I had my first bariatric surgery back in 2006 and it altered my course in life, giving me both a new career and, a new body.
In the last 12 years, I have lost a staggering 60 kilograms and for those that never knew me in my size 26 clothes, they are simply amazed that I used to be morbidly obese.
Once this fact is pointed out, the first question that I am always asked is “so what about your loose skin?” ( I often show the most intrigued!)
As fat and muscle presses against your skin, they keep it from hanging loosely. Once you lose weight, the skin loses support and goes rather limp. Some bariatric patients find dealing with loose skin more mentally challenging than their obesity.
Its fair to say that after losing all of my excess weight, I don’t look great in my underwear! But I do manage it well. In the winter, I wear lycra tights and in the summer, I wear tops and dresses with sleeves. No-one notices that underneath my clothes I have folds and wrinkles, and if they do, they do not judge or comment.
So how can you improve the appearance of loose skin?
Build muscle. Join a Gym or work out at home
Swimming. Many of our patients swear by this form of exercise
Laser Skin Tightening. Often used for the face and neck, but can be used to target other areas such as the thighs and buttocks.
Cosmetic Surgery – Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), Brachioplasty (arm lift), Thighplasty and Liposuction (please note that this procedure targets fat and doesn’t tighten the skin
Without a doubt, if you lose a lot of weight (with or without bariatric surgery) you may experience problems with loose skin. Bariatric surgery is intended to improve health conditions, such as Type 2 Diabetes and High Blood pressure etc. It should not be seen as a cosmetic procedure.
I am now healthier and fitter. I am also more confident and adventurous.
Although my skin is now too big for me, I certainly feel comfortable within it. And if I change my mind in the future….I just happen to know a jolly good plastic surgeon!
*Disclaimer: Please note that weight loss surgery results and benefits are unique to each individual and in such The Bariatric Group cannot guarantee specific weight loss goals as results for each surgery can vary. If you have any questions or would like to know more about weight loss surgery please contact our expert team.
