Hello boys and girls,

I'm new here, getting ready for my lap-band surgery on 16.4.2012 - and a bit scared... well, VERY scared to be honest... Well, I have to tell you, I'm from Slovenia, we are quite new at this, so there aren't as many people on forums like here...

I weigh around 277 pounds, 30 years old, healthy if we exclude obesity... My plan is to lose about 110-130 pounds, eventually, i'm in no hurry...

So, the question is, as in subject, does everyone have loose skin? Ok, a bit I guess it's normal, but I've seen some tapes on youtube and now I'm really scared...

And another question, maybe it will sound strange, but, is it possible to tell your doctor you don't want to lose weigh quickly, let's say about 65 pounds a year would be more than enough... I have time, i'm in no hurry... plus, maybe this would help with the skin?

Thank you for your opinions and best of luck to you all!

I haven't been banded yet, but one of my best friends works at a Bariatric surgeons office. I asked her this question. She said not everyone gets loose skin. If you lose weight too fast or don't work out and tone up you are more prone to it. Genetics play a factor as well. There is always plastic surgery to help after.

I agree that losing more slowly and staying toned will help but genetics and age play a factor as well. You can kind of control how fast or slow you lose by how tight you keep your band. I kept a daily log of my weight to help me, others did not like monitoring daily. Even now 4 years later I weight myself almost 4 times a week to keep an eye on it. I rarely have to see the Dr. for adjustments. It takes time to find what works for you and what works for me very well may not work at all for you. BUT I did want to share that I had a lot of loose skin after losing 100+ pounds and being over 40 and having had a child. I did not plastic surgery to have it removed. It is all a mixed bag with no "normal". I will say if I had to chose one I would take the loose skin back before I would take the 100 pounds. Embrace the journey and surround yourself with your cheerleaders and do not listen to any negativity. I wish you the best on your journey

As in any large weightloss there is going to be loose skin. The band is ONLY a tool to help you on your journey. Regularly going to the gym will help the loose skin issue but not completely. Just like a deflated balloon doesn't go back to normal neither will your body but working out will really help. I have lost 80 lbs in the last year, go to the gym all the time and have had pretty god luck on the skin issue. Sure it isn't perfect and I know it never will be unless I have some surgery. Don't. be scared. Recovery is quick, you'll love the results, and youll feel GREAT. All you need to do is follow the rules. Tons of people DON'T follow the rules and that's why they problems or complain about not losing the weight. YOU WILL DO GREAT!!!!

I have always worked out so after 108 lbs lost i am good except gravity with age . Not bad at all. I feel amazing! Good luck!

I agree with all the comments above. I think staying active and working out will help your body with the elasticity and the skin, but I still have areas that I believe no matter how much i work out, they will never be firm and tight again without additional surgery. Sagging skin or not, you will still be happier and healtier than you are now.

I've lost 100 lbs over a 2yr yr period, most coming off the first year. I work out 3x a week. While id love to be able to afford a tummy tuck, I really don't have much excess skin. I lost it slowly and worked out. I probably will live with the small amt of sag I do have.

Good luck

Marci

Thank you all for your feedback! I agree, it's only a tool and I wouldn't want it any other way. Usually people want to lose weight as quickly as possible and as much as possible - I met some women who looked at me like I was crazy or something because I chose the lap band not the bypass...

I have dark moments from time to time, sure I do, I'm an emotional eater, but I KNOW this is the only way left for me... and I can't wait to get in shape and eventually join a dancing class and learn Irish dancing and jive! Plus a friend who owns a fitness studio gave me a 1 year free card, so, things are looking good. And not to mention I quit smoking after 16 years! Ok, I gained a pound or two, but haven't had a smoke in almost a month.

The future looks bright.

Thanks again and good luck to you all!