Healthy Living in Connecticut Blog
Flatter Abs… A Consultation With A Doctor
I went to a free consultation a few days ago. I wanted to find out about Smart Lipo, as I read that it is a non-invasive procedure to remove pockets of fat in troublesome areas, such as the abs. I don't really want to do any kind of procedure on my belly an would rather it tighten on it's own, but I thought it would be god to hear what the doctor said.
The doctor examined the skin around my abs and lower back. He said I barely have any fat in there and that most of what is there is skin. I would not qualify for a Smart Lipo, as the procedure takes out fat. This surprised me, as my trainer checked my abs a few weeks ago and measured the fat that remains in there.
It's the doctor's opinion that surgery is the only way I would truly get rid of loose skin in the area. I have a few problems with this theory. First, I am absolutely afraid of this type of surgery. The doctor called it a "body lift". The procedure is actually called a panniculectomy. It sounds complicated, as they would remove skin up to above the belly button. Then they would have to create a new belly button. Can you imagine the healing time that would be required for such a procedure/ And what about the risks for infection? No, I don't think this would be for me!
I think I'd rather struggle and find ways to deal with my abs. Besides, despite what the doctor says, I have seem progress in my abs. I still think with time they will improve even more. I can live with the way they look now as it only sticks out like a couple inches above the belt buckle. My belly does not show under clothing. As I get closer to the 13 percent body fat, I will see if there's much difference. That's when my trainer originally said I should start to see a difference.
It was good to get a doctor's opinion though. He was amazed at how much weight I had lost and congratulated me. The weight loss is far more important than a little loose skin, at least I have to keep reminding myself of that!
This is a picture of me from about six months ago. I don't have any recent pictures of my abs, but I do think there's improvement since I first posted this photo.
About the author
Richard Hubbard was once over 350 pounds. After a doctor's physical and finding out he was pre-hypertensive, he decided to make changes and avoid medication. Over the course of a year, Rich lost the first 120 pounds of his incredible 150 pound weight loss. He ate healthy foods based on Dr. Joel Fuhrman's book "Eat To Live". He was mostly plant based, but switched to completely plant based in September of 2016. He also became a vegan in the process as his compassion for animals increased. He credits bodybuilder Robert Cheeke for influencing his decision of going vegan. Rich aspires to be a vegan bodybuilder and is planning his first half marathon this year.
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