I'm not afraid of the surgery. I'm really worried about two things. One, hair loss and Two, extra skin. What can I do to avoid both?

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Not much

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I lost all my hair long before surgery - as in, I started balding by the time I was 19. Do like me and wear a hat. Besides, chicks dig that Jean Luc Picard look. As for extra skin, it is a reality. How much is hard to say. It is better than staying fat.

What can you do to avoid both? Unfortunately very little. The hair loss is temporary and you will notice it far, far more than anyone else will because you are inspecting yourself in the mirror everyday. Meet your Protein goals, take your Vitamins and know whatever falls out will come back.

As for the skin, that's a matter of genetics and time spent overweight than anything else. But I promise, looking awesome in clothes with some extra skin underneath is WAY BETTER than being fat. Like not even in the same zip code better.

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But when the clothes come off? That's a whole different feeling of embarrassment. I can't go swimming again, what about sex?

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The person I dated after I lost 170 pounds couldn't have cared less. He didn't know I had lost weight at that point. I was self-conscious and worried, but as with the hair, we're so much harder and judgmental of ourselves than others are. I explained, and it was never a big deal except in my own mind. It's not worth worrying about it enough not to lose the weight. Your health is more important than the fear of the unknown that ultimately may not be a big deal.

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As for swimming, of course you can! You can be the fat guy swimming or you can be the healthy thin guy who conquered his demons and lost weight and has some skin to show for it. That's something to admire, not scorn.

Nothing says you can't start saving for plastic surgery one day too. If it's too expensive here, I've seen great results from people getting it done in Mexico.

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Perhaps don't think of future problems while you deal with your current issue of excess weight.

Maybe just one thing at a time. It could be a year before you have to tackle those issues. Lots of other things come up also.

My take is you just have to trust the program and do the best you can.

Good luck getting started!

the bad news - not a whole lot you can do to prevent either

the good news - the hair loss is temporary and some people don't even experience it. the loose skin may or may not be an issue - depends on how much you lose, how long you were overweight, your age, and your genetics. In theory, drinking lots of Water to stay hydrated can help (it certainly won't hurt) and doing strength training to keep what is under the skin toned may help appearance as well. and if the loose skin ends up being a real problem, there is always plastic surgery (although often not covered by insurance).

I am experiencing hairloss - but fortunately I started with a ton of hair so it really is only noticeable to me. So far the abdominal skin isn't too terrible but I do have flying squirrel arms already. at the end of the day, i'd rather have that than all the other health issues I was having/would be having.

I just got a phone call from my insurance company! My surgery has been approved ! I'm so excited I feel like dancing in the streets I go to my surgeon on the 17 of January for a date! So happy now !

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Swim in a summer dive suit. Mine has short sleeves and bottoms to the knees and I look fine in it...at least until I can get plastics.

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Biotin pills and shampoo and conditioner with biotin in it I read that helps keep you Protein up and skin firming lotion can help but definitely have to hit that gym to help tone it all up

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The standard response here seems to be that there is nothing anyone can do about skin; however, there is no discussion of anyone even attempts to lessen the probability of loose skin pre-surgery.

I dry brush every day. It's invigorating and feels oh-so-good. I even brush my husband. He loves it.

I moisturizer with a glycolic/salicylic acid moisturizer all over my body to help with exfoliation.

I have started doing glycolic peels on my upper arms and abdomen as well as using the Rodan and Fields AmpMD roller.

I use collagen hydrosolate daily and make a point to meet my Water goals.

I may have loose skin. But I refuse to accept the party line that there is nothing that can be done.

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I asked about hair loss my doctor simply said as long as I follow the instructions after surgery make sure I take all of my Vitamins get all of my nutrients I will be fine

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I don't know where to get g/s acid moisturizer or glycolic peels,

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But when the clothes come off? That's a whole different feeling of embarrassment. I can't go swimming again, what about sex?

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If she minds your thinning hair or flabby skin, she wasn't worth it to begin with. Best of luck, dear :-)

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