I hope someone can give me uplifting news/experience. Has anyone lost 50 to 100 pounds and not need a tummy tuck?

I was banded in July 2011 at 218 pounds. I have lost about 40 and weighed in at 177 today, but I still want to lose 30 more pounds to be at my goal. My arms and legs are at normal size but the weight in my stomach seems to be permanently attached and my stomach seems to be just as flabby as it was 40 pounds ago. I am beginning to notice that "Apron tummy" I keep reading about. I am exercising and doing core building cardio, but I am afraid my skin might be the culprit! I was hoping at 31 years old, I would still be young enough that my skin would firm up too. It is very frustrating to be at the smallest weight i've been since high school and still feel like a fat girl!

From my research, I have read that you need to be at a normal BMI for at least 6 months before flirting with the idea of plastic surgery. I am hoping that the fat that is still in my stomach will shrink and so will the skin around it by the time I get to goal. Have any of you lost a significant amount of weight and not needed a TT or other forms of plastic surgery? What did you do or use? I still have to pay off this one, I would hate to have to spend more money!

Thanks for your time and advice

give it a year.....

This is my fear as well, I am 25. Just banded Jan 30. I have made up my mind that I have gone through with this surgery to be healthy, but if it means plastic surgery to make me FEEL good, I'm doing it! Guess i should start saving now. Good luck to you, you're doing the right thing by consistent gym going, dont get discouraged!

Remember to keep Protein high and eat it first then your green vegetables. always measure and weigh. Eating this way raises your metabolism and when this happens your body burns the fat.

Keep up the good work

^{Hello, If I can find the site, I will post it later. I'm not on my home computer at this very moment. However, I read an article on a medical site (I want to say mayo clinic) where it suggested to wait 1-2 years before undergoing plastic surgery. This provides the body the time it needs for the skin to bounce back from weightloss.}

I have lost 85 pounds, and have what you called the apron stomach. I call it my "shelf". I hate it! I'm wanting the body lift.

I have lost 60 pounds and I dont think I need a TT. I am doing pilates and body pump so hopefully I wont need it. I do know I look better now than I ever have body wise. My tummy is gone exceprt for a roll when I sit down. I think I am the only one that sees it though. Good Luck.

Depends on many factors, if you'll have the loose skin. If you're exercising then your abs will be tight, and unfortunately this skin might just not snap back. Keep going, drink lots of water, and I always moisturize everything, including my stomach and butt (have been doing it for years! I'm crossing fingers....)

It is true you need to give your body time. I go to the gym and was talking to one of the personal trainers that told me the same thing the personal trainer I had years ago about excess skin. They said that you should give it 2-5 years depending on how much you lost and about 80% of the people realize that they don't need a TT. This is of course if you exercise and watch what you eat. I plan on waiting. I must admit that I do see my stomach shrinking as I go. It used to hang and touch my thighs even when I stood up (gross I know..Sorry) but now, they don't touch any more! And it's great when my 4 yr old granddaughter tells my daughter when is she going to get skinny like her garndmom! (I have a long way to go for that skinny part.) But I am going to wait. I think about it this way, if I succeed just think of the cost and the scars I will avoid! Seriously though, good luck on your decision!

I have lost 85 lbs total and I do not feel like I need a tummy tuck. It is not pretty but it is not that bad.

My WL has been very slow so perhaps I have been toning as I went along??