Question:
Is there any exercise that will help with 'batwings'?

Hi, I recently had lap RNY 4 months ago and have lost 68 lbs. Why today, all of a sudden did I JUST notice my saggy uppers arms (batwings I think they're called :)) and wrinkled jiggly thighs? Is there any help for this, that you know of? I can't afford to join a gym right now and was wondering if a treadmill would help? At least for the thighs. Any suggestions for the "batwings"? Do you know if any of these firming lotions on the market really help? I've got at least another 50 lbs to go, and I would hate to think it can get worse than this! Thanks in advance for all your help    — katia H. (posted on July 12, 2003)

July 12, 2003
When I lost a big chunk of weight my arms sagged enormously. I did some toning in the water with the boyancy weights and such, used some skin firming lotions, and waited. I think time itself is your best bet. If you have a lot of excess skin, no matter how much toning or muscle building you aren't going to be able to fill in all that skin. But you won't know how much skin you'll have in all until you wait and see. For me the amount of hanging skin is less than half of what it was and this summer despite it all I'm wearing sleeveless shirts (even in public!) but my arms will never be the same and truthfully neither will my thighs. If you have a huge amount of excess stretched out skin the only way to get rid of it plastic surgery unfortunately. But I'd try some toning and lotions and just be patient to see how much skin you actually have to deal with and how you really feel about it when your done losing and have bounced back as much as you can - say a year afterwards you'll know. (As for the lotions only helping the surface, I think most doctors agree its the motion of applying it that's really the most helpful.)
   — Shelly S.

July 13, 2003
Email me and I wills end you the exercises my personal trainer gave me for this... and they work if you do them!! My batwings are almost GONE and my thighs are tons better!!!
   — Sharon M. B.

July 15, 2003
A treadmill didn't help my thighs. That nasty wrinkly skin on the inside of my thighs is still there. The walking does help the backs of your thighs look good and I thought it helped my hips and butt too. But after walking for 7 months/5 days a week on a treadmill, it didn't help the sharpei skin. Plastic surgery is the only answer for that and the batwings. I had batwing surgery about 3 weeks ago and my arms are much thinner, however scars now replace the wrinkly skin. There is always a price to pay.
   — Patty H.