Were you informed about PS before you were banded?

TexasBecky · 05-13-2008, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MollyMolly

Yes, mine did.

Seriously, I'd rather get to goal and wear support garments and a size larger than normal to account for the loose skin than stay hugely fat and struggle with my co-morbidities. Batwings and saggy abdomen might not be pretty in a swimsuit, but neither is the average 299-lb woman.

That's my opinion anyway. I'm sure there are some who feel they are more beautiful with rolls of fat cascading out than a little extra skin. Different strokes.

I agree completely. No one should let the fear of excess skin stop them from doing what they can to lose the excess fat.

I really don't understand why so my band docs tell their patients not to consider plastic surgery until they've been at goal for at least a year. In my case it was obvious that my skin wasn't going to bounce back and at 50 years old, I don't want to waste anymore time. I've also read studies that suggest that people who have plastic surgery following weight loss are more likely to maintain their weight loss. I consulted with four plastic surgeons and not one of them thought their was any good reason to wait.

cori in wa · 05-13-2008, 09:42 PM

Not only did my surgeon's group NOT introduce the possibility of PS post weight loss, the response I received when I asked about it in the open group forum was "most people don't require plastic surgery after their weight loss so we tend not to discuss it". I didn't undertsand then, nor do I now, how someone can lose well over 100 pounds and not need a bit of nipping and tucking. I asked simply because I was already interested in a TT, knowing that the skin over my c-section incisions was never going to melt away on it's own.

Later, in the private session, I asked again about plastic surgery and was told I wouldn't need it. Due to my age (43) and the amount I wanted to lose (80 pounds) there wouldn't be much of a skin issue. I was disappointed as I already have an excess skin issue, PRIOR to losing any of the weight.

I would have loved to have a PS available for a Q & A session either at or after the initial information session.

StephC · 05-13-2008, 10:13 PM

I don't remember if it was discussed at the first meetings but it was definitely discussed at our support group and still is.

I was disappointed in my first consult with a plastic surgeon. The ps didnt' want to talk insurance at all - he said it was $10k and go home and talk to hubby about it. Needless to say I was heartsick - I had at least hoped he'd suggest a pannectolomy covered by insurance. I thought it was useless to go to the 2nd consult but went ahead to it and this surgeon - the one I went with - was all about the insurance paying for EVERYTHING! I said what if they'll pay for the panny but not the tt and he said we'll cross that bridge when we get there but for now we're going to get it covered. He did. He and God, bc I did do alot of praying. I was later told that the first surgeon may not have talked insurance bc they may not have paid what he wanted. For instance, if he charges 10k and insurance says ok we'll cover the tt but we're only paying 8K then he has to do it for the 8K - and being he was from a very upscale facility I can believe it. Anyway my band dr is wonderful and very happy with my results and I am very happy with my plastic surgeon, he just made me feel like he cared about me and my health, not just about the money.

I think most obese people know that when the fat melts away they are going to be left with hanging skin.

favorite · 05-13-2008, 10:22 PM

my surgeon told me before she even banded me that she would start documenting skin rash problems so that my belly "flap" could be removed after i lost the weight. i was banded at montifiore hosp. in new york.

salsa1877 · 05-17-2008, 04:04 PM

My lap band doc told me I would need it the first time I saw him. He told me that if I was successcul with the lap band that there was no way that the amount of skin that I had was going to go away. His nurse told me that I would need an extensive TT...and she was right. Also, he said that it used to be his opinion that people should wait 12 months after reaching goal for a TT, but in the last year he had changed is opinion. He said he had witnessed too many people loose their weight, get so discouraged with their body image, and start putting weight back on. So he has given his full blessing for me to have mine 11 months after my Lap Band surgery. I do know that they do bring in PS to their support groups 2 times per year. I live FAR away from my doc so I attend the local bariatric doctor's support group and they don't believe in educating people about PS. They won't give their blessing for at least 2 years after WLS. There are other problems with these docs which is why I traveled so far to get my band!

steph_co · 05-17-2008, 09:34 PM

I knew it could be a possibility, but it was not my surgeon or his office that mentioned it. I did a lot of research before I ever got the band and came across this possibility on my own.

She Smiles · 05-20-2008, 01:57 AM

PS wasn't mentioned in my seminar that I can recall, but then I was a bit of a "deer in headlights" about it all - it was a lot to take in in a relatively short period of time and I only joined LBT just before I was banded. I definitely could have been better educated on that front and could had equipped myself better as well. Then I probably wouldn't have been so disappointed earlier this year to learn how much PS costs here (Australia) and how far I was from being able to afford it.

It wouldn't have changed my decision to get my band at all though if I knew then what I know now. I can definitely live with my body the way it is, but a few tweaks, nips and tucks sure would be nice!

shardenly · 05-23-2008, 10:49 PM

I have not discussed PS with my lap band surgeon or the bariatric coordinator. From previous weight loss attempts I know that I may want to consider neck and breast lifts after I reach goal.

Fanny Adams · 05-23-2008, 10:57 PM

My surgeon didn't discuss it with me but I knew I was likely to want a breast lift and tummy tuck anyway. The boobs were hanging pretty low before the band (I was up to a size G), have deflated somewhat (now an E-F), and will deflate more before I reach goal. I had always planned on waiting at least a year after reaching goal to see what recovers and what doesn't, so I know the extent of what is needed. I have fairly young elastic skin, so I'm hoping I can get away with the minimum but it may end up being a full lower body lift, the boobs and the batwing arms... and the turkey neck... *sigh* just do it all, eh?

Jachut · 05-30-2008, 10:13 PM

It was never mentioned to me, but I knew it was a possibility, I never thought I'd lose all this weight and have perfect skin and body. My doc could certainly refer me onto someone but I suspect I'd get a lecture, as the size/expense/discomfort of the surgery far outweighs the size problem I have. But I'll go ahead and get my boobs done, I dont really consider it has anything to do with my lap band surgeon anyway, thats my own personal business to organise as I see fit. I go to him to discuss my lap band not my tits.

maryrose · 05-31-2008, 11:56 AM

Oh yes, absolutely!

This was brought up at the informational meeting. The weight loss clinic administrator talked about this and also suggested we may want to plan for the expense and start saving up. I did not think too much about it at the time being in my 50's, but I can absolutely relate to anyone wanting to do this and I have a reductin scheduled! These stories on this board have inspired me.

My nurse had bariatric surgery and breast reduction. They have had a plastic surgeon affiliate from the same hospital head up a few seminars at my clinic.

I love my weight loss clinic. I am only 20 minutes from Boston, but chose Lowell General Hospital here in my town. They have some great docs, Dr. Michael Jiser and Dr. Shen have been doing the banding for a long time.

Jachut · 06-04-2008, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cori in wa

Later, in the private session, I asked again about plastic surgery and was told I wouldn't need it. Due to my age (43) and the amount I wanted to lose (80 pounds) there wouldn't be much of a skin issue. I was disappointed as I already have an excess skin issue, PRIOR to losing any of the weight.

I would have loved to have a PS available for a Q & A session either at or after the initial information session.

This is what I dont understand. What's it got to do with him? That's his opinion only - dont be disappointed, whether he thinks you need it or not is irreleveant, its the PS you choose whose opinion matters.

Although I agree, a PS at the info session would be a great idea!

The difference is, I was just reading all DH's literature, he's being banded tomorrow. It says very clearly the goal is to get you to lose 1/2 to 2/3 of your excess weight and solve your obesity related health problems, not turn you into a supermodel.

Still, I have the same doc and he has actually been very supportive on that score, I had no health problems in the first place and a BMI of 35 but he agreed to band me and he's been happy to continue with fills past a 50% weight loss, he hasnt stood in my way of getting right down to a low/normal BMI. He'd refer me along to a PS too if I asked (not that I need to ask him, I'd just go to my GP for that). But the point is there's quite a large gap between the expectations we go in there with and the outcomes the doctor is aiming for. So when they say "you dont need a tummy tuck", I'd take that with a grain of salt. That's in his opinion only! If you want one and have skin there to be removed, that's your business and your decision.

maryrose · 06-04-2008, 07:30 PM

Jachut,

I agree with you. I am having the breast reduction only and am perfectly happy to just look nice in my clothes at this stage in my life. I may feel different a few years down the road, but this is a varies from person to person.

NavywifeJenn · 06-15-2008, 06:12 PM

I know its a probability that I am going to WANT to have it done. However my surgeon has not spoken a word about PS. It'd be nice if he'd have said at least a little bit about it, but nothin! Thanks to this board, and you, I am much better educated and fully anticipate that I'll be having ps after I get rid of all my weight!

beebeej1 · 06-26-2008, 10:23 PM

I was banded by Dr. Julio Texiera at Roosevelt hospital in Manhattan, we were told at the seminar that we would have to wait one year after surgery for PS, he was so informative!

, I will really need a tummy tuck and these bat wings removed!