QUESTION FOR POST-OP

I am pre-op. I am 25 my surgery date is feb 22nd. Im nervous and scared and happy all in one. Im sure some of you have had that thought of turning back. I know I have. My question to you is have any of the post-ops had to get plastic surgery done, or has your skin been ok? I have heard from alot of people that I shouldnt need plastic surgery since im so young. Thanks for your help..

Every body is different and a whole combination of factors contribute to a need for post-op plastics. I've talked to/read profiles of plenty WLS patients in our 20s that do in fact get some plastic surgery so your age, while a help, will not let you escape that. What does matter is how stretched/stressed your skin is currently and how you've carried your weight. Like, do you have a ton of stretch marks on the breasts, belly and arms like I do? Skin with stretch marks has lost much of the elasticity already and won't bounce back as well. Are you heavy in just ONE trouble spot or have you carried the weight all over your body? That makes a difference in how much you skin has already stretched and how much it can reabsorb. Also, it can take up to TWO YEARS after dramatic weight loss for one's skin to recover. Frankly, most people don't want to wait that long. And for some, skin folds are hosting infections and there's medical need to get the extra skin removed ASAP. I think it depends on what you are comfortable with. A slightly flabby tummy might be something I can happily live with but another person my same age/weight might be very uncomfortable.

Hi Cherly, I actually have never posted on this site, but I wanted to say, that I am 25 and post op too. My surgery is one day before yours 2-21-06!! I am excited, but I read some of your journal on your page and I share some of the same fears! I have heard too that just becuase we are young doesn't mean our skin will bounce back. I am most scared about my boobs looking completely ugly. I carry most of my weight in them! HA. Almost true, they are huge! So I've been told most likely I will need a lift and snip in that area. I would think if your trying to get your water in now that will help your skin, and exercise now too. I went the other day to the gym, but was sad b/c of how tight my work out clothes were, it was uncomfortable. So I am trying to make some changes now that will make it easier post op. Take care!

Hi Cheryl! Congrats on your surgery day! It is so exciting! I had surgery 8/8/05 and have thus far lost 90 pounds.... I haven't had too much trouble with excess skin, but I carried my weight all over and in my hips/thighs.... So I don't lose too much muscle while I am losing I am also working out 4-6 times perweek... keeping that muscle tone is supposed to help with the skin issues.... Good luck with with your surgery, don't think too much about the bad things that can happen, but think about how much better your life will become when you aren't carrying around all that extra weight... Good luck! See ya on the losing side!!! Bridget 280/190/140ish