I know theres a million posts on this topic (and ive read through far too many without getting the answer im looking for)

But if you achieve the majority/all of your weight loss relatively rapidly (4-6 months post operatively) will loose skin improve at all over the following year or so after that? Obviously I dont expect nor think anyone should expect miracles. But if your weight loss occurs extremely quickly how much of an improvement will you see in loose skin over the next year or so after that while maintaining the weight loss ? Or is there pretty much no improvement in skin for the most part, with the exception of significant muscle/weight regain ?

And im aware that genetics/age/environment etc etc all are factors, im just trying to figure out if theres a window of opportunity where SOME improvement occurs or if thats not actually a normally occuring thing.

Loose skin can improve slowly over time (1-2 years). However, it depends on the activities that you are doing.

I choose to start lifting weights at around my 6th-month mark as I noticed that everything on my body started hanging off. I have noticed that the loose skin on my thighs, arms and stomach are tightening up. However, I will still need a tummy tuck and my back done.

You will need to gain muscle and tighten the skin. You can choose the amount of muscle you would like to gain. I have gained about 10 - 15 lbs of muscle. However, I had started lifting before I had reached my weight goal. This, in turn, helped me to lose a lot of fat in areas (breast included) but strengthen the muscles.

The best way to see it is in the maintaining stage (lifting), you will see a change your body's composition. The scale at this point will not do you justice. This is when you will focus on inches, progression photos (comparisons), and how your current clothes are fitting.

If the scale is something that you worry about, then lifting will cause you to have a lot of stress in regards to the scale because you will have to gain to look fit and toned. But remember you are gaining muscle and not fat, so you're gaining the good stuff.

I hope this answers your question a little. Also, a picture just in case you are scared to gain too much muscle.

Edited March 17, 20188 yr by Sleeve1stFitNext

Not everyone gets loose skin. I'm sorry if you have it.

1 hour ago, DaleCruse said:

Not everyone gets loose skin. I'm sorry if you have it.

I don't have a lot, it's certainly not bad. I would probably avoid a tummy tuck just because I think the scars would be worse than any benefits in my case.

I'm just trying to figure out if it's reasonable to expect any improvement in the first year, or if it is what it is and it ain't ever changing. If there's even a little improvement id probably never do any kind of contouring, if there's none I think a mini tummy tuck could be a reasonable solution (as I only have it in that front lower abdomen area, pretty much noticeable only when sitting or bending over)

Of course I lost like 75 pounds (the majority) of my weight in 3 months, so I didn't know if it's reasonable to expect the skin to "catch up" or not

Edited March 17, 20188 yr by Mhy12784