considering the sleeve, worried about loose skin

[Seemillie]

Hello, I need to loose 70 pounds, and I am considering the gastric sleeve. I'm just wondering for anyone who's lost a lot if their experiencing a lot of loose skin, I'm not sure I like the idea of looking like a melted marshmello. I'm sure working out will help with the toning. Any input about this out there?

[Scubagecko]

I was worried about it too. I've lost nearly 90lbs and haven't had any so far. You're right exercise works but so does age, skin condition and genetics.

I've also been using toning lotions which are for tightening skin. Also, wearing compression undershirts to keep skin taut. I've still got about 40lbs to go to hit my goal and am already saving up in case I need a tummy tuck later.

I think any skin problems is outweighed by getting healthy and losing weight.

[Shelly84NZ]

I was sleeved two weeks ago and I have the same concern. But then I thought ... that skin is going to be there anyway, it just won't be stuffed full of fat!

[niamh]

70lb isn't much to lose in the scheme of people having this surgery. Your age, your natural skin elasticity, and the way you distribute your weight will have a lot to do with it. If you have stretch marks, the skin in that area will never fully recover.

I've lost 95lb, I'm 43 and have naturally dry skin. I do have some excess skin with stretch marks on my lower belly (not a big apron, but a bit like many women who have babies later end up with). My inner thighs also have stretch marks, and my arms have some droop to them.

I'm not worried about my arms, they're not ideal but I don't tend to think about them. Lots of women in their 40s don't have particularly nice toned arms. My belly and thighs are no issue at all in clothes, and I don't have any of the discomfort from my belly where some people get infection from the overhang.

Even in underwear you wouldn't know about my belly when I'm standing up. If I lean forward it's loose (again much like post-pregnancy stretching).

I'm considering getting a tummy tuck, or maybe a lower body lift. Need to have a chat with a surgeon. Some days I think it's all vanity and I'm fine so I'll not worry about it at all. I'm very happily married and my husband while supportive of plastics if I want them, has never said anything but complimentary things about how I look.

I read something yesterday that former model Helena Christensen said about cosmetic surgery and the risk of going too far... "I think the best thing is to get dimmers on your lights and, when they don't work, switch to candles!". Smart woman.

Like David said, I'd much rather be thin and have all the good health with some loose skin. I'm so thrilled with everything good that's happened as a result of surgery that the loose skin is something that barely registers on my radar.

[Ladyinwaiting]

Oh no, I didn't know I was going to look like a melted Marshmallow...lol

[cowgirljane]

This is a fear that everyone has, but I am telling you it is not the thing to focus on. Life is sooo much better thinner. I do need to have plastics, but even if I didn't, i look about 100 million times better then I did with all that skin stuffed to the max with fat then i do now with it being loose...just sayin...

[kayvon]

I have lost (from my highest weight a year before surgery) a total of 177 #'s so I do have a lot of excess skin. I am 56yo, exercise 6-7 x week with swimming laps and or weights in gym. My worst areas are my face & neck, arms, and thighs. Using a good lotion daily helped some-- but it is what it is. I am so much more healthy and active that I have no regrets. I am planning on having some plastic surgeries. This is a personal choice and I just wish to look as good as I now feel. Best wishes to all in your journey to good health.

[bergamini]

I'm a 41 y/o male who is very physically active (> 500 minutes of exercise per week). I'm not sure how much is genetics, working out, age and weight, etc. For me, my arms and upper chest are very good and strong. My inner thighs have a teeny tiny bit of loose skin but nothing anybody would do anything about and I have plenty of "clearance". I have some stretch marks under my arms but not anything anyone would, again, fix. Despite doing tons of core exercises, however, I have loose skin from flank to flank in my abdomen. I can't stand it. It has gotten better but I'm 3# from a normal BMI and it definitely drives me nuts and makes me look heavier than I am. I am getting a tummy tuck as a result. I have gone from 298# to 178# in 8 months and maybe that's too fast, but it is what it is. I wouldn't trade being heavier for not having the loose skin but I do want it gone.

[judy79]

I got a little, you have to work to tone it. I needed to lose 80-90. And mine isnt so bad