7 Years post op...Open RNY (Skin)

Question
Dr. Pilcher,

7 years ago I made a decision that would change my life. I had an open RNY gasric bypass and was extremely successful...in the beginning. I lost a total of 180 pounds, I felt fantastic, healthy, vibrant, and found new love.

I married the biggest jerk of my life, and fell into a very abusive relationship (mentally, physically, emotionally) and it tore me down. He refused to buy the proper nutrition for me, he controlled every thing I did, ate, and saw.

I was forced to eat mac and cheese and hot dogs for over 4 years.

I am now divorced, and while I gained pounds back, I am more concerned about the massive over hangs of skin that I developed due to non-exercise.

Now that I am back on track, is there a way to get this skin reduced on my own? Will it ever shrink back to the way it was when I was a size 10? I walk, I work out, I am very obsessive about what I eat, taking my vitamins daily, getting my required protein levels daily. Will I shrink back to normal? OR am I forever doomed in this flabby fleshy body?

Please encourage me. I have been diligent for a month, and am seeing no results...

I am discouraged. When I look at myself, I see remnants of the abusive relationship.

Thank you for your help if you can.

Rae

Answer
Rae,
It sounds like you are a very courageous person who deserves the best.  I have some good news for you - the skin does shrink over time.  The shrinkage is kind of slow; it takes about 18 months for the shrinkage to be complete.  The shrinkage will be faster at first so you should see definite results by 4 months.

Best of luck!
Dr JP

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