Question:
Excess Skin

I had surgery June 08 and went from 243 to 125 I'm very happy! Hoever, I have a lot of excess skin on my upper part of my legs and it shakes a lot when I walk, not very attractive when wearing shorts... :( I don't want to have plastic surgery are there exercises that I can do to tighten this, I walk a lot but it doesn't seem to be working.    — * S. (posted on July 31, 2009)

July 31, 2009
You will never tighten up your skin after that amount of weight loss. I weighed at one time almost 500 pds. I have lost 200 pds and am scheduled for surgery on Aug. 10 for a panniculectomy/abdominoplasty. I have a pannus that hangs nearly to my knees. It limits my being able to walk well or go upstairs. Hygiene is difficult as well. The pressure on my back and legs is limiting my circulation. It is a medical need that it be done. Afterwards when I am able to move and lose more weight I may have to get it tucked up again. My thighs and arms are also hanging flesh and I also need them done as well. I would suggest you find a wonderful plastic surgeon who does reconstructive work after weight loss. I have a wonderful one in Virginia. I am nervous and scared facing another surgery. I have a history of blood clots following surgery that have resulted in pulminary embolism and so many precautions have had to take place. When asked if I am excited to get this surgery done I cannot honestly say no because I am nervous and scared however when it is all done and I have recouped and can walk with great strides again I will be so excited and eternally grateful and will continue doing what I need to do to lose more weight. I have come so far in this journey. Congragulations to you on your weight loss! Go get some surgery. You will be glad you did. My plastic surgeon tells me skin is like a rubberband, when streched and streched it will never go back to its original strength.
   — Sarah B.

July 31, 2009
I have that skin too..it isn't a lot, but its enough to make me wear bermuda shorts or capri pants. Thats my answer. my belly hangs too, but I have always had that since my 2 c-sections. Best of luck to you. Hugs,kim
   — gpcmist

August 1, 2009
hi I had RNY july of 08 I have lost almost 180 pounds I to have the skin stomach is getting smaller have the skin on upper legs and arms i hate them I am having breast reduction on Aug 5th I am so excited even without the surgery i would do it again I too am greatful best of luck I am on medicare and they r pying for it I have back pain and posture problems if u can get it taken care of it is not cosmetic., Medicare just took my case and 4 others in front of the board to get the law changed on what is cosmetic and medicially neccessary best of luck Tammi
   — Tammi Sandoval

August 2, 2009
Just wondering if your doc has a time limit before having plastic surgery. I know mine does. It is 2 years because it takes the body that long to adjust to everything. I have been told to drink plenty of water and that will also help. I know a lady who had the surgery and lost over 200 pounds and has very little extra skin. I do have hanging skin, but I am determined to wait the 2 years to see what may happen. My doc has started documenting that I do have the skin so when the time comes it will be a medical necessity surgery. If you can, just try to wait it out for at least 18 months.
   — Dawn A.