I am 27 years old, 5'0 and weigh 255lbs. Would I have saggy skin after a gastric sleeve?

Question

I am a 27 years old Female, 5”0 & weight 255 lbs. My BMI is 49.8 & I’m strongly considering the gastric sleeve. But I’m doing as much research as I can.

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

With a BMI of 49.8 and significant weight to lose, it's likely that you will have some loose skin after gastric sleeve surgery, especially in areas like the arms, stomach, and thighs. The extent of sagging depends on factors like genetics, skin elasticity, how much weight you lose, and how quickly it happens. Since you're young, your skin may have better elasticity compared to someone older, which could help with some retraction. Staying hydrated, eating enough protein, building muscle through strength training, and using firming creams can help improve skin appearance, but excess skin may still be present. If it becomes a concern, skin removal surgery (like a tummy tuck or arm lift) is an option down the road.

Gian Contreras, MD · Answer

It all depends on the way your body heals, but, it is most likely that you will have to visit the plastic surgeon after the gastric sleeve since your BMI is pretty high.

Ariel Ortiz, MD, FACS · Answer

After any  bariatric procedure there is always a risk of having  this problem, it depends on many factors including: age, genetics, skin elasticity, weight distribution, amount of excess  weight loss, nourishment  during and after weight loss.  A 27 year old patient has a much better chance of having  tighter skin after weight loss compared to some one who is in there 50's or 60's. In gastric sleeve surgery  there is no malabsorption of nutrients compared to gastric bypass surgery, this will allow better nourishment, less muscle and skin protein wasting, in other words "healthier skin".  Some times  during the  rapid weight loss period (usually the first 4 to 6 months after surgery) the skin may  loosen but at this stage it is still to early to tell in many patients if sagging  is going to be a problem or not, the advice is to wait   at least 12 to  18 moths after surgery  to decide if it will be necessary to deal surgically  with  sagging skin.
                                                                    AMG

Kandace Kichler, MD · Answer

Hi love! Getting the gastric sleeve can be an amazing, life-changing procedure for you. You will not only lose weight but you will become healthier overall and reduce your risk of developing over 40 medical problems and cancers. Sagging or loose skin after the surgery is common, but the amount varies depending on your skin elasticity, age, amount of weight loss, and various other factors. In younger patients, I tend to see a greater "snap back" in terms of loose skin. However, if you do suffer from unwanted or uncomfortable loose skin after your gastric sleeve, there are always skin removal surgery options, creams, laser, etc that can lessen the problem. Best of luck, beauty!

Pablo Garcia, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, I hope you are well. It is difficult to tell if you would have excess skin after a bariatric procedure as plenty of factors are involved in such results. Based on your BMI, it is possible this would be the case for you.

Michael F. Sedrak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

I think you need to ask yourself why are you even asking this question. 
Your BMI is 50. You are at serious risk for early death and at risk for all kinds of morbid complications while alive. If you were told that you would 100% have saggy skin after weight loss surgery, don’t you think it would still put you in a better place in life, with better overall health and quality of life?

I am 27 years old, 5'0 and weigh 255lbs. Would I have saggy skin after a gastric sleeve?

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