Skin ... ugh!!!

First my hair, and now my skin ... I know. I know that I "knew" this would happen, but I have to say that it's harder to actually see it happening. I've also recently gone through menopause, so I'm experiencing a lot of unpleasant changes in the texture and elasticity of my skin (or lack of it).

Dressed, I look "pretty good/normal" for the most part, but undressed or summer type clothes is different matter. I didn't really realize that all of the stretch marks would turn into "crepe paper wrinkles", but they have.

In my logical mind, I know that these are the SCARS of my OBESITY, but I didn't know how much it would bother me. I also wonder about the internal scars ... meaning the damage that I've done to my body over the past 30+ years of my obesity.

There is a part of me that is afraid to lose more, because I'm beginning to be afraid of what I'll look like. I know that I'm still early in the process and I don't want to sabotage the tool I worked hard to get ... and I certainly wouldn't trade my improved health for the lack of wrinkly, saggy skin. I guess I just wish my "scars" didn't look so bad or bother me as much as they do. Since I was a "lightweight" insurance will not cover any plastics and I'm not likely to be able to afford them on my own, so I'll need to find a way to come to terms with this.

Thanks for listening to my ramblings.

Barb

I know how you feel.  I have felt in the past that I would wear the saggy skin as a badge of honor..  To remind me of how far I have came.  BUT.. now all I think of is that I look like the "Saggy Baggy Elephant".. 

 

Jennifer -

Thanks for sharing. It's good to know that I'm not the only one who is having a little difficulty dealing with the reality of the physical changes we are experiencing. I don't want anyone to think I'm ungrateful ... I'm ever so grateful, but I have to admit that the excess skin sort casts a cloud over what is otherwise a very sunny experience.

Thanks again,

Barb

Hi Barb - Now I'm no expert here, by no means. I'm just going to share with you what the woman I spoke to at Voc Rehab mentioned to me. Most insurance companies won't cover plastic surgery, but if you have it documented with your doctor that the excess skin is causing discomfort, rashes, etc, they will take into consideration that it may be medically necessary to fix it. Don't know. Worth asking your doctor if he's heard of this. Have a splendid weekend. xoxo Mare

Thanks Mare!

Actually, I used to have a lot of skin rash problems, but since I've lost the weight I really don't anymore. Maybe if I lose more I will, don't know.

How are things going for you with the Voc. Rehab. avenue?

Barb

  ssssssssssslllllllllllloooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwww But I will definately keep everyone posted when I hear anything.  Thanks Barb

I have the same problems Barb.  I wasn't a "light-weight" but that doesn't mean I'll get covered.  When I get asked how I"m going to pay for it, I always say, "That's what home equity is for...." I will have to have it done, regardless of whether or not insurance covers it.  I have, according to my doctor, 25-35 pounds of excess skin on me.  If it wasn't for that, I'd already be in misses sizes on my bottom half (I'm already there on the top half).  He says I will have to have it removed and he's right.  I always had the rashes, but they're worse now.  They just never go completely away.  If it was up to me, which it isn't, I'd have it done tomorrow!  I cannot live with this.  Unless it becomes clear that God has other plans, I'm going under the knife as soon as I can. I had another surgery years ago on my breasts, and one of them needs to be reconstructed.  They say if you can get approved for anything related to it, you're more likely to get approved for the TT.  I know some that have gotten approved for the TT because they had a hernia from their WLS surgery.  That's why you'll run across people on here excited because they have to have a hernia from surgery repaired.  With my breast reconstruction, there is a federal law requiring insurance to cover it, if they are significantly lopsided or deformed.  The primary reason for the law is for mastectomy patients, but it applies to me too.  I have some hope that at least part of this is going to be covered. You and I have probably another year before a plastic surgeon will agree to operate on us.  I am praying that in the meantime insurance companies get a heart and realize that this type of reconstruction isn't just cosmetic.  Don't think I'll be holding my breath though.... Just wanted you to know I feel you on this one.  Keep your chin up, if it's meant to be, it'll happen. Take care. Ellen

Hi Ellen -

Once again, thank you for your kindness and words of support.

Re: your rashes, be sure to go see you Dr. regularly about them and have him document the various remedies that you are trying and that are not working. Also be sure to take photos. I know that it's not pleasant, but you will have a record of the problems you are having and the resolutions you have tried before asking for them to approve a TT. My Dr's office has seen this work. It's not an issue for me at this time and honestly I doubt that it will be in the future. Having had that issue in the past, I know that like you, I would not wi**** on anyone. In this case, however it may strengthen your case for having the insurance cover your surgery.

I know that I'm in no place to even consider plastics at this time. I am hoping that some miracle will happen and that my skin will "re-drape" so that it looks somewhat better ... I'm not sure that it will get much better, but I still hope. I'm also not sure how much more, if any I will lose. As I get smaller, I guess the "balloon" of my skin deflates more and the sagging skin becomes more obvious. As you say, I'll just have to see what happens.

I know that you will "slim" instantly when you do have plastics because of the amount of skin that you will lose. I imagine that if I had the surgery today, I'd probably go from a 10 to 7 or 8. Now, the size doesn't matter too much to me. I just want to be as far from obese as possible and I'd like to live as "normal" as I possibly can.

I want you to know how very much I appreciate your kindness and support. This is an issue that has been bothering me and I wasn't sure whether I should post because I know that we try to be upbeat and positive about the journey, but this is a very real issue/concern for me. I'm hoping that voicing it will let others know that they are not alone. I appreciate you letting me know that I'm not alone.

Thanks for your friendship ... it means a lot.

Barb

Ladies, I feel your pain ... GOSH the skin is horrible. Like you all , I love having lost so much weight and I have no regrets but I have such a issue with hanging skin. My lower belly hangs way way down,, my boobs are pityful ( but I did notice  my Mammagram was not very painful since they are already flat as pancakes ) ....

I also have had the rashes, and other skin related girl issues ( mixed company I won't give details ) .. I plan to try the insurance for the lower belly Panni thing ( the TT without the inter muscle being done , it I have heard does help ) ... But I will not hold my breath as my insurance did not pay for my RNY so I feel like I have little chance. Maybe after I pay off my surgery I can self pay... Oh well although we are skin hanging Gals, dang it we are Losers and in my book that is what really counts . Happy friday

Oh yes, the hair loss is unbelieveable!  Sometimes I wonder how I am not bald yet.   I know this goes away because I've had it in the past when I was on a doctor supervised protein shake diet.  But it is scarey all the same.

The lose skin is my personal scariest aspect of this all...even my neck looks different.  Someone at work told me that I look so much younger now but I see an older, all be it thinner face when I look in the mirror.  Oh well.

I'm saving up for the plastic surgeon for when I finally get down to goal weight.  Such Vanity!  Oh well.