Our skin shrinks dramatically when we are young due to large quantities of elastin; however, the skin’s ability to shrink decreases over time as we age. With a large amount of weight loss, typically following gastric bypass surgery, the overstretched skin does not shrink as much after the patient has experienced six months of stable weight. The surgical procedures, such as apronectomy (removal of the excess abdominal skin and fat), are tailored to the patient’s main area(s) of concern.