While bariatric procedures can be life-changing, they don’t come without their fair share of challenges. Because bariatric surgery results in rapid weight loss, it’s common for bariatric surgery patients to suffer from loose and sagging skin. Thankfully, there are ways to reduce sagging skin after surgery. This guide provides practical strategies to help your body adapt to its new shape.
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Understand the Causes of Looking Old After Bariatric Surgery
After bariatric surgery, some find that their sagging skin can make them look old. There are a few reasons why bariatric surgery can lead to sagging skin. The most common reason is because of the rapid weight loss that surgery creates. While you will notice this change quite obviously around the abdominal area, you may also see significant changes in your face. Rapid weight loss can lead to a loss of facial fat. This can leave you looking gaunt.
Additionally, as you age, your skin decreases in skin elasticity. After bariatric surgery, you may notice that your skin doesn’t bounce back like it once did. This further contributes to the sagging look that can make you appear older.
Lastly, because bariatric surgery alters the digestive tract, your body can struggle absorbing nutrients. This includes nutrients that are crucial for skin health like bariatric vitamins, vitamin C and protein. These nutritional deficiencies can weaken your skin quality and accelerate the look of aging.
Factors Affecting Skin Elasticity
There are many factors that can affect skin elasticity. As we age, this smoothness and firmness of our skin begins to deteriorate. However, everyone is different in the rate in which their skin ages, as a lot of this has to do with your individual genetics. Some people are genetically predisposed to having less skin elasticity than others.
As such, age and genetics play a large role in how our bodies react to rapid weight loss. Those with less skin elasticity to begin with will experience more sagging than others. In general, faster weight loss means the skin has less time to adjust than it would if you lost weight slowly over time.
Psychological Effects of Loose Skin
Loose skin after weight loss can have a significant impact on body image and self-esteem and can be challenging to cope with. Many report a negative body image or reduced self esteem as a result. Loose skin can be discouraging for some, making it harder to stay motivated to keep the weight off.
Research shows higher risks of depression and anxiety due to dissatisfaction with body appearance, even after successful weight loss. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and seek support. Talking to a counselor or joining support groups with others who’ve had similar experiences can provide an outlet to address these emotions and build confidence.
Exercise and Its Benefits for Skin Firmness
If you are suffering from loose skin after bariatric surgery, don’t fret! Exercise can help! Physical activity has a large role in improving skin firmness for a few reasons. For example, strength training can lead to toned muscles, which can help create a firm appearance. Additionally, exercise enhances circulation. This improved blood flow helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. Exercise can even promote collagen synthesis. By creating more collagen, your skin will firm up and reduce sagging over time.
Nutritional Strategies for Healthy Skin
Exercise isn’t the only factor that plays a role in skin health. Nutrition is key as well! To keep your skin looking its best, it’s important to focus on certain nutrients that provide the essential building blocks your skin needs.
Protein is essential after bariatric surgery. It not only helps to keep you full and heal your surgery wounds, it’s also needed for collagen production. Collagen is the protein that gives skin its strength and structure, so making sure you get enough protein, such as by drinking bariatric protein shakes can help keep skin firm and resilient.
Additionally, bariatric multivitamins can support skin health after surgery by providing essential nutrients like vitamin C and zinc. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports collagen formation and helps protect the skin from damage. Zinc helps with wound healing and reduces inflammation.
Research has shown that a lesser known nutrient, Cynatine HNS, otherwise known as solubilized keratin, can statistically improve skin moisture in as little as 30 days. If you want to help support your skin health after bariatric surgery, we formulated our Bariatric Glow supplement to include all of these essential nutrients as well as biotin and folate for comprehensive skin support.
Hydration is key as well. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for skin elasticity. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day or eat foods with high water content like cucumbers and tomatoes to support healthy skin.
Finally, including bariatric probiotic supplements in your diet can improve gut health, which has been linked to better skin quality.
The Role of Professional Support
Remember, these changes can be difficult to cope with. You don’t have to do it alone! Seek out support from your healthcare team to ensure you are on the right track. A dietitian can tailor a nutrition plan to support skin health, ensuring you get enough essential nutrients post-surgery. Including those provided by bariatric multivitamin with iron supplements.
For mental health, therapy can help address body image issues, helping individuals adjust to post-surgery changes.
You may even consider consulting with a plastic surgeon. They can provide options for skin removal or tightening procedures, giving you a choice for managing excess skin.
Conclusion
By combining regular exercise, targeted nutrition, and seeking professional guidance, you can support your body’s adjustment and promote healthier, more resilient skin. Address challenges like hair loss after bariatric surgery, weight gain after bariatric surgery, and fatty liver bariatric surgery proactively, and remember, adapting to a new body shape takes time, patience, and self-compassion. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a support network, whether it’s your healthcare team, a therapist, or a community of others who’ve experienced similar changes.
What are your tips and tricks to post-bariatric success?