Need Help and Its Uncomfortable(lower Hanging Belly Fat)? (photo)

Hello SassyNatty,

Congratulations to you on your determination and continued success!

At a rate of -18 lbs per month, you are making great headway and will get the best results from your future tummy tuck if you stick with your weight loss program and close in on your goal weight.  I think it makes sense to keep the tummy tuck as your goal and not do an intermediary step like a panniculectomy:  do it once and do it right.

The good news for you is that you are seeing immediate results from your own efforts.  Here are some TIPS for you along the way:

1.  If the loose skin is really annoying you...try wearing a girdle or spanx for added support and comfort, even at night

2.  Be sure to enjoy a balanced diet and keep up your protein

3.  Add  cardio and weight training to your program.  This will hasten your progress, keep up your energy and tone your muscles.

* DO HAVE A MEDICAL EVALUATION IN ADVANCE OF ADDITIONAL EXERCISE TO ASSESS YOUR FITNESS BASELINE AND DETERMINE IF ANY OF YOUR ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT COULD BE RELATED TO A HERNIA

4. Decisions about more children?  It is best to hold off on tummy tuck surgery until you have completed your family, especially if tightening the muscles of the abdomen are part of the procedure.

Best of luck to you!

Thanks for asking, Dr Ellen

Ultimately you will be a candidate for a tummy tuck. In the meantime you need to workout, build muscle and strengthen those abdominal wall muscles.  When you carry those babies around for nine months they suck all the muscle mass off of you which is why it is hard to get back in shape.  It might take you a year - having surgery in the short term would lead to a less than optimal result with a significant chance for redo surgery.