Question:
Why do some WLS patients have Excess Skin and some don't
I am wondering why:In some of the photos I have viewed on this site, I see some people with excess skin and some without? — Chandra C. (posted on August 8, 2003)
August 8, 2003
Simply put: genetics and 'tucks'.
— eaamc
August 8, 2003
The amount of excess skin depends on a bunch of factors. The most
important ones are probably: starting weight, age, body shape and genetics.
There isn't much you can do to about any of those things. Some things
that you can control that may help your skin look better are: exercise, and
hydration.
— Amber L.
August 8, 2003
Age also seems to play a role. The younger you are, the more elastic your
skin is.
— Cosmo K.
August 8, 2003
All along, my nutritionist and personal trainer have assured me that at
even 39 yo, if I commit to regular exercise (especially weight training),
this will significantly help with the sagging skin. I'm almost 11 months
post-op, 110 lbs gone, and don't really have any, except a little under my
arms. I focus on cardio and weight training 4-5x per week (which is much
more efficient than solely cardio). Also, as I'm building muscle and
losing fat, the skin issue hasn't really become one. I have also read that
the skin will recede more quickly if exercise is a part of the routine.
Conversely, however, if the skin has been stretched out beyond repair, the
tissue molecules are sometimes no longer present to retract.
— Kimberly L. A.
August 8, 2003
I am 56 and have lost 70 lbs with 20 to lose to reach my goal. I am a
little saggy here and there (was a little saggy anyway due to my age0 but
have none to the big wads of excess skin on my thighs arms, and no apron
from my tummy.
— Delores S.
August 9, 2003
Age, where you carried your weight, stretch marks, muscle tone...all come
into play. Everyone's body is different. You have to decide if you are
happy with the end results once you get to or near goal. In my particular
case, I had PS to get the body image and physical body to be in unison and
I'm amazingly pleased with the results. I have a better, leaner and
tighter body than I had in high school, thanks to plenty of will power (and
won't power), exerise, water, protein and the skilled hands of my WLS and
plastic surgeon. Best of luck to you.
— DianeN
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