Dressing for Excess Skin

A posting from Stephanie Myers, Dr. Myers' daughter, on 3 problem areas that can be improved by focusing on appropriate wardrobing.

One of the major issues post bariatric surgery is the issue of excess skin. Although the fatty tissue will be gone soon because of the surgery, exercise, and nutrition adjustments, the skin which has been stretched to accommodate that fatty tissue will remain (some to a more severe degree than others, depending on an individual basis). Regardless if you choose to have bariatric surgery or not, I want to give you a few ideas to work around the excess skin in the mean time.

At a recent support group I shared about what clothing to look for in order to resolve the issues of discomfort and embarrassment. Those are both valid issues and the key to solving this issue is having the correct undergarments. Of course, all three can be used at the same time if necessary. Most likely these ideas are not foreign to women, such as Spanx, or control top hosiery. Now, I will explain the three main problem areas, the solutions, (what to look for to work with each area), and styling tips.




1). The problem area: The “Apron” - This is what is known for the the excess skin area of the stomach. Again, once the weight is lost, the skin can still remain.

The solution: A good solution here is to find a very fitted stretch tank top that will help to hold in excess skin. This tank can be a few sizes smaller than you would typically wear so that you get the supporting effect.

This picture is a great example. It is a Spanx for Plus sizes that can be found at Lane Bryant. You could even look for a longer version that will go just below the hips.

How to Style: The key with styling this is that it does not have to show, in fact it really shouldn't. The best idea is to layer and especially going into fall and winter this will be easy to do.



2). The problem area: The “Wings” - This area of excess skin is from any stretched skin that caused by the fatty tissue in the arms.
The Solution: A very fitted three quarters length fitted t-shirt will hold skin in place so you don’t have that 'flapping' feeling. This shirt needs to be more fitted than your usual clothing, again to support your arms.

How to Style this garment: The purpose of this garment is also to be an undergarment, and should be worn with other clothing that fit appropriately.

This example is a top that is on sale at Nordstrom.









3). The problem area: The Inner Thighs - The inner thighs are an area that can be an annoyance.
The solution: Very fitted bicycle shorts or spanx (apparently, these shorts to the left are lined with zebra print. Zebra print is optional when you do your shopping!
How to style: Another great trick is to wear bicycle shorts under your pants or dresses in order to give you a more controlled feeling and therefore, will be more comfortable. This pair is from Lane Bryant.

Again, I am here as a resource for your wardrobing issues now. I also will work with you to create a look that is uniquely yours. Please contact me at Stephanie.Myers1@gmail.com to arrange a meeting to begin!

Get Well Picture for Grandma

Mikey Pyle drew this picture for his grandmother who had her bariatric operation last week and was seen in the office today. Look closely to find the following 4 details:

1). Grandmother's size before and after the operation

2). What is that in Dr. Myers hand?

3). Note the Gandmother + Surgery = Smaller Grandmother format

4). The facial expressions are terific

Great job! Thank you, Mikey, for cheering up your grandmother and bringing a smile to all of us.

Great Message from My Patient, Wendy Hartman. Check Out Her Blog!

My husband and I have been together for 26 years. Married, 19. He met me at about 180 pounds. I was about 250 when we married. I was at 395 when I had surgery.

Scott told me the other day something that had me in tears.

I knew he was worried about me, but we never talked about it. He said: "6-8 months ago, I was crying myself to sleep wondering what I would do when you were gone. How was I going to handle the kids? How was I going to pay the bills when I don't even know where the passwords are for the accounts? I had no idea that our lives could change so much in 6 months. Everything is so much better. You are a better person. We are better." Wow.

Thank you, Dr. Myers!!!

Wendie Hartman

http://margaretandelwood.blogspot.com/

Finding "New" Things after Bariatric Surgery

Finding “New” Things after Bariatric Surgery

Last week one of my patients who had lost a lot of weight after her bariatric operation returned complaining of finding a new mass just below her breast bone. She was obviously very worried.

After I examined her I indeed noted a firm ½ inch hard rubbery mass just as she had described.

I explained that this finding is called the xiphoid process and is a normal anatomic structure. She was just now finding this for the first time because she had lost enough weight it was no longer hidden in the fatty tissue!

This is a very common occurrence. As a bariatric surgery patient loses a lot of weight, say 100 to even 200 lbs or more they are able to “find things” they did not even know they had such as hip bones, back bones, clavicles, tail bones and even ribs that they thought were breast masses!

Of course these patients are often embarrassed when they find out these structures were always there but could not be felt until they lost significant amount of weight but it is just part of discovering themselves anew.

Having bariatric surgery is truly a Fresh Start for many and a new discovery of the new you.

New Video! Dietitian explains Nutrition Facts Label

In this video, You will see Dietitian, Kristi Highley sharing the importance of the Nutrition Facts Label. The photo on top is an image of the exact Label she is referring to, but enlarged. One more thing before we get started, Dr. Myers wants to know something about the beginning of the video, "What's up with the tongue Kristi?"

Roller Coasters after Bariatric Surgery?

Yesterday I saw Stephanie, a patient of mine, in the office one week after a laparoscopic gastric bypass operation. I was surprised when she asked if she could ride the roller coasters at Cedar Point amusement park just 11 days after her operation. She said she loved roller coasters and especially enjoyed the rides that make her hang upside down!

I said I was delighted she was doing so well she wanted to ride the rides at an amusement park a week or so after her operation. However, even if it does not injure you, hanging upside down is for bats not humans!

How to dress during dramatic weightloss - Dr. Myers' Daughter explains

Dramatic weightloss requires dramatic wardrobe changes. I, Stephanie, (stylist and Dr. Myers' daughter) want to focus on finding a good dress first, because it can be very versatile while you are loosing weight (Sorry Guys! This one is for the Girls!). Especially after surgery, a dress can be a wonderful solution for you while your body is in this very dramatic transitional time period. Here is what to look for while shopping for this must-have fall wardrobe essential: The Dress. Here are five points to guide you to the perfect dress. Let's get started!


#1 What to look for in the perfect dress - Structure

A dress with structure is going to give your body shape, such as this dress from Nordstrom.




I love this dress! The denim is right on trend for this fall. This dress works because of the structure in the bodice which gives the rest of the body a perfect shape. The skirt is full and falls gracefully away from the waist. This is a wonderful solution and a great option for your fall wardrobe. And as the weather changes and cools down, you can switch out the white belt for a nice leather one and pair the dress with an adorable sweater or cropped jacket. Finish the look with a pair of cute boots.

Now, moving right along to the second aspect to look for...


#2 What to look for in the perfect dress - Visual Lines

First of all, can we all just agree that this is a gorgeous dress?! The idea behind a dress like this is that the lines in the garment create a visual trick and elongate the entire body. The draping is also a very current way to look effortlessly glamorous.
Look for these kind of detailing that can quickly update a wardrobe and making you look very modern at the same time.



#3 What to look for in the perfect dress - Necklines

Necklines are an important aspect to look for when you are shopping for the perfect dress this fall. This hot pink dress from Nordstrom is fabulous. It has the best two important key elements when looking at the neckline of a dress. The V-neck is wonderful and creates an illusion of length. Also, the faux-wrap on the bodice can also minimize the chest.




#4 What to look for in the perfect dress - Fit

This specific area of dressing yourself walks a fine line. It is very important to wear a size that is fitted, yet not too tight. However, leave enough room that you can breathe and move easily, and yet is not baggy. If ever you have a question as to if the fit is right on you or not, then try on three different sizes. One that is typically your size, then a size up and a size down from that. Also, because brands can size very differently.

The following two pictures gives two examples of dresses that fit just right.





And now for an ill fitting garment..

The reason why this garment doesn't work is because it hides a figure all together, and what begins as a good intention to hide unwanted weight, actually creates more surface area instead of the desired camouflaging.



#5 - What to look for in the perfect dress - Texture & Fabric

Fabrics are incredibly important aspects of finding a great dress for this season. Look for fabrics that have a certain stiff quality. These fabrics can be forgiving and can camouflage problem areas. Where as a thin jersey (or t-shirt fabric) can cause unwanted hugging. This dress is a fantastic example of almost all of the points we just discussed. I can just see it now with the perfect pair of boots and an adorable jacket for the fall...



And when you are ready to go shopping, Contact me! I would love to guide you through your fall wardrobe and give assistance during the transition time after surgery. We can go to Target or Saks Fifth Avenue and everywhere in between. Contact me at: Stephanie.Myers1@gmail.com