Question:
Does exercise help with the extra skin once you start loosing?
I know that having wls and loosing weight is the ultimate adventure but one of the unpleasant thoughts for me is whether I will have extra skin on my body. I think I will have some in my arms and maybe my lower stomach but I am not sure about anything else. My question is will the skin tighten up as your body tones with exercise. I had a few people tell me that eating and drinking a lot of protein will help the skin snap back as well. And should I start doing proteins now even though I am just starting the approval process? — [Deactivated Member] (posted on March 18, 2009)
March 18, 2009
The answer to your question is simply, much depends on your age and the
amount of weight you lose. However, I do wonder why you are concerned
about this issue before you even had your wls? For me, the cosmetic
question didn't enter my mind to well over a year after my surgery, and
then I did have cosmetic surgery almost two years after the wls when I knew
I was at a stable weight. The wls saved my life and something I looked
into for 3 years and interviewed 4 surgeons before deciding this was the
right thing to do for my health. I no longer suffer from migraines, joint
issues, high cholesterol, blood pressure issues, diabetes, and all the
other ills resulting from being obese. Exercise is always good, and is
something I can now do. Something you really should consider is that wls is
only tool, much depends on you and your frame of mind. When and if you
feel you need/want cosmetic surgery, check out The Rosenstock/Lieberman
Clinic in San Jose, Costa Rica (world renowned surgeons!). Good luck in
your new life. Judy
— Unchained Melody
March 18, 2009
Hi, I think this is a great question to ask and a very important one. How
we view our bodies is KEY to how we maintain the weight loss IMHO. My
mother was 53 when she had the surgery-- she lost 150 pounds but she didn't
do any toning exercises so she has about 15 pounds of extra skin. It
causes a rash and it troubles her. I've noticed that it has been hard for
her to reconnect to her body.
I am awaiting surgery and I asked my doctor this same question and he
agreed that it was a very important one to ask. He said that he has seen
first-hand how effective toning exercises can be and he has been surprised
at the results in patients much older than myself (I am 35). In talking
with other people that have had the surgery and are toned, they swear by a
regime of high protein, body creams, and weight lifting (one woman even
lifted up her shirt to show me and I was impressed!) SO I for one am going
to put all my energy into my body- protein, cream, and exercise and no
matter what happens I feel very positively that the results will be good.
I say, why not start it now, so that you are forming those excellent habits
and also are loving yourself! Great question! Thank you.
— Ananta
March 18, 2009
It was a scary thought for me as well...but it was secondary to wanting so
desperately to be healthy again...I started saving for plastic surgery
immediately...in case I had to have my belly done...It was my only real
concern...My belly was huge! No one can predict really what your skin will
end up doing...but I do swear that taking vitamins, staying hydrated,
working out (muscles, not just cardio stuff) skin firming
creams...protein...Sure...It all helps for sure...Nutrition is HUGE for
me...I eat all things healthy...I don't care about carbs...I am not giving
up fruits, veggies and whole grains! Those are nature's vitamins! The
older you get the worse sugar is for your aging skin! I use sunblock
religiously...I do Yoga or pilates type toning exercise daily, even if I
only have 5 or 10 minutes to spare. I do it if I have to do it will waiting
for my shower to get hot! LOL (naked push ups in the bathroom) I don't use
non-soap cleansers on my skin...like Cetaphil
— .Anita R.
March 18, 2009
It is unpredictable how it will go for you. It will depend on genetics and
age for the most part. I did a lot of weights at the GYM with a personal
trainer begining at 6 weeks post op. The 2 hrs a day, 4 times a week helped
a lot with my arms and my butt. As far as my stomach and breasts, that's a
different story. But in the end, I am a healthier person and that's all
that matters. Good luck.
— maria09elena
March 19, 2009
I have found exercise does help but ny skin is doing great becuase for the
past year - ( I had surgery 10 months ago~) I have been using clarins extra
firming cream twice a day on arms and legs especially. My surgeon can't
belive how little my skin is sagging and says he han't seen anyone as good
as me! It is expensive but I believe worth every penny.
— island651
March 20, 2009
The amount of sagging skin you will have varies from person to person. I
know someone who lost 140 lbs and has maybe 3 -5 lbs of sagging skin on the
lower stomach. That person works out almost daily, drinks protein shakes,
and has managed to tighten up that little 'jiggle' under the arms to where
it is not bothersome and can now wear the sleeveless tops. This person's
weight, however, was evenly distributed throughout the body.
Now I have not lost all of my weight and due to me being the classic 'pear
shape' I can see that I will have excess skin on my stomach, hips, and
thighs. I also knew before I had the wls that I was going to be
nipped/tucked/lifted and whatever else once I reached my goal weight.
One thing you must do is come to terms with the possibility of having
excess skin. If you have not considered plastic surgery or do not want to
go that route, please know that there is a good likelihood that you will
have excess skin. You must decide whether being healthier, smaller and
looking fantastic in clothing outweigh what you see when the clothes comes
off. All of us enjoy the obvious benefits of the surgery, but going through
that struggle and ending up with a body you can not look unclothed will
definitely be emotionally challenging. And for that reason I say think
carefully about your decision to have this surgery. I can tell you that I
have no regrets.
— Saundra H.
March 20, 2009
I think your question is very valid and warranted! We all want to be
healthy, but we all want to look good also! I have not had surgery as of
yet, but I asked my doctor the same question and he told me that
exercise(strength toning, weight lifting, and cardio will help you skin
snap back some. But is all dependent upon your age, size, and the amount
of weight you lose. I am 6ft and 36, he assures me that with alot of
exercise, I will look great and may not require very much plastic surgery
at all. Good luck
— cocodrop7
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