Question:
where does the skin go

I am 5'3 and weigh 220 i recently saw someone who had lost 154 lbs and there was skin everywhere and it hung and it made her look bigger than what she really is. This is scaring me. What can i do to avoid is? Due to the fact that i am smaller will I have as much?    — [Anonymous] (posted on July 4, 2001)

July 4, 2001
I'm 5'3" and my starting weight was ~229. I'm 10 months post op and weigh 115. I'm in sizes 2 and 4. :) I'm pleased to tell you I have VERY LITTLE loose skin. What I do have is on my stomach and again it's very little. I feel certain with excercise and time I'll be looking normal. I hope it helps to hear this. Feel free to write me, [email protected]. Much love,
   — Alicia B.

July 4, 2001
There are several factors. First, how much overweight you are to begin with and second, your age when you lost the weight. My doctor says that your skin is still elastic until about the age of 35. After that it doesn't shrink back to normal size and if there is too much skin surgery may be necessary to remove the excess.
   — [Anonymous]

July 4, 2001
I'm 51 yrs old. I don't excercise, other than walking. And I don't have a lot of excess skin. I was 278 to begin with and now I'm 145. I think it is a combination of things , enough protein so we burn more fat than muscle , hydration both inside and out and the biggest factor our genes. My mother and father were both normal weight and had good muscle tone , neither one were into exercise.
   — Rose A.

July 4, 2001
Yeah, what she said. I'm also 51, busy, but not formal exercise. I do a mountain of protein supps, though, and a fair amount of water (I slack here a bit), nourish carefully with dry E & other vites, hydrate on the outside. Sure, there were parts that had to be fixed with professional help, but other parts are about as they should be for a women my age. Like Rose, I lost about 150#. 262 to 110 or so, 1994 surgery.
   — vitalady

July 6, 2001
Individual bodies react differently to wls and to the weight loss. Your on the smaller side; so, I don't think you'll have much to worry about as far as excess skin is concerned. I've lost in excess of 100lbs. and I have no problems with excess skin. My tummy is flat and my thighs are in good shape. You can certainly minimize any potential problems by working out at a gym.
   — margaret N.