Extra skin after 119 pound weight loss

So I am down 119 pounds since March 09. And a total of 171 from my peak weight a number of years ago. Well with that amount of weight loss I have some extra skin. I work out 5 to 6 days per week. Its getting very noticeable on certain parts of my body. Stomach, arms and thighs and middle back. I have a surgery scheduled for December for my hanging stomach. (thank you Kaiser!) But they will not approve any other body parts for reduction. My arms is what bothers me the most. I am wondering if anyone has had what the medical industry calls Massive Weight loss and have done some sort of exercise to alleviate the sagging arms. Because of my hard work I now have some muscles I want to show off on my arms but at this point I dont think I would be ever able to wear a sleeveless shirt. Thanks for any input you may have.

Vinnie 

Hello Vinnie,

WOW!! Congrats on all that weight loss.  I am so impressed and happy for you!  I know what hard work that is/was.

I don't know about the hanging skin problem.  I do remember Richard Simmons saying that he had to have several skin surgeries.

It would be worth talking to a trainer, I think to see if they have any ideas.  Or perhaps a physical therapist? 

I just don't have any help for you here, but I wanted to say hello.

hey vinnie,

welcome to the group and Congrats!! on your loss!!  I hear ya I havent loss that much yet just 73 lbs for me but I have the chicken wings already and not sure if there is a way to make it tighten up.  But hey lets hang in mabe we will find something, keep up the gr8 work!

Hi Vinny!

Congrats on your major success!!! I can't wait until I can say I'm 100lbs down. :-) Anyway the last time I lost a lot of weight (80 lbs) I asked my dr for suggestions. He told me a few things...

It takes a long time for skin to retract its been stretched for years don't expect it to suck back in less then a year or even two.  Keep hydrated, the more water the better.  Moisturize..something that says firming and or toning (oil of olay has one). And there was another one but I don't remember.  I never got a chance to put any of these to the test so I am not sure if they will help.

Also a friend of mine recently said she heard massage helps.....not to sure on  this one but hell I'll take any excuse to pamper myself.

Good luck

Pam

Congratulations! I hope to follow in your foot steps by next winter.

I have to agree with Pamm. Water will be your best friend. Wheat Germ Oil is good for moisturizing. Sweet almond oil is good as well. I'm not familiar with store bought stuff because I make my own soaps, lotions and what not.

I think the incision for arm fat removal is on the underside (tricep) so the scarring should be minimized/unseen.

Hey Vinnie,

 I don't know you but I feel so proud of you.  You are who I want to be.

  You might be approaching the point where your skin is recovering as much as it is able.  But with that said, once you get past this major surgery in December start yourself a little savings account to do your arms.  Maybe you could do some small things to bring in some cash, sell your extra stuff on ebay, maybe your "fat" clothes or even pick up an extra 10 hours a week at an easy minimum wage job and give the wages to your special savings.  You must give yourself credit and reward for all of this hard work you have done.  You are achieving your dreams and don't let anyone out there make you feel selfish to want to do these things for yourself.

  Always be on alert so that you don't trade your obsessions.  What I mean is , don't trade a food obsession for one of perfection.  I think it is impossible to lose such an icredible amount of weight and not have some "scars" from the fight.  They are your battle wounds.  Accept what you can, fix what you can , and when the day is done, give yourself a big hug and be thankful for the recovery you have given yourself.

  Please keep us informed after your surgery.  I will face that same surgery in the future and it scares me.  It would be a gift to all of us if you would continue to share your experiences.  I am so happy for you.  Do you know that you're my hero

Hey Vinnie,

      I just re-read your post.  Are you out there?  Haven't seen your post in awhile.  Hope all is ok.  So are you still having your surgery in December?  How close are you?  I would be real interested to hear how it went for you.  I already have so much sagging skin and I have not lost near as much as you.  I have a friend who told me that alot of surgeons want to do this in a series of operations and not wait until you are at goal weight.  Was that ever an issue for you?  My friend said for some people the sagging skin makes it really difficult to exercise.  If you read this please know that my prayers are with you and I hope you have a wondeful outcome.  You have much courage and strength and you are a hero for all of us here.