terrified of extra skin...

[mamapeaks04]

Hey all! My name is Christina. I am 24 years old and have 4 beautiful boys!! I am currently going through the process of getting the sleeve done. At first I was contemplating the lap band procedure until I read all about the failed attempts and horror stories. I haven't heard many horror stories if any at all if there are any..
I'm getting my procedure done (hopefully) soon. I have Kaiser so it seems like it's going to take a while. Anyone else have Kaiser?
Also, the thing I am scared of the most is having loose skin after the procedure... I have seen millions of before and after pics but they are all clothed pics. I haven't seen but one or two after pictures with loose skin, surgery scars or plastic surgery scars (from removed excess skin)
I am 5'6 closer to 5'7 and am 278. My highest weight ever was 317 ( in the beginning of my last pregnancy)My weight 2 months ago was 289. I carry my weight well. It is not all in my stomach but my stomach does already hang... this is my only concern... or, my major concern I should say...
any stories, pictures or advice???

[This is it]

My surgeon told me that I he did his job properly, then I will need a tummy tuck !! So I'm prepared to do that 12-18 after. But I'm worried about my arms and turkey neck?

[lgm32]

I have had the excess skin removed I have a scar that is hidden by underwear from hip to hip it is slowly fading. The scar will depend on your surgeons ability and your skins pigment. I have an olive complexion so my scar is a little darker. The younger you are the more chance you have that your skin will bounce back. I haven't regretted any decisions i have made with either surgery.

Sheryl I have the saggy baggy arms but you can hide them with longer sleeves

[msdw59]

I've loss 71lbs on my own without the surgery and if I had to evaluate my body after that loss. The inner thighs are shot. I'm going to up my exercise and really lift some weights and do some squats and fingers crossed I wont have too much collateral damage from my YEARS of dietary abuse to my body.

[B_&_K'sMamma]

My thought on my extra skin is.... Its already there!! It's just filled with fat. So I'd rather have excess skin then all this excess fat. It's easier to hide excess skin under clothes than it is 100 lbs (in my case) of extra fat. I am 24 as well and had 2 c-sections. So that's just a thought... But I will probably have PLastics if it comes down to being a lot but maybe down the rd. Only time will tell.

[mamapeaks04]

My thought on my extra skin is.... Its already there!! It's just filled with fat. So I'd rather have excess skin then all this excess fat. It's easier to hide excess skin under clothes than it is 100 lbs (in my case) of extra fat. I am 24 as well and had 2 c-sections. So that's just a thought... But I will probably have PLastics if it comes down to being a lot but maybe down the rd. Only time will tell.

I am 24. 5'6-5'7 and 278. I have 100+ to lose as well. I also have had 4 babies. 2 vaginal and 2 c-section. I have a small scar from the c-section at my bikini line.
I don't know if I'm more afraid of loose skin or ugly scars...

I definitely plan on hitting the gym hard! I LOVE THE GYM! So, hopefully I can help my skin before and after! =)

Thank you everyone for all your replies!!!

[lgm32]

I ended up having to have the excess skin removed it was causing me issues from a health perspective. It isn't a decision to take lightly as it is painful, good pain relief helps. I had to walk around with 2 drains in for a few days then had one in for another week after going home.

[Teri]

My surgeon said the most desired plastic surgery is...... For the arms. It is quite hot here and he said most women want to go sleeveless. At least we can wear compression garments to hold in our stomachs, thighs, abs, etc until we can firm up as much as possible. I had a friend who had a tummy tuck after losing weight on HCG shots. Her plastic surgeon said that she had done a good job on her muscles so she only had to tighten the skin. She only had 60 lbs or so, not as much as most of us. I was concerned about loose skin for years but I decided not to let that stand in the way of my health. For years I have joked saying that I look so young because my wrinkles are "fluffed" out by my fat. Lol I guess we will see...I am 56 so hopefully I won't look over 50!

[lovinglife]

If I have excess skin, I'll just get it removed. I'm just worried about the arms. I don't want a scar down my arms.

[MissDeidre]

I've already started scouting places to have my excess skin removed. Someone brought up a very good point in my support group ... start saving for it now. That way, when the time comes, if you don't NEED the surgery, you have a nice nest egg of cash to spend on clothes.
I know I'm going to need (at the least) a tummy tuck and lower body lift (I carry all my weight in my thighs and stomach) so it doesn't hurt to start looking into my options. I'm not even going to fight with my insurance company ... I'm just planning on going down to Costa Rica.

As someone else said, it's not a decision to be made lightly ... but it is one that you will probably have to make at some point. I'm just not comfortable with having excess skin ...

Best of luck!

[kitsonk]

I just hope that the worry of excess skin won't dissuade anyone from making the choice. Sometimes our mind plays tricks on us and tries to convince us a fat us is more "attractive" than a deflated saggy us. I think excess skin is a problem worth taking on.

I know I am going to have to tackle it at some point, but I know my partner is finding the lighter me sexy and I feel better about myself, so it is good enough for now.