Skin removal Question

I know that when you are super morbidly obese and have to lose 200 lbs or more rapidly that eventually you will have to get skin surgery for removal. Yet on shows like the Biggest Loser where they lose 100 or more lbs in 4 months it appears that no skin surgery is necessary?

I myself have to lose altogether 130 lbs. I am 1/2 way there and I just wonder if I will have to get skin removal surgery? I'm at 4 1/2 months and I've lost about 70lbs. I exercise a few days a week-cardio and weight training and if I am able to lose the 130 lbs in a year that would appear not as rapidly as those on the BL show.

For those of you who have lost over 100 lbs within a year or two did you need to have the surgery for skin removal? Is it better to lose the weight more slowly? I ask because I did notice that at least around my belly and my chest I have a lot of skin. I'm far from my goal and hope that this is fat that will come off but I'm not sure? Any thoughts?

It's really hard to say. There is a small percentage of people who NEED skin removal for medical reasons. There are more who mau need it for psychologial reasons. But most want to remove it for cosmetic reasons.

How fast the weight comes off makes no difference. Once the skin has been grown, it can't be ungrown, only cut off. There are no creams, lotions, or exercises that will help. So, if you can't do anything, try not to worry, and see how it goes.

Wow bro,

Can't believe you've lost almost 300lbs!!! I guess you are one who will know. I'll just keep on keeping on and won't worry about that until I get there - thanks!!!

The reason you don't see excess, hanging skin on those BL contestants comes down to two words:  compression garments!  I promise you, they have lots of excess skin but they are poured into girdles for the show so it doesn't move or show.   

It doesn't matter how fast or how slow you lose weight as to the amount of excess skin you have.  As you've gained weight you have grown NEW skin to cover your bulk.  As you loose weight - whether fast or slow - that skin has no where to go once fat isn't filling it up.  

You may get some "snap back" of skin but alot of that depends on your age, how long you've been heavy, if there are stretch marks (stretch marks = damaged skin that will never snap back) and your skin tone.  People with darker skin tones seem to have thicker, oilier skin that snaps back a bit better.  

You don't "have to" get skin removal surgery unless you want to.  You can exist perfectly fine without it.  However, you may not be satisfied with the way your body looks once you get to goal weight.  For many post-op patients, getting plastic surgery puts the finishing touches on their new body.  

Thank you. Amazing how our skin will grow but does not shrink. Appreciate the knowledge, I really did not know that about the skin. This forum have really enlightened me, wish I would of knew about it before WLS surgery it could have helped me is SO many ways!! Again, thank you.

Willie -- if your skin has just 'stretched', then it is possible for it to 'shrink back' --- think about blowing up a balloon, you stretch the rubber, and release the air and it goes back (somewhat) to its original size.

When we are obese or super-obese for a period of time, we actually GROW excess skin -- we don't just stretch what we have ----- so, when we lose the weight there is no place for the additional 'grown' skin to go back to --- it was created to hold our fat.

Genetics and age have some bearing on how much skin 'bounces' back --- rate of weight loss does not seem to matter.

Thank you. I'll just keep to the program, exercise and try to get as healthy as I can. I've was between 290 and 310 for over 10 years, and then last winter I ballooned to 347 and that was why I opted to have WLS after so much dieting, pills fads, etc... I have always pretty much been semi-active, walking and playing golf once a week and infrequently visiting the gym but I am middle age now so that may not help but then again both my mother and father had very young looking skin even in their 70's and 80's and most people think I am at least 10 years younger than I am. Never smoked or anything so I hope my skin remaining will not be too bad, and I am dark-skinned. Anyway, thanks. Guess I'll just have to wait until I get to goal!!

Start a plastics fund now. If you get to where you want to be and don't feel the need to pursue plastics, you can spend the money on something else. If you do pursue plastics, then you have a head start.

As everyone else said, it's pretty hard to predict how you will look. I didn't think I would have bingo wings, but I do. I thought I would have a huge pannus, but I don't. Go figure. I don't NEED skin removal surgery. I may decide on it at some point, but at this time I feel okay.

I wish I could give you a answer and it be right but the thing is everyones situation is different. I myself were very bad. The skin just hung so bad... Insurance payed thank the lord but as I said it would be great to see you not need surgery but.... They cut 11 pounds off and my thighs and arms are still bad. Insurance wouldnt pay for that....Good luck to you...

I'm down 125 and mine isnt as bad as it could be but I'm wishing plastic surgery was cheap!  I look good with clothes but lots of skin on my butt, belly, hips and arms.  Insurance would never cover it so some day maybe it will be a priority