I am doing it to get rid of my diabetes and life a full life. My mom died from complications due to diabetes. She didn't have the courage to "change" anything. I'm doing this for me!!! I'm doing this for my kids!!! Health is wealth y'all 😊
I’m so happy I found this video! I lost 178lbs 12years ago. Ever since then I’ve saved and had various skin removal surgeries along the way. Many misinformed people have told me that I am being lazy for “taking the easy way out” because I’m not working out hard enough to tighten up my skin naturally. They also say that the scars are uglier than the loose skin. I said F@ck them all and I’m happy that I did. I was blessed with skin that scars “well” and willpower of steel to save money. It also helped that I speak Spanish and was able to contact doctors in Mexico and the Caribbean. Now I’m trim, happy and my quality of life has improved immeasurably.
J Foster It’s really important to get away from people who talk negatively to us like that, things such as calling someone lazy for having WLS. It is called Invalidation. Not acceptable. Part of learning to love ourselves is learning it’s OK to say ‘No’ or ‘Stop’, to people, who start coming at us this way.
I've lost 123 lb on intermittent fasting. It has taken me five years. I still have 30 lb to go. And I hardly have any loose skin. I am 59 years old. I exercise. That includes walking, dumbbells, dancing, meditation, etc. I don't drink my calories. You have to be disciplined. And you must want to want it. Good luck to everyone on their journey. Update! In regards to some of your questions, I can tell you that I fast for 16 hours a day. Breakdown; I don't eat 4 hours before I go to sleep. I sleep 8 hours and I don't eat the first 4 hours that I'm awake. I only eat two meals a day. I still eat very sensibly. I hardly eat meat now, but if I do it's no bigger than the size of the palm of my hand. I eat lots of vegetables. If you're trying not to make them boring, think about baking, stewing, stir frying your veggies and being creative with them. I'm turning 60 tomorrow and I still wish to lose about 27 lb, (I've lost 3 lb since this post). My skin still looks very healthy. I keep my skin hydrated with Aquaphor ointment besides drinking plenty of water. And because of the covid-19 I am exercising more at home and taking walks to stay fit. I hope this update answer some of your questions.
That is the miracle of fasting. Fasting, especially dry fasting, is effective in losing weight without loose skin. It also triggers autophagy after certain days (3 days in non-obese people) through which body uses the old and infected cells as energy source paving the way for stem cell activation a little later.
So true! There is this guy on instagram omarthaherfit, he lost 200 lbs in a year, but he lifted weights, ate low carb and did intermittent fasting. He looks amazing and even has a shirtless before and after pic. He doesn't show any loose skin. I lost 50 lbs and started to have loose skin bad on my legs. I started to eat clean and intermittent fast and the skin tightened up.
We would NEVER get a doctor in the UK who would give such sensible and relatable advice as this. Dr Vuong you are a wonderful doctor and your patients are very lucky to have you. Thank you so much for your inspiring talk.
I came by your channel by fluke and I had to say how cool it is to hear someone speak about the process in a down-to-earth and realistic way. Thank you for making us laugh while giving us some hard truths. Keep up the great job. (All the way from Australia)
As soon as he started talking about the money all my worries vanished! Why wouldn’t I invest in my body! I spend it on everything else so why not? I am looking forward to this badge of honor!
I actually put the money that I AND my husband (he quit with me) spent on cigarettes, since we had to quite for surgery, that was $13 a day for us, and we put that in an account with interest, that is where my skin surgery is coming from. I am stoked!
@rj zander May not be any interest in a savings account, yet you still have to save somewhere. Sometimes by "savings", especially today, people mean keeping that money aside, whether in an IRA, invested in stocks, bonds, etc., or elsewhere.
I just found these videos within the last couple of weeks. Had my surgery the first week in march. Never too late! great information! All stuff I need to know!
@@mobutter2879 have you seen the movie Fasting On Amazon prime? Because just saying fasting is dangerous to the extreme. As many deadly ways to fast as healthy.
Some of us have tried very hard to lose weight. I'm now 68 and surgery is the only way left to protect my heart and joints. I'm glad some of you can lose and keep it off. I haven't been able to. Don't put us down, nor our decision.
Yes the loose skin was a big thing for me psychologically. No one prepared me for that. As a matter of fact I felt I looked better heavy than I did thinner. I lost 80 lbs and quit losing bc of the loose skin. So now I’m trying to lose my 30 lbs and get over my pity party. Thank you Dr. V.
You gotta love Dr. V! Dear doctor, you are a plain spoken gentleman with real life suggestions. Seems every doctor I speak has a high falutten attitude and looks down on regular folks like me. Next time you make the case for prioritizing future spending (new car vs loose skin removal), don't forget to mention DEPRECIATION on that "new car". That new car you're thinking about buying won't be worth the cost of rusted steel at a metal recycling yard in 20 years. On the other hand, when you've invested money on you, your self confidence, health, even your outlook on life itself are given a huge boost and people will notice. This is the true comparison that needs to be made!
I was watching this and kept thinking how familiar you look. Then, you said you had a practice in Houston, that's where I was born and still live. Great video.
WOW, Dr. Vuong called me out!! I'm a month away from surgery, and I've kept thinking if I work out enough and don't lose the full amount of excess weight, then I won't have loose skin. I was wrong. Thank you for the wake up call!!
"Plastic surgery will not make you look the way you're imagining it in your head". Perfect way to say this! I am researching WLS and what is the best/safest option for me. I choose day 1!!!
Thank you for putting it in perspective! Im not even close to being ready. Yet researching things and wrapping my thoughts around it to begin preparing. I NEVER thought or dreamed I would be here having to consider this. Laziness wasnt my problem. Health issues and medicines have been my saving and my downfall. Steroids 10 lbs here 10 lbs there. Pain and movement issues. Ugh! Cancer, asthma, heart, joint, blood pressure things are getting worse. Hey wake up call, I can barely move at 250 lbs do something. Dont keep letting the excuses and fear keep you from getting your life back. Face the hard stuff and fight. Tricking my mind and doctors to get out of the way of keeping me unhealthy has been a challenge. I had faced a problem last year that nearly killed me. My stomach was so massive from a major bleed a 36 lb or greater hematoma that took over half a year to get down. It took several major surgeries and with covid 19 caused me to have to wait longer for therapy. Its going to be hard. But...I am worth it! Thank you for helping me look at this obstacle as something I can and should do. I had drs tell me one thing and a surgeon tell me another. Its not going to stop me. I will have to battle to find a dr to help me. I couldnt even get therapy until I found a specific way to ask for it. I was told there was nothing that could be done. The best you can do is be well informed. Research, research, research. Dont let anyone keep you from being the best you you can be! Thank you Dr V!
Duck Vuong, I'm going to my 1st Bariatric Surgery weight loss seminar next week. I'm nervous but at the same time excited. I've gotten to a point in my life where I need help losing weight. I'm not getting younger so I gotta do something. Thank you for your insight and information regarding the surgery, plastic surgery and finances. You are amazing and a blessing.
Love this plethora of information that you are giving us.I've gotten way more information from you and your videos and books. You are really great to take the time to explain everything and give us the unvarnished truth. I wish I could have you for a doctor.
Great and honest video on the subject. I know I will need surgery. I do intermittent fasting, but after 3 babies and 18yrs of being 80lb overweight, no amount of fasting removes the loose skin. I am saving up for it
Absolutely brilliant talk . I had weight surgery 2 years ago and have loose skin . Sometimes I think to love yourself is better than going through surgery skin removal and the infections . I will remember “badge of honour” thank you for being frank and honest . Sonia in UK
Thank you so much for explaining this so well. I've lost 135 pounds and have 36 more to get my goal. I do have bat wings and lots more saggy skin elsewhere. I wear it all as a badge of honor. I've changed my entire life. Your videos have been very informative and inspiring. Thank you again!
I'm scared of loose skin, but I'm scared of leaving this world to young more! I have been big all my life and honestly have pretty good self confidence. Im so scared I'm going to loose that once my body changes.
Dr Vuong thank you for these insightful and matter of fact presentations. I am Australian, a family Dr, just had a gastric sleeve after 2 yrs of thinking, have patients who have both succeeded and failed to live life as a normal person, but I have never seen any info as helpful as your videos. Thank you!!!!! Jo Woodford
Thank you so much for the positive ideas and feedback I had wLS in June and I have been worried how I was going to be able to save money without struggling so much bc I am a single mother and made the decision to get wLs to be not only a good role model but to be a health and happy person inside and out
Overall great video. I loved the analogy of buying a vehicle instead of investing in ourself. The debit card idea is awesome. I really needed to hear "The two choices" someday vs today is day one. Thank you for making this video 😊
It should be a badge of honor. I was just talking to someone today about how we should all show it off and normalize the realities of massive weight loss and help other people be more comfortable with theirs.
After losing 98 lbs on my own I know I will have to have surgery, so even though I lost it differently, this has been extremely informative. So thank you.
Thank you for being so real about this. No one tells you this about the loose skin--that you can't work it back into shape and that plastic surgery is a trade for a scar. Saying that--to be honest--I feel intensely depressed about being fat of course and how I have failed my body through the years AND about how the loose skin will have me going from balloon to melted candle. I don't see happiness anywhere--just failure by getting to this point and punishment by having loose skin and just looking forever ugly. I am completely crushed.
I am too. I know and feel for every single word you wrote. It’s like this is what I deserve for abusing my body for 27 years... fat, sagginess or big scars and marks. It’s like there is no way out and I just want to get out of my body... although many say the sagginess and the scars are worth it but I don’t know.. the depression and feeling like staying in a dark corner almost wins every time...... having that said, deep inside I’m not ready to give up yet. If I’ll be ugly anyway. I’d rather lose the fat and see how it feels like... but for now, All I feel is anger and shame.
I know how you feel... long pants, long dresses and sleeves is my new normal.. and I’m ashamed at 67 that I lost and gained the same 30 kilos 4 times during my life.. I’m sleeved now and have loose skin!
@@Nada.AlShingiti so I totally did not know how to check messages on this. Forgive me. I am only seeing this now! I am struggling to keep the weight off. I am still struggling with saggy skin, but as Miki said, I'll take the sag over the fat any day. I do feel more energetic and capable so that's better than continuing to be obese. I hope you are doing well in our journey.
@@mikishoo6874 stay strong. I am still battling to keep the weight off. I never want to go back. I lost before and gained it all back and this time I never want to go back. The struggle is very real though. i feel I will take the sag over the fat. I look good in clothes. It's the naked part I don't like of course. And being single omg I am so scared to DATE!!!! But again, I'll take healthy over unhealthy. I love the beach. My challenge is am I gong to go in a swim suit or a full cover up people might think I am Muslim suit.
@@sandy4914 The positives are that my bloods are normal, my BP is normal, no fatty liver, no longer pre diabetic etc...so I will live longer.. Lucky for me I have a husband who thinks I’ve done an amazing job and sees past the skin.. I also look good in clothes which is fabulous. For the first time in years I bought bathers, and now attend aquarobics.. it took a long time to get over the ugliness of my legs but I love it so much I try to go 5x a week. I found these Speedo swimmers that zip up at the front and cover all of the back and give me confidence.. so glad I found this page, it’s so nice to be able to talk to someone about these issues.. ❤️
Bravo. Real talk. I am preop… I started off this video at tears in my eyes knowing the realities ahead of me. But when you started doing Asian math I got excited and totally relieved knowing that this is totally achievable. Thank you so much.
I am pre op and I luckily started saving for my plastics already and I came across an ad for the digit app. I love it. I set up the daily limit of $2 and it’s just boom completely out of my control and yeah I don’t miss it at ALL.
I think this has been very helpful for me. I have lost 30 lbs and still have 110 lbs to go and loose skin is a big concern for me. I will definitely start saving and $10/day is very doable! I live in Texas and I will definitely be going to New Mexico if skin removal surgery is needed. Thank you Dr.
I have been very fortunate with my rny weight loss and excess skin. It is pretty minimally apparent for how much I have lost. 42 bmi to 25!! I am 32. I had RNY bypass 7 months ago and I have lost 109 pounds. I am currently wearing small tops and bottoms, or medium juniors clothes. Resistance training has really helped me maintain and build muscle and fill my skin out. My arms are awesome, tummy has some excess but it tucks into underwear without any issues. Plastic surgery is necessary for many but fortunately i don't think i will need it.
I've been considering wls, just have a lot of anxiety about talking to my dr about it. This was very helpful, I knew a lot of it, but it helps hearing from a doctors point of view.
Some doctors are completely against it , I think is because they will lose money after you get healthy. I know because my doctor was one of those against it . My advice to you is go to a weight loss surgery seminar. I had my surgery on October of 2018 and so far I’m down 110 lbs and is the best thing that I done for my health,I do have loose skin and still have back pain but I’m able to do many things I wasn’t able before plus I feel so good
I love your car analogy... when you were cracking up about how much a Honda Civic costs 😂 But you are so right about the investment of a car vs your body! So good
Thank you so much for making this video. It helped me out so much.. I’m in a weight loss class now and this Nov 2019 is my last weigh in, then I move on to see a psych doctor to move on with my weight loss surgery (the sleeve). Thanks again 🙏
Been there.Dr.will try to trick you up like..DO YOU EXPECT THIS SURGERY TO SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS KINDA.YOU SAY SOFTLY. NO BUT IT IS THE START FOR ME TO REACH MY GOALS IN LIFE.IT IS MY FIRST STEP TO GET GOING.BE SURE YOU SAY WORDS LIKE..HEALTHY GOALS AND STAYING GOAL ORIENTED.I KNOW.I LOST 110 LAST YEAR.FEEL GREAT NO MEDS AND NOW I HAVE A REALY GREAT LIFE.
Ty for this message, I am just now seeing the psychological struggle dealing with loose skin. Guess I didn't think there would be so much, I have terrible elasticity. 😪
Dr. V. I had my gastric surgery on 06-20-19. So far I've lost 45lbs. My next weigh in and also my first measurement is 12-18-19. I've probably lost 20lbs more. This a great video because it helps me to know what comes next. I'm already experiencing the sagging skin and it makes me feel horrible but, it's too early for the skin procedure for me. Thank you very very informative.
I was Sleeved in 2018 and just had my revision to bypass this month. I definitely feel more ready this time, and my recovery time has been pretty fast. I'm not sure what my "get there" looks like, but I will do my research. I'm on Day 15 of being healthier and happier.
I want to lose weight so I'm not ugly anymore. But having lose skin is just a new kind of ugly. Basically I've painted myself into a corner and there's no way to ever be good looking again. 😭
This video right here is what made me subscribe to your channel. I love your personality. I really didn’t care for doctors. I felt as if when they explained something it was kinda misleading BUT after see this video I hope more doctors take your approach seriously people needs to hear things going on with their body and life like this CLEAR cut. ❤ THANK YOU!
Thank you. That was awesome to hear and needed. Funny me and my wife was just talking about this very subject this morning. I hate to say she echoed everything you just said. Now I have to tell her she was right but after listening to your talk that will be much easier. It’s not someday for me it’s TODAY. Again thank you.
I lost 207 lbs, good skincare has helped so much. I have some loose skin but not a lot. Peptides are what I preach! Peptides tells the collagen to grow. I've found some amazing products to avoid any more surgery. I had memory loss because my body sorta rejected the gastric bypass surgery. So I had to have a second surgery a few weeks later. My body was shutting down. The only thing I may need is liposuction in my ankles, they never changed.
Please share your products. Please! I accidentally lost 60# due to illness. I'm down to 100# at 5' 7" & pretty underweight. My saggy skin is worse that 80 yo. It's so frightening, apparently. The faces others make are telling me they are horrified at my skin. People have no manners & just stare with that ghastly look.
Thank you doctor for the math skills. I lost 149 pounds 4-17-07. Finally after saving and putting myself first not my husband and children family etc. Finally had my mommy make over(7-15-19) 12 yrs later. Took long time to save.but I finally did it. Had done ✅ tummy tuck mr and BA and bbl soon. But I’m have to save for the extra loose skin in between legs and arms . I’m start saving putting a lil aside for it. Forget my badge of honor ! Lol...I can’t wear a bathing suit yet cause my inner thighs extra skin. But thank you. Many blessings your way. For helping people. Long journey
This just pulled up on my feeds...so a little late for comment, but I fell I have to say it came at the right time. Thank you for the info...really helps.
I did tummy tuck, arms and boobs one year ago and I actually look better than I ever imagined. The scar on my right arm is the only one that bothers me a little bit, I may try laser treatment in the future.
For many people, insurance isn’t going to cover any post surgeries so it’s actually important to start planning for it and start saving $ once you’ve committed to having the surgery. But they need to know what financial goals to look towards.
Dude, I am in Hawaii so I can't use your surgery center. How about moving to Kauai? We have NO weight loss surgeons at ALL on this island. I WANT YOU HERE!
In UK most of us do not have "medical insurance" we CAN have WLS free on NHS but no remedial work for loose skin. For that everything is done privately paid for.
Thank you SO much for What you do! It is like you are in my head I swear! All my fears you address and have made me look at them in a whole new way through out this whole process! At the end of my 6 months and meeting my surgeon on Thurs and feel like you have addressed all my little weird hesitations through this. Thank you!
Thank you Dr. Voung. In my experience nobody talked about this. Ive not had the surgery. At 66 im not clear what to do but you provided good information for me to plan for the next 10 years if i decide to have the surgery
