1 yr review! EXCESS SKIN + Compression garments

[TheOriginalBleachX]

@kellawanda - Thank you very much for your video. I've struggled with weight most of my life but after a divorce, I went from 240lbs to 485 over nearly 3 years. Yes, I ate my emotions and stopped life. I'm now down to 385 after 6 months of eating better and working out 3 days a week, doing cardio for 30 mins a day. I have been considering getting surgery, but it honestly scares me to death. I commend you for your bravery. :) Congratulations on your weight loss!

[12frenchy1]

did you wear the garment during your weight loss or just purchased it to wear after?

[Kellawanda]

@12frenchy1: after

[JUDOBEIJINHO]

just watched you 1 yr journey...thank you for sharing so much so personal and for the great insight of the processes as a whole, my op is scheduled for 8/Feb/12 , hope i can conquer my demons like you did, may God bless you for you help and for being in your shoes ;)

[durapee]

I think Mr. Rey should pay you, you have very beautiful face and you look very good on Mr.Rey

And we can see great effect of Mr.Rey

Thank you <3

[MichaelnChristine]

5-10lbs of "just skin" is unlikely. Take a turkey, removed ever piece of skin on it and weigh it. It's a few ounces.

[BJ219]

Will your insurance help cover the cost of skin removal surgery?

[Kellawanda]

@BJ219: I dont have insurance :(

[xisfly]

Hi Kelly I think you look great! without the garment. I realize it might be difficult for you but just know as a person who is looking from the outside you look good. I am so happy for you!

[mynewdestiny]

Great video!

[Chrystee]

I think you look great without the compression garment. :)

[joncanread]

Thank you for sharing your journey. Your determination and willingness to be transparent are refreshing and encouraging to many.

Best wishes to you!

[halexa28]

Thank for share, you look pretty, and you are so amazing, the loss skin barely can see, if you don't squeeze with your hands, congratulations with you accomplish, can you please let known about the gastric acid, I had a gastric eval, days ago and I frogot asked about the future, I have to continues taking acid gastric blocker, do you have problems with reflux sensation,

[1971catriona]

thank you for sharing your Journey with us. You inspire me!!! You look amazing...congratulations!!!! Yay!!!

[NewMamaMia]

@utopiad4 I hope that you're not in that 97% of people who gain the weight back.

[Adg3773]

Excess skin or no, you still look great! Congrats and I am glad to also hear you talk about ways to keep it going. Thanks for sharing! ;)

[transformandrestore]

There are medically graded compression garments that have medical codes that insurance may reimburse you for. I wear the garments and they feel great, make me look great, and redistributes the tissue to wear you want it to be and makes all the grooves and pouches that you don't want to see disappear. I can get anyone who mentions this U-Tube post a 40% discount. There are over 20 compression garments to choose from. If interested go email me at transformandrestore@gmail.com.

[rexzmumu]

wow, there are so many hatful ppl, i think your doing great, hope you post a vid if/when you get rid of your excess skin

[koreamy]

You look great sweetie :)

[copnite12342]

good job sister.

[Thaliayeshua]

you look great and give me hope! Very pretty too!

[utopiad4]

Being a person who just lost a LOT of weight the natural "Biggest Losser Way", I can tell you that that EXTRA weight is a product of the Gastric Bypass Surgery. The 4 people I personally know (including my sister) who had the Gastric Bypass Surgery have that terrible extra skin. Me and a few others who took the natural, great diet and in the gym religiously while we loose the weight...DO NOT HAVE THAT EXCESS SKIN.

[Kellawanda]

@utopiad4: That is totally untrue. The excess skin has many factors: age, genetics, how much weight you lost, how long your skin was stretched, etc. I lost weight without surgery in the past and I had excess skin. And I exercised the whole time....so that is not true. Biggest loser people also have extra skin. There was one contestant from my area who now does the advertising for a local plastic surgeon....because she had her excess skin removed by him.

[utopiad4]

@Kellawanda Well yes if you are really large you may. But it could never be untrue if I LOST WEIGHT THE NORMAL WAY AND DID NOT HAVE EXCESS SKIN. Also, I say again...all the people I KNOW who had Gastic Bypass have that excess skin.

[utopiad4]

Respond to this video...You are correct...the bigger you are, and the longer you have been that size sure does play a part. But everyone knows that excess skin is going to happen with Gastric Bypass because you simply loose the weight to fast.

[sonyamagana1987]

When I was 15, I weighed 140lbs, and I looked very pregnant. I found out that I had a 19lbs benign tumor. When I had the tumor removed I weighed 120, I went down to 115. I had a lot of very saggy stretched out skin. I have a huge scar from it too. From the age of 15 until I was 18 I struggled to tighten up the skin. I was on my high schools track team and cross country team. I stayed away from bad foods. My weight creeped back up slowly too (140)

[sonyamagana1987]

@Kellawanda when I turned 18, i got a deep vain thrombosis and pulminary embolism (because of birth control, estrogen). I gained a lot of weight (210) that time because my life became very sedentary because i was on blood thinners to make the clots go away and to prevent further clotting.2007 went on hard core diet went back down to 150 by summer of 08. I still had the skin and it was worse. 2009 pregnant and gained even more weight. Im now trying2 lose it again. Point is, LOOSE SKIN IS NO JOKE!

[dina81]

@utopiad4 That's TOTAL AND COMPLETE BS! Go look at before/after pictures of tummy tucks, lower body lifts, etc on plastic surgeons' websites. MANY of the patients have loose skin due to weight loss through diet and exercise. Ninety-five (or 98, I'm not sure) percent of morbidly obese people who lose weight by dieting fail and regain it back eventually, and usually with interest. I'm not trying to discourage you, and I do hope you keep the weight off, but the statistics apply to most.

[crzywhtgyrl131]

@utopiad4 thats all well and good nd good for u doing wht was rght for u. but you do not have to bash wls ppl who have choosn to do what we have done. we have all done it the way we chose, and so you know not every person who has wls, has extra skin either...

[razattack1337]

@utopiad4 it's loser not "looser', learn to spell, loser XD

[copnite12342]

@utopiad4 i know several people who lost weight in the natural way as you dub it and they still have excess skin. two men and two women/ keep in mind not everyone reacts the same way to something

[ArmyWifeandMommie]

I just got started in the program where I live to get my GS :) I think you look GREAT without your compression garment! Good Job! Keep up the good work! :)

[shaneneric]

Girl your a size 2 now.If you had a tummy-tuc you'd be like a zero,maybe even in jr. sizes!You look great though:)Wish i had health insurance to get the surgery :(Im doing my own thing though (exercise and diet )as well as positively motivating myself. Thank you for being so real in your videos.

[lydzster]

wow thank you sooo much for this video!!!! I wanted to know about excess skin and you were brave enough to show anyone thank you!

[songbird2oo8]

do you plan on getting a tummy tuck or anything? it doesn't look too bad, i'm hoping when i lose the weight it will only be as minimal as yours but i assume i will probably still need a tummy tuck...

[MajinTrista]

You... have completely inspired me....

[mirtajaz]

Thanks for sharing you are so brave,,,,

[socalkelly]

I will be having the surgery in a couple of months. Your videos are so helpful. Thank you for the various topics you cover. Really you've answered about 99% of my questions in the couple of videos I have viewed.

[JimandNanci09]

That gray thing is a sweat band....it helps you sweat around your waist to help get rid of excess water weight. :)....I have like 5 lol.

[m2inla]

i think you look pretty without the garment!

[grocerygurus]

You look marvelous even with the skin. What youve done is a major accomplishment. Thanks for the inspiration. Im gonna go work out right now!!

[IamAveryPrettyBlonde]

Excellent video! Thank you for showing your scars. They are very minimal. Your "excess" skin is not bad at all. If you would start lifting heavy weights that would could be gone in 3 months.

Im scheduled for my surgery on November 23, 2010. I cant wait.

Im looking forward to watching the rest of your videos :)

[Kellawanda]

@IamAveryPrettyBlonde: Theres really not much you can do for excess skin. Imagine a balloon thats been blown up and released...blown up and released....eventually it loses its elasticity. Thats kinda what we do to our skin when we gain and lose, gain and lose lol. Of course working out can help...but I think its important for people who havent had surgery to know this is a very real possibility of what will happen after drastic weight loss.

[ryan62468]

@Kellawanda: Work out,gain muscle, muscle will naturally suck the skin back in, and drink lots of water, water helps keep the skin healthy.

[sexynette30]

Hi Kellawanda I am new to you tube, but I have been watching these video's for a while. I would like to say thank you for sharing your info about your weight loss journey. I just got the RYN gastric bypass done on 10/04/2010, and it has been a challenge. I have only lost 22 pounds so far and I thought that I would have lost more. I know that everyone is different so Im going to be patient. What advice can give to a new comer like me.

[IcesisBlack]

Congrats to you! It takes a lot of courage for one to look at them self, and finally stand up to their demons. I congratulate you on your venture of newness. Take care!

[crysta0830]

It is reall not bad looking. Full body lifts are about 20,000 but way worth it in the long run.. either way your looing good

[SpecialElisa]

It's interesting to me the way you perceive your excess skin. To me, you look fine. I don't think I would have noticed at all unless you pointed it out.

[wwwwelove2losecom]

congrats on the new you. my grandma had an operation like this in the 40s she had bleeding ulcers, they removed half her stomach, never had a problem with weight after that, I guess it was the predecessor to this. congrats you are brave, and healthy now

[Kellawanda]

@wwwwelove2losecom: Thats whats funny when they call this "new" or "experimental"....I read about them doing it in the 60s for ulcers, stomach cancer, and weight loss!

[AKQJ40]

yOU HAVE REALLY DEVELOPED A WONDERFUL MINDSET ABOUT FOOD.

CONGRADLATIONS ON YOUR HARD WORK AND FANTASTIC RESULTS!!!

[719latinsongbird]

Your a Doll. Thank for dong this video, and braving to do this video. Ive asked a few people about the access skin what happen to us, and ive never recieved a response. So, thank you.. I am supposed to having my surgery done in November 2010... How long did te surgery take? francisco

[londongeezar]

pretty face

[JiveGirl24]

Congrats on your success! I'm having VSG in November this year and your vids are very helpful! Thanks for posting!!

[kakito1976]

really good !!!!

[Bebeches]

You are fantastic, for being transparent and real! I admire what you've done, your arms are great compared to what I've seen.... Keep up the good work,

[tlkaully1]

you are amazing to share such a senitive and personal part of your self. Thank You. BTW you are a beautiful woman with and without the garments. I can't wait to get there.

[PoetJC]

Thanks for the sharing - I'm gonna share your vid on my site WLS Journey Community Forums. Feel free to google us and join if you like ;)

Jacquii.

[LadyVermeulen]

wow I reallllllly get you! 

[dhuhahussam]

You are soooo brave to show that...thanks alot....its sooo informative....but may I ask, what if I start wearing these stuff once I do the surgery with the excersice whould that help me in avoiding the excess skin?

[Kellawanda]

@dhuhahussam: That would probably help. I think a lot of it has to do with age, genetics, and how long we were big/how big we were, etc. Good luck!

[Vimtrup]

I think you look great!

I'm thinking about having a gastrick sleeve surgery, and your videos have been a BIG insperation for me.

Thanks!!

love Vimtrup

[tmnapper]

You are such an encouragement to me. Thanks for everything. I am new to editing so I have a question for you. I made a video that is too long to download on this sight. How do I make 2 videos out of it? Thanks for your time. Tina

[clammojo]

I just got the ball rolling for my gastric bypass. I have watched your videos from the beginning to the end, and you look fantastic, I know, that that is not the whole point to having this surgery done, but you really do look great...you seem so much happier and "brighter" in the eyes, they are sparkling!  Congrats on your success! I can only hope that I can have as great of results as you've experienced!

[sassyjonz]

You look darn good. I haven't lost all my weight yet and already have far more excess skin than you. Chalk it up to your youth. Thanks for being brave to show us all that. Don't know if I'll have the guts to show all that on my vlog.

[sunhouse76]

arrrr you are so pretty very good looking girl. i just want to thank you for doing that you look fantastic you really do, your guy is very lucky.

iv just been told by my doc that he will wright a letter saying he thinks i should have it done. i have sleep dep and nearly sugger Diabetes so may get it on the NHS. im 25 stone and have very hi colesterole (also im dislecsic soz lol)

anyway well don you look fab!! soz about spellings

sunhouse!

[kellidaniel77]

Hi, I have been watching your videos because I too am having surgery. I actually get my surgery date on June 16th. I want to thank you for sharing your past year. I guess my biggest fear is the excess skin. What kind of work outs do you do and how often?

Thanks

Kelli

[MAgrl2NJ]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!!!!!! You look great!!

[rosariotato]

you look amazing!!!Your skin is great I am trying to begin my diet and you are an inspiration to me. Everything you said about food it's absolutely truth!!!! I have to begin....1 year after ...Your words are very powerful and its the power to lose weight.. congratulations you are a WINNER!!!!

Are you going to continue to put some videos here?

Hugs from Portugal

[marissaandmommy]

Your awesome.i think you look great. I hope i can look  like you when i am done losing weight...

[523melanie]

your extra skin is not that bad have you ever considerd surgery you look great

[housebythelake1017]

HI can you please messae me your email address...I wanted to ask you a few questions. btw you look fab..

[helensenter]

You look amazing! I bought my first pair of jeans size 16 (USA), I was a 22 when I started and I have been watching your videos since my surgery in March. Thank you.

[MsChargerFan]

Thanks For the info on the commpresion garmetnst I am totally gonna go to Sears Congrats On the 11yr Surgiverssary

[kelshaleanne]

I think you look great, thanks for showing us both, with and without. It really does help to have a full picture.

[mschristinlynn]

YOU ROCK THE HOUSE!!!

[rrose2009]

It doesn't seem your arms have excess skin at all. How much longer do you have to wait to consider surgery for that? And feel free to get nekkider and nekkider lol...

[GhrelinBgone]

You always keep it real! Thanks and congrats on your surgiversary!

[mommamartha]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You have given me hope that I can someday be the thin person that is inside of me.

[greenfrog775]

Thanks for this video it has helped me decide to get those.

[BesitosDeMariposa]

You...look...amazing!!! I applaud you for putting yourself out there like that! You really don't have much extra skin. Did you work out when you were losing the weight (toning) and if not, do you think that would've made a difference?

[LoriA1162]

Are the garments comfortable? You look AMAZING! I don't think skin should be an issue for you, unless it makes you feel bad about yourself. I don't even notice any skin on your arms. YOU LOOK FAB-U-LOUS!

[anewme1983]

Wow - great progress. Happy surgiversary! Excellent information too.

[MissJJinVA]

You do look amazing. I'm so impressed and inspired. Wow.

I wear compression teddies and it just makes me feel so good.

I was listening to a podcast with a plastic surgeon who specializes in bariatric patients. I believe he said something about 6 pounds of skin he has to take off the average person. I'll have to listen again to check that out.

[wlsbeachgirl]

Isn't it amazing what compression garmets can do for someone? I think you look great regardless. Amazing that you could squeeze that much skin though as it really doesn't look that bad until you squeezed.

[seemego2150]

acutally you look awesome! and it's amazing to me that you can grab so much loose skin because you really don't look like you'd have that much. congrats on your success this year

[trenab44]

you look GREAT !!!!!... i cant wait till i am where you are...keep in touch..

Trena

[danyett]

you are awesome! thanks for sharing

[lalapipkins]

Thanks for sharing. I am having sx Aug. 9th and I can't freakin wait! You look great!

[bandedwendy]

i am always watching your updates, but rarely comment. What a year! You look so much younger 1 year post op. Of course you are looking slim trim and healthy too. I like your hair long, it really looks nice with the thinness of your facial structure now. YAY! I am now7 lbs from my goal and have seem some bounces too. I am not stressed about it, cuz I am at a healthy weight and bmi. how cool is it that our bodies are still reshaping when so close to goal? Great video! Congrats to you!

[315mqf]

I have mixed feeling when you talk about how horrible you were when you were heavy (ruining your body, etc)... Not to say I dont understand what you are saying.. sometimes when you are judgmental of your "old" self.. it implies judgement to all who may be like your old self. Some of us are still heavy and still battling our demons.. and we dont have a "tool" to help us down the extra 70+lbs. I hope to see the world from your perspective someday.. and cry over the person I am right now

[thirty1978]

Awesome Vid, thanks you look great skin or not!

[lapband23]

Can't change the past~~can only effect the future! Totally agree with the "food is energy"

Size 2 ~~~holy cow!

Those are some nice arms girl!

Thanks for the video and congrats on an amazing year!

[hellokitty7696]

thank you for sharing this video with us. you look awesome. when you said that you lost 78 lbs since surgery made me feel so much better about myself. i'm 10 months out and i've lost 75 lbs. i was getting discouraged because when i've seen other videos people this far out have at least lost 100 lbs. i've been watching your videos since I had surgery and you have been a great inspiration and motivator. thank you :)

[JessicaRabbitwannabe]

Well done girl! You look awesome!

[CYRINTHIA212]

idk..to me you look fine..im 311.lbs and im so afraid that my skin will sag to my knees after wls...i hope i look like you..you don't look bad at all

[IamKris411]

you look great! thanks for showing the different comp. garments. Congratulations on 1 year out! Time does go by fast.

[angie2sm]

lol u crack me up girl. friend of mine said it took her a whole year after stabalizing her weight but the skin did tighten back up after that year of being the same weight. she looks great now and only had a boob job. u look awsome! ill have to check out those compression garments, i have some now but they have wire and it pokes me under my bra GRR! see ya soon! much love

[slenderlovingcare]

Thanks for the video, you do look great, grats on your one year! I love that orange dress thing, looked pretty!

[dawnmarie416]

Happy 1 year surgiversary!!!! You look and sound awesome :) Thanks for sharing about the excess skin...it's good to know I'm not the only one...take care!

[olive4beauty]

Congratulations on your surgiversary! Thank you for doing the video and showing all of the compression garments!

[dottiemay71]

Thank you so much for sharing. I think you look great and congrats on your one year surgiversary.

[maryposa1978]

congrats on the 1 yr, you look fantastic... lol @ nakeder and nakeder with each video... heheh and "I've never weighed anyone's excess skin before buuuut..." just cracked me up. :D Anyway, I don't think your skin looks too bad and your arms actually look really good!!!

[IamKris411]

I agree, your arms look SUPER- nobody will likely walk around squeezing your arms :-) and they look good in a sleeveless dress or top. I think I'm REALLY going to have to work mine to look halfway decent in a sleeveless top - but in summer I'll probably wear one anyway - too hot not to lol.