Question:
Anyone 25 or younger not need plastic surgery?

Hi, I'm 18 years old and getting ready to have the Lap RNY in early October. I'm 5'3", a size 24 and wanted to know if anyone around my age did not require plastic surgery for excess skin. I've been told that since I'm young the elasticity in my skin is still pretty intact, and that I shouldn't have to worry about a thing. I just wanted to know if any of you out there have had success with just exercise.    — Leslie L. (posted on October 1, 2003)

September 30, 2003
Age is not the only factor in whether or not your skin "bounces back". It also matters how long you were overweight, your genetics, skin type, etc. I was 21 when I had my first WLS, but I had been fat since early childhood and I definetely needed some work done. Once the elastin fibers are broken, they don't grow back.
   — Ali M

September 30, 2003
Well, I wish I was 18 again, but at least I feel like I am lol. I am 28 and I was a size 24 and now am a size 4(1yr post-op was 267 now 136). The only area that I NEED ps is my stomach and that's not even that bad, but I was overweight and had 3 kids, so my stomach has no bounce left. I look like I have a flat stomach in my clothes though. The best advice is to start working out before and as soon as you can after and don't stop! It really does help, I have a friend who started out larger than myself and older and she had WLS, but not PS and she looks like she's been working out all her life, she's tiny and pure muscle, it is so amazing and she said she just has worked out everyday since her WLS. Good luck to you!
   — Sandy M.

October 1, 2003
I was 20 when i had my surgery. i was 257 and 5'4"...i'm 148 and a size 8 and about 10lbs away from my own personal weight goal and size 6 goal...the only thing i think i might need work on are my boobs...they were only a 40D and now they're 34B and very saggy...which stinks...everything else is fine..my stomach isn't 100% flat but i know that some crunches would help.
   — Becca P.

October 1, 2003
Leslie, I had surgery 05/19/03 (about4 mos .ago) I was 5'3" and 226 a size 20-24 and I have lost 72lbs- and I drink alot of water, and excersize and use lotion-(my grandma is 82 she looks like 50 she swares by Jergen's lotion) and I am fine- and my gut was HUGE!!! I only need to get my boobs done I was a 42 DDD and now I am about a 32 C so imagine that skin-yuck! Good luck you will do fine- email me if you need to..Byn
   — BYN P.

October 1, 2003
I have noticed that younger people under 250ish lbs tend to not have much if any excess skin. above that it is truly a very individual thing. I have seen 21 year olds who weighed close to 400 lbs appear to need NOTHING done. and then I have seen a 19 yr old who weighed 300 and needed EVERYTHING! I'm 18 years old myself, and this is a big concern of mine,but I am assuming I will need PS, and hoping that I wont actually. We'll see!
   — amie

October 2, 2003
Hey Leslie - I'm 39 and went from 350 to 182 and haven't had any surgery at all. I have no idea where the skin went and don't really care, to be honest. I think it has more to do with how long you've been overweight and how heavy you were. I'm sure genetics plays some part in it as well. Good luck to you. - Mike
   — Michael N.

October 2, 2003
WOW! I WISH I didnt need plastic surgery. I am 24 and I am going for a panniculectomy on the 27th of this month to get rid of my apron. My arms and thighs are pretty damn saggy. But they are the least of my worries right now. I just wanted to get rid of my apron first because its so hard to find clothes that fit and I have to wear a girdle EVERY day because I am so selfconscious. But there are some people out there who dont need plastic surgery at all. I started off at 382 lbs, and I am 13 months post op and weight 208 lbs. Total loss of 174 lbs!
   — Shavonne P.