Okay, just watched a video of a woman who originally started out at 296 and went down to 123. Her skin around her thighs and knees was horrible. Just curious if this is common. I know I'm gonna have skin issues. I'm 50 and been overweight for 25 years. So, unfortunately, I know it's coming. But, I want to know what YOUR story is with the skin and what you did to prevent it and if you actually did prevent it somewhat?

Sadly skin issues are going to happen. More to some of us than others. I started at 265, and have lost 98 lbs so far. I've lost slower than some. I think the key to sagging skin is number one youth, how young you are, and how much elastin is in your skin, and collogen production. Also, the length of time you've been over weight, i.e. skin is in some ways like a rubber band, it will bounce back to an extent, but if it's been stretched for a long time, it won't shrink back as quickly. Another factor is exercise and time. Exercise does help to tighten your skin, and time does also. That is why they say get to your goal weight and wait 2 years before having plastics, that way you will know how much skin/what procedures you will need done. Me personally, I am surprised at how well my thighs and knees have bounced back, because I have always had HUGE thighs. I am disappointed with how my belly looks. It's deflating, and sagging, and I now have what I refer to as a 'butt belly'. I have a crease from the top of my mons to my belly button that has turned my lower belly into a shapley 'baby butt' form. Also, my belly button is now wrinkly. Finally, I have 'bat wings', but these don't bother me so much, as they are only evident when I raise my arms which I don't do much of in public, and my breasts will have reconstruction for sure. They are slowly turning into money socks...now what I've described doesn't sounds great, I am far from having a super model body, but I didn't do this surgery to look like a super model. Yes, it's important for us all to look good and feel good in our skin as well, and actually, I do. I look fantastic in clothes, even a swimsuit. I think the sacrifice of some sagging skin is WAY more than worth the loss that I've already had and I'm not even a year out! Bottom line, spanx and maidenform make some EXCELLENT body shapers, and if the skin really bothers you, you can shape it in place until it firms up!

I'm really not concerned about my tummy. I'm more concerned about my face and legs. The arms a little. But, the only person who will see my stomach is my husband.....lol