How can I avoid flabby skin post op?

I'm pre-op and worried about flabby skin.  Any suggestions?

Don't worry about it.  All WLS patients are going to have at least some flab. 
It all depends on how much weight you have to lose and genetics.  Some people naturally have more elasticity in their skin. 

I am 7 months post-op and consider myself lucky.  I have some flab but nothing is hanging - if that makes sense.  I have lost 93 lbs. so far from my highest weight. 
Pre-surgery and now, I use lotions and moisturize EVERY DAY.  Don't know if that really matters or not but I figured it wouldn't hurt, right?

And even with my flab, I am much happier than having all the excess weight!  It is worth it!
Good Luck.
Leslie

Hi. Can you share what lotions and or moisturizers you have used, and the ones you think may help??

I started out using bust scuplting gel from Avon, and any skin firming lotion  - like Jergens or Vaseline brandsn.  Even bought some fresh shea butter from a flea market!  I use a lot of lotions from Bath and Body works too.

I really don't think it matters!  I just moisturize!

The bust sculpting gel - can't tell it worked but maybe it was because I started losing weight so fast.  May give that another try now that the weight loss has slowed.

Thanks.  I've been using lotion daily and wasn't sure if it would help.  But like you said, it couldn't hurt, right?  I'm so excited to have the surgery.  I'd have it tomorrow if I could.  This time next year I'll be where you are now and am looking forward to it.  Thanks for your response.
Kristin

There's not really anything you can do---either you'll have flabby/saggy skin, or you won't.

Everyone's different. So much depends on your genes, your age, whether you're a smoker, whether you've previously lost and regained large amounts of weight, how much time you've spent in the sun---the list goes on and on.

I had vertiually no skin issues up until recently. I went from a 22/24 t a size 8 and was fine, above the navel. I wore a bikini in August! But now I'm a 4/6 and it is starting to show. My biggest issue is just below my navel, and my hands! My hands are soooo veiny! I look like the crypt keeper! Yuck! I barely have any fat on my body so I know that is why I look like a road map with all these veins popping out everywhere.  But anyway, back to the skin, below my navel looks like I gave birth recently...to a village of people. My breasts look like I personally fed them all. However, I've seen some pictures on this blog and I am GREATFUL for the little bit of flab that i have. No need for plastics. At least not yet. 

I suggest that you pray.

That's so funny about the crypt keeper.  I hate when people try to draw blood from me and I get stuck over and over and they tell me it's because I have "deep veins."  I feel like saying, "Is that politically correct for a heffer or what?"  Thanks for the reply.  Kristin
p.s. Anyone know who the patron saint of taught skin is?  LOL

The only surefire way to avoid it is not to look in the mirror, or down - LOLOL.  Seriously, it is going to happen to one extent or another - concentrate your energy on getting your nutrition in and creating good habits - that's what matters the most.

Good luck!

Cathy C.

Thanks Cathy.  I'm really not as vein as I think I came off but I'm trying to jump start this all and do it the right way.  Gave up soda and caffeine already.  I just want to make the best of the new life I'll be leading.  Thanks again for your kind words.
Kristin