Question:
I'm only 4 months post, and I'm wondering if anyone else has had this happen

and what did you do to fix it or help it. When I walk, my legs flap and make noise. This is VERY embarassing. I slow down and it helps, but not much. In the winter I can wear nylons and that might help. However, this is Arizona and right now its HOT, HOT, HOT.    — suzcar51 (posted on August 13, 2003)

August 13, 2003
I'm sorry I don't have any solution. I am also 4 months post-op but this has long been happening to me...legs flapping and stomach flappins...jumping jacks in gym class were not fun!!! I'm able to handle wearing pants, my legs are horribly disfigured with fluid, it's hot and humid here in Ohio but no where near the heat in Arizona.
   — Sarahlicious

August 13, 2003
This is a big problem for me to. The arms are the worst. I beat myself up when I take a shower, slappin' and flappin'.the legs aren't so bad if I wear spandex shorts to the gym. I wear a light weight girdle with dress clothes, and yes it is hot, but I am usually in AC places when I have to dress up.
   — Tawnda C.

August 13, 2003
Don't look for nylons to help - they make noise when they scratch together too!
   — bethybb

August 13, 2003
Get to an air conditioned building - gym, mall etc. and walk lots every day. This will help tighten up the skin. My legs were looking pretty flabby about the same point and I kicked up the walking and it's helped quite a bit. Even making good progress on the saddle bags around the knees. In a big place walking and making noise won't be a big deal. Then when you are in closer quarters hopefully they will be firmed up some and not be as noticeable.
   — zoedogcbr

August 13, 2003
Two words. Bike shorts. The ones with lycra keep the flapping to a minimum. Sadly, the more weight I lost, the flappier mine got. Walking is definitely not helping the skin shrink back up. It hangs in folds. My doc told me nothing short of surgery would fix it. They also have the undergarments now that go from your waist to mid thigh which pretty much to the same thing.
   — mom2jtx3

August 14, 2003
The best thing you can do is make them flap harder!! I know, it sounds gross (literally!!), but the only way you are going to work that extra skin off is to work it off!! Bike shorts are a great idea... and work well! :~) One of the things I have done to eliminate "Sharpe` thighs" is to get a really tough, large beach ball, sit in a chair with my butt hanging over as far as I can and still stay seated (easier said than done! lol), grab the ball between my knees and start pushing my thighs together, scrunching the ball HARD (that's why you need a tough one!!). My thighs have toned up considerably, to the point I don't sag like I did at all, and won't need surgery!! I started out at 378 and am now 166, too. SO... start scrunching!!! :~) Good Luck!!
   — Sharon m. B.