Post loss surgery for excess skin?
MommaLovesToLoseIt
Posts: 271 Member
Hi there, I have some questions for those who have lost significant amounts of weight and have or had saggy skin in different areas. I have lost about 80 pounds and have between 90 and 110 to go ( will decide when I get there) and I have a lot of areas with sagging skin. I also have two children so I have lose skin from pregnancies, too. What I'm wondering is, after a while, does the skin tighten up? I realize that it has a lot to do with genetics, age, etc, but in your experience, did it tighten up enough for you to be happy with it? Did you opt for surgery, and are you happy with the results? I am weight training as I lose so I'm hoping that will help, too. Any input would be greatly appreciated :-)
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I lost 100 lbs six years ago. After maintaining for 3 years I realized that the skin on my stomach was never going to get better. I opted for surgery. It was the best decision I ever made. I am not going to lie, it was expensive but I opted for a new body over a new car. I still drive a 2000 Jeep but I look damn good in it. lol PM me and I will send you before and after pictures.
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I have maintained for 3 years now and no, it never shrinks or goes back. I would love to have a tummy tuck but cannot afford one.0
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I have lost 71 lbs over 11 months. I have 27 lbs to go. I do Pilates 2-3. Times a week and walk 6 days a week. I am currently going for abdominaplasty consults now. I expect to have it in June. I really don't think it will improve without surgery. However, I have known people who have been able to do it without surgery. I am 58, these people were in their 30's. I think age is a big factor. I also am trying to figure out if I need to wait until I hit my goal weight before having surgery. I hope this helps. I would have a few consults with plastic surgeons too0
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Thank you very much for the replies. I didn't think it would bounce back too much. After my pregnancies, my belly bounced back pretty well but I have gained and lost 100 plus pounds twice since then so I'm pretty sure it is at the point of no return.0
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I lost 60 lbs in about 9 months, which was a 1/3 of my body weight. I had loose skin on stomach, thighs, arms, neck etc. Nothing too significant but it was noticeable. Except for my stomach, which is still a bit loose but from having my daughter years ago, it all tightened up by itself. I didn't do anything special, just kinda average workouts, no creams or potions. I didn't even notice the saggy skin had gone, until my husband pointed it out. My advice is to wait for at least a year, then reassess. The body can be pretty amazing without any help.0
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I am down 55 lbs, though if you factor my worst weight ever (which was 7 years ago), I'm down 80 lbs. I have noticed some skin tightening during the loss and I plan on giving myself 6-12 months once I hit maintenance before thinking about surgery. One is to make sure I hold my new weight. Second is to allow for recomp (additional weight training). If I still don't like what I see I can still get the surgery (though it's important to me that the fat loss is accomplished by me and not a knife). For the record since age is a factor, I'm 41.0
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I lost 80 pounds 15 years ago. I had a tummy pouch that no amount of exercise would get rid of. I had surgery and even with gaining some weight back my belly is still pretty flat and getting flatter. It was very painful but worth all the pain and money. When I've lost more weight I will go back and have my arms and legs done as well. I'm not going to work this hard to have floppy skin at the end. It's a personal preference.0
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I lost a lot (160#) and have been maintaining for over 2 years. Stomach area and upper arms have tightened up some. I am fine with it though as I am 64 years old now. Not really an issue for me. Being normal weight is good enough for this old lady, but I understand how you younger folks feel, so if you can, and it will help your self image, go for it!1
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I lost 100 lbs. I've been maintaining over 3 years now... and am actually a little lighter now than when I actually lost the 100. Even though I'm young.. as everyone tells me.. it only bounces back to a point. My arms have gotten a little better from weight lifting... like another poster said.. there's only so much that your tummy will bounce back. I've been looking into surgery.. but I may give it another few years before I actually pull the trigger.
I have a significant amount of sag on my thighs as well, but my tummy/mid section bothers me the most.0 -
It depends on how long you had those extra 100 lbs. Skin can take 1-2 years to tighten up but if you had that extra weight for several years it might not.0
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for some people insurance may cover the surgery for the removal of tummy skin. If it is causing issues such as frequent yeast infections, reduced mobility ect. I know several people had surgery covered for those reasons.0
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lost 150 pounds been more or less maintaining for a couple years now
i really want to get surgery but its very expensive, maybe one day i will get a body lift though0 -
I've lost 96 lbs and think I have 10-15 to go based on the scale but I'm not sure how much of that is excess skin. I'm 51 so am not counting on much of this to go away on its own. I weight train pretty hard - I'm actually pretty happy with my arms and legs. We watched an episode of Extreme Weight Loss over the weekend that made me think I'm closer to goal than I thought I was. Hubby agreed and he's more objective about my size than I am (he seems to think my goal weight is too little, I still look in the mirror and see fat). We dug around and found a couple of recommended plastic surgeons that offer free consultations so we have appointments set for the end of the month. I'm looking forward to finding out about what they can do and when they think it should be done. One of them thinks they can get some covered with insurance (the belly) but with this much weight loss, it's usually measured from surgery date and I didn't have surgery. She wasn't sure how insurance would handle it but thinks I may need to wait a year. I'm looking at a tummy tuck, breast lift (with augmentation only if absolutely necessary) and hubby claims there is loose stuff in my caboose flopping around, not that I noticed but we'll ask about that too.
So, yes, the weight training helps. If I didn't have the biceps and triceps I've built, I'd probably need skin removed there as well.
It couldn't hurt to get a consultation with a plastic surgeon, maybe a little closer to your goal, to get their advice.
And, great job with the loss!
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LindzMiche wrote: »I lost 100 lbs. I've been maintaining over 3 years now... and am actually a little lighter now than when I actually lost the 100. Even though I'm young.. as everyone tells me.. it only bounces back to a point. My arms have gotten a little better from weight lifting... like another poster said.. there's only so much that your tummy will bounce back. I've been looking into surgery.. but I may give it another few years before I actually pull the trigger.
I have a significant amount of sag on my thighs as well, but my tummy/mid section bothers me the most.
I go the other way. I sag in both the thighs and the stomach, and my stomach doesn't bother me but my thighs do. I think it's because I frame my stomach as normal, since I have a kid. (If I'm in a mood that's bothered by it, if that makes sense. Some days I'm like, "Well, this is your body, and that's fine." Other days I'm like, "Well, this is a dumpster fire of a body, and I hate it," but I try actively not to do that.)
I'm still planning to lose another 25 - 40 pounds, and I figure I'll just have to wait and see how it all goes down. I don't plan to have any sort of surgery done. I'm happy with the overall shape of my body, I look fine in clothes, and the special dudefriend doesn't seem to mind looking at me when I'm naked. Adding surgery, for me, doesn't feel like the right choice.0 -
With almost 200lbs to lose, it's likely that loose skin will be an issue. Deal with it once you get to goal. Worrying about it now won't stop it from happening.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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Thanks for all of the responses. I'm not too sure what the ultimate decision will be, but as mentioned, I will deal with it when I have lost the weight, toned up, and can assess the damage I guess. All of the input is very helpful, I appreciate the replies
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How can you tell when it is really excess skin v. still some fat? Someone told me that skin is very thin, when I look at myself, or the people on the follow up show to 600 pound life, it looks like fat to me. I have lost 70 pounds, am down to 142 (5'3"), and I know I have more to go.0
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There will still be some fat there and they will remove it too0
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Out of curiosity, are there any products out there to use while you're losing that will help?0
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augustremulous wrote: »Out of curiosity, are there any products out there to use while you're losing that will help?
No. There is no product that will shrink your skin, only ones that shrink your wallet.0 -
Karenford21 wrote: »How can you tell when it is really excess skin v. still some fat? Someone told me that skin is very thin, when I look at myself, or the people on the follow up show to 600 pound life, it looks like fat to me. I have lost 70 pounds, am down to 142 (5'3"), and I know I have more to go.
I have found the easiest way to tell is to bend down and let it sag. My loose skin sort of reminds me of a plastic bag with a cup of water in it. checkout the obese to beast video on loose skin-youtube-it will give you a better idea.0 -
happimess1 wrote: »augustremulous wrote: »Out of curiosity, are there any products out there to use while you're losing that will help?
from what i have read so far, cocoa butter is suppose to help. I personally use a cocoa butter body wash everyday but only when i reach my goal weight will i find out if it worked.
Cocoa butter is good for stretch marks and scars. It's not going to get rid of fat or loose skin.0 -
augustremulous wrote: »Out of curiosity, are there any products out there to use while you're losing that will help?
The only thing that has ever worked for me is Bio-oil after shower and when it's absorbed, Vitamin E cream on top (before bedtime). Kinda greasy imo (I only like using light creams), but not as bad as many alternatives and sooo worth it... really helps for my stretchmarks and making my skin elasticity bounce back. I might pick up some of that pregnancy stretchmarks cocoa butter that people keep raving about to see if I can replace the Vitamin E cream with that.0 -
jabberwocky918 wrote: »augustremulous wrote: »Out of curiosity, are there any products out there to use while you're losing that will help?
The only thing that has ever worked for me is Bio-oil after shower and when it's absorbed, Vitamin E cream on top (before bedtime). Kinda greasy imo (I only like using light creams), but not as bad as many alternatives and sooo worth it... really helps for my stretchmarks and making my skin elasticity bounce back. I might pick up some of that pregnancy stretchmarks cocoa butter that people keep raving about to see if I can replace the Vitamin E cream with that.
whoops, forgot link: http://www.samsclub.com/sams/genes-vitamin-e-creme-16oz/157674.ip0 -
I wasn't prepared for the loose skin deal after my weight loss surgery. I've been maintaining for going on two years now. I've been working out more and trying hard to increase my muscle mass. I do feel weak often. I ramp up the protein and try hard to eat a balanced diet. What I don't like is the wrinkles associated with the loose skin and I suppose at my age (60 in two weeks) I will just have to accept that I am healthier now and try to focus on the positive. I did use the Bio oil on my surgical scars and it worked great....you can hardly tell I had any kind of surgery. I have not tried to use it on my loose skin or wrinkles, I use Udder Cream everywhere...or plain cheap Suave Smoothing with cocoa butter and Shea body lotion. I'm not fond of strong perfumes and scents.0
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I lost 150 pounds over the last two years. I am 33, mobile, in good health. I have extensive skin sagging on my mons pubis (TMI?), stomach, breasts and thighs. You can see some on my neck if you know what to look for, but most people don't.
A lower body lift runs about 10k for a very good surgeon (American. There are qualified surgeons in Mexico and India, but I am concerned about over site?). I think it is closer to 15 for a full body lift. 20-25 for full body plus breast implants. I hope to have my 10K saved over the next two years, but no guarantees.
It is a bit of a mind *kitten* to be honest. It took a decent amount of time to acclimate to my new body and fact, I would have these waves of dissociation and lack of identity when I lost the weight (I had been overweight since 3rd grade, it was my normal).
Then, even if you have the cash, one surgery usually won't cover the whole deal. How can it? Dealing with accepting it is part of the 'major weight loss journey' of self love. It can feel like, "I did all this work, I want to look good outside of clothes." It is also an issue if you are dating, and now I feel like I will have to introduce the idea of my saggy skin up front, which is about as awkward as it gets. One of the reasons I dragged my feet on weight loss is that I knew I would look like a melted candle after, and that can be hard to take.
I work in the beauty industry, and meet flawless people who hate themselves all day. I am significantly less flawless than them, but I loved myself enough to endure losing 150 pounds, then I can push it to loving myself even with saggy skin. Honestly, It feels soft and squishy, which is kind of pleasant. I know there will be men who reject me outright because that is a deal breaker for them, but people reject others for many reasons. I hope at some point I meet someone who is 100% cool with it. Even better if that person is me.
But if you are not prepared for the reality it can feel like a backhanded punishment for all your hard work, which it isn't. It is simply cause and effect. And since most of the time we caused it, owning it can be difficult.
It feels better to know others struggle with it too.
PS - Consider Daily Dry Brushing. Making sure to oil/moisturize your skin daily is helpful as well. It does not cause miracles, but it does help increase the circulation your skin gets. Many people over dry their body skin by using sulfates in their body wash.0 -
dopeysmelly wrote: »I lost 60 lbs in about 9 months, which was a 1/3 of my body weight. I had loose skin on stomach, thighs, arms, neck etc. Nothing too significant but it was noticeable. Except for my stomach, which is still a bit loose but from having my daughter years ago, it all tightened up by itself. I didn't do anything special, just kinda average workouts, no creams or potions. I didn't even notice the saggy skin had gone, until my husband pointed it out. My advice is to wait for at least a year, then reassess. The body can be pretty amazing without any help.
I agree.
I have, unfortunately, lost 60+ lbs twice - hoping the 3rd time will be the charm. Both prior times my skin shrunk back on its own - and it shows every sign of doing so again this time (at age 59). I suspect it has more to do with skin genetics and amount lost than it does with age, speed of weight loss, exercise, or any other controllable factor
(FWIW, I lose weight very quickly - this time 44 lbs in 5 months, and kept the weight off 5 and 3 years, respectively. My skin shrunk pretty much simultaneously with the weight loss.)0 -
It sounds similar to me with the body yoyo.
At 15 I was 200lbs size 18, dropped to 140 size 9/10
at 25 was a size 18 again (212 lbs)
Lost 62lbs got down to 150, slight loose stomach but found if I just put on muscle under it and kept lean mass high it made it not look tooo bad.
Got pregnant and was back to 204.
Now am 160lbs and my stomach is weee bit softer then it used to be. I am hoping if I cut down another 20lbs then try to put on 10lbs of muscle that it will again keep the loose skin held tight. Due to rapid loss post baby though I am not sure how I will end up.
I have pictures in my profile.0 -
eatingfatbeingfat wrote: »I lost 150 pounds over the last two years. I am 33, mobile, in good health. I have extensive skin sagging on my mons pubis (TMI?), stomach, breasts and thighs. You can see some on my neck if you know what to look for, but most people don't.
A lower body lift runs about 10k for a very good surgeon (American. There are qualified surgeons in Mexico and India, but I am concerned about over site?). I think it is closer to 15 for a full body lift. 20-25 for full body plus breast implants. I hope to have my 10K saved over the next two years, but no guarantees.
It is a bit of a mind *kitten* to be honest. It took a decent amount of time to acclimate to my new body and fact, I would have these waves of dissociation and lack of identity when I lost the weight (I had been overweight since 3rd grade, it was my normal).
Then, even if you have the cash, one surgery usually won't cover the whole deal. How can it? Dealing with accepting it is part of the 'major weight loss journey' of self love. It can feel like, "I did all this work, I want to look good outside of clothes." It is also an issue if you are dating, and now I feel like I will have to introduce the idea of my saggy skin up front, which is about as awkward as it gets. One of the reasons I dragged my feet on weight loss is that I knew I would look like a melted candle after, and that can be hard to take.
I work in the beauty industry, and meet flawless people who hate themselves all day. I am significantly less flawless than them, but I loved myself enough to endure losing 150 pounds, then I can push it to loving myself even with saggy skin. Honestly, It feels soft and squishy, which is kind of pleasant. I know there will be men who reject me outright because that is a deal breaker for them, but people reject others for many reasons. I hope at some point I meet someone who is 100% cool with it. Even better if that person is me.
But if you are not prepared for the reality it can feel like a backhanded punishment for all your hard work, which it isn't. It is simply cause and effect. And since most of the time we caused it, owning it can be difficult.
It feels better to know others struggle with it too.
PS - Consider Daily Dry Brushing. Making sure to oil/moisturize your skin daily is helpful as well. It does not cause miracles, but it does help increase the circulation your skin gets. Many people over dry their body skin by using sulfates in their body wash.
@eatingfatbeingfat Could not have said it better myself. I was super worried about the whole dating thing too.. and having to 'introduce' it at some point. Never was an issue... granted.. I only dealt with one guy after.. and we are getting married in a little over a month.
I had to work on the not viewing my skin as a punishment. You don't really see/hear of that side very much.. especially when you see seemingly flawless women on the cover of magazines in bikinis next to the headline 'MAJOR 100+ WEIGHT LOSS. SEE HOW THEY DID IT!'
Slowly working on it though. Honeymoon in June.. I plan on wearing my first two piece ever.. (always have been overweight). It has taken me 3+ years in maintenance to be comfortable with it.. but all in your own time.0
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