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I don't think you would benefit from just implants since there is so much skin. I had a reduction in 1996. The scars never bothered me. But if breast feeding is a concern, there is no guarantee you will be able to again as some of the mammary glands are removed. But I don't think a reduction is what you need it's a lift and implants. I am no medical professional but I think with those two you would still be able to breast feed as they are only removing excess skin. The scars are exactly the same as a reduction but no tissue is removed, just skin.

Im having this same issue my plastic surgeon said that i would be needing a lift and augmentation I was a 40 DD before vsg now im a 38 C I have nothing besides skin and nipple I have surgery on March 19 i will keep you posted on how it goes.

From what I understand implants under the muscle hide the implant so to speak. For people like me who don't have any breast tissue or breast "fat" left an only have skin on top of muscle... If they were to put the implant on top of the muscle you would see the implant and you would see rippling and what not, so they put it under the muscle to try to mask or hide the implant so you hopefully won't see any rippling or anything.

so went in for my 21 day post op check up and everything well lost 28lbs which seems great to me.Dr cleared me for purees now pretty weird actually using a spoon but this is a rid. So here where my rant begins ive seen a few people confused,worried,frusterated, in other words pissed because they hit a stall something my dr yesterday warned me that i will hit and basically id just like to say to everyone who is at a stall and feeling frusterated think about it this way You will eventually keep losing weight dont get anxious itll happen plus just compare the time youve been overweight to the time youve been sleeved all im saying if youve been overweight 10years,5yrs or what ever the case maybe why would you worry about having lost little weight to being at a normal stall for about a week or even a month this isnt a miracle surgery to loose weight overnight try putting a little elbow grease into it and help yourselves out remember you are in a journey sometimes there will be obstacles in the way but you have the tools to climb,teardown,kick,push your way through it so hold your heads high feel good about yourselves youve taken the biggest step to change your life feel proud about it. I hope no one was offended and myb it will help.

" I was just thinking that by July i would be really restricted. I'm in a good restriction now and was worried it would be alot more by then, but when i went to get my 2nd fill today, I was told i didn't need it. I am still learning about the feeling and just thought I wouldnt be able to eat much by then if i keep getting fills." It sounds to me like your doctor's office is doing the right thing. If you have restriction you don't need more fill. There are people who clearly have their bands wayyyyy to tight. Some of them later post the band has slipped and has to be removed. Some keep the band soooo tight they can't eat solid Protein. They survive on low fat/cal Protein shakes and loose weight becuase they are really starving themselves. New bandsters are set up for unreasonable expectations when they hear "I am full on just a few bites". 3 oz protein alone is more than 2-3 bites.

I did not have to do a 6 month nutrition plan. I just had to visit with a NUT who was located in my surgeons office. I just had to have 3 weigh ins and it didn't matter if I gained weight. I actually gained weight after each visit but I just hit the 40BMI mark and couldn't loose if I wanted to be approved Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Pack lightly. Depending on how long your stay is for me my essentials were: Slippers (those nonskid socks just suck in my opinion) My shampoo and body wash (i like to bathe) Lotion Lip Balm (I prefer blistex or lip gloss over chapstick) comfortable loose clothing to wear home A FRONT CLOSURE SNAP OR HOOK SPORTS BRA. . . I don't mind bebopping around my house, but in those thin hospital gowns, I didn't want to be nipping out through the gown in those cold hospital halls on all my walks. The front closure bra was a godsend. I stayed in the hospital gown because I didn't want to dirty up my clothes. IPhone, and charger Some take laptop, magazines, books, and I had to have my make up. As soon as I could, I was slapping on eyeliner and lipstick. It helps me feel better and mentally, it helps me recover to know I look better.

It doesn't sound like you are wearing a post PS compression garment; you should be. I wore my for 6 weeks 24/7 after my surgery. It helps to adhere the skin back into place and definitely helps with swelling. I am very surprised that your PS does not recommend this.

I went to my 1 month follow up with the plastic surgeon and asked him several questions. He said the swelling is normal for the first few months because of all the skin that was removed (10 inches around the front and 8 inches around the back) so the lymphatic system has to grow new channels through the new area under the incision. This can also cause Water retention in the hips, thighs and calf area if I am on my feet too much. He also told me that at the 3 month follow up, if I am not happy with any areas, we can talk about "fine tuning" the areas with liposuction or trimming more skin (no extra charge for touch ups). That made me feel better about my concerns. I just need to be patient and take things easy for another month at least so the swelling will stay minimal. So sweat pants for another month before I try to get back into my jeans and dress pants.

Has anyone in the state of FL been success getting skin removal paid by TriCare Prime? I had my surgery done in another state. I’ve contactef surgeons here, all of them say they don’t bill insurance or TriCare won’t cover.

Hello all my name is heather and i am from Dallas TX. I joined because i am meeting with a Dr. in a couple days about getting the Lap Band. I am 5'6 310 with a BMI of 48. I meet the requirements to get the band with my insurance as long as i do a DR. directed diet plan, my insurance is aetna EPO. I have alot of worries with getting this surgry but my first one is with my insureance. this is the 1st time in over five years i've even had health insurance. I do not have a PCP and I have not gone to the doctor in at least 5 years with one exception. (emergency tooth surgery) i"m worried that even with my weight having been very high all my life i have no recent documation to prove it. Has any one had the surgy that has my similar problem? Any adivce from any one who has aetna would be great. I've read alot about both gastric bypass, which my mom and sister had with little complications, and the Lap Band, which my boyfriends father had with few complications. I have decided on the Lap band for many reasons man one being i'm less likey to die from it. Another is i want it help me loose weight not make me dump all my wieght in less than a year like my mom and sister did with the bypass. I was wondering though, since u loose so much slower how much do you loose in say a month? I know its differnt person to person i just want to get a general idea. Well i'll go read threw some threads see if i can get answers to the rest of my questions that way, thanks for anyone who reads this time. :tongue_smilie: Sincerly hopeful and worried Ps. please excuse my spelling

I'll have to look into a lift. I think I would need a lift and implants at if they were to remove all the excess skin alone, there would be nothing at all left.

I had gastric bypass Jan 18. My highest weight was 235. My day of surgery I weighed 192. My current weight today is 136. Boy has it been a journey of ups and downs but well worth it. I will however be getting plastics in the near future. I went from a 38 DDD to a b cup full of skin YUCK!

Okay, here's the deal: I'm one week post op and thought I was well on the way to recovery. I was getting ready for my first day back at work this morning when I bent down from a seated position to pick up something from the floor. This is when I felt a VERY distinct POP in the port area...such a pop that it almost seemed like I HEARD it although I don't know how that could be so. There was ZERO question that something had just happened. There was little pain associated with it at the time...but over the course of the day it has become VERY painful. I called the dr's office and spoke to a nurse. She seemed very casual about it and said it sounded like I popped a stitch and not to worry about it. She said it isn't uncommon and it will 'just hurt like all get out'. She said there are several more holding it in place. I spoke to a second nurse later who said the exact same thing without me telling her what the first nurse said. THat's all well and good...and it was reassuring...but it just felt like I bigger deal to me. It felt like the whole port ripped loose or something!!! Has anyone else had this happen?? Please share if you have. I don't see how it could just be 'no big deal'. Sorry this became lengthy. Any responses are welcomed!!:embaressed_smile:

OK ..HAD MY SURGERY DEC 5TH EVERYTHING WAS GOING GOOD TILL I WENT TO MUSHIES...THAT'S WHEN ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE. IT SEEMS THAT I CAN EAT AND EAT AND EAT AND NOT GET FULL. (WILLPOWER NOT WORKING) PLUS, I CAN'T FEEL MY PORT SO I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S MY FAT STOMACH GROWING OR WHAT. I HAVE PEOPLE AT WORK ASKING ME IF I SHOULD BE EATING THAT. I DON'T GET MY FIRST FILL TILL JAN 10TH SO I'M HOPING THAT WILL HELP. IS THIS ALL WORTH IT?? PISSED OFF PERSON IN CALI

now do you work out......I do but not like I should and I figured I would start after I am better and get on a routine, my skn is pretty good...so everyone tells me. But when your heavy I don't think anything is good lol I am nervous about the skin....I guess I will figure it out and deal with it Thanks Lisa

I'm new to this site...I have been overweight since middle school and have tried diet after diet...I can loose weight but the weight always comes back with extra poundage....I have severe sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and knee problems......needless to say, I need to do something....I am a teacher in Georgia and have the United Health Care HRA plan....This plan will pay for the surgery if you meet the pre-op requirements: 6 month supervised diet with doctor, a psychological evaluation, attend a seminar by the surgeon, and 6 months attending support group. I have one support group meeting and one doctor visit under my belt....I will attend my seminar on Dec. 18 and I have my psychological evaluation on Dec. 20.....I have a wellness coach that helps/advises me about diet and exercise and I have a case manager....I'm excited, happy and hopeful!!!....If things go as planned, I hope to have the surgery in June.....United Health Care employees have been helpful and supportive....Now, it's my time to complete the requirements....

Hi guys my highest weight was 110.3kg, the doctor said i could loose between 50 and 80% of excess weight, i think around there, anyways, so how many kilos would that be? And how much in % have i lost so far? Awaiting your replies. Highest weight. 110.3kg Current weight. 69.4kg Surgery date. 21.12.12.

Yesterday I attended my first support meeting. My oldest daughter and husband had to work so my youngest daughter accompanied me. The surgeon and nutrionist were there with about 7 post op patients, 4 pre op patients and 3 others supporters of post and pre op patients. It was very informal and it was like visiting this website without the typing. :tt2: As everyone went around the room for introductions I took mental inventory of who was post op wondering what they looked like before. I started off the questioning wondering if anyone had experienced that feeling wondering if they had made a mistake intially after having surgery and the room was filled with loud "YES!" But they also chimed in how it passed. As the Q & A progressed, I realized all of the post op patients had gastric and there wasnt a single person in the room that could tell me about their lap band experience. So I couldnt relate to the stories of "dumping" and no one could tell me what a "fill" feels like. I was disappointed :eek: but to get their perspective of what it is like to have reached such a big goal and how their lives had changed as a result of the weight loss, kept my attention. As with any group, there was the negative people who only seemed to speak up when it was time to complain :biggrin: but a couple of really positive people that made me feel proud of them as if I knew them personally. :thumbup: I heard the stories about being able to do the simple things again (like running up a flight of steps without being winded or crossing your legs) and battles they still deal with (cravings, social functions, etc) Many of them were there to get more support than offer it (because they had gained weight back) and a few were having a difficult time mentally accepting their new body image because the extra skin made them feel more unattractive. One woman had just had surgery last month and she looked very good which was a surprise since the only person I ever knew to have gastric was still in the bed 3 weeks after surgery. With the exception of 1 other guy, I think I may have also been the youngest person in the room, making me wonder how many of them wished the could have done it sooner ( I know I do) and how many years did they suffer with weight related health issues and self esteem issues before making the choice to have the surgery. I wanted to ask about hair loss, but the woman sitting next to me was completely bald and since I wasn't sure if it was a fashion choice (because she really looked good with it) or a result of the gastric, I decided to leave that question out.:sad: In the adjoining auditorium, the surgeon was having an orientation meeting with new patients and he asked if some of the post op patients were willing to stay and speak to them, and the meeting came to an end, but not before I asked the group did anyone have a "before" picture. Only one person did, because many of them, hated the way they looked in pictures so much they said they had stopped taking them. Not surprisingly it was the most positive woman in the room. She pulled her cell phone out and showed a picture she took last year on her birthday and I had to take a double take because she looks like a soccer mom that has been in shape her entire life. If I saw this woman in any other venue, I would have never thought she had WLS. I hugged and thanked her for sharing, realizing who I am today, does not have to be who I choose to be tomorrow. I left with samples of broth, puddings and drinks used by post op patients. I had purchased Ensure before arriving at the meeting planning a self imposed liquid diet to "practice" in the weeks to come. I am glad I attended the meeting,and hope to one day be that positive person providing inspiration to others who are ready to regain control of their lives.

Hi Shirley, I think I'm down to Soup only for right now. Some days are better than others I have had such a hard time loosing (probably my age!!!) so I don't want to have Fluid taken out. I have had my band for 4 years and it is still a struggle. Thanks for your help. LeeAnn Lail

I bought Loreal Revitalift. I hear nothing but good things about it.. It is fairly expensive so I will just use it on my face and neck. I also heard there is a Jergens skin firming lotion. I am going to look for that bad boy at Walgreens today.

Sorry I am new to forums also. After looking at slim fast I see it is short some protien. The surgeon says at least 15 g, slim fast is 10. So I could fix him an egg or something to go with it. This is 2 weeks pre- op, his bmi is 37.2 so he doesn't need to loose weight really. We are just trying to follow directions. We want to do this right, he has waited at least 8 years to get this done.

I didn't have anything small except one item from college. I moved before I even thought about having surgery and purged my closets of anything I hadn't worn in the past 18 months, with the exception of that one item from college. As I was losing, as soon as my clothes were loose, they were gone. Either donated or trashed depending on the condition. I didn't even keep an item to fat shame myself with like people love to do in pictures. I have a friend that lost 200lbs and has kept it off for several years on her own without surgery and she told me as soon as you lose get rid of the clothes, constantly. She said keeping the clothes, you secretly give yourself permission to regain. So I got rid of everything, fast. I found that buying new clothes was the best way to show my weight loss to myself. The only things I haven't got rid of are my winter coats. I have some furs I will finally be able to wear. I have some leather jackets I am going to try and have tailored, but they need to be taken in so much not sure it is possible. I have coats I bought last year because I was losing and needed coats that fit and wouldn't let wind in. They are close to new, but they will definitely need to go before winter, they are all too big. My opinion is chuck it all ASAP, don't look back.

I would go on FB first and come out about my surgery( Hollywood Style) then I would it, if only for one reason, If you can even inspire or help one person because of your actions it may be that one life you helped save, and with the state of this world at this very minute it's not a bad thing and it's really needed. I promised myself several things after surgery, to continue my healthy lifestyle even after goal weight, to pay it forward( I've helped 3 people already, (2 of which went my same surgeon) and to always remain humble, this is my latest pic that I took Wednesday after I went to buy some pants for an upcoming vacation, my last size was a 52w, down from a 60w, and I ended up with a 48w pant, 12 sizes down since June 10th, 388lbs in January, 342.2lbs I'm June, and 269 six days ago, how did I remain humble? I didn't try to hide anything or hold in my stomach when I took this pic, I'm very proud of myself and that I turned my life around and the wrinkles and excess skin don't embarrass me at all....... Just do it, help others

For years I have said "i'm not too fat for my height, I'm just too short for my weight". I'm 5 feet tall, used to be 5 feet and a 1/2 inch, but I guess I shrunk in the wrong direction! Clothes.... don;t even get me started. Why would a manufacturer think short people only need shorter pants? Don't they think we need shorter dresses, sweaters etc, too? If the average woman is 5 feet 4 and under and american women are heavier than ever, than doesn't it stand to reason that a good portion of the overweight women will be short? I have tried things on that make me look like a five year old playing dress up with mom's clothes. Shoulder area hanging loose, length that supposed to be knee length but on me hanging on the floor and the long sleeves that make me look like I am a wizard. The new 3/4 sleeves and capris and ankle length pants have made life somewhat easier, but until I can get into regular petite clothes shopping is tough. I have found that right now, Talbots Women's Petites size 16 fit me almost perfectly... of course they are expensive.. and when you lose a size in a month... that really gets expensive. And petite clothes mostly go up to a size 14 or 16 and they are cut smaller ( just check the size charts) so we really need to weigh much less than taller people to start getting into clothes that fit us. An average height person can shop in Misses, which will go up to 18 or 20. I don't count on ever being a "normal" weight. I figure I will always be in the overweight category. I'm 56 and let's face it, metabolism slows down as we age and the lowest weight I was as a young Adult was 128 pounds, and that is the upper limit of normal. But I would be delighted to get to and MAINTAIN 140 pounds. I could easily go into a store and find something to wear and look good. Overweight people know that thin people don't understand how hard it is to shop but overweight tall people have no idea how many fewer clothes choices overweight short people have. I'm probably about 10 to 12 pounds away from the regular petite department and I just got a fill I finally think will work!!!!! Life is good today! Funny thing is before I got banded, all my husband heard from me was "I have nothing to wear" and now thirty pounds later I am saying the same thing. I have outgrown all my clothes in the closet and buy the very minimum to get by. Nice to meet you all, fellow shorties! BTW, my husband is 6 feet 3 in tall! Isn't that a sight? LOL