I have not gotten banded yet, but I would like to know when is it safe post-op to begin working out? Is it safe to start out with walking or an eliptical? Of course I wouldn't interested in weight lifting right away...

Also, any secerts to getting that skin to retract ASAP! That is my biggest worry, I have 90+ lbs to lose!

Rae, your doctor will tell you when you can start exercising. Everyone's doctor seems to be a little different in what they recommend, too, so just ask if they don't tell you.

About the extra skin, I bet at your age you won't have a problem. I'm 56, and have lost 69 lbs so far and my arms are a'flapping! I'm not terribly concerned about it though, and would probably never have plastic surgery. That's always an option though for people who do have a lot of extra skin.

Your doctor will let you know about exercise in your discharge instructions. I was allowed to begin walking immediately, but was told to hold off on other exercise until after my 4 week checkup. At that point, I was cleared for all exercise, without restriction.

Whether your skin rebounds is contingent on your age, genetics, how long you've been overweight, how many times you've been pregnant, whether you've yo-yoed in weight, and many other factors---none of which we really have one iota of control over.

It is not dependent on creams or lotions you apply to its surface, or how rapidly you lose, or any of the things we're led to believe.

That said, I use a lotion that I really like--it's probably not producing any sort of lasting effect (other than keeping my skin nicely moisturized), but it does have temporary firming properties. It's called C. Booth's 4-in-1 Multi-Action Body Lotion. I like the Lemon Sugar fragrance. It comes in a HUGE bottle, and is quite inexpensive. I've occasionally found it at Walgreen's, but usually wind up ordering it from Amazon or Drugstore.com.

Thank you both for your responses. I plan on dieting and starting an exercise regiment as soon as I get my first weight in. I am right on the edge of having insurance cover it...it really sucks how insurance makes you jump through hoops to be able to get the surgery even if you have a documented record of having dramatic weight loss and gain. I am concerned with the appearance of my stretch marks once the weight is gone...I have never had children, but do have large amounts of stretch marks on my sides and lower abdomen from weigh fluctuation my entire life. I don't expect to wear a bikini...but I don't want to look hideous naked. I am trying to avoid plastic surgery at all costs.

Good luck to you. Hopefully, you won't have that excess underarm skin that flaps in the wind like I do. But as said before you are young so you may not have that problem. As long as they make shirts that have sleeves to my elbow I'll be happy. My stomach also has some excess skin but as time passes it is shrinking. August will be my one year bandiversary :laugh:

Betsy you always have such great things to share on here. Thanks so much for being willing to do so!!

Thanks, Lisa--that's nice to hear. It's my pleasure :laugh:

Betsy, have you been restricted on abdominal exercises? I have read on this forum that a lhandful of people stay aways from sit-ups and crunches due to being afraid of the port coming unattached or tangled. I even read that someone had their port attached more to their side so as to allow for abdominal exercises.