Question:
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to have less extra skin?

I've had a few people tell me to use lotion often as soon as possible to help skin elasticity, and of course working out, weights, and toning. But has anyone found anything else that works?    — Candy M. (posted on September 25, 2001)

September 25, 2001
water- protein- exercise both cardio-vascular [treadmill] and free weights for arm and leg strengthening are key components, along with just good luck.
   — michelle R.

September 25, 2001
I too was there only I sarted thinking about having the Dr. reverse it two days out. There is a large difference between expectations and reality. This is now reality! I know that almost everybody has had your same thoughts. Just hold on! I know you will just scream if another person says it gets better , But IT DOES! Just settle down and ride it out. It gets better that is the reason you do not find many people that regret having this done. If you would have talked to them at about the same time you are out they would most likely have regrets. The regrets fade as the better times come on.
   — Dennis J. B.

September 25, 2001
I have the same concern. I spoke to my doctor about this just yesterday. Well as we all know there is no magic cure for a sexy body.....working out weights, cardio classes etc. as soon as possible after surgery will hopefully nip in the bud. The sooner you start the better. So , tomorrow Im six weeks out and have been going to the gym for 2 weeks so far...today i started weights and I love it. Im down 40.2 lbs...so it must be helping. Good Luck!
   — Melissa S.

September 26, 2001
I have been told BODY WRAPEING -- cost about 75.. but can find specicals for 40... I have been told that this work Only if you don't gain the weight back. I will have surgey tomorrow and plain to have done with each 50 pd weight lose. Works great for MOMs with fab after having baby
   — Deborah M.

September 26, 2001
All you can do is pray that you'll be one of the fortunate ones and not have significant problems with excess skin. There are no wraps, lotions, potions or exersizes. The problem is skin and not muscle; so, exersize won't help at all. When I first met with my surgeon, he brought up the issue. I remember (I was 340lbs.) he cautioned me about this problem. I've seen women in my support group who actually looked better when they were a little fatter than they did when they got thin. One young woman in my group has been tremendously successful at losing weight. I think she has lost over 200lbs. But, she's miserable because she needs so much cosmetic work. Her insurer did pay to have her stomach and breasts done and that helped a lot. But, this kid (@ 25 she's a kid to me!) needs a face lift and the skin on her legs keeps her in pants and long skirts. Her upper arms look deformed because she didn't lose much weight in that ares; so, her arms don't match the smaller body. My heart breaks for her. She can't afford all the cosmetic surgery it would take to allow her to begin to look normal. She's certainly healthier and will live longer. But, the quality of her life isn't any better than it was when she weighed 400lbs. She often tells her story at group...our surgeon has encouraged her to do this. He makes sure prospective patients know the worst case senarios. I respect him for that. Too many surgeons ignore or gloss over this issue.
   — [Anonymous]