Do You Need Skin Removal Surgery due to weight loss?

@roch it’s a double handed sword is how I look at it. I went in with lower expectations given what they had to deal with so my expectations were well exceeded when I wear clothes I feel good with myself I started before my Bariatric surgery I wore a plus size 34 can’t believe I’m in a normal size 12 pretty unbelievable. Without clothes my thighs really bother me honestly I never saw them before I have quite a bit on my thighs but my plastic surgeon doesn’t recommend ever getting an inner thigh lift due to the complex lymphatic system my arms also have a lot of extra skin but unless I win the lottery they will stay that way lol. It’s nice no rashes no trying to stuff the skin into a pair of jeans I can just pull them up button and zip😊. I do attend therapy once a week I had him before the surgery we discuss my body image and concerns and get comfortable in my skin and realize I’m not the same 400+ size woman anymore. Now going on a year out I’m comfortable in the skin I am in but it is a huge adjustment I spent a decade after my Bariatric revision surgery before I had it done never honestly felt I lost as much weight as I had just because of the amount of excess skin I had. When I decided to get it done I did it for myself and no one else I think that’s the most important thing to do. It is still difficult at times but with therapy and a supportive boyfriend I am enjoying my new life still insecurities but nothing compared to befor

I’ve read about a mini arm lift that is not very invasive. I suspect I could do with that and then get my lower abdomen skin done.

@celia16
I hope you are able to do a mini unfortunately I don’t think I would qualify my bat wings as I call them lol are just about 7 1/2 inches long you probably don’t have as much but it sounds a little nutty I just know these arms were the last ones that hugged my 2 sisters and my mom and dad I waited for my panniculectomy after my mom passed away in February 2025 so I had plastic surgery September 2025. I That’s what I’m gonna think don’t think I will ever afford on disability

Thanks everyone for sharing.

I was hoping joysmiley64 would also respond.

This was her post = “I had my Roux NY surgery back in August 2024 and weight in at 270 pounds when I started my weight loss journey. I currently weigh 131 pounds as of May 2026. I am 62 years old. I will be having skin removal surgery in July 2026.”

@louiserivers I decided to have the Panniculectomy, and I am so happy. The surgery was outpatient and I went home with 2 drain tubes that I had to empty and measure how much excess fluid was in them. I was given instructions not to do any lifting over 5 pounds, and no long walking. I put things that I used often on my cupboard so I didn't do a lot of reaching up. I slept in my recliner for the first 4 weeks with a pillow under my legs so it didn't put a lot of pressure on the stitches.
I did not have a lot of drainage, and at my 1 week Post-op visit with the doctor, she removed one of the drain tubes. I had stitches across my lower abdomen from one hip joint to the other. They put a clear glue over them and that eventually wore off and I was able to gently clean around them with a damp warm cloth. I didn't have too much itching after the glue came off.
On my 2nd week visit back to the doctor, she removed the 2nd drain tube, as I had very little drainage at that time. I did experience some swelling and soreness the following week, but she prescribed and antibiotic for me and that took care of it.
I am currently in my 5th week of recovery, and all is looking good. I have to wait the full 6 weeks before I can go back to my regular routines. I feel much more confident about how I look in the mirror. I still have loose skin on my upper stomach, but after losing the bottom section of skin, it lays differently and less noticeable. If my insurance would have covered doing the upper part, I would have had it done.
Continue with your weight loss success and stay positive! Don't let the negativity of people stop you from your journey. Follow your doctor's instructions and you will succeed.

@joysmiley64 keep up the good work!

@joysmiley64

Thank you joysmiley! This is exactly what I needed to hear! I really appreciate your detailed explanation of the panniculectomy process. I’m amazed that you’re doing so well only 5 weeks after surgery!

And thank you for the encouragement to keep going on my weight loss. You are my example of perseverance! 👍

I’m just so curious - how much weight do you think you’ve lost by having JUST the panniculectomy?

I look at my excess stomach skin and try to estimate how much weight I could lose by getting rid of this “excess baggage”. 🤪🤣

@louiserivers When I got on my scale after 5 weeks, it showed I lost 4 more pounds, but it fluctuates up and down. I think it all depends on how much a person has to lose, and how much extra skin they have. I was not very good at doing my strength exercises as I was losing weight and realize that really helps with gaining muscle.

@joysmiley64
Thank you for being open and honest with your health journey. You are an example of perseverance and success! 👍😁

Do you mind sharing with all of us what exactly those “strength exercises” were that you did (or didn’t do as much as you think you should have) as you were losing weight between 270 pounds down to 131 pounds after you had Roux NY surgery back in 2024?

I realize I need strength exercises to gain muscle. I haven’t had Bariatric surgery, but have lost 35 pounds in 6 months with Mounjaro + 2 supplements recommended by endocrinologist + low carb (less than 60 grams per day) + recumbent biking.

Thank you for sharing with those of us still striving to do what you’ve accomplished. 👏🏻👍

I had skin removal surgery in 2019 after I had lost 100 pounds (down from 230# ). My biggest problem was having too much done at once: breasts, stomach, both legs, groin area. The groin area was most painful and took the longest to get over. Since that time I have had a fainting spell that unfortunately made my breasts hang at slightly different levels, and I also had a surgery on my stomach for a twisted colon. I had already been concerned that my breasts were too big, and this second surgery made a lump across my chest that looks like a second set of breasts. I have been going to regular PT for the past 6 moths and have gotten much stronger. But now I want smaller breasts and a reduction of that lump from the previous surgery. I had always been concerned about my breasts being too large and wish I had pushed for that earlier. I am 72 years old now but just decided this was something I really wanted for myself.