So, I'm about a year out and about 100-105 lbs down (haven't weighed lately). I'm getting to the point where "most of me" looks "pretty good" -- my face and neck are much slimmer, my legs are much slimmer and more defined, and my "gut" is way, way smaller.

There is a little loose skin on my arms, thighs, and chest that I'm sure I can fix with weightlifting (and I'm getting a personal trainer and I'm going to hit the gym HARD this summer).

However, now I'm down to a roll of... something around my midsection. My BMI is still 30 -- obese -- so it could well be fat. However, given my build (large, with a side of lumberjack genetics!) this is probably off; I'm probably around 28 or so "real" BMI (I should do a tank test to see!) No matter how you slice it, I still have fat to lose; my final "stopping" weight would probably be around 205-210, so I have nearly 20 more pounds to lose.

That being said, what's around my tummy doesn't feel as much like fat as before. There are parts where you can pinch it and there's still clearly blubber in there, but not much.

So... I'm wondering what to do about it? Just keep on trying to lose weight? And, if it's loose skin, should I be considering plastic surgery, or can I counteract it with e.g. hardcore crunches and obliques workouts? It's not much -- I've seen people with DRAMATIC aprons of loose skin, and if this IS loose skin, it's NOTHING like that, but still... I've come THIS far, I don't want to be embarrassed to be outside with my shirt off!

Sorry this is rambling, and thanks in advance for any thoughts/advice. If I get up the courage, I may post a picture soon so you all can see what I'm talking about. If I get up the courage!

I didn't look at the pics because I am at work, but I would also recommend that you wait at least 6 months after you reach your goal weight to see what the skin is going to do. I think another thing the moms on this board can attest to is that when you have a quick change in size, the skin takes quite a while to achieve its final shape. My stomach looks just as bad, if not worse than it did before VSG. Still hanging, but now it is getting all dimply because the fat is shirinking. As much as it bothers me, I am making a commitment to wait at least a year after I reach my goal to see what my body is going to do on its own. I really don't want to go into another surgery ever again if I can avoid it, it depends on how things come to rest after this wild and crazy journey.

Worth noting, though, that I haven't done any exercise. I am starting pilates reformer exercise again and that should help with muscle tightening.

Sorry to hear about your medical problems and I'm glad to hear you are working with your MD on it!

I thought your pictures are eye candy We are our own worst critics!

I'm just glad to hear that it isn't just ME!

Try wearing a compression shirt or vest when you start working your abs. I ahve been talking to alot of people who swears its all the difference. The problem is we loose weight and our skin strts to sag. Gravity takes over and any time we move we are jaring already loose skin away from the muscle that used to have a layer of fat on it. The compression wear will keep your skin tight to your body not allowing gravity or skin jarring to occur. So when you build muscle there is less space for the skin. I know twpo sisters who were older and lost over 150lbs each and they have no skin issues. I have also seen women who have lost over 200lbs who have no sagging skin either. I am getting sleeved at the end of summer. I have been working out and I am using a compression shirt and will soon get the body suit. I am a bit scarred of ploastic surgery. Good luck and congrats on your success