Hi there! I’m new here and just wanted to take a minute to introduce myself! My name is Kristy and live in New Jersey…where I am also getting the surgery done. I am getting my vertical sleeve done on November 21^st…the Monday before Thanksgiving! No turkey for me! Haha. I’m 27 years old, currently weigh 255lbs, and am 5’4. I have struggled with my weight my whole life, but because I’m actually quite healthy (only the occasional heart burn), I’ve pretty much ignored the problem. I’ve tried exercising, diets, pills, etc, etc. Lots of money spent with little to no results. I researched weight loss surgery for a year before I made the decision and took action. I originally wanted the lap band, but changed my mind when I learned about the sleeve.

To be honest, I haven’t really cut back on a lot as of yet. I have to do the 10 day liquid diet and am nervous about that but I know I can do it. I guess I’m just in that “last meal” mind frame right now. I know…not good at all!

For those of you that have gotten the sleeve, I was wondering about the loose skin that comes afterwards. Although I’m big, I don’t have A LOT of flab. I’m also joining a local gym to work on muscle tone. So my questions are these: How have you dealt with the loose skin and how long did it take you before you were able to start working out like normal? My doctor has explained it before, but it was pretty early on in the process (6 months ago) so I can’t remember. I was just curious how this has gone for other people. Thanks in advance for your input! I look forward to future discussions on this board!

Good luck with your upcoming surgery!

I am 9 weeks out, and I have noticed some loose skin under my upper arms. I started doing strength training that targets that area (and others) about 7 weeks out. I couldn't do any weight lifting or crunches until after 6 weeks because my stomach was still healing. I did a lot of walking during that 6 weeks though.

I was 255 at my heaviest, and I am 5' 7.5 inches tall. My upper arms were about 14 inches when I started, and they have lost about 1.5 to 2 inches. I haven't noticed loose skin anywhere else yet. I have noticed, however, that I have wrinkles around my eyes when I smile now. I didn't have that before. I'm 40.

Good luck with your upcoming surgery!

I am 9 weeks out, and I have noticed some loose skin under my upper arms. I started doing strength training that targets that area (and others) about 7 weeks out. I couldn't do any weight lifting or crunches until after 6 weeks because my stomach was still healing. I did a lot of walking during that 6 weeks though.

I was 255 at my heaviest, and I am 5' 7.5 inches tall. My upper arms were about 14 inches when I started, and they have lost about 1.5 to 2 inches. I haven't noticed loose skin anywhere else yet. I have noticed, however, that I have wrinkles around my eyes when I smile now. I didn't have that before. I'm 40.

Thank you for your response! Hearing about your progress is encouraging to me!

Flab or no flab, you are going to lose weight fast and skin is not that elastic. Typically the problem areas are arms, tummy and neck. Some women have also had problems with the chest area. My personal trainer has clients who needed to have excess skin removed under arms, breasts and tummy.

Continue the exercising and you should minimize the loose skin. Unlike those ads for the lap band losing 100 plus pounds, nobody I know would wear a skimpy bathing suit or bikini.