Excess Skin

NOT true.  It doesn't matter how fast or how slow you lose, if your skin is permanently damaged (and most is), it's not going to bounce back.  There are also no magical creams or exercises to remedy or prevent it.  Just have him on your side to start a fund for your plastic surgery in the next year or so.

Thanks for the reply.  I'll have to start saving my pennies!

I am also 5ft4. I started my journey at 262 lbs, so we have similar stats. I do not have excess skin (thus far) yes, my thighs look a bit untoned, and my belly is a bit flabby, but NOTHING what I assumed it would be like. I have been over 220lbs for the last ten years. 

I really don't think there is a way to know if it will happen to you. Yes, if you carry a large amount of weight in your midsection, there will be some sagging / pouch of skin once the weight loss is done. I even at 262 lbs, had a relatively smaller waist, and tend to be hourglass shaped.

I decided when I had my surgery, that I did not care if I had ended up with excess skin, I really just wanted to be healthy, and live life. I am a single gal, who doesn't have the support of a husband, so anyone I do date, or happen to get close to, I worried about that loose skin, should it have happened to me. I feel pretty blessed that so far, I like the way my body looks naked. But MOST importantly, my quality of life has went from a 2 to a 10 in 4.5 short months post op.

Good luck to you!

Thanks for replying and congratulations on your success!  Thanks to you and the others *****mind me that I am starting this journey for my health and quality of life.  When my husband sees these things improving, I am sure he will come to terms with the sagging skin!!

Continue good luck to you!

There are many factors, many genetic, and it does not have to do with losing fast or slow. I think your body does adjust to the new you at some point - a little- but it doesn't mean it will 'bounce back'.

It took me 3 years to save for a "tummy tuck" putting away some money every month. So I just had a tummy tuck in February and it does make quite a difference.  Definitely worth it.  Just something to think about.

When I was 32 years old I was 240 lbs and I lost 70 lbs with Weigh****chers and   my skin bounced back relatively well. Then
I gained 55 pounds back over the next several years.  When I had my VSG I was 43 years old and weighed 225 and lost 100 lbs pretty quickly.  I had a ton of loose skin with no bounce back. I could hide it well in clothes and would definitely take skin over fat any day.  I started saving for plastics early on, switched careers, got an evening job tutoring and refinanced my house to pay for plastics.  I am 11 weeks out from a lbl/ba/brachioplasty. 

My husband wasn't keen on me having wl surgery in the beginning but is now my biggest supporter.  He sees how much more comfortable I am in my own skin and how much healthier I am.

Thanks for sharing some of your story with me.  Congratulations on your success!

False, false, false!  As you've gained weight and stayed overweight for years, your body has actually grown EXTRA skin to cover your bulk.  True for me, true for you, true for everyone.  As you lose weight that skin does not evaporate, shrink or go away.  It has to be cut off.  And the amount of excess skin you have has NOTHING to do with how fast or slow you lose the weight.  It has to do with the amount of new skin that was laid down over the last 10 years. 

You're 48, you've been obese for over 10 years, I'm certain you have stretch marks.  If you have light-skin or dry skin the snapback you can expect will be minimal.  

I wouldn't be so worried about the excess skin you'll potentially have.  I'd be VERY worried about the fact that your husband is already getting hung up on outward appearances and isn't focused on how much healthier and happier you're going to be.  

Thanks for your reply.  Believe it or not, I have no stretch marks but am fair skinned.

My husband is usually not concerned about outward appearances - he refuses to let me call myself fat or overweight.  I think he is just nervous.