Question:
Stomach band, girdle, body stocking help with loose skin?

I've been reading a lot of success stories and amazed at the wonderful results from so many people who have the same dieting history as I do. . . . I know WLS is right for me. . . . One concern is the excess skin problem after losing so much weight in a short period of time. I don't think I'll be able to get MediCARE (only insurance) to pay for it and I don't have the cash. . . . So I've been thinking about what I can do to help reduce the problem as much as possible. . . . I'd love to hear what info any one has concerning massage during the first year post-op. Would that help with shrinking the skin? What about any lotions or creams?. . . . Did your surgeon put a stomach band on you in the OR and shortly afterwards? How long did you wear it? Do you think it helped with the skin? . . . . What about girdles or I've been thinking about a full body stocking? One that came down at least to the elbows and to the knees, maybe ankles. Would the constant 24/7 compression help? I was thinking of the compressions bandages that burn victims wear. . . . What other ideas and suggestions have you heard about that might help with this? . . . . Thanks, pre-pre-op BMI 65.7    — Marrilee M. (posted on October 16, 2003)

October 16, 2003
I have lost 134 lbs so far, and I am dealing with loose skin. I DO have to say that it is getting better over time. I wouldn't think that ANY of the things that you mentioned would work. I certainly wouldn't subject myself to a full body stocking even if it did work. I will wear a "shaper" from Victoria's Secret if I am going to something formal and my outfit needs a smoother line. There is a guy in my friend's support group that has lost over 200 lbs and he has NO loose skin.. he says that it is because he drinks a TON of water every day (and I mean a TON). I think it has more to do with genetics than anything. Don't stress too much over it. It is really nothing to worry about. Although I notice the loose skin, everyone that has seen it doesn't think it's that bad at all. I look totally normal in clothing (but I don't wear sleeveless shirts). It is SOOO much better than being MO!!!!!!!!!!! .. Sarah, -134 lbs
   — SarahC

October 16, 2003
HI there, I've lost over 170 and I have plenty of hanging skin. I never tried anything special to deal with it, because the only cure is plastic surgery. That said, working out has helped some on my arms, though I still have wings -- and I wear the very expensive panty girdle underwear from various places (Lane Bryant etc) every day. I've been wearing them for at least a year. It stops the over hang and gives me a little better shape, though its not great. Good luck! Its still worth it, even with the excess skin.
   — Lisa C.

October 16, 2003
Nothing will make it look great, especially when you're naked....but I can't say enough about Jaclyn Smith Total Shaper Pantyhose from Kmart. They give really good compression from waist to about halfway from knee to thigh. Make you look better in clothing, but once you take 'em off, it goes back where gravity makes it go. Good luck to you!
   — Lynette B.

October 16, 2003
Thanks. .I'm the original poster. . . .Does anyone know about the compressions sleeves and stockings that burn victims wear, wouldn't they help?
   — Marrilee M.

October 16, 2003
The JOBST compression garments worn by burn patients are very expensive, very uncomfortable and require measurement and ordering by a health care professional. Loose skin is loose skin, no creams or lotions will get rid of it....please carefully look at your reasons for wanting WLS. This surgery is to improve your health, I don't care how much my skin hangs, I am alive!
   — Linda 1.

October 17, 2003

   — jocelyn

October 17, 2003
I think all the other posters have hit it right on: "loose skin is loose skin." There really is no way to prevent it, but I saw some good suggestions to control the appearance of it. Although wetness or irritation can be a problem, I find that many patients accept this as a tradeoff for the longer, healthier lives they have received in return.
   — DrL