Loose Skin
ekim2016
Posts: 1,198 Member
Down about 22 pounds now and wondering about the loose skin issues. How bad is it going to be? I'm losing very slowly, the last 15 pounds in 10 weeks.
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Replies
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It depends on different factors like age, genetics, how much you lose, how fast you lose it, etc. I have a lot of extra skin even though I'm young, but that's from gaining and losing 100+ pounds plus a multiple pregnancy1
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You won't know till you get to your goal. I lost just over 130 lbs and while I do have a bit it's not as bad as I thought it was going to be.5
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I just read such sad stories of loose skin issues. Mostly rash or inflammation issues developing. SCARY..0
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There is absolutely no point in worrying about it.8
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I just read such sad stories of loose skin issues. Mostly rash or inflammation issues developing. SCARY..
I've read many success stories here where despite the loose skin, people feel so much better and are so much happier without the extra weight. I'm down 65 and I have to tell you, I feel like I'm in my 20's again. If skin is the price I pay to continue feeling so much better, it is what it is.
I know I'm going to have a skin problem in my belly. I may very well scrimp and save so that I can get a tummy tuck. I may not, we'll see after I've maintained for a year or two.11 -
I've done a fair bit of yo-yoing in my weight loss journey. Personally, I hate the loose skin, and that issue and the negativity I gave into at one point sabotaged my weight loss and my health for nearly a decade. This time around, I've been seeing it a bit differently. Obesity, not to mention age, leaves its mark on you. That's just the way things are, so there's no point fighting it.
Skin removal surgery is an option, of course. Younger people might think about that as a viable option. If you are left with a large abdominal apron, a panniculectomy might be medically necessary, similarly for breast reduction surgery for men as well as women. But these are serious procedures that can be medically necessary. They're not just for appearance's sake. Besides, skin reduction surgery that is not medically necessary can be very costly indeed.
To my mind, unless the surgery is medically necessary, it's exchanging empty skin for scars. That's not much of an exchange, to my mind. Besides, to those who understand what sacrifices are necessary, what sustained discipline is required to achieve that loose skin, it's something to be proud of. It's a meaningful testament to the fact that is possible to change, to take yourself in hand, and fix it.
That's a lesson not everyone will learn in their lifetime.25 -
MissusMoon wrote: »I just read such sad stories of loose skin issues. Mostly rash or inflammation issues developing. SCARY..
I've read many success stories here where despite the loose skin, people feel so much better and are so much happier without the extra weight. I'm down 65 and I have to tell you, I feel like I'm in my 20's again. If skin is the price I pay to continue feeling so much better, it is what it is.
I know I'm going to have a skin problem in my belly. I may very well scrimp and save so that I can get a tummy tuck. I may not, we'll see after I've maintained for a year or two.
I'm with you! I'm down 77 lbs. I've maintained my current weight for the last 9 months, and would like to lose another 10 or so now. I have some loose skin on belly and arms, so I'm working out with a trainer to see how much of it can be fixed by toning up a bit....and then I just might scrimp and save enough for a tummy tuck.
But I feel absolutely awesome! I have energy to spare, I look good in my clothes, and at 50, I'm the healthiest I've ever been in my adult life, and I wear a size 8! Wouldn't trade it for anything!15 -
Sadly or not genetics is the only true factor in how loose skin will end up.....if its going to be loose NO AMOUNT OF WOO POTIONS/CREAMS/WRAPS WILL HELP PERMANENTLY .....0
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Thank you all. I guess I am a worry wart and when I read about the horrid rashes and skin problems I freaked a bit. I already deal with eczema and other skin ailments I never had my entire life until about a year ago. So just do not want anymore! I am sticking to my health plan and re inspired by your testaments.
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Also, but losing very slowly at about 1.4 pounds per week, I am hoping the old skin will snap back more????0
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Also, but losing very slowly at about 1.4 pounds per week, I am hoping the old skin will snap back more????
I'm going to post my standard comment on this.Aside from getting in a time machine and going back to before you became overweight and then not gaining the weight, there is nothing you can do to prevent loose skin. At this point, the damage is done and if you're going to have loose skin, there is nothing outside of surgery that will change that.
Finish losing weight and then wait for a few years (1+ definitely, quite possibly 2-3) to see how much your skin shrinks. How much it shrinks is dependent on how big you were, how long you were big, genetics, age, and how much yo-yoing you did weight-wise.
Creams, wraps, lifting weights, losing slowly, etc. do not help shrink up skin. Creams will keep your skin moisturized. Wraps will help dehydrate the area and may tighten it up temporarily but not permanently. Lifting weights will make you stronger and will help your physique and give you something to obsess over and think about. Losing weight slowly will help minimize how much your skin shrinkage rate outpaces your fat loss rate. But none of these things will prevent loose skin or increase its shrinkage.10 -
Also, but losing very slowly at about 1.4 pounds per week, I am hoping the old skin will snap back more????
1.4 pounds a week isn't slow.
And for what it's worth, I lost 80 pounds in 18 months... been maintaining for 2 years and my skin hasn't changed one bit.
It's ALL genetics and how long your skin was stretched for.2 -
Well, I was only overweight for about 15 years until March 1st when I started this new journey. But my high was about 300 a few years ago. Managed to get down to 277 and stay there until March 1 when I got fed up of being fat. I'm 5'11' and was around 190 most of my adult life. So I guess my tummy will sag bad as I lose.0
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It's all genetics. I was only overweight for 2-3 years. I've lost just over 30 pounds and I have loose skin to show for it.
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I guess will be our badge of honor to wear...3
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zalmann919 wrote: »Obesity, not to mention age, leaves its mark...
To my mind, unless the surgery is medically necessary, it's exchanging empty skin for scars. That's not much of an exchange, to my mind. Besides, to those who understand what sacrifices are necessary, what sustained discipline is required to achieve that loose skin, it's something to be proud of. It's a meaningful testament to the fact that is possible to change, to take yourself in hand, and fix it.
That's a lesson not everyone will learn in their lifetime.
100% agree with this. I have insane stretch marks from my pregnancy, but I feel it's just like a tattoo, a permanent memory of my journey. I earned my stripes growing life and now I'm working hard to lose all the weight. I'm earning this looseness in exchange for more health!!
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Well, I was only overweight for about 15 years until March 1st when I started this new journey. But my high was about 300 a few years ago. Managed to get down to 277 and stay there until March 1 when I got fed up of being fat. I'm 5'11' and was around 190 most of my adult life. So I guess my tummy will sag bad as I lose.
Have you lost 22 pounds since March so are at @ 250 now and want to lose 60 more pounds?0 -
I am at 254 right now, seem to be losing 1.4 pounds per week. I set my first target @ 225 then eventually like to be 200 again. But the skin is already sagging.. ugh0
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How quickly would you notice loose skin? I've gone from 216 to 168 and haven't really noticed loose skin. I'd like to lose at least another 30 lbs. would it have started to show by now?
Similarly, hubby has gone from 332 to 247 and also hadn't noticed loose skin. He wants to lose another 60 lbs.
Did we just get lucky or just haven't lost enough weight yet for it to be noticeable?0 -
my problem is I am not able to exercise due to issues. So just desk job and use cane. I left myself gain all the weight during my recovery process... then was not able to lose it.. I thought anyway.0
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Smiles, I think you are lucky or I am not!1
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I started MFP a year and a few days ago at 418 pounds. I've lost 164 lbs & plan to lose 74 or so more pounds. (I haven't been near that weight in almost 30 years, so I don't know for sure at all.)
Before my WL, I got skin rashes under my breasts (large chested + bigger due to amount overweight) & my droopy belly (3 c-section births plus the genetics of where I put on most weight). Now, about 2/3 of the way to my goal weight, the rashes under my breasts happen less often, I think because they're smaller & so less is there to droop. Plus I have a constant hygiene routine because unfortunately, the rashes under my belly are more frequent & worse. I'm a really sweaty person, and that plays a part. As does the fact that I'm *a lot* more active, so sweaty more often & for longer.
Of course I wish I didn't have rashes. And shirts & some pants are starting to have fit issues due to excess, droopy skin on my upper arms & my thighs. But compared to the misery of being really out of shape & heavy - well, there's no comparison. I feel truly alive for the first time in a long time. Even at 254 lbs now, I frequently feel giddy because I feel like I can do anything I want to & my body isn't holding me back any more. It's an incredible feeling!!
I figure that once I'm at goal weight the clothes fitting issue will be more of a pain. And I wouldn't be surprised if my under belly rashes get worse because of how much my belly droops. Who knows, I may have a panniculectomy someday. I fretted about excess skin at a certain point in my WL, too. But there's not much you can do about it at this point- either it's going to happen or it won't. When you get to goal & then 1-3 years later, you'll see how it's really going to be. And in the meantime, there are some pretty spectacular benefits to losing weight, especially as much as I have. I try to focus on those positives & not let the (few, smaller) negatives get me frustrated.
And it's important to remember that unless you have a very large amount to lose like I had, any loose skin issues are going to be cosmetic/bummer level issues. Kinda like the stretch marks from my pregnancies - not a big deal & something that shouldn't affect your life much.17 -
Depending how much weight you lose and how fast, the skin will take time to shrink. It may not shrink as much as you would like. I've seen really good reviews for Black Jamaican castor oil.1
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my problem is I am not able to exercise due to issues. So just desk job and use cane. I left myself gain all the weight during my recovery process... then was not able to lose it.. I thought anyway.
What about asking your doctor for a referral for physical therapy? A PT should be able to find a program that accommodates your issues.
I find the story of this disabled vet who was told he'd never be able to walk on his own again very inspiring:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIXOo8D9Qsc 2 -
You stated you have " eczema and other skin ailments"
Fish oil helped my husband. 2 mg a day. He also cut down on foods made with flour.1 -
down 40 pounds now and getting that tummy apron I read about. It is scaring me of going down another 40 pounds to my goal of 200. male 5' 110
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My loose skin is in my lower abdomen.
I think it's mainly age related because when I lost 40 lbs 4 yrs ago at 62 I didn't notice it but after losing 30 lbs this time around at 66 it's readily apparent.
Fortunately, it's covered by my pants/shorts. So, even if I go shirtless, it's hidden.0 -
Just remind yourself: the skin doesn't actually look any better when it's taut and filled with fat.
And it can serve as a reminder of the bad habits you don't want to repeat.11 -
down 40 pounds now and getting that tummy apron I read about. It is scaring me of going down another 40 pounds to my goal of 200. male 5' 11
Well...DeviatedNorm wrote: »Just remind yourself: the skin doesn't actually look any better when it's taut and filled with fat.
And it can serve as a reminder of the bad habits you don't want to repeat.
^^^ This.3
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