toning while losing 100lbs+

missb53007

Hi all! I'm new-ish to MFP and I have been so excited reading everyone's posts and stories!

For the folks who have had a dramatic weight loss, can you share some tips about avoiding the excess skin....? I'm almost 33 and had 2 kids, and I've got about 110 to lose. I understand there are some genetics that I may not be able to fight... I just want to know what habits worked for you guys, so I can build them into my routine.

Thanks in advance for the advice and inspiration!
b~

duddysdad

I am 36 and went from 340 to 180 and had very minimal excess skin. It may be genetic or whatever, but I do drink a lot of water.

GottaBurnEmAll

If you're going to have it, you're going to have it. The skin is already stretched, unfortunately.

Things to keep in mind ... it can take 2-3 years for skin to shrink to its maximum potential. There will be phases while you're losing weight where fat will still be in loose skin where things will look awful, but these areas improve with further weight loss (in other words, the middle of the process isn't always pretty). You can increase the potential of the skin to shrink back by leaning out. Leaving fat clinging to the skin keeps it stretched.

The most important thing to remember? Almost everyone who has loose skin is happier having it than they were being fat.

SusanBerry1

Drink lots of water, slather your skin with moisturizer and do weights for toning.

Chadxx

I believe it is mostly just luck of the genetic lottery, age, and, of course, just how much you have to lose. I am down 112 as of last weekend and despite losing the weight quickly, it looks like I have been pretty fortunate. Hopefully that continues as the last few pounds and inches come off.