Question:
Dreaded batwings......
Hello all, I am scheduled for RNY on April 5th. I am having a repeating thought that I wanted to run by here to see if anyone has had a similar experience. Though my weight is evenly distributed at 5'4 and 257 lbs, my concern is my arms. I used to have strong muscular arms and now I feel that my arms are extremely large and out of porportion. I asked my friend and husband and they say it is in porportion, therefore it is more mental. My fear is that they become so saggy that I can't wear short-sleeve shirts. I have accepted the legs and the abdomen if they come this way but I do not want it to happen to my arms as they are the most visible. So, with that said, any pointers, thoughts, suggestions, ideas etc to help with this? — A. Me (posted on March 11, 2010)
March 11, 2010
I've been told that swimming, particularly the breast stroke, will help
firm up the arms. However, it has only minimally firmed mine up. Of
course, I'm 56 years old and was morbidly obese since I was about 25, so
I've had a long time for the skin to become stretched out and lose its
elasticity. I probably wont be wearing an sleeveless blouses or halter
tops, but short sleeves (that end just above the elbow) aren't bad at all.
— Erica Alikchihoo
March 11, 2010
Its a crap shoot! I have seen a couple of people that weren't noticable,
(I always look to compare). I have worked out and have "great muscle
definition" according to the 2 plastic surgeons I have seen. I didn't
swim but did work out my arms and I used to be muscular as a teenager and
young adult. I wear 3/4 length sleeves most of the time and love the new
tunic/seventies look shirts they are very flattering. They hide the arms
and stomach! But I cant seem to work out without my wings trying to take
off. Plastics for me next month.
— ToniLee
March 11, 2010
I am 45 and like you was concerned with the extra arm skin, or "granny
grabbers". My Personal Trainer had me doing a lot with my upper body
and arms and in addition to them getting a 'little' tighter my weight loss
was good. I decided to ramp it up and by using a fly machine with extra
weights I tore my rotator cuff. It is a painful injury. I have been
working with a psychical therapist and cortisone has helped. I have only
been able to run since November and my weight loss has stopped. Just be
careful...I know that I have been an XL all my life (except now) and that
skin is pretty much stretched out. They are ugly to me, but most people
don't notice and 3/4 sleeves are a blessing. If you have had muscular
arms in the past that is a good sign for you. Good luck with your
surgery.
— kfgates
March 11, 2010
Hi there. I am 55 and had VSG surgery back in June of 2008. I have
exercised daily and have worked out my arms with weights. The best thing
you can do is try to build up the muscles in your arms with exercise and
specific arm lifts for your arm muscles with weights or a butterfly
machine. Unfortunately once the skin has lost it's elasticity as we grow
older or it has been stretched out for years due to our being over weight,
there's not a whole lot you can do about the skin. But building your arm
muscles would at least define your arms and fill that skin area with some
good looking muscle. Muscle can be built no matter what our age is. I
still have a little loose skin but nothing that's ugly or embarrassing.
— Jodi L.
March 11, 2010
I'm 51 and lost from 240 to 110. I hid my arms before and I hide them now.
I would rather be thin than heavy, so I just thank goodness I lost the
weight, and don't sweat the skin. It happens and there is not alot you can
do about it. Excercise will not help it. Only surgery will, and I
personally can't afford it. 3/4 length sleeves are a must have. Thank
Goodness for Capris! Just be grateful you are having the surgery and you
will be so much healthier. Good luck to ya!!
— lesleigh07
March 11, 2010
If you have any damage (stretch marks) it makes it harder to tighten those
areas...and will always have at least some sagging whereever there is
damage...I have trouble with my legs and arms...Not my fav body parts
before or after surgery. I have learned a few tricks...1. Most people don't
notice unless you point it out...2. Longer sleeves and shorts help hide
without drawing attention... 3. Don't draw attention to arms by flapping
them or holding your arms out! Of course they look worse when you flail
them! LOL Wave at people with arms tucked into sides! (the beauty queen
wave) LOL Seriously, people will stare if you point it out...otherwise,
most don't even notice if you try a few of those tricks! Using hand weights
helps tighten too...I'm a swimmer too which tones every muscle in your body
without sweating and with both resistance and contraction of muscles with
water healing therapy! You can't go wrong swimming! I love wearing mens
swimming trunks! (They're cute with a tankini)and hide my chunky knees when
I am walking on the beach...and I can swim in them if I feel too insecure
taking them off!
— .Anita R.
March 11, 2010
I am 54, and my arms took the biggest hit, skin wise, since surgery. It
really surprised me; it seems when I lost weight the first month it seemed
like it all came off my arms. They noticeably became loose and saggy. Had
I known this was going to occur so quickly, I would have asked my surgeon
if I could have used light weights following surgery. Maybe nothing would
have helped. I have lost and gained large sums over the last ten years
each time spending hours and hours in the gym. As a result, my arms have
always been probably my best feature. No now. That will probably be the 1
plastic surgery I have when the time is right and I am holding steady in
maintenance.
— dasie
March 11, 2010
I am 54, and my arms took the biggest hit, skin wise, since surgery. It
really surprised me; it seems when I lost weight the first month it seemed
like it all came off my arms. They noticeably became loose and saggy. Had
I known this was going to occur so quickly, I would have asked my surgeon
if I could have used light weights following surgery. Maybe nothing would
have helped. I have lost and gained large sums over the last ten years
each time spending hours and hours in the gym. As a result, my arms have
always been probably my best feature. No now. That will probably be the 1
plastic surgery I have when the time is right and I am holding steady in
maintenance.
— dasie
March 12, 2010
Hi,
I'm 54 and had RNY aug 09, I've lost 105 pounds and there is skin
everywhere..but its better than being 325 pounds. i am not wearing long
sleeves ..won't do it, didnt do it before... as long as you are comfortable
with yourself, you were brave enough to have the surgery... no need to be
afraid of the after effects! Good Luck.
— MarthaJ0110
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