I'm down a little over 100 pounds, and even though I still have over 60 to go until my goal, I'm wondering if its time to think about a panni. When I lay down, you can easily see my ribcage, and my stomach fat and panni just kind of sit in this...hole on top. Or everything flops to one side all loose.

For those who have gone through plastics, have I lost enough to be considered for a panni? I don't want a tummy tuck because my muscles under the fat are fine and firm.

Did anyone pay out of pocket, and if so, what was the cost??

I am really eager to get this thing removed. It started growing when I was about 12 years old and never really shrinks. It feels like the fat isn't even attached to my body anymore, just kind of sitting inside this skin sack on my stomach.

Thanks for the advice!!

This is a topic that has been discussed a lot lately. I'm also weighing my options and spoke with my surgeon regarding referrals etc. He told me once I was within 20lbs of my goal weight I should start setting up consultations. I went to a couple but honestly I want to wait it out for a while and just enjoy what I've worked hard for before making a decision. I would encourage you to wait until you're within that 20lbs of your goal weight. If not then excess skin will reoccur and your results won't be optimal!

Good luck to you!

I've lost 115'ish pounds, and am about 30lbs away from the goal weight I originally set for myself. However, the skin and 'saddlebags' as I call them are just too much of a nuisance to bear anymore. Like you, I've had an excessive pannis since I was a pre-teen also...so I know it ain't going anywhere on it's own!

I also think I'm done losing weight because as it turns out, I'm happy with where I'm at now. (Well, besides the skin of course). I realized that I need to re-adjust my original goals and expectations, because I didn't expect to be at this weight...and yet feel fabulous, and ready for maintenance!

I went for a plastics consult recently, and the surgeon agreed that the skin was substantial enough to remove now...regardless of my current weight. Of course I asked her, "But have I lost enough weight to get the surgery, or should I lose more?" Here response was: "Well that depends. Do you feel like you NEED to lose more?" My answer was no. So up, up, and away we go for surgery! Just my experience. I can relate with yours!

I got a price quote. The panniculectomy is expected to be covered by my insurance so I don't have a quote for that, but the rest of the abdominoplasty/lower body lift will come to roughly $8k.

In all, I think as long as a person feels they're 'done' losing substantial weight (say, more than 20lbs), then they're ready for surgery. Just my un-expert opinion.