Question:
After loosing the weight what happens to the skin??

Okay for some I realize that the skin went back to "normal" so to speak, I want to know if anyone has any problems with it not going back or shrinking with the rest of them, and how they deal with the left over skin, or is this not even an issue??    — Katie C. (posted on July 26, 2001)

July 26, 2001
It depends on the person. You might be one of the fortunate ones who loses a lot of weight and doesn't have a significant problem with excess skin. It also depends on your beginning weight. It seems to me, from observing my support group, that those who start out under 350lbs. don't have any skin issues. I had surgery at 370 and my best friend had surgery at 260. I'm at 210 now and she is at 150 and neither of us had a problem. My upper arms are a bit jiggly, but, no worse than some other women in my age group. On the other hand, my sister who is 15 years younger than I am lost 70lbs. by dieting and she has folds of skin on her thighs that even hang down under her undies and her boobs fell to her waist. Who would have predicted that? So you never know. If you do need some skin removed, most insurers will cover the "apron" removal and many will cover plastic surgery for the thighs, boobs and upper arms if the excess skin causes medical or functional impairment problems. If it's just a cosmetic issue, you're on your own. Just know that there are procedures for every part of the body.
   — [Anonymous]

July 26, 2001
Whether your skin will or will not shrink back, I think, is a genetic issue. I dont believe there is anything you can do to avoid it, if it's going to happen. My friend & I both started out at around 315 pounds. We both had the Open DS. I exercised like mad with weights, she did nothing. Her skin shrunk up beautifully!! My skin did not shrink up at all, though I did build muscle--it didn't help my sagging skin. I dealt with it by getting reconstructive surgery. My friend is almost 4 years postop and has not gained back an ounce of her lost weight and she says that her skin is still adjusting and shrinking to her new body. I really feel this is a genetic issue. If it's giong to shrink up, it will--if not, it won't no matter what you do. You can see a picture of my friend at: http://www.mywls.com/People/diane_s_story/diane_s_story.html. Good luck to you!
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 6, 2001
If you feed your tissues Omega 3 fish oil, you will absolutely see dramatic improvements in regard to loose skin and stretch marks. I'm take a supplement called OmegaPlex and my skin is great.
   — Eric H.