Excess Skin Question

Hi Everyone, I am pre-op but hoping for my surgery in late December. My husband showed me an article in the Wall Street Journal about excess skin and the need for plastic surgery. The article said Bariatric patients usually focus on the weight loss and don't give much thought to how much excess skin may be left hanging and the problems it may cause (mentally and physically.) So my questions are for post-op patients..... Is excess skin an issue for you? How much weight did you lose? How old are you? Do you feel the need for plastic surgery? Are there any pre-indicators for how your skin will react to weight loss? Please advise me. Thanks, Connie

Hello Connie, I am 2 1/2 years post op. I am 36. I live in Beaver Dam, WI. I was 4'11" and 262#. I lost 120#. My issue with the "apron of skin" is purely cosmetic. I just looks like I had a baby. Just like lots of other women. Considering that my waist was huge and now is alot smaller, I can live with the extra skin. Yes, if I was given the $ or the insurance, I'd do it in a New York minute and not look back. My skin was very elastic and shrunk nicely. The Dr was very pleased. So was I. The sound of skin on skin when I run up the stairs is still annoying but atleast it isn't the baritone thud it was! Have you had children? Did you get alot of strech marks? That may help you in guessing how your body will react to post op. Mentally, I can live with the skin. Vanity wise, I wi**** was gone. But it is a wonderful reminder of how far I have come and to watch what I put in my mouth from now on! My under arms aren't too bad, my breasts look like empty testicles resting on my rib cage, but the part I would have fixed after a tummy tuck would be the thighs. When I stand there is a role by my knees. When I lay down, it's obviously rolled up higher. But it is still better than being 262#!!!!

Hi Connie, Is excess skin an issue for you? Well for me it is becoming an issue. I am having some skin irritation under my "apron" of abdominal skin. How much weight did you lose? I have lost 164 pounds thus far. How old are you? I am 40 Do you feel the need for plastic surgery? I honestly don't think I "need" plastic surgery, but I will look into it once I am done losing weight. I want to make sure I am completely pleased with the entire process, and if it includes plastic surgery then I will consider that. Are there any pre-indicators for how your skin will react to weight loss? I think age is a factor and the amount of time we have been obese is also a factor. Our skin becomes less pliable with age. The longer the skin remains stretched, the more it loses it elasticity. We all know losing weight is so good for our general health that the skin issues that come after weight loss is really minor compared to other health issues that go along with obesity. I hope that was helpful! Traci

Thanks for the advice. I am 42 years old, (I guess that is considered medioum young/old for skin) I have not had surgery yet. I am scheduled for the end of December. I have always been heavy but have gain 100 punds over the last 10 years. I would like to lose about 130 pounds. I'm thinking that's kind of a long for my skin to have been strethed. I guess time will tell. Thanks, Connie

Hi Connie I am 47 years old and have lost 130# to reach my goal. The excess skin is there but not a problem yet. I do work out 3-5 times a week and I hope that will help. The thought of another surgery scares me and I will live with the excess. I do look like the saggy, baggy elephant but I hope in time it will tighten up, as I have just reached goal...now is the time to tighten up the skin. Take care.... Donna

Thanks for the advice Donna. I am hoping water areobics will help with toning after my surgery. Good luck!

Hello Connie, I am 3+ years post op. I have lost 193 pounds, and am 39 years old. At the time of my surgery I didn't think skin would be an issue, I'd just be happy to loose the weight. Well things changed. After I lost the weight, I started to get infections under my apron and in my belly button. Sever back pain, hernias and sleeping problems, due to the weight of the extra skin. I was able to get my insurance co to pay for the plastic surgey, after an appeal. They removed 11 pounds of skin. It was like being pregnant for 2 years with an 11 pound child, no wonder I was in pain! Now my waist is smaller than my thighs, and I'd have a thigh lift if I could somehow prove it was medically needed. I can wear a size 10-12, but need a belt to keep my pants around my waist, and they are tight in my thigh area. You exchange one set of problems for another. Good luck in your journey... I'd still do it ALL again in a heartbeat! DAWN...