Prepping Skin for Surgery

[katiem]

I've done some searches on here, but didn't see anything with actual tips/tricks (other than coconut oil mentioned a couple times). I'm 28 and will be getting sleeved on January 22, 2014. I've had one child and plan on having 1-2 more, so plastic surgery is out for a few years. What can I do to help improve the elasticity of my skin so it "snaps" back a bit more? I know people say it helps that I'm younger, but I am hoping to lose 150 pounds or so, so obviously skin will be an issue. However, I've seen some people my age who have lost that much and you can hardly tell... so... help!

I've started dry brushing daily and exfoliating 2-3 times a week. I'm also going to start applying firming lotion (recommendations?) after showers and before bed each night. Lastly, I wear spanx on a regular basis, so I'm hoping that will help w/ my stomach/back skin. I'm especially worried about my arms...

Any suggestions or what has worked for you would be very helpful. Thank you!

[JustWantToBeHealthyAgain]

1) Coconut oil/butter. I got some for Christmas and I have been applying it. Not sure if it will help but we'll see.

2) EXERCISE and build MUSCLE. This is probably the most single, important thing you can do. Tone things up and you'll reduce the risk of super saggy skin. Or at least make it look a bit better.

Under-arms? Oye, they already look bad on me. I have to lose 150 lb too. I probably will need some surgery. I'm 24 but I still think I will need some procedure. Oh well, I'll save up for it if I need it.

[princessdi]

I havnt had surgery yet but my cousin had gastric bypass when she was my age (22) and she has no loose skin at all! Only in her belly area, but she had two kids before surgery and two after! She told me after surgery to make sure your exercising! Lifting some weights will help more than you think! She also said pilates bands are miracles, you can get a full workout with a band in 30 minutes, arms, legs and tummy. Other than that, i would just say drink a lot of water, and hydrate your skin daily! Which you should do anyway! I use the sugar scrub from bath and body works, and aveeno lotion, or even strech mark lotion might work!

[Nel]

I have been using cocoa butter like nobody's business…and Bio Oil. Little bit expensive but worth it…I apply the bio oil specifically to stretch marks. They definitely look much better than they did. I don't want to jinx myself, but I'm down about 68 pounds from my heaviest - so far - you get what I'm saying, lol. Good luck.

[SuddenlySlimmerSusan]

Really at your age if you lose all the weight, your skin will probably rebound. You might have a little extra in the belly, but that is probably more from the babies than the weight. If you do have extra it won't be terribly noticable if you lose all the weight and tone your muscles. I think where you notice it more is on the people who still have an extra 30 or 40lbs and the "loose skin" is being weighed down by the extra fat. I was very worried about it, but I saw a couple of You Tube videos of people who actually got down to an "ideal" weight - and there really wasn't that much loose skin. I also don't think there is cream or lotion in the world that is going to make much of a difference. Hydrate and do strength training along with your aerobic exercise!