Excess Skin??
Hey Everyone. I have a vain question to ask. I've been noticing that a lot of folks after WLS have excess skin--I understand how/why it happens. But have any of you found out good ways to combat this? I know going to the gym is a good way to help, but is there a way to not have too much noticeable excess skin?? Or am I going to need plastic surgery to fix it? Sorry for the vain question but I'm really worried about that happening. Thanks.
I know I will need plastics, no way around the excess skin that is left behind. For people like you and I that start this journey over 300lbs, it's pretty unrealistic to think we won't have lots of excess no matter how much we exercise, skin doesn't shrink unfortunately. I can already see my batwings and legs and stomach and it's not pretty but I am thrilled with my loss so far. It's all part of it
on 10/5/13 2:25 pm
I know I will need plastics, no way around the excess skin that is left behind. For people like you and I that start this journey over 300lbs, it's pretty unrealistic to think we won't have lots of excess no matter how much we exercise, skin doesn't shrink unfortunately. I can already see my batwings and legs and stomach and it's not pretty but I am thrilled with my loss so far. It's all part of it
HW333--SW 289--GW of 160 5' 11" woman. I only know the way I know & when you ask for input/advice, you'll get the way I've been successful through my surgeon & nutritionist. Please consult your surgeon & nutritionist for how to do it their way. Biggest regret? Not doing this 10 years ago! Every day is better than the day before...and it was a pretty great day!
Basically you can't "un-grow" skin. More skin grew to cover areas of fat we added to our bodies, hence the stretchmarks. What I've heard that exercise CAN do (since it can't tighten the actual skin), is it tightens the muscle underneath the skin which can help it's appearance ;)

Maureen Tired of Living my Life in the Dark
Some very lucky people seem to do better then others. Age and genetics seem to be the biggest factor but sadly, there is no magic potion or exercise that will make the excess skin bounce back. Sometimes insurance will pay to have it removed if there is a health problem due to it, such as rashes or back pain, much like insurance will pay for a breast reduction if it causes health issues. Also, some people who had their surgery done open find themselves with a hernia and many times a tummy tuck can be worked in at the same time as a repair reducing the cost.
If you do develop issues be sure to document them with doctor visits and pictures of rashes, etc. That may help with the insurance process. My insurance paid for a panniculectomy (removal of the lower stomach excess skin, also called an apron).
WLS 10/28/2002 Revision 7/23/2010
High Weight (2002) 240 Revision Weight (2010) 220 Current Weight 115.
As long as I don't have related health problems I have no intention of plastic surgery. The only person who sees me naked is the hubby and he's ok with it. The bat wings and saggy thighs are not too pretty, but I earned this!
I think each person needs to chose for themselves what they need, can afford and/or live with. If I could afford surgery I would do a breast lift
I had a TT done with insurance coverage 3 weeks ago. I am waiting on more till I see how my body settles into my new weight. I had a hysterectomy and SI joint pins in the last 4 months, so not exercising except walking. I need to have thighs, back and breast implants still. I have not been exercising, so when I can get back to that it may be enough for my arms as they are not bad.
RNY 9/12 TT 9/13 HT 5' 4" HW 250 SW 242 CW 125
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