Removing Loose Skin After WLS/Other Weight Loss

[FitChick]

They say its the fastest growing surgery, mostly due to the advent of WLS:


http://money.aol.com/insurance/health/forbes/_a/fastest-growing-plastic-surgeries/20060516175609990001

I found this part of the article especially interesting....

Dennis Orgill, the associate chief of plastic surgery at Brigham & Women's Hospital and Baker's doctor, says that such procedures account for a tenth of his practice. Many patients, he says, are unprepared for the radical changes in their bodies. "When they come in," Orgill says, "a lot of these patients say, 'They never told me my skin would look like this,' and they never would have gone through the bypass procedure [had they known]."

[Miss Vickie]

It's funny. I wonder how anyone who had WLS could say they weren't informed that loose skin would be an issue. My doctor and his nurse made it clear that I would have some loose skin -- how much depended on many factors, including genetics, nutrition, and the length of time that I was big. The WLS forums are full of conversations about loose skin, how to get your insurance to cover plastic surgery, etc. I mean, it was ALL over the place. I think it's just one of those things where you're told something but you don't want to believe it so it doesn't sink in. I mean, this happens with the vitamin regimen and dietary restrictions we're supposed to follow. We're TOLD we have to eat differently for life, but for how many people does that really sink in, until you're in the situation? I think you just can't know what your situation is going to be like until you're in it.

I guess it makes sense that surgeries such as this would be on the rise, since WLS is on the rise. I think most people have unreal expectations about what they'll look like. Many of us think we'll have the same body that we'd have as if we hadn't been fat all those years, but really that's just about impossible without surgery.

I'm still of two minds about surgery for myself, though I support others if they want it. My arms are pretty damn bad (losing 8 inches off of each arm will do that), but I'm not sure it's worth the money to have them fixed. The only surgery that would be covered by insurance -- a tummy tuck -- isn't really so much a need of mine, mostly because I still have a lot of weight in my tummy. I figure I'll get to a stable weight, give it a year of intense working out and eating well, and see where I am. I'm in no hurry for more surgeries at the moment, and overall I like how my body looks, arms notwithstanding.

And hey, thanks for contributing to the forum. It keeps a bored chickie like me off the streets and causing trouble. :)

[FitChick]

I thought the same thing, too, though its possible not all doctors inform patients.

I can honestly say I genuinely was never informed that after massive weight loss, you have all this loose skin on the upper thighs, belly and upper arms. If I'd gotten WLS maybe I would have been forewarned, but what I did, I did on my own and had nobody to warn me of anything. It was a real shock to find myself left with all this! I'd never dieted and I'd never lost weight before, and maybe if I HAD in my life, I would have known.

I asked my mom (a lifelong chronic dieter who never weighed more than 220) if she realized what would happen after massive weight loss, and she said she did know, because friends of hers had lost a lot and developed the problem. I asked why she didnt tell me and she said she was afraid if she did, I'd stop eating healthy and stop exercising.

I decided against plastic surgery for several reasons: One, in 1998 I had the last of many stomach surgeries (3 Csections and one hyst), and was so relieved that it was all over. I don't want to go thru another stomach surgery if I don't absolutely have to.

I also want to keep that skin in case I ever (G-d forbid) have breast cancer and they need that skin to make new boobs (sounds nuts but I did have a breast cancer scare last yr and decided it after that.)

[Miss Vickie]

Do you think maybe it's because your weight loss was more "natural" (and I'm assuming slower?), everyone figured it wouldn't be an issue?

I lost about 50 pounds on JC in the 90's and had no problem with loose skin at all. OTOH I was younger, lost it slower, and I was getting more nutrients in my diet (although that's arguable given the processed crap I was eating).

To be truthful, it never occurred to me that a large, non WLS weight loss, would cause the same kind of skin issues that a loss with WLS has. Mostly because it's usually slower.

Go figure, eh?

[FitChick]

Do you think maybe it's because your weight loss was more "natural" (and I'm assuming slower?), everyone figured it wouldn't be an issue?

I lost about 50 pounds on JC in the 90's and had no problem with loose skin at all. OTOH I was younger, lost it slower, and I was getting more nutrients in my diet (although that's arguable given the processed crap I was eating).

To be truthful, it never occurred to me that a large, non WLS weight loss, would cause the same kind of skin issues that a loss with WLS has. Mostly because it's usually slower.

Go figure, eh?

Its *possible* people assumed that. I really don't even know how fast or slow I lost the weight because I wasn't keeping track the way someone on a diet would be. I didn't even own a scale, but I did notice my skirts kept falling down!:shocked: I'm kind of odd in that I have tunnel vision: if I'm focused on one thing, I don't see anything else. That is, my *focus* was eating right/exercising to cure my IBS. So the *only* thing I noticed, really, was the IBS attacks stopped. The weight loss was not an issue other than the fact that it was getting hard to stay dressed without buying new clothes (!) And in retrospect, I think I honestly thought that if I was not *trying* to lose weight, it wouldn't happen.


I *think* I lost most of the weight in the first year and a half, though I'm not entirely sure. I gauged it by dress sizes more than anything...in 2001 (when this started) I was size 26-28 (pear shaped), in 2002 (when we moved to NJ) I was size 18-20, and now I'm size 6-8.

[Miss Vickie]

Its *possible* people assumed that. I really don't even know how fast or slow I lost the weight because I wasn't keeping track the way someone on a diet would be. I didn't even own a scale, but I did notice my skirts kept falling down!:shocked: I'm kind of odd in that I have tunnel vision: if I'm focused on one thing, I don't see anything else. That is, my *focus* was eating right/exercising to cure my IBS. So the *only* thing I noticed, really, was the IBS attacks stopped. The weight loss was not an issue other than the fact that it was getting hard to stay dressed without buying new clothes (!) And in retrospect, I think I honestly thought that if I was not *trying* to lose weight, it wouldn't happen.


I *think* I lost most of the weight in the first year and a half, though I'm not entirely sure. I gauged it by dress sizes more than anything...in 2001 (when this started) I was size 26-28 (pear shaped), in 2002 (when we moved to NJ) I was size 18-20, and now I'm size 6-8.

Yeah, see, that's a lot slower than someone who's had gastric bypass. I started out a 26/28 in April of last year and now I'm a size 16. OTOH you did still lose a significant amount of weight and it could be that that, coupled with you having kids, meant that your skin just didn't have the stretchability that it would have had if you were in your early 20's and never carried a baby to term.

So many different things that come into play. I'm just embarrassed that I never thought of the skin thing being an issue with weight loss other than WLS. OTOH, with the exception of one time, I never managed to lose more than 15-20 pounds, and that was slow going.

Edited to add that I'm considered a "slow loser", which is just fine with me, but I know people who have lost 140 pounds in significantly less than a year. I wonder how we could imagine our skin could keep up with that?

[moonvine]

So many different things that come into play. I'm just embarrassed that I never thought of the skin thing being an issue with weight loss other than WLS. OTOH, with the exception of one time, I never managed to lose more than 15-20 pounds, and that was slow going.



I used to think that skin issues were only an issue with rapid weight loss also. Someone set me straight though...someone from these boards...but I can't remember who.

Apparently it can be an issue no matter how fast or slow you lose weight.

If you regain the weight, does your skin just go back to the way it was or are you then fat with huge folds of skin?

[Miss Vickie]

I used to think that skin issues were only an issue with rapid weight loss also. Someone set me straight though...someone from these boards...but I can't remember who.

Apparently it can be an issue no matter how fast or slow you lose weight.

If you regain the weight, does your skin just go back to the way it was or are you then fat with huge folds of skin?

I imagine your skin would just fill out again, like a balloon that's been deflated, then re-inflated. That's just a guess, tho'.

[CurvyEm]

I'm not sure what I'd rather be. Big without skin issues, or small with skin issues and good health. argh.

[Miss Vickie]

Or maybe somewhere in between? It's not all black and white. And besides, not all of us are "small". At a size 16, I'm hardly small, though I'm at a much more manageable weight for me. Sure I have some skin issues, but don't regret them, because of the improvement in my health and mobility.

[NancyGirl74]

I lost up to 65 lbs and I feel like I have "looser fat" rather than looser skin. I tell my friend all the time I feel like a melting ice cream cone. In the grand scheme of things I really haven't lost all that much but I can feel the difference in my fat. I can only imagine all the excess skin I would have had if I had chosen WLS. While I feel better (and look better in my opinion) having lost some weight, I don't really care for the sagginess of my fat...if that makes sense?

[Miss Vickie]

Yeah it makes sense to me. I can't really tell what's fat and what's skin, so probably what I feel is the subcutaneous fat, which is sagging along with the skin. (Now I have to ask -- does THAT make sense??)

[HappyFatChick]

I have dozens of friends and family members who lost large amounts of weight thru every imaginable way. The ones whose skin is the best lost slowly (1-2 lbs./week) and they're under 40.

I don't think there's any way to lose fast and not get loose skin. Even those who worked out like lunatics and cross-trained (weights/machines/aerobics) got loose skin.

Surgery is not a cure-all. Some people regained weight and got skin tears/bloody stretchmarks at the incision sites.

I think one of the advantages of being a fat chick is looking great in a bathing suit. All nice and full and fluffy:)

[FitChick]

HFC you answered one question I had: what if you get the skin removed and then later regain all or most of the weight? "Bloody stretchmarks"? :shocked:

I try to publicize the fact that with ANY kind of massive weight loss, you may well have loose skin issues. The reason I want people to realize this is because SO MANY people who saw me after I lost most of my weight assumed I had WLS...as if no one can lose lots of weight without it. That really annoys me when people assume that, and in talking to a few other women I know who lost lots of weight thru eating right/exercising, it seems they get annoyed when people assume that about them, too. But YES you can have loose skin without WLS, people need to realize this.

The woman we bought our new house from also lost a lot of weight thru eating right/exercising (but she was doing it TO lose weight), and we've had talks about it....it seems its a common annoyance for women who did it the "regular" way.

[FitChick]

Yeah it makes sense to me. I can't really tell what's fat and what's skin, so probably what I feel is the subcutaneous fat, which is sagging along with the skin. (Now I have to ask -- does THAT make sense??)

That makes a LOT of sense, I had the same problem, and still do a little. I saw a guy on TV once though, that went from 400 to 200 and he seemed to have NO fat on his belly, just the skin. I think it looked worse than when some fat stays with the skin!

[TheSadeianLinguist]

Sometimes it simply happens with age too. My mother's a small woman; she probably weighs 120 or 130 and has always had slender legs and arms. SHE has sagging skin on her arms and belly.

[Miss Vickie]

Yep, it happens with aging, too. As we age, we lose a lot of subcutaneous (under the skin) fat, as well as collagen and elastin which give our skin that elasticity that we had in our youth.

They weren't kidding when they said that youth is wasted on the young. :) What I wouldn't give for the fresh skin that my daughters have.

[crazygrad]

Skin elasticity issues can happen for lots of reasons. To say its all WLS only explains part of it. I've known people who gained lots back after WLS and had plastic surgery and since it tends to back gradually, skin stretches over time to reaccomodate the weight. Again, I think the color of stretch marks, like skin elasticity itself, has a lot to do with genetics. Some people never have very red stretch marks, while others have really red ones that don't fade well.

And, like Vickie, I cant' see how anyone going thru surgery can say they weren't aware that excess may be problem. Of course- denial ain't a river a in Egypt! So its possible that they just aren't ackowledging it may be an issue for them.

[RedHead]

If you had WLS then you were absolutely told that you may have excess skin problems.

I knew it and was willing to deal with it. I took every precaution I could to prevent it; but alas I still had it on my stomach and arms. I did not get any on my neck, face or legs. Though my sister who had the same exact surgery got it on her neck, face, stomach and legs, she did not on her arms. So I think it has a lot to do with genetics and prior skin care.

I've always had the peaches and cream complexion with no tanning; she is blonde and blue eyed and loves the sun.

I worked (work) out daily from 5 weeks from the date of surgery until my last surgery and it made no difference in my tummy or my arms. Now I just have really nice biceps covered by my squirrel wings.

[FitChick]

The only places I have the loose skin problem is: belly, upper, inner thighs, and upper arms.

[TraciJo67]

Skin elasticity issues can happen for lots of reasons. To say its all WLS only explains part of it. I've known people who gained lots back after WLS and had plastic surgery and since it tends to back gradually, skin stretches over time to reaccomodate the weight. Again, I think the color of stretch marks, like skin elasticity itself, has a lot to do with genetics. Some people never have very red stretch marks, while others have really red ones that don't fade well.

And, like Vickie, I cant' see how anyone going thru surgery can say they weren't aware that excess may be problem. Of course- denial ain't a river a in Egypt! So its possible that they just aren't ackowledging it may be an issue for them.

I knew that excess skin would be an issue -- I was told about it up front. I've also spent a lifetime losing & regaining weight, so I knew what I was in for. It has become more of a hindrance lately, though. I am working very hard towards a specific fitness goal, and I am very small everywhere but in my tummy (upper arms are a bit of an issue too, but not a physical hindrance). Because the rest of my body is small, the excess skin on my belly is very noticeable .. at least to me. Also, when I jog, I can feel the skin pulling. It's also a hygiene issue, because I sweat. Unfortunately, none of these are issues that insurance would cover - nor should they. It is mostly cosmetic. I'm going to have to pay for a tummy tuck myself. I am a person who said I would not have a tummy tuck, because I was against cosmetic surgery for myself (the prospect of suffering pain for that reason alone wasn't enough incentive for me). I was OK with the skin when I was plus-sized; even at 150-160 pounds, because I had curves, the skin was not so noticeable. At my current weight, it is not OK with me. I work very hard towards being as physically fit as I can be, and it does bother me that because of my excess skin, I don't look fit.

So count me in as the "shallow" or "insecure" type who is going to have a mostly cosmetic surgery. I'm just happy that I can afford it, it's available to me, and soon I will be able to run without my skin sloshing around & holding me back (or pesky rashes causing me pain & discomfort).

[Miss Vickie]

Traci, honey, I'm surprised that you changed your mind but I wholeheartedly support your decision. You've worked so hard to get the body you want, if you can afford it, why NOT have the surgery? Yeah it's gonna hurt but given the discrepancy you describe and how the skin is a problem for you, you're hardly "shallow" for wanting to have it done. And also, it's not as though you haven't given your body the time to deal with some of that skin. Chances are that if it hasn't happened by now, it's not gonna happen. So this is the time.

Just let me know how I can support you, okay?

[Miss Vickie]

Again, I think the color of stretch marks, like skin elasticity itself, has a lot to do with genetics. Some people never have very red stretch marks, while others have really red ones that don't fade well.

Oh man, you're right about that. As you probably know, I am fortunate to see lots of pregnant bellies (and newly not pregnant bellies) in the work I do. And it's just amazing to me the differences in stretch marks. Some women have them. Some don't. Some have them but they're pale. Some are angry red. Some are tiny, some are huge. This lady I worked with earlier this spring had these beautiful red stretch marks that looked like the wings you see in Egyptian artwork. They were gorgeous, just gently surrounding her belly. I swear they looked painted on -- they were the most beautiful natural markings I'd ever seen. Also, I've noticed that the Native Alaskan women I care for seem to have fewer stretch marks than the lighter skinned women who are my patients. I'm not sure if that they're less, or if you just can't see them.

I think so much of it is up to the luck of the draw. We can increase our body's ability to handle weight changes with nutritional support, but ultimately I think our bodies are gonna do what they want. (And isn't that true in most things?)

[TraciJo67]

Traci, honey, I'm surprised that you changed your mind but I wholeheartedly support your decision. You've worked so hard to get the body you want, if you can afford it, why NOT have the surgery? Yeah it's gonna hurt but given the discrepancy you describe and how the skin is a problem for you, you're hardly "shallow" for wanting to have it done. And also, it's not as though you haven't given your body the time to deal with some of that skin. Chances are that if it hasn't happened by now, it's not gonna happen. So this is the time.

Just let me know how I can support you, okay?

Thank you, Vickie -- you're such a sweetie ... uh, I mean, bitter & angry shrew :D

While I was holding out hope for a viable pregnancy, the idea of a tummy tuck wasn't a possibility for me. Also, as I mentioned, my recent addition to my exercise routine has caused some unintentional weight loss. I wouldn't be so unhappy about the weight loss if it wasn't that much more obvious to me that I have this mass of doughy skin in my mid-section. And yeah, it's a hindrance to what I want to accomplish.

I've been speaking with some people who had the procedure done. Since I have to self-pay, I'm not going for a full tummy tuck; just removal of the skin (pannelectomy). Right now I'm in the surgeon shopping phase. Because of our other plans, I'm thinking that I'd like to have this done by the end of summer.

And yeah, it is a bit shallow. So what? So is adorning oneself with jewelry, nail polish, make-up, cute clothing, etc.

[Miss Vickie]

Thank you, Vickie -- you're such a sweetie ... uh, I mean, bitter & angry shrew :D

Yeah, you gotta help me retain my reputation as a sanctimonious harridan. ;)

I've been speaking with some people who had the procedure done. Since I have to self-pay, I'm not going for a full tummy tuck; just removal of the skin (pannelectomy). Right now I'm in the surgeon shopping phase. Because of our other plans, I'm thinking that I'd like to have this done by the end of summer.

Wow, that's quick. It can take many months up here to get any surgery like that done, because our options are so limited. :( Just removal of the skin should be far less invasive and intensive than if you were having your muscles tightened as well (just a guess).

Best of luck, and please keep me posted, okay?

[crazygrad]

Traci,
I'm sorry to hear of your troubles with pregnancy. I've had two miscarriages myself, and have nothing to say but I'm sorry.

As far as skin removal goes, I'm thinking about it. I may be able to get insurance coverage since I've had melanoma- can't imagine lots of saggy skin where moles can hide is a good thing. It isn't so bad right now, but then, I'm not even a year out so I'm not sure how bad it will be. If it stays like it is, I probably won't bother, but if it gets much worse- pass the demerol and slice it off, sugar magnolia! For me its cosmetic but also about comfort and hygeine- I'm a sweater so I don't want any funk growing. Maybe that makes me shallow. If so, oh well. I think I'm entitled to a little shallowness to feel more at home in my own skin.

[Miss Vickie]

Eh, a little shallowness is a good thing. We can't be all deep 'n shit all the time, right? Today I went tanning. How shallow is THAT? But there's nothing like a 15 minute period of time when I do nothing, think nothing, etc. Just me, my IPOD, and the crazy bright lights. :)

[TheSadeianLinguist]

Such shallow shrews! I bet you even wear skirts without tights sometimes. *Sigh.*

[FitChick]

Another reason I didn't want to go for the skin removal is, someone told me they would also end up needing to remove my Csection scar...for me, that is a reminder if the births of my children and I don't really want to lose it.

[TheSadeianLinguist]

Maybe they'd save it in a jar for you if you asked politely.

[crazygrad]

I usually wear my skirts with tights, but never with panties;)

[Miss Vickie]

I usually wear my skirts with tights, but never with panties;)

Such a slut. Next you'll be swearing like a sailor.

Oh, whatever is this world coming to???

And as I said before, if something makes you feel better in your skin, is that really shallow? I dun think so. :)

[crazygrad]

Shit, I already swear like f*ckin' sailor, biotch.

[RedHead]

Keep in mind I just had my excess skin removed; I am very happy with the results; but if they do not tighten the muscles beneath the skin it will sag again.

Go to a plastic surgeon; not a weight loss doc. As for insurance paying for it; if you are sweating and you have signifigant skin, there is always a chance that one of these days you will sprout a staph infection. The reason my insurance paid is because I had a history of staph infections and I was getting rashes in y folds and where my clothes rubbed.

[FitChick]

In reading this thread, I suppose the reason why the loose skin was such a shock to me, was because I did not have WLS and had never dieted or otherwise lost weight before. If I had, I'd probably have known.

[crazygrad]

True enough. I think alot of people don't think about the skin issue. I imagine people having WLS probably wouldn't either if their docs didn't mention it. i mean, with all the things you have to think about when losing weight or trying to get healthier, why would skin come to mind?

[Damon]

I'm just curious Miss Vick, if you had lost the weight at a slower pace would you still have the loose skin???

[crazygrad]

Well, I'm not Miss Vickie, but I'll try to answer since I now have some extra skin that is driving me nuts.

I really don't know if it would be a problem, but I suspect it would be. Why? First, I'd been fat a really long time and some anecdotal studies suggests that the longer you've had your fat, the less elastic it becomes. Next, I'd also lost weight and gained, and that too, takes away from elasticity. The women in my family typically have fairly good facial skin, but poor elasticity in their body skin, and genetics plays a role in determining skin elasticity. Slower loss might have made a difference, but I'm not sure. Like I said, I had several factors effecting how much elasticity was possible. So I might not have had so much skin, but I think I would still have some.

[Miss Vickie]

Damon, I'm not sure anyone knows the answer to your question. Given all the factors involved -- age, skin integrity, heredity, how long I'd been fat as crazygrad says, etc -- it's just impossible to say. Besides, I was never able to really lose weight (not even slowly) so I don't know even from past experience. I lost some weight on Jenny Craig but that was 16 years go, when I was much younger, much thinner than at my highest weight, etc.

Since this thread was last revisited, I've stepped up my weight training and it's made a difference in some areas. My back and legs are better, though they weren't bad to begin with. But my stomach and arms are still very loose; however, they were both areas disproportionately large so that has something to do with it, I'm sure.

This thread makes me miss Redhead and Traci. :( I wish they were around more.

[crazygrad]

Yeah, I miss those two too.

How've you been?

I have to admit the last 30 pounds have done the number on the my skin. Before that, I didn't really have any loose skin at all. But now my gut, upper legs and arms all have some. I think, for me, my arms are the worst, and they weren't disproportionately large. They were also muscular since I was a serious, heavy lifter before surgery. I expected the excess skin, really. But I figured I won't have much on my arms because they were fairly toned before surgery. To give you an idea of how much skin there is on them, it whaps me in the face in kickboxing! Ewww!:blink:

[Miss Vickie]

I'm okay. Been busybusybusy with work and life and I'm WAY too damn cold. We're talking/thinking/planning a move from Alaska, probably to Oregon or Washington. The cold bugged me before but now? It's impossible.

I think the arm skin is probably because percentage-wise, we lose more from our arms than anywhere else. I lost, as an example, eight inches off of each arm, which was probably almost half of their diameter. And while I've lost a lot of weight elsewhere, it's not half. I'm probably going to get my arms done at some point, but it very likely won't be this year. My plastics doc said, "Usually I don't recommend brachioplasty because the scarring is often really bad." Then he looked at my arms and said, "In your case, though, it would be worth it." He said even if my scarring was awful, my arms would look a lot better than they do now and since I've been working out, he said the surgery would give me a "nice silhouette". Some days it really bugs me; some days it doesn't. But I'm going to try to get my tummy tuck done when I have my hernia repair done later this year. Since they're "going in" anyway, I might as well get it all done at once. The challenge now is getting my insurance to cover it.

How's things with you? Still feeling good?

[crazygrad]

Glad to hear you're doing well. I'm okay, just very busy with stuff.

I go back to my doc tomorrow, and will ask about the skin tomorrow. Of course, I need to check on what the insurance will cover as far as plastics go. I also plan to ask about loss. I've been stalled at about 185 (size 16-20 depending on garment) for months. Even bumping up my workouts hasn't helped. Oh, and the two week long periods are an endless source of annoyance as well.

[Miss Vickie]

Hey Missy, what did your doctor say? I'm curious about the stalling. I'm stalled out too, but I'm happy where I'm at, even though I'm still over what most would consider a "goal" weight at about 175 pounds. I haven't lost much recently but I'm bulking up a lot so I figure since muscle weighs more than fat...

And really, if I wanted to lose more weight I could get more serious about my eating and do it. But I had the surgery to STOP obsessing about food, and so right now I just focus on getting the good stuff in first, a little bit of fun stuff to satiate my love of carbs, and leave it at that. But I'm curious as to what your doc told you -- about the skin, and the stall, if it is indeed a stall.

[HottiMegan]

i'm certainly not looking forward to more baggy skin. I have lost 95lbs since jan 2nd (through diet) and my butt and thighs have handfuls of baggy skin now ugh, i wonder what my belly will look like when i lose that. I still have like 140 to go to get to my goal but i'm losing it so fast that i know i'll have baggy skin. My mom always said she'd pay for the surgery needed if i lost the weight (a motivator in her eyes i suppose)

[Miss Vickie]

Megan, wow, that is a tremendous loss. I'm amazed, and impressed, and... wow. One thing that I can say about the skin thing is that over time, you may get some "shrinkback" as your body remodels itself. I've noticed that I'll go several weeks without a loss, but suddenly my co-workers are noticing. "Have you lost more weight? You look like you've lost more weight." More often than not it's because my skin is shrinking some, and I'm toning up. I call it remodeling. :)

You seem pretty young, and you may luck out and not have too hard a time. But the WLS gurus say you really can't tell anything for the first year and in my experience that's true. I'm still noticing some "shrinkback" and I'm two years out.

[crazygrad]

Hi, Miss Vickie, well the appointment went well. My doc thought my weight was lower by looking at me, so I suspect the weight lifting is improving my overall shape and tone. He did comment on the skin, and I'm getting a referral to plastics. He did mention that a plateau is normal, and warned me not to get too obsessed with the scale number, and just kept doing what I'm doing.

Megan, you may find some of the things I've learned about skin reduction and insurance helpful, so I'll summarize here.

1- some insurance will cover skin surgery, usually just on the thighs and abs since excess skin here can pose a medical problem. Arms (my big bugaboo) is basically cosmetic, though perhaps there is a specific case they will cover that as well, but at least my doc has never heard of that.

2- generally, insurance likes to see someone at goal and maintaining for a year or so before they will pay for skin reduction. Obviously, from their perspective, if you still want to lose a significant amount of weight, paying for one skin reduction and then another doesn't make sense.

3- some surgeons prefer to have you at goal and maintaining as well. In general, they think you'll be happier with the result and won't seek revisions if you're at your goal.

4- if you're having skin problems like irritations, rashes, breakouts, or any discomfort (I have strange skin movement that can effect my balance and comfort in high impact aerobics), talk to your doctor so there is a record of skin problems. For insurance to pay, they want to appreciate that it is cheaper in the long run than paying for problems. Or let them know that there are issues,like the one I mentioned I have.

Basically, I'm doing well and I'm a model patient. I may be anemic, especially around my period, but I had that intermittently before the surgery as well. So, good report. I hope all is well for you as well.

[HottiMegan]

Megan, wow, that is a tremendous loss. I'm amazed, and impressed, and... wow. One thing that I can say about the skin thing is that over time, you may get some "shrinkback" as your body remodels itself. I've noticed that I'll go several weeks without a loss, but suddenly my co-workers are noticing. "Have you lost more weight? You look like you've lost more weight." More often than not it's because my skin is shrinking some, and I'm toning up. I call it remodeling. :)

You seem pretty young, and you may luck out and not have too hard a time. But the WLS gurus say you really can't tell anything for the first year and in my experience that's true. I'm still noticing some "shrinkback" and I'm two years out.

It is a shocking amount of weight but i knew at first it would fall off of me. (like now, i have only lost 4lbs in the last three weeks which now brings my loss to a total of 100lbs) I have never felt more healthy and alive on this super duper healthy diet. Right now, the handfuls of skin aren't a big deal, they just look funny when i'm not wearing clothes since it makes little wrinkles of saggy skin at the base of my butt and my inner thighs. So far, there isn't any irritation so i'm hoping that i will have rebounding skin. I turn 29 this year so i'm not exactly a spring chicken anymore (as far as body rebounding) I also have had a kid and a c-section so that's going to play a part in my belly I'm sure. I'm hoping, that once i pick up body building again, it'll help with my body. I used to be an avid body builder and want to achieve that again. Especially to bulk up the muscles in my arm to fill in a bit once the flab goes away :)

I do hope that my genetics will be helpful since my scars tend to fade until you can hardly see them. You wouldn't know i had a c-section unless you looked really closely.

It's also good to hear that time might lessen the lose skin. I am looking forward to being 2 years out from my goal weight. (the doc says i should be 146 at 5'11" but I'm aiming for 175-190ish) I haven't seen under 200lbs since i was 13!

[HottiMegan]

Hi, Miss Vickie, well the appointment went well. My doc thought my weight was lower by looking at me, so I suspect the weight lifting is improving my overall shape and tone. He did comment on the skin, and I'm getting a referral to plastics. He did mention that a plateau is normal, and warned me not to get too obsessed with the scale number, and just kept doing what I'm doing.

Megan, you may find some of the things I've learned about skin reduction and insurance helpful, so I'll summarize here.

1- some insurance will cover skin surgery, usually just on the thighs and abs since excess skin here can pose a medical problem. Arms (my big bugaboo) is basically cosmetic, though perhaps there is a specific case they will cover that as well, but at least my doc has never heard of that.

2- generally, insurance likes to see someone at goal and maintaining for a year or so before they will pay for skin reduction. Obviously, from their perspective, if you still want to lose a significant amount of weight, paying for one skin reduction and then another doesn't make sense.

3- some surgeons prefer to have you at goal and maintaining as well. In general, they think you'll be happier with the result and won't seek revisions if you're at your goal.

4- if you're having skin problems like irritations, rashes, breakouts, or any discomfort (I have strange skin movement that can effect my balance and comfort in high impact aerobics), talk to your doctor so there is a record of skin problems. For insurance to pay, they want to appreciate that it is cheaper in the long run than paying for problems. Or let them know that there are issues,like the one I mentioned I have.

Basically, I'm doing well and I'm a model patient. I may be anemic, especially around my period, but I had that intermittently before the surgery as well. So, good report. I hope all is well for you as well.

Thanks for the information. I will certainly need it in a few years. I don't expect to be to my goal weight for another 2 years. I have 140 or so to get to the doctor's goal weight for me and i see 70 a year a good goal. I'd love to lose another 100 by the end of the year but I'm not setting myself up for disappointment.

[LoveBHMS]

Wow!!!

Megan that is super incredible awesome!! You should be so proud of yourself. I've read that people who have exercised in the past (such as your body building time), when they start exercising again the muscle memory makes it easier for them to start rebuilding muscle and general fitness.

In other words, your body remembers what it used to do, and gets with the program pretty quickly once you start challenging it again. If you and a person that had never weight lifted both started the same program, it would be easier on you.

You absolutely must post pictures!!!

[HottiMegan]

Thanks :D I am hoping to get my weights out again when we move my son's playroom out of the dining room and set it up. I sure hope my muscles remember! I am lighter than i was when i graduated highschool (i gained a freshman 50-60lbs) but i'm fatter because i'm not active.. This week is spring break for my son so we've been doing a lot of activities and my sore feet and legs are telling me that's why i lost another 4lbs. I'll get the newest pictures off my camera this afternoon and post them sometime. I have a ton of new pics from when we were at the zoo on Friday. I'm mostly losing in my legs and butt. I'm getting skinny legs which looks kinda funny with my fat belly lol

[LoveBHMS]

far as your signature reads, you're supposed to be the belly queen, not the leg or butt queen! LOL.

That'll be fun when you start up with the weights again.

I posted this on another thread, but I've been doing exercises with a stability ball, and it really makes a difference in building up your core muscles and I've definitely seen a difference in my posture. I have this one exercise i do that works the shoulders and core where I do a "plank" position with my feet on a stability ball and my arms straight as if i were doing a pushup. I time myself to see how long I can hold it. You'd be amazed at how you can feel that in your abs.

[HottiMegan]

is the stability ball one of those big huge bouncy balls? I have one we used on my son for physical therapy (he had poor muscle tone as a baby) and i am finally under the maximum weight (350lbs.. well now i'm 313 so i'm way below it :) ) Maybe i'll dig that out of storage and play with it.. living in an apartment, it takes up little room and would be a perfect device :) sorry about hijacking the thread, it was unintended :)

[Miss Vickie]

I want one of those stability balls, too. I'm having some low back pain and I'm wondering if it'd help me strengthen my core muscles. Because of a hernia I can't do crunches, and as a result my low back is in bad shape. I'm hoping something like that might help. I could at least use it while on the computer, instead of this office chair which makes my back pain so much worse.

[LoveBHMS]

is the stability ball one of those big huge bouncy balls? I have one we used on my son for physical therapy (he had poor muscle tone as a baby) and i am finally under the maximum weight (350lbs.. well now i'm 313 so i'm way below it :) ) Maybe i'll dig that out of storage and play with it.. living in an apartment, it takes up little room and would be a perfect device :) sorry about hijacking the thread, it was unintended :)

I didn't know they were using them for children's physical therapy. That's really interesting.

They are just great. I know a lot of people that sit on them instead of desk chairs. Just the slight movement works your core without you even thinking about it, and you can work up to pretty high levels of difficulty. I have done bicep curls while sitting on one and also have gotten good enough to kneel on one and be able to balance for a while. All the work is done in your core muscles so you can see a huge difference in your posture.

[SamanthaNY]

I'd be interested in one of those fitness balls too (and I think they have some available for higher weight capacities). Problem is, I'm not exactly sure how to use it... and I'd want instruction appropriate for a fat person. I can just see myself bouncing off that thing and wiping out a wall, or breaking my fool neck.

[crazygrad]

I love my stability ball. But yes, if you have weak abs, it can be tough. There are options, though, if you're concerned about your strength and balance on the ball.

- a peanut shaped ball. The notch in the middle and higher sides makes balancing easier.

- an oblong ball. Flatter so its more stable.

- the ball with legs. The "udder" on it grips the floor for stability.

-the bean. curved for added stability (though it offers more of a challenge in other exercises. Also, it doesn't roll so exercises the require a full roll aren't possible)

There is also a ball with sand in it available. HOWEVER, I DON'T reccomend them. Apparently the sand can scrape the ball and weaken the material, making stress spots that can blow with pressure.

Heavy duty, high weight balls are available at www.stretchwell.com (I've ordered from them and they have excellent service) and www.spriproducts.com (they have very good stuff but I've never ordered from them).

I've been an avid exerciser for years and took classes on sports med, and group exercise instruction. I had hoped to be a certified instructor and trainer but gave up when I kept gaining weight.

I really can't think of any video or book that offers ball instruction geared to the larger exerciser, but I can give you some suggestions besides the different shaped balls I mentioned.

-Underinflate the ball a tiny bit. It gives a squishier surface some the ball flattens more under weight which makes a more stable surface.

- When you sit on it, keep your feet wide and flat on the floor and sit squarely in the middle.

-Add one new exercise at a time to develop comfort.

-Wear sturdy workout shoes with grippy soles so you don't slide.

-Use a sticky yoga type mat underneath. Both to protect the ball from floor debris and to give a bit of traction and cut down on the rolling.

Hope this helps. PLease do feel free to PM me- I'm happy to offer other suggestions or what worked for me when I worked out at 312-315 pounds.

[HottiMegan]

My son's physical therapy has a few of all those balls. The peanut one is great for building ab muscles and yeah, the udders keep you more stable. They use them a lot for his abdominal muscles and his doc said he never saw a toddler with a six pack :)

[crazygrad]

I am really not a fan of the udders. If you do anything that rolls, they can roll to where the ball contacts the back and they feel weird to me. If they stay on the floor, and you're rolling the seem to make the ball not roll as smoothly. I think everyone is different on this. One of my friends won't use a ball without udders.

Another suggestion- when you start using your ball, start out using it as seat or weight bench as you get more used to it. Sit on it and do military presses,bicep curls, or french press. Then roll down to laying on it and do bench press, pullovers or chest flies. Just laying or sitting on it works your abs and the stabilizers in your legs. It can really help you to find the best position on the ball which will be helpful when you want to moving exercises. Then you'll know where your body needs to be on the ball so you can move with control and comfort.

[LoveBHMS]

I'd be interested in one of those fitness balls too (and I think they have some available for higher weight capacities). Problem is, I'm not exactly sure how to use it... and I'd want instruction appropriate for a fat person. I can just see myself bouncing off that thing and wiping out a wall, or breaking my fool neck.

And there are tons of books available with pics and detailed instruction. I don't think it would need to be specific to a fat person so long as the ball could hold your weight. Also, when inflated they are not really 'bouncy' like those old ones you used to use in relay races as a kid, they're not made of rubber or anything like that.

[crazygrad]

True enough- many balls come in a package with a (horrible) pump, chart of moves and a video or dvd with a workout. BUT do be careful. Many of these packages DO NOT have a burst-resistant ball (one that will deflate slowly if punctured) or a heavy duty ball that tolerates more than 250- 300 pounds. The first ball I purchased had a weight limit of 250 lbs. and many in stores only take 300. I've heard that the ball that comes with Core secrets (a really popular ball oriented program) only holds 250. Keep in mind, add your body weight and the weight of any dumbbells or barbells you think you might use on the ball to make sure the ball will accomodate you. Most balls at least have a little pamphlet with use suggestions and some exercises or a wall chart.

There are many great books, though I've yet to see any that are specifically for fat people or even discuss precautions a fat exerciser should take. Despite that, some I like are- Denise Austin's Sculpt Your Body with Balls and Bands. Colleen Craig (I think)- Pilates on the Ball, Abs on the Ball. There is also a Yoga on the Ball workout book (and a dvd from natural journeys led by Sara Ivanhoe). Also, Fitness for Dummies (book) has some suggestions for using a ball. A nice basic DVD workout for the ball- Karen Voight (a top notch instructor) BLT on the Ball.

[tinkerbell]

I have a stability ball, and I really like it. I hate the pump that comes with it though, it takes forever to get it pumped up. I usually give it to the Mr and let him do it for me :)

I was kind of scared of it at first - I'm pretty clumsy, and I figured I'd hurt myself. But once you get used to it, its not too bad. I haven't used it since we moved (I don't want to pump it up!) but I have a Denise Austin DVD that uses the ball.

My mom has used the bean shaped one, and she likes that one better than the regular ball.

[crazygrad]

I have a bean too, and I really like it. I find I use my bean and my ball for different things. I know people use them interchangably but I don't. thoughb you certainly could for many exercises.

Oh, yeah- the pumps SUCK! If you have a spare $40 laying around and do a lot of stuff that requires pumping things (balls, air matresses, bike tires, mini pools, floaty things), www.stretchwell.com has an inexpensive power air pump that works well. I also got a free one when I ordered my bean. They are awesome for anything that requires more than a few pumps. i don't use it for my tires, 'cause they usually only need, like, two pumps. But balls, the air matress- my upper body is thanking me just thinking about it.

[MetalheadMissy74]

can we ever donate the extra skin?


I have lost close to 80 already on my own and then when the surgery comes i know i am gonna have a big issue with this as i already have some lose that is causing bad yeast infections, burning. I have to use nystatin powder and goldbond powder .

i am a kind gentle giving person I would rather my skin went to a burn unit then to just throw it away.

I have heard so many mixed messages on this subject where as you can donate it i have heard yes and then i have heard no. would make me feel good to help another person with something i no longer need .

[Shosh]

I am going to have a ps consultation soon. I want a breast reduction as I find my breasts are uncomfortably big. I have loose skin also, so I will talk to the surgeon about what they can do. My body is not perfect but it is mine, so I am learning to love it and myself more. This place is helping me to do that.:)

[kr7]

......I have heard so many mixed messages on this subject where as you can donate it i have heard yes and then i have heard no. would make me feel good to help another person with something i no longer need .

I know that there are a few types of skin grafts that surgeons use. Some do involve skin harvested from cadavers, so I would imagine that you donating your tissue could be a possibility. You would probably need to discuss this with your surgeon, well in advance of your surgery, to allow for any special accommodations that this might involve. Anyway, best of luck with your surgery! :)

Chris

[Shosh]

I am going to have to have some plastic surgery, but I don't want to. I so don't want to. I am scared of it to be honest, but I have no choice. Have people ever just lived with loose skin and been ok with it?:confused:

[kr7]

I guess it depends on how much you have. If it's just a question of vanity, then sure you can go without surgery, but if it's going to be something that causes you to develop infections and the like, then it's a different story. I lost over a hundred lbs. at one point in my life, and I was very "flabby" because of this, but I just left it alone. Then, I gained it all back, so no more problem. LOL! :D The best thing to do, would be to discuss the pros and the cons with your doctor. :)

Chris

[Miss Vickie]

Susannah, I've noticed that as I maintain a stable weight for longer, my skin is tightening up. I was fairly loose at the beginning, and my stomach is a mess (partly from my hernia, partly from my weight deposition, but mostly because I carried three big babies to term). But places like my back and thighs aren't too bad. I don't look like the "after" from a thigh lift or anything but I don't look bad for a 42 year old woman, either.

My arms are totally a wreck, though, and despite all my working out and how muscular they are now, the skin still hangs because I lost 9 inches off of each arm and that's just too much to ask of anyone's skin to handle. Once I get my hernia surgery and (hopefully) tummy tuck done, I'll start socking money away for my arms. I know they can scar horrendously but they look awful as it is. It has to be some improvement. It couldn't possibly be worse.