Loose skin

[Bubba2]

Hi everyone,
I just had my gs on 10/26/17 and I’m 5’10 was 372. My biggest concern is loose skin. What are some of you doing vitamins, lotions, or any other suggestions? I’m 46 so I know it’s not going to snap back like I’m 26. Thanks for your help.

[A Fairly Odd Panda]

Hey there! o/

Welcome and congrats on your sleeve!!! I think a concern about loose skin has touched pretty much anyone who has done or contemplated this surgery. You're definitely not alone. I cannot speak for others, but I am sure they have some pearls of wisdom for you.

From me to you: Focus on your recovery. Focus on getting in enough fluids and protein. Focus on what it will be like to put on clothes you enjoy and not have to pay out the nose just because you were in a larger size. Focus on maintaining your support structure. Focus on the years of health you have just added because you made this decision. The immediate road (first few months, especially the first few weeks) ahead tends to be challenging; I was no exception.

Unfortunately, there is no magic potion or pill that is going to do much for loose skin. It is largely controlled by genetics but also age and diet. If you've been a smoker in the past or currently are, that will factor in too. But! One thing I do know from research and information directly from doctors is that water is very important in the elasticity of your skin.

There are some great cosmetic surgeons out there if you do choose to go down that path. Though many cosmetic surgeons, I have heard, will not operate on the removal of skin until your weight stabilizes and you have maintained your goal weight for a while, so bear that in mind.

Honestly, you've made a great choice and focusing the other positive aspects of this journey will help you. Stay positive. Reach out when you need it. There are so many good people here and years of compounded experience. You're doing wonderful. ^.^

[Bubba2]

Thank you for your reply. I will get my water in.

[b02whitety]

Hello good morning I think for everyone is different Im almost 6 months post ops and I already lost 70 lbs that's something im trying to deal with specially in my harms I see a huge difference i try not to let it bother me but eventually when I lose more Im considering in getting skin removal . But I feel amazing I look amazing which for me its a big thing because I been big my whole life .
good luck in your journey .

[leminal]

very little bounces back. I will need surgery for sure!

[Ann2]

Boy, this depends completely on your age, your skin's resilience, your ancestry, and probably a lot of other things.

I've seen people at more or less the same weights and the same age have differing skin responses to weight loss. Also, some people are very picky about their skin issues, whereas others are more "I'm fine with this -- it's a lot better than being 100 - 200 pounds heavier!"

I was (cough!) 68 years old when I had VSG surgery. I'm almost 72 now, and I don't have any issues with my skin. At my age I wasn't expecting a lot. Honestly, most body parts held up better than I expected. Also, being over 3 years post-op, I can testify that as time goes along, everything continues to tighten up -- even at my age.

No way will I be having any body plastics. I still consider having some light plastic surgery done from the neck up. But that would've been a possibility for me without WLS anyway.

I'd say -- don't worry about it at all for now. Just lose the weight you need to lose, focus on changing your lifestyle to one that's a helluva lot healthier than the one that got you to this point, and see what happens. You've got plenty of time to work on that stuff then if you want to.

Best wishes to you on this path.

[Christie13]

Hydration from the inside and out is super important for your skin. So lotion and water are a must. I take Collagen as I heard it is good for your skin. I also do toning exercises. My skin doesn't look too bad considering I have lost 96 lbs on my 4'11" frame and I am 44. But as everyone said, it is also genetics, the amount you lose, and the speed in which you lose it. I have noticed my skin continues to get better with time.

[Tamera2]

very little bounces back. I will need surgery for sure!

Congratulations Mel on your success.

[Tamera2]

I’m 46 and I’ve lost 135lbs so far and don’t have too much trouble with loose skin. I exercise and lift weights. I also drink my water daily. I hear genetics and of course age play a role. My doctor also said if your over 300lbs the likelihood of loose skin goes up. Try not to focus to much on the little things but focus on eating healthy, drinking your water and exercising everyday. Enjoy your Sleeve and when you reach your final goal you can evaluate were your at. There are great plastic surgery options if you want. Good luck to you on your journey to health and happiness F2188124-6940-40A9-9A99-AB29549E43FB.jpeg

[saraturley]

Helpful thread.