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I have only lost 2 pounds since last time I posted. I hit 174 on Easter and have only managed to lose 1 pounds since Easter. I am beyond frustrated. BMI is 29.7 so I am in the overweight category but nothing I do is working to lose. I was eating between 700-800 calories per day and increased to 800-900 which has been hard as I am very restricted still. I have to eat 6 times a day to get 900 calories in. I am getting in 80-100 g of protein on average and less than 50 g of carbs. Most days under 30. Occasionally up to 60. I know I have some loose skin but still. I am happy about what I lost because 142 is a large amount to lose but also feel like a failure for still being overweight. I see other bariatric patients wearing a size 6/small and here I am in a 14/large.

I think many of us had that fear of loose skin pre surgery. Look at all the before and after photos (link below) Even with loose skin people look so much healthier, younger and happier. None of these people would let loose skin stop them from being healthy and have WLS.

Hello everyone! Just wanted to know if there’s any 30-somethings out there who have had the vsg surgery on here:) If so, how was your surgical experience? How did you do in terms of excess skin? How has it effected your social lives? I’m scheduled for surgery in June and just wanna get an idea of what post-op life is like through my age group’s perspective:)

I’m worried about the same thing. I’m scheduled for sgy next month and I find myself panicking sometimes about if I’m making the right decision or not. One reason being the loose skin factor. I’m 37, 5’3, 275 lbs and have been over 200 lbs for the past 10 years. Does anyone have similar stats who’s post op? How did you guys fair with loose skin? Do you regret the surgery? Did you see major improvements to your health long-term?

Loose skin is inevitable for most. I addressed mine with Plastic Surgery. But if you are lucky (not alot of weight to lose, are young, good genes, etc), you *may* come out unscathed. But IMO, I would take loose skin over 100 lbs of excess fat any day (but that’s just me). Good Luck! ❤️

Hello All!! I’m Nokomis, and I’m approved for the gastric sleeve. I was supposed to have it in March, but due to the covid pandemic it was delayed until June. As my new date approaches, I’m becoming very scared about loose skin. I know it’s inevitable, but is there any way to minimize it? Has anyone tried anything they found that worked for them? Thanks for the advice in advance!

Thanks for posting this! Curious on hearing the responses on this. I have not had the surgery yet, tentatively planned for July, depending on how covid impacts. I have started a workout program to try to get toned and more energy before hand. Really enjoy Les Mills on demand classes and a lot of squats and ab work. Here's hoping it reduces lose skin :).

Walk...walk...and walk No seriously that's what I did and *still* do. 45 min every day which is about 10,000 steps. It's something that I could do at my highest and lowest weight and with the right clothes, I could do everyday. So I couldnt say to myself that I couldnt do it due to the weather. THE most important thing is to do something that is SUSTAINABLE! If it's not something that you can do everyday or every other day...then dont even go down that road. You will only feel guilt about it later. As for skin, there are lots of factors about how your skin will react and bounce back (or not). These are beyond your control completely...even if you are tone or not. Look at obese2beast on youtube and you will see what I mean. Dont let "toning" be your one more thing to worry about. Focus on the rest. Like I said, I walked...and it really helped me get ready for the surgery both physically and mentally.

Hey everyone! I was wondering how many started workouts/toning before surgery? My surgery is July 29th. I feel like if I start toning now maybe I will have less extra skin after surgery. Would I be correct? Can you share your stories if you've started being proactive with toning and how your results are after surgery?

I told 5 people: the Mr., the Kid, my Mom, my sister & my BFF. Of course, as the weight started falling off, others would ask how I was doing it; I told them I was severely restricting calories & carbs, as well as exercised daily. All of which was true. After about 9-10 months, people just got used to seeing me smaller and eating differently and they stopped asking questions/commenting. It's been 1.5 years now, and me and my weight are old news. P.S., I did, however, tell people I had plastic surgery to remove excess skin. I had PS over Christmas, and I had to explain to friends and fam why I was all hunched over and unable to lift my arms. Plus they would see the scars on my arms/tummy eventually (sleeveless tops!), so I couldn't really hide it anyway.

I’m having so many mixed thoughts swirling around my head. I hesitate to post this today. I am grateful for having gastric bypass to have the tool to combat metabolic disorders and inability to exercise due to disability (post exertional malaise) and I was at the point it was all or nothing. All my fight was getting me nowhere fast. I know I’ve come a long way, I’ve also paid a hefty price physically and am still dealing with many health challenges. But I also know my body could not carry the burden of all that weight. And I will do everything in my power to maintain the weight loss. i reached goal Sometime last month. I overshot it a little. Although based on my height of 5’ I’m within my goal range. I haven’t been actively trying to lose for a few weeks. I raised my calories somewhat but not drastically. I started out at 208lbs with a BMI of 40.6 and today am 102.4 and a BMI of 20. its Funny though, I write my weight on a calendar daily, and write Daily log of my weight, meals, calories and protein to Track and plan what I will eat the best I can based on what’s available in the fridge, freezer, pantry. I haven’t given solid thought to my progress, I’ve just taken it one moment at a time. My weight fluctuates slightly and that’s ok. Other things weigh on my mind though. I hesitate to call it a celebration when even my birthday this month went unmentioned and Covid-19 will be around for the foreseeable future. It’s not impacted my odd daily routines of living with lifelong chronic illness and disability. I’m homebound much of the time as is. It’s risky going to get groceries but a necessity. But It’s had more of an impact on healthcare. i Had an early one year follow up with my surgeon February 11 and discussed continuing severe pain and spasms in left side under ribs along with other symptoms along with my history of ulcers in the remnant stomach and small intestine, they said I needed a double balloon enteroscopy. But I had to see a different doctor for the test. I couldn’t get an appointment until March 12 to see that doctor, I asked if they could schedule the test since it takes a while but no I had to wait to see the doctor first, who of course ordered the test. Which was then scheduled for April 27. And what happened, of course no one called until the last minute and it was then canceled indefinitely. And I’m left in pain, I sent them a message and they tell me I could go to the ER to be evaluated. First of all how is that a good idea? And evaluated for what? That’s why I saw the doctor and he ordered the test (actually both doctors did) I’m at a loss as to what to do and meanwhile I’m just trying to move ahead. i don’t even want to discuss this. I’ve other health issues that I’ve been waiting months to deal with. My doctor gives me attitude. Even things are obviously a problem. I saw my general doctor February after waiting a few weeks. I had sudden severe pain just lightly touching the front of my throat. I had a thyroid ultrasound. I also saw an endocrinologist. I was supposed to go to the hospital for further tests. But this was cancelled indefinitely. I’ve also been having nosebleeds and I don’t know why ... but it’s all been put on hold and none of the doctors care to follow up. I have been making plans about having skin removal surgery. Since it’s the only thing I can manage to do right now. The excess sagging skin is very problematic especially my thighs. A thigh lift, and Having a Belt lipectomy/Butterfly lift to remove excess skin might also help benefit strengthening my core which I can’t do with exercise. I’ve been working on this with Hospital BC that is part of BariatricPal and they are so helpful in the process. I’m trying to think of it as a vacation in Mexico with benefits. I’ll need financing of course. I’m far away from rich. It’s a goal to have a body I haven’t as long as I can remember. I haven’t been this weight as long as I can remember either. I could never reach this goal on my own before even as hard as I tried with strict low carb and calorie counting. I only managed 124lbs and it didn’t stay there long. So taking that last step of getting rid of ugly sagging, rashy problematic skin feels like part of the journey to finish. A crazy thing in times like these. I’ll be pinching pennies as hard as I can. But part of me is determined. And also ... trying to ignore the rest. I had wanted to deal with the other health issues first but looks like that won’t happen so I’m going to try to roll with it and see what happens. maybe it’s dumb for me to write this. I don’t know anymore. I’m exhausted. But I think that I want others to know that if I can do this with my chronic illness and disability And despite how hard it has been for me ... that others can succeed and reach their weight loss goal.

So far I seem able to tolerate all types - red, yellow, brown, green, Puy, black/beluga, and macachiados. Are you able to tolerate other types besides red? Overcooking can sometimes help with the digestibility of the brown/green lentils, so while they might not work for you in, say, a salad, dal might be just fine. One thing I've learned through trial and error is not to salt beans during cooking: it makes them cook faster, but it also makes them tougher in texture so they may not have the same digestibility that slow soaking and cooking afford. Another thing I've noticed that using the freshest beans/legumes possible makes a difference. Older ones take longer to cook or don’t completely soften up, and often shed their skins during cooking. Sprouted beans/legumes are also easier for some to digest (plus, it's kind of fun), so you could also give that a try. I try to sprout most nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, and grains before eating. https://draxe.com/nutrition/sprout/

Ok I am jumping in on this From a differnt angle NO WLS will not fix a abuser of food and alcohol! Most likely will make it worse My Male Ass Story! There is no doubt i went thru some rough times with this, To put it bluntly was a complete Prick! Moody grumpy and all out miserable! Until i got my head on straight. This is a huge issue with both males and females, the extreme changes our bodies go thru make is different. So this tool will never fix those issues I am not married but very close physically and mentally to my x wife. She saw the changes and it got ugly again. I have a few other friends with privileges and they noticed it also. Even my Male friends said WTF! I am 52 and ended up in a Lake side bar brawl with a bunch of 21 year old. Temper was short and they did cross the line, But I would have never even let it bother me pre WLS. Lucky for me i crashed and got help getting my stuff together. I am fine now but it took some time, back to the old person i was. I did not get divorced from WLS i have been divorced a long time. I suggest you get his closest friend or brother to talk to him Man to Man. In other words Man up or you will loose a lot around you. Then get him a Head Doc that specializes in Divorce saving and behavior Changes. Anything can be fixed! Just may not be easy. But i fully understand Hard to Break a ALpha Male Complex

I am 5'4" and was 226.8. I have kost ALL my excess weight and am currently 133.9 lbs. I have a little loose skin on my hands and face, but it is getting better (just reached my goal... so still new). The rest of my body looks great albeit in need of more toning. My belly is mostly flat but I do have a permanent c-section pooch. No big deal. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

I am a male so Really do not care if i loose my hair = plus i had gradual hair loss due to age first. But what i can tell you is my female friends who had the surgery before me went thru this stage and it stopped and grew back. or be like me and Shave your head and loose weight and get asked if you have cancer every day! It will pass i have two friends that were sleeved and made it thru this phase.

Should have also mentioned I have loose skin on my hands & fingers. Dropped about 4 full ring sizes & now my hands & fingers look a bit wrinkly & soft. Very unexpected.

Ok will be 4 yrs july 11, I went from 405 to 229 in 12 months. Doc said I could stop at 245, but i hit lower as 220 was my goal. I have maintained 230 to 240 since. I drink with food, it doesnt bother me, and fact started doing it at 8 months. I noticed 1) it seemed to push food, some, through pouch faster. I also noticed I can eat more than I could after 2 yrs and doc said you lose feeling that is is backing up in esophagus. Which is true, and if you throw up you can easily choke, so dont. But 3 slices of a large thin crust pizza is my limit, so that is my experience with that. Nuts, raw veggies sit in pouch for a long time, and only think I cant eat is cabbage, it gives me terrible heart burn. Water is hard as I forget to eat or drink until 7pm a lot. I never desire too, but have a bad habit from before of snacking while watching tv, and i have chips and drink water with, all chips and bread seems to stsy in pouch a long time. I mainly eat protein and a carb, i take barilife multivitamins 6 a day and blood work is slways perfect. 2 insulin 6 shots a day stopped at surgery and still diabetes is at bay. Hair lose happened, but as a guy, not that bad and similar to 2 brothers. Skin was an issue but it shrinks more yearly, strangely body morped is still going on for me, shorts that fit at same wait, didnt last ur, but this year they do. I never had a butt, but now I do, and waist has gone from 54 to 36, but up to 38 and fown to 34depending on yr lol. I can drink booze like I dud before, just can't chug a hole 12 glass. I can drink 64 oz of water in 15 minutes no problem, so I think the water think is to keep your pouch fuller long term but very important fitst yr. Dehydration is no joke, so I stay up drinking water if I haven't finished my 64 oz jug for day or 4 16 oz water bottles plus I like apple juice, which I mix with 3x as much water in my jugs. But tonight I realized I was 32oz short so I did. The last 2 yrs have really dedicating the water rule after dehydration happened twice, not fun. I also use syntex nectar and sugsr free walmart drink mix for my water bottles. Drink booze stopped my weight lose for a,week when I drank at 9 months. I notice now I will gain a few pounds for a few days after drinking booze, I don't much, but not sure if it is extra liquid or my guess, it messes bodies system and weight and digestion are really a rhythm. If I eat 3 meals and 2 snacks I lose weight, if I eat once, I gain so find your systems happy spot. I do best with a breakfadt, proteain drink lunch maybe just water, a dinner with carbs and protein, and cheese or a snack about 9, and then water until bed. Life is dimple as I live alone. When company comes and stay I eat with them and cook, thinks Zi just wouldnt normally eat. But that 5 lbs drops fadt after they leave, so you couples have it rough. I just don't buy bad idea food for me.

I knew a lot going in, but even what I didn’t know I wouldn’t change my decision to have surgery because when I was finally approved it was all or nothing. I was ready to give up. it is tough dealing with excess loose skin and that will take surgery. But I’m working on it. It feels like part of the journey. I only wish my insurance paid. I lost around 105lbs now. It might have helped to know information about medication and nsaids being banned for life. And that we cannot take timed release medication but also how our body metabolizes them is altered. I think I wish I’d known about BariatricPal fruit flavor protein shots before I had surgery, for the initial post op days especially but also to get in extra protein when nausea strikes and the idea of a protein shake isn’t tolerable. And I couldn’t tolerate Isopure even diluted although each person is different of course. Also their protein soups are very helpful and hot protein drinks. for me I eventually realized that taking a daily log of my weight, protein and calories and meal planning worked best for me so I stuck within a calorie and protein range that worked for me and increased or decrease calories as needed. I base my protein On the ratio of 0.36 grams of protein per 1 lb of body weight. And though I don’t count carbs I stuck to strict low carb, and no more than 4-5 grams of sugar and avoid added sugar as much as possible. I just find ways to get healthier versions of what I like. my path was a hard one, because of lifelong chronic illness and disability. Going up against metabolic disorders and inability to exercise due to post exertional malaise which is a lame way of saying due to my medical condition, exertion causes systemwide damage. Many people have it easy, some have challenges along the way. I had my gallbladder removed during my surgery. I guess a few small tips for post op, BariatricPal protein shots, kettle & Fire Bone broth for sipping (also good for pre op clear) speaking of pre op, do make sure you prep as if for a colonoscopy. This helps with post op constipation. Also. Let go of worry. Let things happen as they happen one moment at a time and you will be fine

You look great! You must be one of the lucky ones who didn’t loose any of your girls in the weight loss process! Mine disappeared with the weight!

I'm also male. I was 59 when I had the surgery and had a BMI of about 37.5. I'm now 14 months out and in maintenance. I had more saggy skin than I had anticipated when I reached my goal weight after about eight months. Everything was droopy--upper arms, thighs, butt and chest. I was particularly bothered by my turkey neck and the folds on my stomach. I feel like my stomach has gotten a bit better in the last six months, but I would still be embarrassed to go out without a shirt. And the turkey neck is as bad as ever. Would I do it again knowing about the sagging skin? In a heartbeat! I did this for my health and to improve the quality of my life. The skin issues are secondary and are all about vanity, not health--although i do look infinitely better in clothes than I have in decades.

Im a male and Have found that using the skin tighting lotions and tools do help, I have very little loose skin currently and have reached where i want to be

I went from 40C to 36AA. Tragic! Not the whole pitta bread thing going on but definitely lacking in tone and dimension. And although I haven't got obvious droops of skin, it's definitely baggier than it ought to be. Would love to have the op but just can't afford it. I comfort myself with the thought that it could have been a lot worse. I just look like I'm wearing skin a size too big! (rather than the seven dress sizes I actually lost!)

I wish I knew..... the outcome! I literally am SO happy with my surgery and reasults. I was insanely depressed from being obese all my life. Prior to surgery my anxiety was sky high! What wud I feel like? What wud ppl say? How wud my friends react? How wud I react? And most of all, will I be happy? I had watched so many vid about Bariatric horror stories, or even those ppl being like ‘losing weight wont help you not be depressed it’s all in your head’. Well true, losing weight itself won’t make me happy. But the satisfaction of hard work does. The feeling that you are doing something right in your life for a change does. I’m not gonna lie, I have a ton of loose skin, with 30lbs to go to my goal weight. About 100 down. But it’s not so bad. And I will DEFINITELY be getting plastics done. I consider it part of my journey. Bariatric surgery starting it and PS ending it. (Then I plan to start a new journey.... hopefully consider getting married and stuff) so ya loose skin is bothersome but it’s not a ‘big issue’ and it’s not like overnight you wake up and your body is hanging all over. It happens gradually and suddenly you realize it’s been there without you seeing it... Good luck!

I’m almost 55 so a bit older than you. No children. I bragged to my mother when I was almost at my goal that I didn’t have much loose skin at all just a bit if crepeyness on my arms, tummy & top of thighs. But then I lost the additional weight & it’s pretty floppy on my butt, arms, tummy, thighs. A good pinch worthy floppy - not pleasant or pretty. My breast sized reduced heaps, lots of fullness - 18E to 10G but my 10G bras are too big & I can’t get out to have another fitting. I think I’m about an 8D/E now. Tried on an old fitted wool dress I’d shrunk years ago this morning. Dress fits (yay) except I have no boobs to fill out the top anymore so the neckline was all open & droopy (hello boys worthy).

This is my worry. That it’s more how fast you loose the weight and now how much you loose.