Peru or getting plastic surgery, I'd probably choose Peru and postpone the plastic surgery for another year.

I plan on it after I maintain weightloss for awhile. I have had 3 kids and nursed for almost the last 8 yrs. My weight has gone up and down from being pregnant. For me, I truly believe that your boobs shouldn't be down to your knees at 31 yrs old nor should you have to wear 2 to 3 sports bras to run so If I can correct it, I think I deserve too. My stomach is well, like others said, the apron of skin that effects what clothing I wear. Plastic surgery is a personal choice.

I would definitely do it, but not at this point in my life. I've thought about a tummy tuck or whatever surgery would get rid the extra bit of flab in that area. I don't have a lot, but what I have bothers me.

But before I take that step, I want to give my body a little more time to adjust to my new weight and composition--and by more time, I mean years. I also want to make sure I'm not going to have kids, and I still have a few years left in that regard. Seems like if I had tummy tuck and then had a kid, I'd have to just do it again. And I want to make sure I can maintain this weight.

I also know that there are going to be times when I'll probably gain 5 lbs or so and have to lose it again. If gaining 5 lbs would undo all the improvement from the tummy tuck, then, of course, there's no point in me getting one. Although I'm very good about dieting back down once I hit my red line, it's clear that it's not reasonable for me to expect that I'm never going to hit or exceed my red line ever again.

So I'm think it's maybe something I would do after say nine or ten years of maintenance. And that's a long ways off, so who knows how I'll feel about it then. :dunno: