I was banded on June 28 and since have lost 27.5 pounds. While I know (or think) that a lot of that is probably water weight, my surgeon said that it's still a lot to lose in just a week. And while I'm elated by the idea that I'm already 1/5 of the way to my goal weight, I'm afraid that if this continues (obviously not at 30 pounds a week, but at a rate higher than 2-3 pounds a week) I'll be left with pounds of sagging skin. I'm only 18, and from what I've read, this will help when it comes to my skin returning to its original tightness(?), but I was wondering if anyone had any other tips or advice on avoiding this. Also, any info (personal experienceS) at all on loose skin after LB would be really helpful. Thanks a lot. Good luck and God Bless.

I haven't been banded yet but the personal trainer said that exercise will help because it tones the body so I've started doing some walking and weight training 2-3 times a week. Hope this helps:)

Wow thats a lot of weight!!! Great job, keep up the good work!! I have only had my band since june 25th and have lost 12 lbs. There are threads about loose skin and tummy tucks. I know the younger you are the better your skin is. Everyone is different, hopefully your skin will return to its proper shape.

What have you been eating/drinking? And are you hungry at all. Iam already getting hungry. And can not wait till I get my first fill (july 31st). Good luck with everything!!! I will be looking forward to your weight loss You are doing GREAT!!!!

one word EXERCISE...

cardio and strength training....

cardio sheds the body of fat and strength training will tone and firm up your muscles. Start now, not when you are at a certain weight. I will help, but you may still have saggy skin. I know, it sucks and I hate the thought myself, but at least you can help some of it and you are young enough that you may not have any excess skin when you are done losing weight!!! That would be so great!!

Thanks a lot! Congrats on your weight loss as well, Now! I'm beginning the puree stage today (saw the surgeon earlier this morning and got the okay), but for the past week or so I've mainly been on Apple Juice (told to keep to a limit b/c it's filled with sugar), sugar-free popsicles, sugar-free jello and lots and lots of water. Also, I found that I was able to handle about 3/4 of a cup of Progresso Vegetable Soup (blenderized of course). Anywho, I'm glad to finally get something filling in me. I go for my first fill on August 6, and I wish you the best of luck with yours. Thanks for all the info and advice everyone!

Slow down the weight loss and exercise. You should be fine. I have lost 50+ lbs and will definitely need a tummy tuck. Good luck.

Hi family . Its the first time I have posted. I was banded in Jan 06 and so far have lost 85 pounds. I still have another 80 to go but the belly is looking saggy . Surly there must be a way to tighten the skin without surgery???? I am terrified of having a tummy tuck. I have seen those shows and it looks like pain that I am not ready to endure. :faint:

While losing weight slower does help to a degree, and exercise does tone the muscle under the loose skin, only genetics, age and duration of obesity will determine just how much loose skin you will end up with.

The is no fool proof way to prevent it, and there is no cream, exercise or prayer that can cure it.

All that said, I would not trade my loose skin (the little that I do have) for my obesity. I would rather have loose skin than be obese. And while tummy tucks look rather painful, for me, it was more uncomfortable than painful.

I've lost 85 lbs, and I have 55 to go. It's taken me 3 years to get this far, and my skin is okay... my lower tummy sags a little (the panni), and my thighs are kind of icky, but, when I'm on a long plateau, my skin takes some time to work on going back where it belongs. My arms are way better than I thought they would be, and when I get to goal, or have been there a while my tummy skin will *probably* be where it's supposed to be, but also probably decently 'squishy' and I will probably want at least a mini tummy tuck on it, as well as some work on my thighs, and definitely a breast lift. The breasts will be lifted even if no other work is done.