Skin Removal Surgery: What Hitting the Gym Cannot Do for Excessive Weight Loss

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While some reality shows focus on one's journey to weight loss (see "The Biggest Loser") or extreme makeovers ("The Swan"), none really captures the struggles of people who have lost a considerable amount of weight, and yes, there are struggles. Losing half one's body weight can sure bring health benefits, but sometimes, the body just doesn't bounce back as easily.

TLC's newest reality TV series, "Skin Tight," sheds light on how people who have lost massive amounts of weight are dealing with their new bodies, specifically, how skin removal surgery plays a role post-weight loss. The series features 12 Americans who have lost weight but are still dealing with self-esteem issues from sagging skin and other problems.

A Discovery press release reveals that one contestant in the form of Brian Flemming lost as much as 400 pounds, but is now dealing with pounds of extra skin that get in the way of his now active lifestyle. He and the rest of the participants are to undergo surgery powered by cutting edge technology led by professionals.

Two "Skin Tight" participants recently opened up to People about their struggles with their excess skin, which has caused them to have self-esteem issues. Megan Boeh, 34, and Yalena Figueroa, 28, lost a combined 434 pounds but are still suffering the repercussions of being overweight and then shedding pounds.

"I got to the point where I finally got below 200 lbs. and that was supposed to be a happy point and though I was proud of myself, I was really disappointed with how the weight loss destroyed my body afterwards," Boeh, who lost 246 pounds through bariatric surgery, admitted. "I started to get really depressed and kind of withdraw. There was nothing I could do in the gym or in the kitchen to repair my body."

Figueroa lost 188 pounds and like Boeh, would wear compression wear to deal with the sagging skin. However, it also made her self-esteem drop.

"I knew that the excess skin was symbolizing that I had come a long way and part of me was really proud of my accomplishments, but it was taking a toll on me mentally," Figueroa shared. "My daughters were seeing that I wasn't happy, and I wanted to be the best version of myself for them. It was a no-brainer for me."

Figueroa admits that her skin removal surgery has left her feeling more confident. But this is not the first time people have turned to surgery to remove excess skin. In fact, for some women, it's not just for aesthetic purposes because those who now live active lives may struggle with all the extra baggage.

Jamie Schneider, who lost 180 pounds and shared her experience in Shape, saying that her extra skin caused rashes and even back pain. After much deliberation, the 23-year-old took to skin removal surgery.

"Function was my primary reason for choosing skin removal surgery, but looking better and feeling more confident were also part of my decision," Schneider wrote.

"Skin Tight" airs on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on TLC.