Ok, I really wasn't sure where to post this. My girl friend has had the lap band done for a year and a half now. She has lost ALOT of weight. She was at about 230-240 lbs and is down to about 130 and is an 8 cc band. However, with so much weight loss she has a self conscious issue with her stomach and breasts. Her stomach isn't that big anymore, mostly it seems like excess skin with a smaller amount of fat there. Her breasts are, "Grandma boobs", as she has been calling them since they aren't as full and have sag to them. She hasn't felt comfortable with her new body. She went out shopping for swim suits and decided on one that didn't show her stomach. When she first got the surgery she said she couldn't wait to lose all the weight she had and be able to walk around in string bikini's and stuff like other girls. I think she is really disappointed that she can't do that even while being smaller cause of her stomach. Will time help with both of these or what can she do to help? I always try to be as supportive as I can.

She can try filling the empty skin with muscle otherwise the only true way to get rid of excess skin is surgery.

I've also heard that you have to wait at least a year AFTER you're completely done losing weight to see exactly where your skin is going to end up. It takes time to snap back. A lot depends on age, genetics, etc.

In the mean time, weight training can really help make positive physical changes to the underlying structure. It takes time to get used to these changes. It can be a major adjustment.

There's nothing wrong with a one piece bathing suit. She's much much healthier and likely a lot more comfortable now. Be supportive. Tell her how beautiful and sexy you find her.

She can try some weight trainig to build muscle. That might help. If it doesn't, she may want to look into some plastic surgery to remove the skin from her stomach and lift her breasts.

She is 20 years old. I tell her she is beautiful every day. As a guy, being told I'm handsome makes me feel handsome but I suppose for a girl being told your beautiful and feeling beautiful are two very different categories. I might try some kind of muscle building exercise with her just to do it with her.

You sound like a really good boyfriend. You're right when you say a woman has to feel beautiful inside. You are very insightful. Keep being supportive and I think trying out some weight training with her is a good idea. I love to work out with my husband.

You sound like you really love her and that's what she needs right now. Please keep us updated.