I haven't had surgery yet but have so many questions and you all have been nothing but helpful. I am wondering if after surgery, after your weight loss period, does everyone need a tummy tuck or has anyone got toned themselves? Is it possible to work off all the extra skin through exercise? Just wondering anyone elses experiences

I am working out like crazy and lifting weights. My Dr. highly recommended that I wait 2 years before any surgery. I have already informed my husband to have the money budgeted for a tummy tuck in 2015 I don't know if I will be able to tone the tummy up on its own. Looks like cottage cheese right now. I may need some help down the road. Good luck!!

Hi Jlk.

There are many factors that play into this answer. However, my assumption is that most bandsters were excessively overweight. So #1 how much you were overweight coupled with #2 how long you have been overweight plus other factors like #3 age, where you gained your weight (body type) etc along with #4 how fast you lose weight, how you lost weight (excercise, calorie restriction) also have their share of input.

However, I think most of us are left with residual skin sag. That cannot be corrected through diet, exercise etc only through surgery.

I was 250, now 165 (not quite at goal) and a TT is very apparent for me

I dont even have the surgery scheduled yet lol. Been approved and meeting with surgeon tomorrow. I'm 23 so I was told your skin has more elasticity at a young age so I hope most of excess skin will be gone because I dont know if I would be able to afford reconstructive surgery

Mikeswife..I'm 265, been obese since I hit puberty and am 23 now. I am worried I will need a butt lift too (dont know the technical term) because I have a big bottom lol. Hopefully I will have a better paying job to save up fo tummy tuck and other reconstructive surgery in a few years. Thank you all

My goal is 150-165

A lot of people have other factors that contribute to this as well. For example I have two children and the second child was born via c-section. So there is no way that I am going to get where I want to be without a tummy tuck. If you have not been pregnant, I think you may have a better shot at avoiding one.

Wishing you success with weight loss. The PS will be a wait and see.