Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Qs to Ask Self When Considering Plastic Surgery



Recommended Posts

Hello all,

If anyone has either had cosmetic surgery after bariatric surgery, or has seriously considered it, what questions did you ask yourself as you weighed your decision? How did you go about finding a surgeon? Are all surgeons capable of any kind of cosmetic surgery, or do they specialize (lower body, breasts, face, etc...?) I have been reading, but it’s hard to get a feel, there is so much information out there. Some former bariatric patients have even gone to another country for surgery! That idea frightens me! But I’d love to know more if anyone wants to share. Please feel free to give me as much information and detail as you’d like. I am very appreciative of any and all help. Thank you! 😊

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ask yourself if you can handle a good month of fairly high level pain. Ask yourself if you can handle another couple of months of discomfort and not feeling like yourself/feeling tired, out of sorts, back aches from not standing up fully, and if you're ok with wearing body compression garments and all the hassle that entails.

Ask yourself if you can be patient and not over-do for the 2-4 months while you heal without ripping sutures from over-doing.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That just sounds scary. I had an employee do it once and she was out of work for 6 weeks and then still wasn't herself.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you for the feedback! The (negative) realities are definitely something I would weigh above and beyond any potential positives.

For clarity, I’m considering a panniculectomy. I just have this horrible sagging bunch of skin that is, honestly, disgusting. I really feel like I need to do something. Would the same pain/recovery/time to heal apply for this as would the full tummy tuck/muscle rebuilding, etc..? I’ve got a consult with one surgeon, but I know that won’t be enough information for me. Plus, he’s in the business of selling this (or any) cosmetic procedure to me, so I am wary of getting all the bells and whistles but none of the brutal truth, you know?

Thanks again!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, CarmenP said:

anyone has either had cosmetic surgery after bariatric surgery

@CarmenP

as always - everyone is different with their healing/pain

I always had a double chin/neck - i finally said to myself " i am worth it" (having the surgery)

i didn't do as much research as i probably should have.i talked to my bariatric center,

they recommended the dr. they only heard good things. I discussed surgery with him,

done deal!! and PS told me that i would get a little face lift too, since the skin goes up with

the neck. PO in recovery room was terrible - my face was realllly hurting!! I had 2 drains, low

each side of my face (about 2 weeks) semi-pain lasted around one week. Very pleased with neck

lift - ummmm - not much improvement with face, can only do so much with what they have to

work with LOL😉

good luck

kathy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The best relative pain guide would be how many inches of incisions do they need to do, as it is the skin that has the most nerves; the interior work like for muscle tightening would be less noticeable. So, a basic panniculectomy to cut off the excess skirt would not be greatly different than a full tummy tuck/abdominoplasty.

You do want to find a surgeon who specializes in reconstruction after massive weight loss, as there can be a lot of difference between a basic mommy makeover and a person who has lost 1-200 or more pounds. They usually specialize (at least for our typical need) by patient type rather than body part, though some of the bariatric surgeons who get into plastics as a sideline for their patients will often leave the more "artistic" aspects (like breast implants or facial work) to a specialist PS, though that can sometimes be combined into one procedure if they work in a team effort.

People do go to Mexico or other countries for PS as, with the bariatrics, the cost can be much less. The downside is that PS procedures have a much higher chance of mild to moderate complications - incisions that don't heal promptly, or open again, Fluid build up not caught by the drains, seromas, etc. Much of this can be handled by taking selfies and email instructions on treatment, but sometimes it takes an office visit, so dealing with someone local is a big plus.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It is such a personal decision.
Myself, I waited years after wls, and was happy to see that pouch flap taken off.
As above, it hurt like hell, but after a month or so, I never looked back .
Ps i was in my sixties when I flattened my stomach and mom’s pubis.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, FluffyChix said:

Ask yourself if you can handle a good month of fairly high level pain. Ask yourself if you can handle another couple of months of discomfort and not feeling like yourself/feeling tired, out of sorts, back aches from not standing up fully, and if you're ok with wearing body compression garments and all the hassle that entails.

Ask yourself if you can be patient and not over-do for the 2-4 months while you heal without ripping sutures from over-doing.

My intention is for you to be realistic, but not dissuade you from doing plastics! I've had 3 very very serious plastic reconstructive surgeries and each time I severely underestimated my tolerance for the pain, exhaustion and inconvenience that was part of the process. I'm about to undergo my 4th and I hope last reconstruction. And I've had to ask myself about this over and over again. I was seriously into month 4 before I "turned the corner" and was at 6 months before I felt like myself.

Not intending to be negative but it was the most painful stuff I've ever experienced. I could just be unique in it though. I just wished someone had warned me about the freight train heading my way each time.

Edited by FluffyChix

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had extensive skin removal surgery following RNY. I did it in two rounds (upper / front, then lower / back), two years ago. Aside from RNY itself, it's the best decision I ever made.

It's nearly impossible to find useful information about cosmetic surgery online. The majority is either advertisement or scare-mongering, and most of it is not relevant to a bariatric patient. The only way to learn is to schedule consultations with local surgeons, get an assessment and quote, and - most importantly - look at their book. All of these consultations should be free of charge. If they're not, skip to the next option. They will all have photo albums of similar procedures they've done on past clients, and can talk you through the similarities and differences between yourself and those other people. They all have different techniques and different experience, and the good ones will want to make sure you have a realistic assessment of what you can expect in terms of final outcome. Don't assume that the first surgeon you meet is going to be the right one for you. Shop around.

In terms of finding good candidates, I would start by asking the team that did your bariatrics surgery. They likely know which surgeons in the area do a lot of post-weight loss surgeries and can make a recommendation.

Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you, anaxila! I’ve got one consult already scheduled, and do plan a few more. That was very helpful! 😊

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Agree with Rick Fluffy Julie Journey and all. I use a PS locally who specializes in weight loss folks. Researched the heck out of PS - many PS and hospitals. It hurts - really bad. Also down time from work is a consideration - I can say taking 3 to 5 weeks off from work twice has dented any build of sick time. I just booked what hope is my third and final round. My body will have loose skin in spots and scars but my skin will fit rather than be a few sizes too big. It is also the best thing I did physically not including WLS. An aside is research correlates sustained weight loss positively with individuals who pursue plastics. All that and not one mention as to cost. 🤠

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would love a tummy tuck....I have never ever wore a bathing suit in public. I couldn't imagine how liberating it would be....not for anyone other than myself....😔maybe someday I will be able to do it....for now I just tuck my flappy belly into my high waisted Jean's and go on about my day!

That is until I win the lottery....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×