Question:
Can anyone tell me how not to age 10-15 yrs when my weight is gone?
Hello AMOS family. I am addicted to the before/after pictures. I have one question, alot of the post-ops look so much older after they have lost their weight. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestion on something I can do so that does not happen to me. I am only 28 but I surely do not want to look 40 in 1 yr. — Erin S. (posted on October 15, 2003)
October 15, 2003
I am 49 and I was really afraid of that, too. I have lost 63 pounds so
far. My face has really thinned out and I actually look years younger! I
was afraid that I would end up with wrinkles but it didn't happen. So keep
your fingers crossed.
— GailV
October 15, 2003
Who said you'd look older? Take a look at the before / after pictures here
on the site. They almost all look younger.
If you are referring to sagging skin, that is a different ball of wax.
— mrsmyranow
October 15, 2003
I look way younger from behind, but my face really does look older. I
think I use to look younger than my age because my fat inflated my
wrinkles. Now it's gone the other way. At your age though, I think you'll
be fine. I'm 42 and have been MO all my adult life, so maybe my skin
didn't have a chance :) Retinol has helped the lines around my eyes alot,
but I still have deep furrows beside my nose, and the skin on either side
of my chin looks a bit saggy, and I have those dark bags under my eyes.
Yuck. A face lift would help, but I spent the money on my boobs instead
LOL. Maybe now no one is looking at my face ;)
— mom2jtx3
October 15, 2003
I'm not sure to what before/after photos you've found yourself addicted but
I'm seeing the opposite. Most folks looked frumpy PreOp but now seem to
take an interest in their appearance and available clothing options. I've
lost approximately 51 lbs and my face was the first to fall off. I'm told
that I'm looking younger and must say that I agree.
— [Deactivated Member]
October 15, 2003
REALLY???????/ Acually everyone look a lot younger once the weight has
left. I am repeatly told I look a lot younger than 33. 15 months post op
294/163
— HelpMeRhonda !!
October 15, 2003
I agree with you, some do look older. The old lady haircuts don't do some
justice. I am willing to bet the older looking ones smoke and drink, it
takes a toll on one's skin. I am sure this will make the smokers mad, but
the truth be told. Most 40 year olds look great these days.
— Angela S.
October 15, 2003
My previous answer disappeared in cyberspace, so apologies if this is a
repeat, but ...<P>I doubt that you'll look 10-15 years older from
losing weight at age 28. But, saggy skin (whether it's on the face, or
further south) is part of the price that some of us pay for being formerly
morbidly obese, and there ain't nothing but plastic surgery out there to
fix it (assuming you're willing, able, and interested). Plus, frankly, if
you look at thinner women as they get older, many of them do look more
wrinkled than their heavier sisters (which was supposed to be one of the
relatively good things about being overweight, or so I was told in my
pre-op days).<P>My face got markedly older-looking when I lost the
last 20-30 pounds on my 140-pound journey downwards, because of loose skin,
so I guess I could regain those pounds and get the face back a little, but
then the stomach would return and I'd go up a few sizes. So, it's always
something; there ain't no "free lunch," and all I can say is, at
age 45, I am *so* glad I am caring less and less (finally) about whether
somebody else thinks I look old or fat or thin or whatever it is on the
ever-growing list of things that aren't perfect. ;-) Hopefully you won't
have this happen to you until you are at a similarly ripe old age and don't
care so much, either, but I really don't think it's gonna happen to you at
28.
— Suzy C.
October 15, 2003
I agree with one of the previous post that smoking and heavy drinking will
age a woman. I would also add over exposure to sun and tanning booths, late
nights and no excersize. Too long hair usually is more suited to a younger
person and may make us older ladies look like we are trying too hard to
appear young and usually has the opposite effect.
— Tawnda C.
October 15, 2003
I don't know about others but I look like I've lost 10 or 15 years since
surgery. I've been very fortunate that my face and neck aren't very saggy
(we won't talk about the rest of my body). The best thing going for you is
your age - your skin will tighten up a lot and if you take your vitamins
and avoid too much sun and alcohol and tobacco, you should do fine. I was
55 when I had my surgery almost 2 years ago and I feel and look like I'm
40. In fact, I feel better than I did at 40 inspite of having just had a
total knee replacement.
— Patty_Butler
October 15, 2003
Well, I am not as fortunate as Patty. My face has gotten so thin that
people tell me I have aged 15-20 years. I am told that it will plump back
up some after about two years.That is what I am hoping anyway. I am 56 and
had my surgery in Feb this year. Your young age is a plus in your favor.
On the bright side, my Pastor's wife told me Sunday that I look younger.
— Delores S.
October 15, 2003
I think this is a really individual thing. I used to be told that I looked
way younger than my age (43), I don't hear that anymore (I think people are
being polite in not saying you look older). I do not drink, smoke or sun
bathe, I do exercise take all my vitamins and try to eat what is good for
me, but I have alway had somewhat dry skin. If you look at most serious
body builders their faces look more wrinkled than non-body builders, so I
tell myself that I look like that, it is a more chiseled, lean look, some
what aging but better, in my opion, than fat cheeks. Anyways at your age
you shouldn't have to worry.
— Penny D.
October 15, 2003
You definitely have time on your side. I agree that a lot of people have a
certain "look" after surgery. Thin hair and aged faces.
Smoking, drinking, and the sun ruins your skin - not to mention can and
will kill you. So, stay clear of those and you will be gorgeous! I also
do facial exercises. I look like a nut, but they work!
— Kim B
October 15, 2003
I agree with the others who say that at age 28 not to worry. You have
youth and elasticity on your side! I will say however that those who look
markedly older when they lose their weight are usually those that have lost
too much and no longer look health, IMHO. I'm sure they love being size 8
and under, but wrinkly skin is the price you pay for deflating the
plumpness under the skin. And of course age does come into play. For
those of us much older than you, plastics may be the only way out for us,
along with drinking tons of water (helps to plump the skin), and not
smoking or getting too much sun.
— Cindy R.
October 15, 2003
Hi Erin- I'm 39, pre-op, and constantly being told I look a lot younger
than my age. Well, I may LOOK younger, but I feel a hell of a lot older,
LOL! Carrying almost 200 extra pounds will do that, I guess. Yes, I have
some concerns about my face dragging on the ground post-op, with some other
body parts we won't mention, LOL. I often ask people who are very young
looking how they do it, these are the answers I've gotten: avoid smoking,
drinking and sun (as others have posted), drink tons of water, exercise
regularly, eat healthy foods including soy products and olive oil, take
your vitamins and minerals, and wear clothes and a hairstyle that is
"stylish" but not too juvenile for your age. (Like, maybe no
low-rider pants with the thong sticking out after age 70, LOL). I've also
heard not to color your hair too dark, as our skin tone changes with age.
Even if you had very dark hair when you were younger, consider going a
shade or 2 lighter. Good Luck :o)
— Mea A.
October 15, 2003
One of the reasons I decided to have the surgery was because at 50yrs old,
I felt 100. I figured I would just work through the different stages. Last
week I got a new hair cut to go with my new figure. Imagine, yesterday I
was told that I was "Hot." If you feel good, you will look good.
Go back and look at the before and afters again. You will notice that the
ones that really look great are the ones that have adapted a new style. And
the ones that are truely fabulous have incredibles smiles. Be happy with
the new you and go with it.
— Sue A.
October 15, 2003
I take a lot of protein supplement, and dry form vit E, along with my other
vites. I think that helped. When I first hit goal, I had swingning jowls
(my age, my family, my wt loss), but after a few months stabilized, they
looked WAY better. As time has gone on, my skin snugged up quite a bit. As
time goes on, I've taken more protein and that seems to be the key thing to
making my skin "fit better".
— vitalady
October 15, 2003
With regard to looking older after the weight is gone. . . I'm 4 months
postop and down 80 lbs (only another 80 lbs to go!) Co-workers have been
telling me that I look 10 years younger since I've lost weight and I agree!
I look and feel so much better. I have just got to update my picture on
this site. I suppose everyone's different with regard to aging, but I
thought you'd like to know that not everyone looks older. By the way, I'm
38 and I don't want to look 40 either! :-)
— aferrendelli
October 16, 2003
I look older now, I think the fat in my face and neck filled out all the
wrinkles. I was told recently by a family friend.."Wow...you look
like a teenager.....from the back". I've also been offered senior
discounts at the movie theater, restaurant and car rental..which I took
(lol), even though I'm only 45. I guess its a trade off, I can wear size
1's in all the cute style, but my face makes me feel too old to wear them.
Your young...you'll look great.
— Gail M.
October 16, 2003
I've been told I look younger. I think it all depends on what you do after
the weightloss. Get a new hairstyle - trust me, I'm sure the one you have
now will not be what you want when your thin. Your face opens up and you
can do more with your hair then ever before. I think that's made a huge
difference in the way I look. Your hairstyle and clothes can age you. Once
your thin, buy some stylish clothes and get a good haircut that flatters
your face. Have your make-up done by a professional so you can see what a
difference they can make with you.
— Patty H.
October 16, 2003
Hi Erin...Like Patty, I'm told I look alot younger...I hope they aren't
lying to me, lol! I also agree with Patty..try new hairstyles/clothes, and
you'll be just fine. I cut my hair short after I lost the weight and
everyone loved it..I've since started growing out again because I always
kept it shoulder length, but now I'm going to see what it looks like
longer, like mid back. It already looks alot different than it did when I
was heavy. So, try new things, and find what you like! You'll do
wonderfully! Denise 316/155
— lily1968
October 16, 2003
it's been my experience, if you keep up with protein, vitamins, and water
you really won't age. I look younger and so much healthier now!! I do
know folks that didn't think vitamins and protein with all that important
and they did age in the face quite a bit. Best of luck to you!!!
— teresa M.
October 16, 2003
I feel like I have definitely aged and I just look "different"
than I used to. I see a picture of myself now and I look thin and old. I am
39. This does not pertain to me, but something that I think contributes to
the "aged" look for some is the extra skin around the neck. This
is a typical look for an older lady and so when it happens because of rapid
weight loss, it makes even the young look older. I will have to say, I
looked best with about 30 additional pounds. However, I don't intend to
gain them just to look younger. Shelley
— Shelley.
October 16, 2003
I totally agree! Many people look like they've aged decades in the face.
I hope that doesn't happen to me either. Since I was 26 yrs old I've worn
30+spf sunscreen EVERY day no matter what (I currently use a 50spf like
Burnadette Peters), wear hats outdoors when possible, and use a nice rich
cream on my face at night. Right now I look young for 37 but who knows
after surgery! My motto is "Oil is my friend". It will
definitely become even more of a friend in face products since I'll get
less fat from my diet post-op. I'm slathering oils and lotions all over in
hopes of boosting my skin's elasticity these days. Time and surgery will
tell. Vitamins/minerals and protein are extremely important; also try to
avoid alcohol and do not smoke. It's never too late (or early) To take
care of your skin.
— Soosan
October 17, 2003
I think I look older--but I'll be 50 in a few days, and genetics aren't
especially on my side. It's all a tradeoff and I definitely think it's
worth it. Do make some changes to help brighten and open your look, if you
feel that would help. I'm wearing my hair shorter, I've gotten it
highlighted, and I got smaller, rather trendy glasses. I also try to be
vigilant about wearing blush and lipstick to bring some color into my face,
and am trying to keep my wayward eyebrows neater. Don't forget, too, that
weight loss will make you feel happier and more confident, and *nothing*
aids a face better than a nice smile. You'll certainly be doing a lot of
that!
— Celia A.
October 17, 2003
Well, I think I look a LOT younger. You can check the before-and-afters and
tell me hwat you think. All I know is that I have a copy of one of the
Befores framed on my desk, and people are always asking me "Is that
your mother?"
hugs,
Ann rny 9/10/99 260/124
— [Deactivated Member]
October 18, 2003
You crack me up, Erin! It's a fact that all women over the age of 30 must
choose between the ass and the face. Only one of them can look good at a
time. Well, that's what I've noticed, anyway. But you're only 28, so no
worries for about 2 years! Seriously, though, my nutritionist told me that
if we get enough protein and (more importantly) water, we'll just look
better once we've reached goal. I hope that by "better" she means
that I'll look like a 22 year-old.
— Annie H.
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