Question:
how can I prevent sagging skin after WLS? Any cream or Exercise?

   — [Anonymous] (posted on May 28, 2000)

May 28, 2000
This may be more of question than an answer. I am a firm believer in excercise (in spite of the fact that I get little :)). Through my previous battles with weightloss, I have been able to learn that by targeting certain areas with resistance excercises, practically all areas of the human body can be "toned". I have not had WLS as yet although I am hoping to so I am certainly not an authority here. I am thinking of buying a bowflex though as I hear monumental things about this device. Has anyone else used the bowflex machine in conjunction with WLS? Also, it is a pretty wide-held belief that muscle is often lost before fat if not supplemented by resistance excercise. I thing protein plays a big part in muscle tone as well and from what I understand, it is difficult to get the required 40 grams of protein per day as protein is not available in pill supplements. What are other people's experiences with this subject?
   — jeff P.

May 28, 2000
Exercise will help a lot but things like your apron (lower abdominal area) will need to be surgically removed with an operation called paniculectomy (sp). Insurance may cover this if it is "medically necessary". You will need to document everytime you see your physician any problems you are having with back pain or painful rashes or foul odor etc. Not very glamorous to be sure but documentation will make all the difference in getting it paid for and paying out-of-pocket for it. To the best of my knowlege the various firming creams on the market don't work that well. You may notice some difference but after wls and the very rapid weight loss that goes with it, it would not be enough to make a lot of difference. Hope this helps.
   — Rose S.

May 10, 2001
Don't really know. I've just wanted to say that I'm currently using strength training exercises to tighten skin for my arms and so far after 1 year, the skin still looks the same to me. Its very discouraging. I envy those who have tight tone skin. I have lost about 90lbs and the skin sags most around my waist and thighs. Ugh... Any help would be appreciated.
   — Nicki J.

May 10, 2001
Well, I tried everything... Exercise, oils, skin conditioners, long hot bubble & oils baths.. NOTHING helped sorry to say... I religiously used 5 pound weights for my arms, and I still have bat wings to end all bat wings.. when I run they flat (honest).. I look great in cloths but for God's sake don't take them off :) I did have a abdominoplasty surgery and will have revision surgery to remove scars on 5/22 hopefully I will have my arms done also..
   — Victoria B.

November 18, 2003
WELL, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I SHOULD HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTING BEFORE 8 MONTHS POST OP, TRY TO DRINK ALOT OF WATER TO FLUSH OUT THOSE FATTY DEPOSITS AND ALSO TRY TAKING OMEGA 3, FISH OIL CAPSULES, EVERYDAY. BOTH THOSE THINGS ARE IDEAS THAT I HEARD WORK. I KNOW IT HAS WORKED FOR ME FOR THE PAST 2 MONTHS. TAKE CARE.
   — orangeblossom