Hi, I am heavily (no pun intended, l) involved in Roller Derby, and as some of you may know, it's a very aggressive contact sport. I am scheduling my procedure during our break in Dec, so that I will have the down time to heal. How long after surgery should I wait until I can return to the contact aspect of the sport? I can skate about 2-3 weeks after I was told, but I am wondering about the other part. ALSO.. What has your experience been with excess skin? I am

terrified I am going to lose my weight but still look big because of all the excess skin I could/will have. Any way to help reduce it? ( before plastic surgery)

From what I have watched on TV..I would wait a bit longer to really participate fully in all out contact. You definitely want your sleeve line to be fully healed and for me I was still feeling the internal stitches pulling until around 6 weeks. It wasn't until then that I felt healed. Although the other part of this is..you are going to be tired after the surgery with the nutrition restriction etc, so keep that in mind as you plan your return to the ring!

The excess skin is a crap shoot..age, genetics etc..all play a part.

I was sleeved in January and now I am training in pro wrestling. A lot of contact and my sleeve is doing great. I would say give it a couple months before doing full contact. I have lost 178 pounds and am dealing with the excess skin. It's tough but just keeping working out.

"Derby"....I think it's great that you are exercising and plan to be active in this. I hear the roller derby is making quite the comeback! Like "Maharet" stated, that is very physical, so make sure you are not only healed, but you've given your body a chance to adjust and get some strength back....which seems to be needed for this sport. Other than that, I say go for it and post some pics when you can! On the skin...........soooo many variables. I think if you have fairly good skin genetics, do resistance training, drink plenty of water, etc., it will help some. Also, being patient with the loose skin after rapid weight loss has stopped...... helps as well. Mine seems just a little tighter with every passing month. Good luck!