Question:
Is plastic surgery always needed?

I am 2 days pre-op and am having lap band. My question is after I lose my weight, is plastic surgery always necessary? Has anybody been able to tone up with strictly exercise? I am 24 years old, and was told by my doctor that I have my age on my side. Can anybody please share their after stories? I'm still going through with it regardless, but was just curious about this. Thanks!    — nyckitty (posted on February 25, 2008)

February 25, 2008
I am 25 and have been thinking the exact same thing!!
   — bratette

February 25, 2008
Well hello to you all. I am 25 years old. I weighed 398 pounds. I am three years out now and have lost well over 200 pounds. I have had my third child successfully. The answer to your questions would be not it's not always necessary. However a person can live with how they end up or get something done. I am getting plastic surgery done. I have excess that is bugging me lots and I get infections sometimes. I am not happy with the end result body wise. HEALTH wise yes it is great. If you have more questions ask me [email protected] I am here for you and love to talk I had the actual gastric bypass. For three years I have worked out and toned and it helps but will not make everything go away. We do not get heavy over night and our skin can not bounce back there is no way.
   — tl_morgan

February 25, 2008
Youth does play a huge part in your skin's elasticity and to your advantage. You personally do not look very heavy from your photo. It took me 3 years to really tone up fairly nicely. The first year I looked like a bag of skin. I began strenuous work on all my muscles and that helped tremendously, along with a skin firming lotion (nothing over priced either)...and eating lots of healthy veggies. Purple fruits and veggies are best for skin but a wide variety of all kinds is ultimate...green teas is too. Drink all your water and your skin will love you. I'm 43 years old and had my surgery 4 years ago. I lost 150 lbs. I was only very heavy for two years when I got sick but was 200+lbs most of my 20-30's. That probably played a huge role in my success in bouncing back for the most part. I'm no Sports Illustrated model that's for certain, but I also don't feel I need plastics to make me feel better about being thinner. I'm quite content at 165lbs and with less than perfect skin. At your age...I don't think you will have much to worry about...Muscle building will give you good definition and the skin will most likely tighten fairly nice! Good luck with your surgery in a few days!
   — .Anita R.

February 25, 2008
Don't get too far ahead of yourself. One step at a time will bring the greatest long-term success. Take time and discover every nook and cranny about the "improved" you. Best of luck to you!! My prayers will be with you.
   — bariatricdivalatina

February 25, 2008
I am 52 and am a year out. So far the only thing that bothers me is a bit of flabby arms. Of course if I worked out that may help. :) Some comes with age. I believe some of this you won't know for quite some time yet.
   — Claudia C.

February 26, 2008
When I was thirth I went on Liquit protein and lost 140 lbs and all my skin came back into shape. I did not have anything saging then, but I gained almost 200 lbs back over the years, and I know at 62 I will need surgery. If you have less than 125 lbs to loose and exercise, you most likely will not need plastic surgery. For the rest of old guys and gals, there is a good chance we will, unless there is a mircale.
   — William (Bill) wmil

February 26, 2008
I'm 27 years old. I had my surgery last year and so far I have lost 120lbs. My arms are the only thing thats needs a little more work on far as toning up. I wish they were more toner, but I can tolerate the way they are. I think it depends on what you can tolerate. Good Luck!
   — barfiep01

February 27, 2008
Your doctor is right. Age IS on your side. Your youthful skin may well tighten up on its own without need for plastic surgery. Take heart. I am considerably older than you and did not NEED plastic surgery (not that I wouldn't like some touchups here and there anyway).
   — [Deactivated Member]