When to start the Plastic's process?

[SalOdyssey 441]

Hello all,

I posted this in the guys room, but figured more eyes would see it here also. I am still in the losing phase of WLS. I started my journey at 688, and am currently at 396. I was wondering how far out before your goal weight (Pounds/months) did you start seeking/interviewing plastic surgeons? My goal when I am done is to be near 225 (after plastics). My WL surgeon estimates 60-70 pounds of total loose skin. What procedures did you have done? Costs? How was recovery? Anything you can pass along, I'd appreciate!

Thanks everyone!!

[JamieLogical 8,684]

Conventional wisdom is that you want to be maintaining at your goal weight for about a year before getting plastics. However, with your high starting weight and corresponding amount of excess skin, you may have to consider plastics sooner in order to keep losing weight, as the skin could really hinder your ability to exercise and keep losing. There's really no such thing as "too soon" for a consult. You might be better equipped to come up with a long term plan if you meet with surgeons sooner than later to get their opinions on the best approach for your situation.

[SalOdyssey 441]

Conventional wisdom is that you want to be maintaining at your goal weight for about a year before getting plastics. However, with your high starting weight and corresponding amount of excess skin, you may have to consider plastics sooner in order to keep losing weight, as the skin could really hinder your ability to exercise and keep losing. There's really no such thing as "too soon" for a consult. You might be better equipped to come up with a long term plan if you meet with surgeons sooner than later to get their opinions on the best approach for your situation.

I do have 1 consult scheduled at the end of September. I've never done any type of plastics. So this is a whole new world to me. Thanks!

[Djmohr 6,965]

@@SalOdyssey

It's fun! It's like dreaming........until of course surgery day and the few weeks following. You are still excited but ouchy.......all those big incisions are worth it but annoying.

LOL My arm incisions are itchy today!

[SalOdyssey 441]

@@SalOdyssey

It's fun! It's like dreaming........until of course surgery day and the few weeks following. You are still excited but ouchy.......all those big incisions are worth it but annoying.

LOL My arm incisions are itchy today!

Thank you!!

[lelewatson 51]

@@SalOdyssey

It's fun! It's like dreaming........until of course surgery day and the few weeks following. You are still excited but ouchy.......all those big incisions are worth it but annoying.

LOL My arm incisions are itchy today!

Hi Djmohr, I've never heard of anyone that has the arm surgery. I'm thinking I will have to have it done because I have big arm and I know it will be a lot of skin. How was it? Was it a lot of money if you don't mind me asking? Are the scars visible? I have my surgery on Sept 20th. Looking forward to it.

Sent from my VS985 4G using the BariatricPal App

[plane224 8]

I am very interested in the arm surgery. Any information you can pass on would be greatly appreciated.

Sent from my LGLS675 using the BariatricPal App

[TheRealMeIsHere! 863]

@@SalOdyssey I just wanted to congratulate you on your amazing, ongoing success!!

[SalOdyssey 441]

@@SalOdyssey I just wanted to congratulate you on your amazing, ongoing success!!

Thank you very much!!

[Spiceyfrog 269]

As others have mentioned, it's never too early for consultations and I would recommend scheduling several of them! I had bariatric surgery in June 2015 and had my first plastics in December 2015. I was physically and mentally ready, near goal weight, but I feel that because of timing (I was off work for the holiday), I rushed in to it and did not do enough research on the surgeon himself. I had brachioplasty (arms) and breast augmentation/lift and it was around $12,000 out of pocket. I have my second surgery scheduled for this December and I am going to be having a Tummy Tuck and inner thigh lift. The tummy tuck will be covered with the exception of navel reconstruction because apparently that is not medically necessary....lol, so the tummy tuck will cost me $2,200 and the inner thigh lift will be $7,500. Best of luck to you and based on the amount of excess skin, you may be lucky enough to get more covered by your insurance.

[SalOdyssey 441]

As others have mentioned, it's never too early for consultations and I would recommend scheduling several of them! I had bariatric surgery in June 2015 and had my first plastics in December 2015. I was physically and mentally ready, near goal weight, but I feel that because of timing (I was off work for the holiday), I rushed in to it and did not do enough research on the surgeon himself. I had brachioplasty (arms) and breast augmentation/lift and it was around $12,000 out of pocket. I have my second surgery scheduled for this December and I am going to be having a Tummy Tuck and inner thigh lift. The tummy tuck will be covered with the exception of navel reconstruction because apparently that is not medically necessary....lol, so the tummy tuck will cost me $2,200 and the inner thigh lift will be $7,500. Best of luck to you and based on the amount of excess skin, you may be lucky enough to get more covered by your insurance.

Yes, I will definitely be interviewing a bunch of them and then formulate a game plan. Thank you!!

[SalOdyssey 441]

So what I am finding is a lot of Dr's do a no charge consult, but they charge 50 bucks to hold the appointment, and it is refunded at your no charge consult. The 50 bucks ensures you show up and don't do a no show.

[The Candidate 3,215]

I had my plastic consult in August, which was 13 months post op. However I reached goal in April, and I'm (tentatively) planning on having the surgery in January 17. By then I'll be 1.5 years out. There was no charge for the consult.

[SalOdyssey 441]

So I've met with several and plan to meet with a few more. So far prices are pretty close to each other.