I am getting to go to my orientation meeting tomorrow. I know I want and need WLS for a lot of reasons, but the thought of having a lot of loose extra skin is really depressing me. For those that are a ways out from your WLS how much of an issue is your loose extra skin? Did you have it removed? If so does it cost a lot and how long does it take to heal?

　

　

Thanks.

I don't have solutions but someone here put it into perspective for me. You have the skin regardless, you are just going to choose to keep it filled or unfilled. Your choice...

 I forgot to mention it is kind of person specific as to how long a tummy tuck takes to heal. You can not do strenuous exercise for 6 months. They say unless you have a desk job you should take two weeks off work. I had a friend who just had it done and she was up and about with in a week. Another friend needed the two weeks. Also because they remove so much of ur skin, you belly button goes away and they build you a new one. 

Hi, TicTock.  I've been seriously concerned about this as well.  I have now come to the conclusion that I'm willing to chance having to deal with it, and here's why.  I'm already dealing with a lot of extras.  I have a lot of extra fat around me that gets in the way, keeps me from wearing the clothes I want to wear, seriously inhibits my life, and has a tremendous effect on my health.  When I lose the weight, there is a significant chance that I will then have to deal with loose skin as a consequence of my former condition, however, I will be so much freer.  I may not look terrific without my clothes, but I know I certainly don't now either, and at least I'll be able to... excuse my crudeness here, but tuck that crap into the outfits I want to wear to look cute on the outside.  Not only that, but I will be healthier, feel SO much better, and I may even reach a point where I can either afford to have the plastic surgery done, or work where I would have better insurance that might cover the surgery to remove it if it is significantly affecting my life and health.  So, while I'm not excited about having hanging skin, I'm incredibly excited at the prospect of having a lot less hanging fat.

 I am a little over 4 years out. Yep, I have extra skin. I have noticed when I am good about my working out routine, some of these areas I can tone. Besides my stomach area, I am really not bothered much by it. I guess this area others me as I still have to be careful in selecting clothes as just as when I was 308 pounds, the rolls (of fat at that time) are noticeable at my waist line. Also, just like when I was 308 pounds, my stomach rests on my thighs when I sit. It does not fit with how I feel. Truly though it did not bother me until more recently. I would love for my boobs to not hang and be picky and they never were as we'll as a good bra can make them look perky. As I began dating after my surgery, I felt it important that I be honest if things began to get more serious and let the man know that my looks are deceiving with clothes on verses clothes off. It has always been important to me to find someone accepting and supportive of my addition to food. Next summer I plan on having a tummy tuck. It will cost $8,000. Insurance will not cover it. $3,000 is due on the day of the surgery. They will remove all my extra tummy skin also pulling up the skin on my women part down there (I lost 150 pounds and yes, there is even sagging skin there) they will also lipo my back fat. Besides myself and my boyfriend, most people would never enough notice my extra skin unless I drew attention to it. My weight loss surgery has been such a life altering journey, I would ake the extra skin over the 150 pounds 100 times over. 

I was 51 when I had surgery -- and had lost and gained weight many, many times over the years.

I lost over 100 pounds and gained it back 15 years ago --- and then lost 130 with my WLS --- so, my skin was not as elastic as it was when I was younger.

I really disliked my upper arms, so about 18 months ago, I had brachioplasty and I added a breast lift at the same time (it was about 8,000.00 for both).

Then, 4 months ago, I had a tummy tuck.   It cost me about 6,500.00.

I had both surgeries on a Thursday -- and I took that day, the following Friday and the next week off from work -- so about 10 days --- and then returned to my desk job (from home).

I was able to work out at 4 weeks post op

Right now, I am 15 weeks post Tummy Tuck -- last week I did this exercise

Spinning class -- 2 times
Run/Walk 5 miles  --3 times
Yoga -- once
6 mile/4 hour hike in the mountains

I am sore -- in a good way.

I had my 4 month follow up with the plastic surgeon yesterday -- he thinks I am healing beautifully, although I have a little pouch just below my new belly button ---- he will continue to monitor that, and if it is still there at the 10-month mark, he will do a small revision to remove more skin or lipo the area.

He is a little more expensive than other surgeons in the area, but I love that he follows me for a full year and does free revisions --- he is pickier than I am -- I am thrilled with my results right now -- he thinks that they can be better -- and he will make the better for free.

Even if I could not afford plastics, I still think that having WLS and getting the extra weight off is a great thing.  Clothes can hide a multitude of sins ---- and there may be many options for plastics in your future.  Out of the country options are reasonably priced --- and there are some excellent surgeons out there.

There is no magical exercise, cream or potion to prevent loose skin.  It's skin that has been permanently damaged by being overstretched by out obesity.  Like one poster said, it's either filled or unfilled. 

Some people's skin is in better shape than others.  Much depends on age, duration being MO, genetics, and luck. 

I never got PS and I have plenty of loose skin, but stilll consider myeslf lucky, for I can conceal it pretty easily.   Maybe one day money and time will come together....maybe. 

Thanks everyone.