Loose Skin

Many bariatric surgery patients are concerned about loose skin after they lose massive amounts of weight. It's certainly a fact that the tight "overinflated" skin tends to sag as large volumes of fat tissue melt away, but Dr. Pilcher offers a positive perspective and some practical advice for this situation.

[@michelermendelson892]

I know this video is now 3 years old, but it was VERY helpful in giving me a better perspective on my skin 5 months post rny. Thank you!

[@DoctorJP]

Glad it was helpful!

[@selfieeasteen5246]

I’m the happiest person in the world. I lost over 150 pounds and there is no skin left 😊. I don’t know what happened to me but my doctor said everything to me was out of the box . I first lost weight very slow in the beginning but kept losing after 5 years of operation so I started lifting weights and cardio and never stopped since than. I’d say Im happy with my results.

[@DoctorJP]

Congratulations, and great work!

[@UselessInfo717]

Did you have bariatric surgery or did you lose it naturally?

[@xyzabc-my6un]

I'm having my gastric bypass in 2 weeks. Thank you for this information. I love your channel. Thank you!

[@DoctorJP]

Thanks for watching, and best of luck on your journey!

[@melanieweekes7516]

I just recently came across your videos (first time regarding hair loss) I find you to be so informative, understanding and supportive. I am 8 months post Gastric bypass and have lost 90 lbs. I have another 30 to go ( I began at 274, 61 yrs old and 5ft 5in) I have recently noticed the loose skin, but knowing that it will shrink back somewhat is very comforting. I have also given birth to 3 babies and have massive stretch marks from my waistline to my knees from those HUGE babies. LOL Thank you for your detailed information.

[@DoctorJP]

OK! Best of luck on your journey!

[@teresaosburn8840]

i love your videos! i had a pannelectomy 18 months RNY and was very happy with it

[@DoctorJP]

Outstanding! So glad you're doing well!

[@starshine_khi]

I have done my BPD1 Surgery in April 2022 in South Africa and it was very successful! It has been an amazing process for me in the past eight months because of the support and determination. The Team at Prof Tes' practice especially my Psychologist, David took me through the process and prepared me psychologically. Your videos are very helpful! Thank you very much doctor. Khethiwe Starshine Dlamini

[@starshine_khi]

I was 106kg and have since lost a total of 30kg. I am now weighing 76kg.

[@DoctorJP]

Thanks for watching, and best of luck on your journey!

[@mudbuggie90]

i had an RNY bypass 4 weeks ago. It has been the best decision of my life. My surgeon said i shouldnt have saggy skin and should just have the dad bod with some fluff. 322lbs first appointment, 265 at surgery, 229 as of today.

[@DoctorJP]

Outstanding! Best of luck on your journey!

[@UselessInfo717]

In all your videos you explain this stuff in such a way it makes it much easier to understand! Thank you. I find so many different topics that I was looking for all right here with you! You're brilliant!❤

[@DoctorJP]

You are super kind. So glad this was useful!

[@ljmusclemilk]

Went from 506 pounds to a steady 240. Still have the loose skin, and yes it bothers me at times. But i did this 17 years ago and the chronic pain i used to live with has dwindled away. Keep up on vitamins and work out. Keep in mind we absorb less calories, but that also means you absorb less nutrients. Keep up on your protein.

[@DoctorJP]

Great job, and thanks for watching!

[@cendyhansen3405]

Hadn’t heard much about skin concerns. Dr. Berg, you covered it so nicely and easy to understand, thank you! I will be having my Bariatric By-Pass done

[@cendyhansen3405]

on Tuesday 3 Nov. ELECTION DAY Having this new tool in my life is the best choice I ever voted for in my life! Thank you again for your professional videos.

[@DoctorJP]

Glad this was useful for you!

[@julia1234]

This is not Dr Berg😅

[@cdaugherty2005]

Thank you for mentioning "meralgia paresthetica"! I've had this symptom for over a year and haven't seen a doctor about it because it just presents as numbness - never thought it was a big deal just never figured out what it was. That is exactly what it is!! I'm in the process of getting approved for bariatric surgery, and now know that my excess weight is what causes this symptom!

[@DoctorJP]

Excellent! So glad this was helpful!

[@EslamG84]

I wish I had a father like you sir I would have been very proud

[@DoctorJP]

You are very kind!

[@selenarobbins2702]

I would 100% go to a surgeon with a ginger cat assistant. 😂😂😂

[@DoctorJP]

I think the ginger cat would claim he's the one in charge! ;)

[@JackiBigger]

Thank you for your videos, you are very informative.

[@DoctorJP]

Thanks for watching, and best of luck on your journey!

[@elizafuerte7118]

Thank you again Dr🤗

[@DoctorJP]

Always welcome

[@Aprilann871]

I know someone who was very lucky and I think alot was because she is only 25. She lost 125lbs and has absolutely no lose skin at all!

[@micahmcclough8918]

Thats exactly it she had it done in her 20's same thing happened with my cousin she had her surgery at 23 and she was 330lbs she is 145lbs now and has no lose skin.

[@Aprilann871]

@@micahmcclough8918 crazy. Im 33. An soon having it. I gained 100lbs when I was 26 after having a hysterectomy. Im praying I dont have alot of lose skin, I know I will have some without a doubt but im praying its not to bad.

[@micahmcclough8918]

@@Aprilann871 same here I just had my surgery on the 20th of June I pray I don't have a lot either but I do know that it's a part of the surgery. I won't beat myself up too bad ill just be happy knowing I'm a healthier me.

[@Aprilann871]

@@micahmcclough8918 exactly! How are you doing since your surgery?

[@micahmcclough8918]

@@Aprilann871 im doing great just a lil soar that's about it

[@Katastrophik3.3]

This was a great to watch. This article was given to me by a member of a Bariatric group that I’m in. Unfortunately, from my understanding, this doesn’t cover the lose skin in the face . I’m nearly 3 years post gastric sleeve and I’m 33 but my face has aged horribly since the surgery. Do you know of anything other than cosmetic injections or procedures that can help restore collagen and reduce the aged look?

[@DoctorJP]

I know what you mean about that look that appears older than your actual age. So sorry but (other than plastic surgery procedures) I don't know of anything that is really helpful for that problem.

[@r8che23]

Could another factor be the length of time that you have been over weight? For example; someone who has recently (a few years) gained weight from, lets say, having a baby vs someone who has been overweight most of their life?

[@DoctorJP]

I think that very well could be a factor, though I have not seen enough to make a pattern out of it…

[@IxEstrellaxi]

Thanks for all your very helpful videos! I do A LOT of internet research which is not always great but I’ve came across people talking about loosing their teeth due to Gastric bypass, i am getting surgery on April 19th n that’s the only thing I don’t see any medical opinion on & its very discouraging. From your experience, how true is this?

[@DoctorJP]

Estrella, I have only seen it in a couple of cases over the past 25+ years, both patients had lost access to medical care and they had months/years of vomiting. Not sure if those were nutritional problems or if there was acid damaging the teeth, but very rare.

[@joanncoopertroupe3506]

Happy New Year's Dr 😊😊😊😊😊🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@DoctorJP]

Thanks, and Happy New Year to you as well!

[@beccab9724]

If your daughter or son were obese, would you encourage them to have surgery? What would you say to your own family.

[@DoctorJP]

Thanks for your question Rebecca. I have supported bariatric surgery for several people close to me.

[@thornanglo-saxonalphabetfr2315]

I don't look normal because my body is about a large. My arms are still a 3x. My legs are still huge yet my waist is 34 inches. My clothes still have to be huge.

[@Sagittarius12-2-77]

I am down to 90 pounds I feel good but I look to Thin I have engery n massive headaches - but how do I tighten it w out surgery 280-90 pounds 2015-2022

[@DoctorJP]

Hi Stacy, as in my other reply I suggest for you please to see you bariatric team soon.

[@temptaytion]

Can you cover the topic of pregnancy after bariatric surgery?

[@DoctorJP]

Thanks for the suggestion. That topic is definitely on my list.

[@319joso6]

do people have more loose skin with weight loss from surgery than they would from weight loss naturally??

[@MariaLopez-mi6zj]

Doctor, what do you think about using shapewaer? Is it just aesthetics, or can it help with the healing of loose skin? And shrinking loose skin in the long run? Thank you for all your help and support!

[@DoctorJP]

My understanding is that Shapeware does not change your skin shrinking process, but it definitely can be useful for helping your clothes fit better.

[@user-ow8cb6hi8t]

So doctor i wanted to know how safe is the rebot surgery for the gastro barticit surgery

[@DoctorJP]

In my experience, it's very safe to use the robot, but your surgeon needs to be comfortable with the tools that they use. There is not just one way to "skin the cat."

[@sweetpfitkerr7875]

Hello Dr. Pilcher, Does take Collagen supplements help to reduce loose skin? Is there anything we can take that will help?

[@DoctorJP]

Thanks for your question. Honestly, once the weight gain has happened there is some level of stretching/damage from which your skin can't return. I don't know of any supplement or external treatment that effectively improves skin shrinkage. Sorry it's not an encouraging answer, but I don't want to mislead you either.

[@Aprilann871]

My insurance doesn't cover skin removal at all. :-( it covered my breast reduction but will not cover skin removal.

[@DoctorJP]

Sad to say, it's very uncommon for insurance to cover the skin removal.

[@Aprilann871]

@@DoctorJP definitely is.

[@Chrissy881]

do you think Dry brushing would assist? I plan on dry brushing to assist with the lymphatic problems i have but do you think it helps with the loose skin?

[@DoctorJP]

I don't know much about it, but this article looks reasonable. health.clevelandclinic.org/the-truth-about-dry-brushing-and-what-it-does-for-you/

[@ritapacheco9894]

Hello! Are you able to exercise after biatric surgery

[@DoctorJP]

Thanks for your question Rita. You should get an official answer from your surgeon, but in my experience it's helpful to be as active as you can, as early after surgery as you can. All types of exercise are useful; it seems that strengthening exercises are a bit better because they help your body conserve/rebuild muscle while it is burning fat briskly. You can get a more complete answer from my KZbin video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6G2fn6VeJV1pac

[@kayceesunday82]

could i get a gastric sleeve if i weigh 197 pounds 29yrs old 5’6

[@DoctorJP]

The height and weight combination imagine does meet modern criteria for appropriate risk benefit for bariatric surgery.

[@sheldoncawthorne]

I guess smoking includes electronic cigarettes as well? Cause it contains nicotine??

[@DoctorJP]

yes, it looks like nicotine is a big part of the problem.