Sleeved 3/22

How are you guys dealing w loose skin and are there any secrets of preventing it?

Need info ASAP thx

it is what it is. Obviously, you can stretch and tone and hope for the best....but don't expect miracles.

When you're done...if you don't like how it looks, consider plastics.

Youth helps. Weighing less when you start helps. Good collagen genetics help.

There is some evidence that losing weight slower helps, but the bottom line seems to be that loose skin is nearly unavoidable when you have a significant weight loss.

If the was some magic pill or routine, I'm sure we'd all be doing it. Just mentally prepare yourself!

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I’m fortunate that, so far, the only loose skin has been in my belly area and on my thighs. My plan is to give it two years after my surgery and, if it hasn’t sprung back into place by then, look into plastic surgery.

Start at a lower weight and choose better parents.

Yes, short and a bit snarky, but that is the essence of it - there isn't much that you can do about it. You can do some muscle building in the areas where musculature can replace fat (arms, thighs and the like, but that only goes so far) but that won't help around the abs where no amount of muscle can replace all the fat that can accumulate there.

I am pre-op and am concerned about this too. I did a lot of reading and it is true, not a lot can prevent it.

These few things have the best shot at helping:

Drinks lots of water and develop toned muscle for your skin to hang on. (We all should be doing this anyway)

Take collagen supplements, powder not pills (I just bought Great Lakes Gelatin) We all produce less collagen as we age.

Less research on this one, but sugar scrub. It can help increase blood flow too the skin. (Who cares if it doesn't really help, I LOVE a good sugar scrub, it's cheap too!)

Skip ALL of the cellulite, collagen, and stretch mark creams/lotions. They are expensive and a waste of money. Collagen is a huge protein and can't be absorbed through the skin. Nothing topical can make a big difference in stretch marks either. Other people might debate this one, but there is NO scientific evidence of effectiveness.

Hope this helps!