Question:
Is sagging skin inevitable?

I am 28 years old, 5'0" & 259 lbs. Is there anything that I can do to reduce that sagging that may come after WLS?    — Jeanine J. (posted on November 1, 2009)

November 1, 2009
I was told that pilates should help. I've been doing it but I can't see any difference. Other than pilates, I highly doubt that there is anyway we can avoid saggy skin. :(
   — Nina15137

November 1, 2009
hey at age 29 I lost 110 pounds and I didnt have sagging skin & all I did was walk! I think you might be lucky enough to be young enough to avoid it! Wish I had known then what I know now!! I went from 300 to 190. Good luck!!
   — zuzupetals2u2

November 1, 2009
I am 52 years old and went from 343 lbs to 180 lbs. I do think exercising will help but according to what I read and watched on TV it all depends on alot of factors. I myself have sagging skin but you know what - it's OK because of how much better I feel physically. Never lose sight of why you had the surgery in the first place. Feel good about yourself and be proud of what you accomplished.
   — heartmjk

November 1, 2009
I am 55 years old, have been obese since 4 years of age. Now one year out after RNY, and have lost 80 pounds. At the gym I use the power plate after some body building exercises. It has made a substantial difference! My husband says that I am building my body from the inside out. Also I have been using my Mary Kay(!)firming eye cream on my neck and decolletage with great success. Three folds are gone from my neck, only one wee crease to go, but a judiciously placed scarf or necklace hides that! The MK Cellulite system works on the bingo-wings, but it takes committment...12 weeks, but it works! I can take 12 weeks of massage... :)
   — texasmroning

November 1, 2009
I would say, yes. Exercise will help but depending upon how much weight is lost there will be some sagging and loose skin.
   — rkurquhart

November 1, 2009
There are a lot of factors to consider..If you are young...which you are thats in your favor. If you don't have stretch marks it will go good also. If you have pliable skin..I didn't. I have stretch marks from both of my pregnancies and I know there is no elasticity to mine..lol Tho I don't have a lot of extra skin, I do have some. I lost 120 lbs and am 4'11", and am 45. Don't let the skin thing scare you off tho. There are worse things than sagging skin. And you are young! If you exercise it helps a great deal too! Best of luck and hugs, Kim
   — gpcmist

November 2, 2009
According to my surgeon, people under the age of 35 have more resilient skin. The advice you've been give so far is correct, except for one thing. Exercise does nothing to help with your skin's resilience. It will, however, help you replace fat with muscle and have a toning effect. First of all, a tone muscle is much smoother than rippled, puckered fat deposits. Secondly, it will "take up the slack" somewhat as it replaces fat deposits. It can only help a little, but it will cause your clothes to drape nicer. The determining factors for you will be your age (28 is good) and the amount of weight you lose (as long as you don't have a pendulous abdomen, you shouldn't need cosmetic surgery to alleviate that). And, of course, genetics and general health contribute as well. If you have skin that is naturally resilient, and you maintain good nutrition, including plenty of protein and vegetables (and take your vitamins) you should have better luck than someone older with more weight loss, less resilient skin, and/or poor nutrition. I am a Physical Therapist, and am 5 years post-op with the Lap-Band. I am at goal weight. I am 5'2" and started out at 250 pounds. I still have some loose skin around my inner thighs (upper portion) and abdomen. The skin on my face is a little more wrinkled, but I am 47, so that's to be expected. I also have a little bit of the "bat wings" thing going on in my upper arms. Unfortunately, that runs in my family, so that's not a big surprise. Having said all of that, I'd like you to know that I feel 20 years younger, no longer have high blood pressure, no more sleep apnea, no more aches and pains in my joints, no shortness of breath, and can do things I haven't been able to enjoy for years. I had the surgery for health reasons. Two members of my family died due to diabetes the year I had my surgery. My mom and dad are both obese and suffer with diabetes. My mom and grandmother both had heart attacks, and my dad had a mini stroke. For me, being slim is just a bonus that came with an improvement in my health. I have a supportive husband who has always liked the way I look, no matter what my weight. And now, I love to go shopping. It's fun to look at yourself and not be mortified at what you see. Now, I look in the mirror and think, "I'm cute as a bug". I hope that helps. I wish you all the best on your journey toward good health. God Bless.
   — KimM

November 2, 2009
I was 35 when I had RNY (2/15/07). I had no children prior to or after - I have a bit of "jello" - flabby skin - but not excessive droopy or what some people refer to as their tire or apron. Being young is on your side. It was on my side.Good luck.
   — jammerz

November 5, 2009
My surgeon said that on average, people that are 30 or under or with a bmi of 50 or less that the skin isn't nearly as bad, and in some cases not at all, I'm 33 with a bmi of 39 so I'm also curious to see what my skin will do, best of luck to you!
   — eyeflirt4fun

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