Plastic surgery alternatives...long

I was recently banded, which I am very happy about! If anyone has any hints, ideas, things they did to help hide the skin and tummy apron PLEASE let me know. I'm open to anything!!!

A brief history if you're interested:

We have 2 beautiful dd's. My first birth was an emergency c-section that resulted in a large apron of skin, sort of deformed tummy because it was done so fast. I lost all the weight but my tummy looked awful-like an alien. However I didn't look "pregnant" after the weight loss it was more just jiggly loose skin.

After baby #2 I initially started to loose my baby weight and the skin and apron was even more stretched out. People began to ask me if I was pregnant and make comments. It was almost easier being fat.......so I know this will be a problem for me emotionally/psychologically as I loose weight. I saw 2 Dr's and a plastic surgeon who told me the only thing I could do was plastic surgery. It was very discouraging and I know this is part of my problem with yo-yoing.

I have secondary infertility issues. DH and I always wanted a large family and when people would ask if I was pregnant or comment-very difficult for me to deal with.

The happy news is that I have dealt with my infertility and I don't think it will hurt me to have comments or questions about me being pregnant. We are in the process of finalizing our 2 year old's adoption, we've had him since a baby and are foster/adopt parents. We plan on adopting at least one more baby but not through foster care.

After adoption expenses and with dh being Veterinarian/his pay vs. student loan debt take its toll on family finances. I could never justify going into debt for a tummy tuck...wish I could. We will not be in a a position to afford plastic surgery for some time after I loose the weight so I want to think ahead and not selfsabotage.

Thanks!

Hi Luu,

You are smart to look into all options. Have you considered just having the apron removed (pannus)? with a panniculectomy. This procedure is sometimes covered by insurance because of rashes, infections, etc.

Hi Luu2008,

With all the fabulous undergarments out there nowadays, you do not have to have PS to look great in clothing. Spanx are/were a Godsend for a lot of us and they work beautifully!

Congrats on being banded and good luck on your journey!!!!

Thank you for the suggestions.

I have seen Spanx in stores but haven't heard much about them. I'm willing to try anything.

Do they stay in place? I've tried department store girdle type undergarments of all types and they always move down when I am wearing them ending up making the bulges look even worse. I find myself always adjusting them and feel very conspicuous.

Spanx are totally different, they are basically control-top pantyhose without the feet, so they stay in place nicely without all the problems that girdles have (been there done that before too, and hated it ).

The closer you get to goal, the better and more effective the Spanx will be. I always found that they shaped quite nicely without being too binding. That said, they were just a little to warm for me to wear on a regular basis here in the VI, but I wore them almost constantly when I traveled.

Hope this helps. You can also google Spanx -- you'll find tons of info.

You may also want to consider an "all in one" under garment. It is basically a body suit that does up in the crotch area and has the bra as well. You can get them in light to heavy support. They can be hot in the summer, but they hold you in, and you can't "roll out" in various places and the garment won't move or roll down. They can give you a really smooth silhouette. I know that department stores usually sell them. You can probably google it and see bazillions on line.

Also check out regarding the panni procedure as another writer said - you may have the option of having your insurance cover that. You can always ask

Good luck.

I wear Maidenform garment. I get them at Kohles. The are the tank top type, but are longer and cover my whole tummy all the way to my cookie tucked into my pants. they stay in place and don't roll up. I wear one every day to keep my jiggly tummy in place.

I am considereing a TT