It's a condition called acanthosis nigricans. It's basically darkening of the neck, armpits, inner thighs, elbows. Etc. it is common in obese people because of the higher insulin levels present in our blood.

Anyway, have any of you post ops with this condition noticed lightening of those areas since you've lost weight?

Yes, mine's was around my neck and I can no longer see the dark ring.

Yes!! The ring around my neck is noticeably lighter. Unfortunately my armpits are still rather dark. Hoping they fade with more time and weight loss.

I definitely had acanthosis. That's how I knew I was insulin resistant. Mine went away pre-surgery when I switched diets. The ring on my belly lightened considerably as well and the neck ring is all gone.

Whether it's the weight loss or the change to a high-Protein diet, I am quite sure yours will lighten/disappear as well.

From my experience btw, I do best on a 40% protein, 40% fat and 20% complex carbs diet. I think most of us who were insulin resistant before seem to do best physically and psychologically with being strict on the carbs.

I had it on my neck and under my boobs, and it has completely disappeared.

This is what prompted my change. I had it under my arms and boobs. I knew it wasn't good, and I decided a year ago I needed to fix me. I'm still working on the fix - that's a lifelong thing - but I'm happy to say I've dropped 100 pounds over the last 11 months and my skin is all one color!