SKIN SUCCESS stories- for WOMEN OVER 55 ONLY, please!

NewMEEE2016

Are you a woman over 55 who has lost 30 lbs or more and DID NOT have an issue with loose skin? Or did you have an issue, but resolved it- either by exercise, surgery, radio frequency treatment- or something else? If so, please post your story here! I need inspiration!

pdxwine

I was thin, then gained far too much weight. I have now lost 92 pounds. Not sure how much more I plan to lose as I am in a size that is good (8-10), yet not yet at my goal weight.

Anyway, yes, I do have excess skin...damn it! I have some in my upper arms, not horrible, but not what I wish it looked like....and on my stomach.

How do I deal with it? I wear a body shaper. It holds in the slight amount of excess midriff skin. If that is the worst that I have to deal with, after allowing myself to gain so much weight, I can deal with it as now, I am healthy again.

NewMEEE2016

@pdxwine Congratulations on **92** lbs. That's incredible. Over what period of time did you lose it, and how old are you?

I'm hoping we will hear from some women over 55 who have actually found a way to rid themselves of the excess skin- or who never got it in the first place.

deannc1

54 yrs old ( hope that's close enough

deannc1

4 babies and 70 lbs lost. I gained back about half last year but am within 10 lbs of my original loss. I have 40 more to goal.
I have started investigating having a tummy tuck. I've recently had a virtual consultation with a plastic surgeon. He recommended an Inverted T tuck with lipo on my flanks.
I could exercise until the cows come home and there is simply no way to tighten up this volume of loose skin.
I also have loose skin on my upper thighs and arms but nowhere near the degree of my stomach.

NewMEEE2016

Thanks very much for the input, @deannc1 . Over what period of time did you lose the weight? When you pinch the loose skin, is it very thin (ie, do your fingers touch?) as they would if you pinched the skin on your hand? Did the surgeon recommend losing all the weight you want to lose first?

deannc1

When I pinch, my fingers don't touch. There is still a layer of fat beneath the skin. I wouldn't consider having the surgery until I lose an additional 40 lbs, which I hope to accomplish by October. If I did get it now then lose more weight, I'd be back in the same boat! My children are mostly grown, the youngest will be 18 soon. I told them that they're paying for my surgery as a thank you for giving birth to them

deannc1

At this age and with that amount of weight loss surgery is the only solution. He will also tighten the abdominal muscles during the surgery. The reason for the inverted T , also known as a Fleur de lis, is to address the upper abdominal pouch. This will allow him to tighten my waist area.

NewMEEE2016

@deannc1 I love your rationale for why they should pay for the surgery. Seems absolutely fair to me! That's the LEAST they can do

ANYONE out there in this age group who lost and didn't have any remaining loose skin- or who "snapped back" eventually?

[Btw, this am for the first time I saw the number "163" (.6) on the scale!!! Only .6 lbs from a 30 lb loss since Jan 1 I have purposely slowed it down b/c of the "skin" thing- want to lose about another 15, but for now I'm going to focus on weight training.]

NewMEEE2016

PS- @deannc1- over what period of time did you lose the weight?

deannc1

Between March of 2014- 2015 I lost 70 lbs. Between 2015-2016 I regained 35lbs. From February 2016 until now I've relost 25 of that gain. Overall I want to lose another 40lbs before having surgery. 50lbs would be fantastic! Lol!!!
Because the pregnancy weight gain and subsequent loss was so drastic surgery is my only option...unless I want to wear body shapers daily.

NewMEEE2016

Thanks, @deannc1. Not to worry- you can look forward to being as close to perfection as humanely possible! I'd imagine it will be a great incentive NOT to gain weight back after the surgery! I imagine it's not cheap....

deannc1

No it's not cheap, but I'm fortunate that my bff moved to one of the busiest plastic surgery states-Florida- in the country. It's a difference of about 40% between there and here. Plus she will take care of me afterwards.

NewMEEE2016

@deannc1 that sounds like a great plan! Amazing that it's so much cheaper there! I never would have imagined. I've heard that plastic surgery can be WAY cheaper & better overseas...

pdxwine

NewMEEE2016 wrote: »

@pdxwine Congratulations on **92** lbs. That's incredible. Over what period of time did you lose it, and how old are you?

I'm hoping we will hear from some women over 55 who have actually found a way to rid themselves of the excess skin- or who never got it in the first place.

I started this journey in May, 2014. It came off quickly, in the beginning, then slowed, as it should. The weight went on faster than it came off. I was very thin, then put on over 120 pounds. I am now close to my former thin weight, as well as fitness level.

I am, currently, 57, which pisses me off as my mind tells me that I am still 32.

NewMEEE2016

pdxwine wrote: »

NewMEEE2016 wrote: »

@pdxwine Congratulations on **92** lbs. That's incredible. Over what period of time did you lose it, and how old are you?

I'm hoping we will hear from some women over 55 who have actually found a way to rid themselves of the excess skin- or who never got it in the first place.

I started this journey in May, 2014. It came off quickly, in the beginning, then slowed, as it should. The weight went on faster than it came off. I was very thin, then put on over 120 pounds. I am now close to my former thin weight, as well as fitness level.

I am, currently, 57, which pisses me off as my mind tells me that I am still 32.

That's great that you're so close to goal. Congratulations!!!! What about the skin situation?

NewMEEE2016

PS @pdxwine I hear you. I'm 32 in my mind, too. I wish I would have taken off the weight much sooner- but definitely better late than never!

meritage4

I'm 57. I have lost 30 lbs.
no loose skin. Really.

I'm about 1/2 way to my ultimate goal.

Slow and steady has done it. Being physically active.
Not being large for too long-I was over 200 lbs for less than a year.

and good genes.

NewMEEE2016

meritage4 wrote: »

I'm 57. I have lost 30 lbs.
no loose skin. Really.

I'm about 1/2 way to my ultimate goal.

Slow and steady has done it. Being physically active.
Not being large for too long-I was over 200 lbs for less than a year.

and good genes.

Very encouraging, thanks so much! Are you on hormone replacement? Over what period of time did you lose the weight? Do you lift weights?

pdxwine

NewMEEE2016 wrote: »

pdxwine wrote: »

NewMEEE2016 wrote: »

@pdxwine Congratulations on **92** lbs. That's incredible. Over what period of time did you lose it, and how old are you?

I'm hoping we will hear from some women over 55 who have actually found a way to rid themselves of the excess skin- or who never got it in the first place.

I started this journey in May, 2014. It came off quickly, in the beginning, then slowed, as it should. The weight went on faster than it came off. I was very thin, then put on over 120 pounds. I am now close to my former thin weight, as well as fitness level.

I am, currently, 57, which pisses me off as my mind tells me that I am still 32.

That's great that you're so close to goal. Congratulations!!!! What about the skin situation?

I have some extra skin on my arms and stomach. I wear a body shaper, so if you saw me in public, you would not notice.

kathygk56

I'm 59 and am down 98+ pounds from my initial starting weight (I had to lose about 45 pounds twice, ugh, because I regained.) I do have loose skin on my arms, legs and abdomen, and that was sadly one of the things that discouraged me from continuing a couple of years ago. Now I'm about where I want to be weight wise and have slowed down the loss and trying to focus on regaining some muscle tone. My skin is very gradually getting better, but I'll probably have some loose skin for the duration.
I'm healthy and I've decided that I'd rather have the saggy skin than the extra pounds. My bingo arms are the only parts visible to the general public, and they are improving as the muscles get stronger.

No real answers, sorry, but that's my experience.

emilycat214

@kathygk56: What kind of exercise are you doing for your arms? I'm 58, and have been yo-yo dieting for most of my life. At my highest, I was nearly 275 lbs. I lost over 100 lbs long ago and regained it--I'm sure many of you could sing this song. I'm now at 183. My doctor says another 20 pounds would be good, as that takes me from 'obese' to merely 'overweight'.

I've resigned myself to living with skin folds on my stomach and saggy thighs, but if I could improve the upper arms, that would make me happy.

trina1049

I'm 66 years old, 5'2.5" and down 51 - 52lbs. after yo-yo dieting for many years. At a healthy weight range since February 2015. Currently maintaining at 126 - 127 lbs. It took me 15 months to lose the weight. Since I lifted weights almost from the beginning of my loss I practically have no loose skin. Some cottage cheese around my midriff probably from normal aging along with the usual wrinkles and gravity moving everything toward earth. Sadly, there's no going back to that 20 year old tight skin.

From everything that I've read, the amount of loose skin you will have is determined by age, amount of loss/speed of loss, and genetics. There isn't really anything you can do short of surgery. No magic potions or treatments work except to lighten your wallet.

Spanx is my best friend.

NewMEEE2016

trina1049 wrote: »

I'm 66 years old, 5'2.5" and down 51 - 52lbs. after yo-yo dieting for many years. At a healthy weight range since February 2015. Currently maintaining at 126 - 127 lbs. It took me 15 months to lose the weight. Since I lifted weights almost from the beginning of my loss I practically have no loose skin. Some cottage cheese around my midriff probably from normal aging along with the usual wrinkles and gravity moving everything toward earth. Sadly, there's no going back to that 20 year old tight skin.

From everything that I've read, the amount of loose skin you will have is determined by age, amount of loss/speed of loss, and genetics. There isn't really anything you can do short of surgery. No magic potions or treatments work except to lighten your wallet.

Spanx is my best friend.

Thanks, Trina & to others for input. Do you have before/after pics? I want to start a weight lifting program but am extremely confused by it all. What did you use? I know we're not 20 any more, however the extra fat on my face plumping up the wrinkles (plus great genetics) has always made me look younger- I'm not ready to let go of that.

FeistyGirl007

Hi all. I will be 55 tomorrow and not a mom. : ( So, its really a very hard day for me... ) I need to lose at least 75 lbs. In the past, I have used neoprene, wrap around plastic, etc.. in my tummy areas, etc... and it always worked to melt off any skin fat, BEFORE it became loose, from losing weight. ( In past 30 years, I have successfully, taken off 25 lbs off within 1 month, kept it off for like 10 years...Did it again thrice... ) Now, I am sick from being poisoned by several toxins, pesticides, heavy metals, etc...making it really difficult to take the weight off THIS time... But, I need to try it again...I am going to buy these latex, neoprene sleeves, for my arms and thighs, as well, as my stomach, to melt the fat, as I lose..My skin is ALREADY LOOSE... : ( And, YES, THEY DO WORK. You just HAVE to be patient. The loose skin, will eventually go away...Yes, genetics helps. YES, EATING ONLY ORGANIC REALLY, REALLY HELPS!!! Yes, weight training helps a LOT! Yes, going slow, helps, too... Is there anyone out there, who has 75 or more lbs to lose, who would like to SKYPE with me, to swap tips, check in, etc... ??? ( Skype is faster, than constantly typing, although, this is great... ) We could test out different methods to keep our skin tight, as we motivate each other and help each other... : ) Thanks and good luck, everybody!!

FeistyGirl007

P.S. I just wanted to add, if you have already lost all of your weight and want to try to tighten up, using my " method" , you are more than welcome, to join me!! We must do the exact same things, to get rid of the loose skin... ( Whether you are just starting or, are finishing... ) The process is exactly the same to get rid of and keep off, the extra loose skin... ( Yes, it is 100 times easier, obviously, when you are younger and your youthful skin just bounces back... ) HOWEVER... unless you have lost, like 500 lbs...Its not impossible... I have seen it work! )

trina1049

NewMEEE2016 wrote: »

trina1049 wrote: »

I'm 66 years old, 5'2.5" and down 51 - 52lbs. after yo-yo dieting for many years. At a healthy weight range since February 2015. Currently maintaining at 126 - 127 lbs. It took me 15 months to lose the weight. Since I lifted weights almost from the beginning of my loss I practically have no loose skin. Some cottage cheese around my midriff probably from normal aging along with the usual wrinkles and gravity moving everything toward earth. Sadly, there's no going back to that 20 year old tight skin.

From everything that I've read, the amount of loose skin you will have is determined by age, amount of loss/speed of loss, and genetics. There isn't really anything you can do short of surgery. No magic potions or treatments work except to lighten your wallet.

Spanx is my best friend.

Thanks, Trina & to others for input. Do you have before/after pics? I want to start a weight lifting program but am extremely confused by it all. What did you use? I know we're not 20 any more, however the extra fat on my face plumping up the wrinkles (plus great genetics) has always made me look younger- I'm not ready to let go of that.

Hi, sorry no pictures. I joined a gym when I first stared losing weight which has Les Mills Body Pump classes and loved them. I lift as heavy as I can -- it's not like a regular weight lifting routine, etc. but it works for me. First, I began with just the bar then progressively added weights once my form was good. Body Pump works on 8, 12, 16 reps quickly and it's a full body workout lasting 55 minutes. I lift 3x's per week + 3 hours of cardio per week and walk.

You don't need a gym to start though. There's tons of free videos on the internet and several good beginning programs like "New Rules of Lifting for Women." Here's a link for info about the program. The weight lifting really changed my body composition and tightened everything up.

thenewrulesoflifting.com/nrol-for-women

Here's one for Les Mills Body Pump. I think that there's Body Pump classes offered at many gyms.

lesmills.com/us/workouts/fitness-classes/bodypump/

kathygk56

@emilycat214 I mainly do (modified) push-ups, which help, but I think working with weights and some triceps specific exercise would be even better.

emilycat214

kathygk56 wrote: »

@emilycat214 I mainly do (modified) push-ups, which help, but I think working with weights and some triceps specific exercise would be even better.

Thanks! Today at the gym I did some triceps pushdowns on one of the machines. I'll give that a try for a while.

meritage4

So for not getting back to OP.

I am not on hormone replacement therapy. I am not officially at menopause as I have not gone 12 months without a cycle yet. Bizarre at my age but runs in the family.

I am not using weights. I am in yoga twice a week and paddle lots in spring/summer.

My belly is the area I need to shrink the most.

NewMEEE2016

meritage4 wrote: »

So for not getting back to OP.

I am not on hormone replacement therapy. I am not officially at menopause as I have not gone 12 months without a cycle yet. Bizarre at my age but runs in the family.

I am not using weights. I am in yoga twice a week and paddle lots in spring/summer.

My belly is the area I need to shrink the most.

I'm sure that the fact that you still have some hormones coursing through your body has helped. I didn't go through menopause until about 53, and I thought that was late.