Worried about Saggy Skin

[Old2NewMe 73]

Hi Everyone!

I start my pre-op diet on Thursday... I am now worrying that post-op if I'll have saggy skin, whether ppl will think and wonder if I'm sick and unhealthy. Anyone else with these worries? Has anyone asked their doc when they can begin toning?

[Berry78 4,259]

Skin is an individual thing. If you have less than 80lbs to lose, chances are good you won't have too much extra skin, especially if you are under 40 years old. If you have 125lbs or more to lose, you are pretty much guaranteed to have some saggy skin.

Exercise (weight lifting) can likely resume around 6 or 8 weeks post op. Follow your surgeon's advice. Building muscle can help "take up room" under the skin, but won't actually tighten the skin.

If you're that worried about skin.. start saving now for surgery in 2-3 years. If it turns out you don't need it, you'll have the money for a nice vacation or retirement

[Old2NewMe 73]

Skin is an individual thing. If you have less than 80lbs to lose, chances are good you won't have too much extra skin, especially if you are under 40 years old. If you have 125lbs or more to lose, you are pretty much guaranteed to have some saggy skin.
Exercise (weight lifting) can likely resume around 6 or 8 weeks post op. Follow your surgeon's advice. Building muscle can help "take up room" under the skin, but won't actually tighten the skin.
If you're that worried about skin.. start saving now for surgery in 2-3 years. If it turns out you don't need it, you'll have the money for a nice vacation or retirement

Good point! I would like to lose about 125lbs actually but I'm under 40 years old and I'd like to think my skin is pretty tight... in some areas lol

[Joann454 1,329]

Good point! I would like to lose about 125lbs actually but I'm under 40 years old and I'd like to think my skin is pretty tight... in some areas lol

It's also genetic. Hopefully you're one of the lucky ones!
My arms are going to be an issue, I can already tell [emoji30]

[Old2NewMe 73]

It's also genetic. Hopefully you're one of the lucky ones!
My arms are going to be an issue, I can already tell

My arms are already hanging from the fat! Smh
I don't want my stomach down to my knees lol

[julsfit 133]

We'll just be a flock of happy birds!

Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

[gailkindo 25]

Lol. That's cute. Well joined together we will tighten up and be as one.

Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

[pepperedjam 8]

I think it's all varies and depends on genetics. I'm only 26 and have 80 pounds to lose, but I already know I will have loose skin. My skin is covered in stretch marks, and does not have good elasticity as others. Oh well! Think of it on more of a positive side. I'd rather be thin and in shape with loose skin than overweight and unhealthy for the rest of my life.

[clk 3,519]

I understand this worry and I see the question posed so often. I view it like this: You trade the morbid obesity and cormorbidities for the possibility of loose skin. Later, you might have plastics. So you trade the loose skin for scars.

Upgrades all around, I'd say.

That said, keep in mind that skin rebounds enormously beyond the first year post op. What was a flap from under my breasts to my pubic bone I had to wear a corset-like girdle to contain for two years post op is now almost unnoticeable. Do I still want plastics 7 years post op (and post sleeve baby)? Yeah. But I had twins and I'm down 160+ pounds from my heaviest ever. Do I NEED them? Nope.

Your skin might sag. But even if it does, it can bounce back a LOT with time. I'd rather be skinny and slightly saggy any day, no lie.

Best,

Cheri

[The 147]

I'm worried about it too. Right now (10 days before my op) I figure it's too late to either get younger or develop different genetics. I'm vain enough to care and have decided that rather than wait to find out if I got the short straw i will do what I can to improve my skin now. I am moisturising twice a day with cream that has elastin and collagen in and doing lots of sea salt scrubs and dry brushing. I have no idea if it will work but my skin feels fantastic so if that's all that happens I'm not complaining.

[Introversion 1,876]

12 hours ago, Old2NewMe said:

I am now worrying that post-op if I'll have saggy skin, whether ppl will think and wonder if I'm sick and unhealthy.

In most cases, the obese body habitus looks sick and unhealthy.

However, with so many badly overweight people in the general public, our perceptions regarding what looks 'healthy' is skewed. Loose skin is a badge of honor and a sign you're fighting the good fight.

[Sleeve1stFitNext 924]

I started toning and doing all the extra skin care at 8 weeks post op. Honestly, it is she, genetics, and how stretched the skin is. My thighs look amazing as they have gotten smaller and toned up. However, my arms, tummy, breast and back have been my problem areas.

[Chavon88 22]

I understand this worry and I see the question posed so often. I view it like this: You trade the morbid obesity and cormorbidities for the possibility of loose skin. Later, you might have plastics. So you trade the loose skin for scars.
Upgrades all around, I'd say.
That said, keep in mind that skin rebounds enormously beyond the first year post op. What was a flap from under my breasts to my pubic bone I had to wear a corset-like girdle to contain for two years post op is now almost unnoticeable. Do I still want plastics 7 years post op (and post sleeve baby)? Yeah. But I had twins and I'm down 160+ pounds from my heaviest ever. Do I NEED them? Nope.
Your skin might sag. But even if it does, it can bounce back a LOT with time. I'd rather be skinny and slightly saggy any day, no lie. [emoji4]
Best,
Cheri

Did you have any issues carring the twins?

Sent from my SM-G925P using BariatricPal mobile app

[Old2NewMe 73]

I understand this worry and I see the question posed so often. I view it like this: You trade the morbid obesity and cormorbidities for the possibility of loose skin. Later, you might have plastics. So you trade the loose skin for scars.
Upgrades all around, I'd say.
That said, keep in mind that skin rebounds enormously beyond the first year post op. What was a flap from under my breasts to my pubic bone I had to wear a corset-like girdle to contain for two years post op is now almost unnoticeable. Do I still want plastics 7 years post op (and post sleeve baby)? Yeah. But I had twins and I'm down 160+ pounds from my heaviest ever. Do I NEED them? Nope.
Your skin might sag. But even if it does, it can bounce back a LOT with time. I'd rather be skinny and slightly saggy any day, no lie.
Best,
Cheri

160 is great!! I have twins too : ) they're 3

[clk 3,519]

Did you have any issues carring the twins?

I'm sorry, I can see how my post was confusing. I had twins 2.5 years before my sleeve and a solo baby post sleeve. No issues with either pregnancy, but the twins did wreck havoc on my skin. I measured over 52 weeks when I had them at 37 weeks and stopped looking at the scale when I clocked 286 on my 5'1" frame.

They did me worse than the weight loss, but even still, I don't need Shapewear anymore. I'm not flat, but it's a negligible bump unless I'm bending.

That's the kind of rebound I'm talking. And I have crap genetics. stretch marks from boobs to ankles. Mostly silver now, but present and accounted for.

Cheri