Question:
Does your skin ever catch up?

I'm 7 months post-op and down 100 pounds. But I look like the hound dog on beverly hillbillies! Okay, well maybe not that bad, but.... Are there any long-term post-ops out there that can give some feedback on whether your skin ever catches up with the weight loss, or are we left with plastic surgery as the only option? I can live with some looseness, but not all of it. Thanks...    — Annette H. (posted on November 22, 2002)

November 22, 2002
It varies from person to person. You could try some toning excercises to help, because you have to remember, it use to be fat in that area which holds up the skin. Now that you are looseing fat, you need to build muscle. Or else the skin would just hang. Hope this helps and good luck to you.
   — Luscious1 X.

November 22, 2002
Yes, there is a rebound in your skin after you have maintained a steady weight for a while. I know JUST what you mean. At least now I can look at myself in the mirror and smile again! LOL
   — ctyst

November 22, 2002
It depends on alot of things, like your genetics, how much elasticity the skin has, how much water you drink (water plumps the skin), your age, how fast you lost etc. I'm 9 1/2 months post-op and have noticed a little tightening around the tummy in the past month. Not enough to ward off the tuck, but unfortunately enough so I doubt insurance would pay for it. But in any case, the docs say to wait a good 18 months post-op before you consider plastic surgery. Its to ensure you can maintain a stable weight and to let your body settle.
   — Cindy R.

November 22, 2002
We had a plastic surgeon at our last support meeting. And he said some will go back, but it all depends on how heavy you where, number of children you have had, and such. He says that once you have stretched your skin to a certain point, all the sit up in the world wont help. It is just hanging skin with no elastic to bounce back with.
   — paulsgirl