question with gastric bypass

Allonsy1992
Allonsy1992 Posts: 9
in Health and Weight Loss
Hello, I'm having gastric bypass on november 21st. Please don't try to talk me out of it thats not why im here. I'm here because I know a few other people on here have had it done. I weigh 270 pounds at the moment ( i lost 10 pounds so far on the pre surgery diet its probably just water weight) and I want to get down to 160 honestly, I'm afraid of loose skin. I'm terrified ill have to get a tummy tuck or something, anyone here lose the same amount with no loose skin??

Replies

  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    You'll probably have loose skin because you'll lose weight rapidly and that's usually the cause. Slow and careful weight loss is the best remedy for loose skin but you've made up your mind to lose weight the hard way so.....
  • AmyMalley77
    AmyMalley77 Posts: 72 Member
    My husband just had surgery at the end of May. He has lost almost 100 pounds so far and is within 7 pounds of the "upper range" of where the doctor wants his weight to be. He has SOME looser skin now, but nothing that looks "gross" or way out of the ordinary. However, I know someone else who had 200 pounds too lose and she does have a LOT of excess skin.

    I think that once my husband starts lifting weights again, it would help a bit with his arms though---he had muscular arms and he's lost a lot of that muscle tone in the last six months. He's just had a few set backs in the past few months after surgery (had a couple of the complications they warn you can happen) that's hampered him from exercising a lot. He was jogging two miles every other day at about three months post-surgery, which I think also helped with the skin on his waist and butt. Getting those muscles in shape helps (but doesn't totally eliminate) the saggy skin.

    Good luck with your surgery. I know from having a husband who has it that it's not something anyone takes lightly and it's definitely not easy!
  • AmyMalley77
    AmyMalley77 Posts: 72 Member
    Oh...and by the way, my husband does have excess skin on his stomach....that's mainly where he carried his weight, in his belly. If I were him, as a female, I'd want a tummy tuck. Looking at him as the male that he is from my female point of view though, I don't think it looks bad on him as a male... If that makes any sense.
  • ash8184
    ash8184 Posts: 701 Member
    How old are you? If your user name is any indication... 21ish? I ask because the elasticity of your skin gets worse as you get older.

    I had a lap band about 5 years ago. I started at 383, but by the time I had the band, I was right around 275ish. My lowest weight (Feb of this year) was 163. I had some pooch, but it was fat that was left, not loose skin on my tummy. I have batwing issues on my upper arms, but I think with time and with losing more fat, that will help. If you take in to account that I'd lost 220lbs, I really didn't have much extra skin.

    HOWEVER, a friend of mine was in the 450lb range and is now somewhere in the low-mid 200s, and does have excess skin. She is getting a consult about when she can get it removed, but they're estimating it's somewhere around 30 (!!!) lbs of skin. She is in her late 20s, but keep in mind, she started off weighing more than you do.

    So excited for you to embark on this journey. It can be tough, and it is definitely a tool (it won't solve all of your problems overnight), but it is an amazing, helpful way to get healthy.

    Let me know if you have any questions!
  • lilbearzmom
    lilbearzmom Posts: 600 Member
    I had WLS (not bypass) 10 months ago and am down 142 lbs total. I'm not gong to lie- I have loose skin everywhere, and since I'm apple shaped, particularly in my tummy area. On the upside, I look fan-freaking-tastic in clothes and I am no longer hypertensive and diabetic. I may look into plastic surgery someday, but am relishing the fact that it gave me my health back.
  • eels4peels
    eels4peels Posts: 229 Member
    I actually had a tummy tuck back in Feb of this year because of my loose skin. I think everyone's case is different, but my surgery was not bad at all. It was the first surgery I have ever had, the first time I was ever in a hospital over night and the first time I had to recover from anything like that. I have Vlogs and Blogs about my experience on my Sparkpeople.com/eels4peels account if you want to check it out. It was indeed the best decision for me, but I took 2 years to really tone and try to get rid of the saggy skin. Good Luck in your surgery!
  • michelegurr
    michelegurr Posts: 55 Member
    I just wanted to let you know how much you helped me in my personal situation by being brave enough to be honest and post your question! My husband is over 400 lbs, and id trying to get the insurance company to approve gastric bypass surgery for him.....physically while I don't mind that he's heavy because he's still a handsome devil and I love the man within as well as anything else, if he doesn't do something soon he will seriously die before his time. He's not quite ready to commit to MFP and I refuse to nag him or push him. After all dieting never works unless you do it for yourself. but I hate the limitations his weight has put on his health. We did sit through a seminar put on by the doctor that does all the gastric weight loss surgeries in our area. The complications were stressed, and he feels it is something he should still do. I'd love to see his knees and back regenerate a little, and to be off all of the meds this guy sis on would be stellar. Among the many things associated with this surgery, the extra skin concern is legitimate, and the fact that other MFP people have had the surgery and are using MFP to maintain or whatever is great. The tips about what has worked for others post surgery is cool. Thanks to all who have posted feedback as it has helped me as well!
  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    After all dieting never works unless you do it for yourself.
    yet WLS is just an enforced diet. Hmm.
  • xTattooedDollx
    xTattooedDollx Posts: 426 Member
    My mom had it, lost 80 and looks so gross. She worked out during too.
  • Allonsy1992
    Allonsy1992 Posts: 9
    I just want to thank everyone who answered you helped me out a bit on my fear of it. thanks :)
  • Beana21
    Beana21 Posts: 91 Member
    I had gastric bypass on April 17th and on my 6 month "surgiversary" three days ago I had lost 73 lbs and 13 BMI points. My surgery weight was 274.8 and I'm currently at 201 at 5'3". I am 33 years old and have been overweight since childhood, with my highest being 310 lbs two years ago. I have a little bit of sagging on my stomach and inner thighs (my thighs have always been disproportionately large). We'll see how that progresses as my weight loss continues, but I'd rather have sagging skin than health issues. My skin may snap back, but not completely due to it being stretched out over the years. But that's why compression garments were created. :tongue:

    I have absolutely no regrets. Recovery was painful and learning my limits with food and liquids was a challenge at first, but it is worth it. Just make sure your mindset is in the right place, particularly when it comes to food. The surgery is just a tool, and it can't fix how you relate to food. And exercise is extremely important. Start off having good exercise habits, so it'll be easier to continue with them as time goes on.

    Any questions, feel free to message me. Best of luck to you. :drinker:
  • astousig
    astousig Posts: 4
    I had surgery March of 2012. I have lost 105 pounds so far. Ive been stuck at my current weight for over 6 months and still trying to lose about 20-30 more. I do have some loose skin in my stomach and arms area. With working out you are going to have it probably. You body can't snap back quick of how quick you lose the weight. I am dealing with that issue now with dealing with it because insurance won't cover the surgery for the skin unless there is major rashing. Just be prepared thats all. Its the best thing that I have ever done. If you need anyone to talk to or anything. Always willing to talk to people about their experience and ways to help lose weight.!! :)

Categories