How to prevent plastic surgery after RNY

I think it depends on genetics, how long you were overweight and how much you lose. BUT, I, like White Dove, have exercised hard from Day 1, and I don't have a whole lot of sagging skin. I DO have some, though. I have now lost 77.4 pounds and have about 20 to go, so I think my skin situation will definitely be manageable, but I would still love some plastic surgery when I get to goal. Every person's body is different, but I definitely think the muscle tone you get from exercise, is helpful in the final result!

There's nothing you can do. You will either have it or you won't. From all my years in the bariatric community, I'd guess over 80% of us have enough loose skin to warrant plastic surgery. You may be one of the lucky ones.

Thank you all for all your great and prompt responses! Muscle toning exercises have definitely been on my list ;-)

I wonder if wearing supportive undergarments (covering thighs up to under the breasts) during the early and fast weight loss would help.

I can answer that one, I wore girdle tight underwear while I was MO and every minute I lost weight and in the end I had a horrible hanging stomach that I had chopped of with an extended tummy tuck. Best money I ever spent in my entire life, nearly 11 years later it's still perfectly flat and tight. I think when you have plastics and pay big bucks to fix the skins you are more vested in your successful outcome. I don't know anyone who had plastics gain it all back, but plenty that didn't have. Not sure what the dynamic is, if having tight stomach muscles means you eat less, I know I still can't eat a lot and I am nearly 12 years out.

As others have said, there's nothing you can do to prevent excess skin. Genetics, starting weight, how long you were obese, age etc., are all determining factors. But strength training can improve the appearance. The excess skin will still be there, but it can somewhat be filled out with sexy muscles! 

With regard to Ontario. They will cover a panni. I've not seen a case of them covering a tummy tuck, but I really hope that's the case! In very rare instances I've heard of them covering brachioplasty, if you can build a case the excess skin on your arms interferes with your ability to do your job (the example the NP gave was a chef who worked over hot stove). Same with breast lift. It's very rare, and you would need to document heavily the impact it has on your health. 

I have lost over 200 pounds and don't exercise excessively.  I did not use any creams, special garments, oils, or magic spells.  I am pretty pleased with my results at 3 years out.

There was a point in the first two years where the skin/lumpiness seemed terrible to me.  I cannot afford plastics, so I was pretty bummed that I would just have to live with it.  Many vets said to wait until year 3 -- things tend to re-distribute and improve somewhat.  I am not saying that skin disappears -- just to be clear.

I guess I am pretty lucky.  Other than the top of my arms and thighs -- I am pretty happy.  Even the surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic said that it's really unusual for someone to bounce back so well after losing such a huge amount of weight.  My husband is constantly remarking that he would never have believed how good my skin would look -- and frankly, I have friends whose stomachs look worse just from childbirth.  

Would plastics be even better?  Certainly!!  But I am not motivated enough to spend the money on it.  

I guess my point is that I don't think there is anything you can do -- it's really luck of the draw.  

Kat looks great and you would never guess she was ever overweight.

Oh Dove -- you are so sweet. 

I could say the exact same thing about you.  

You could always start a plastics fund now. If you end up not needing it, you could take a lovely vacation.

I have some saggy skin but it isn't a priority for me at this time to address. It may be at some point.