I have been approved by my insurance for gastric bypass surgery but I am really neverous about extra skin after the surgery. Is this something that is common and typically need plastic surgery? I am young so my doctor said it will make it a little easier on my body. I am 24 years old and weight 257lbs. Any input would be great, thanks.

A lot of us do have the skin issues, but you are young and your skin has not been stretched for 30 years like mine. Hopefully you will not have the issue because you are young. Being healthy is more important and you can deal with it later if it is an issue.

At your age and weight, you probably won't have any really serious issues. If you smoke or drink, stop NOW---those are two things that really wreck your skin's elasticity. Now, I'm not saying that you're going to turn into a supermodel, but if you stay well-hydrated and develop some muscle tone, you'll look 'normal', whatever that is. (*grin*)

You are considered a light weight and you are so young, so you might luck out and not have too much extra skin.  My daughter was over 300 lbs, but youth was also on her side and she doesn't look too bad. 

I was at 251 lbs at 60 years old when I had my surgery, and I  have been very very lucky, and the excess skin is not too bad. 

The worst part is the total lack of boobage - they are sadly deflated. 

Good luck with it.  I only wish I had done this at your age instead of waiting.  You have such a wonderful journey ahead of you.

Focus on one thing at a time.  Right now get in as much info as you can concerning your surgery.  You can only plan to a point.  Good luck!    Jane

You do not indicate how tall you are.  The shorter you are at that weight, the more your skin needed to stretch to accommodate the fat.  Think of a balloon that has been blown up.  If you let the air out within a minute the balloon looks like it did before you blew it up.  If you wait 24 hours and the balloon was stretched to the limit, then no, the balloon does not go back to its original shape.  

How long have you been overweight?  Have you been at this weight for a short time or a good 10 years or more?

 I am 5'3 and I have only been overweight for about a year...I was on some medications that cause me to gaint he weight but now my insulin levels are high and my doctor does not want me to get other illnesses and said we should take care of it ASAP

Since you mention the insulin levels, and that this weight gain has been sudden, I'm going to recommend you research a procedure called the duodenal switch, DS for short. It's THE most effective form of WLS for treating metabolic disorders like diabetes and high cholesterol.

I'm gonna be honest with you (cause that's the only way I know how to be).  Excess skin should be the least of your worries at this point.  Concentrate on a plan to make sure you get in enough water, protein and exercise early on.  Then about a year after you've reached your goal weight reassess your personal goals for your physical appearance.  The "youth gods" are on your side!  I am so excited for you!

Sandie

 Thank you everyone, I do not know any one that has had this surgery and it is so nice to have support and people to share my thoughts with.

also something to think about, if you havent had kids yet and plan to someday, i would wait till after kids before doing any skin removal. if you even need any done of course.

This is something that I am worried about also. I'm 20 and my surgery date is September 19. I'm super excited. My mother also got weight loss surgery when she was 24. She was about 100lbs more than you and she did have a problem with extra skin. But just as everyone else has been saying, it's more important to be healthy and anything that comes up later on you can deal with then.  The way that I have been dealing with the thought of the extra skin is, I would rather have to get plastic surgery later in life rather than die by leading the unhealthy life I'm living now. Good luck with everything!! :)