Loose skin

tnpx3

So I'm sure this question has been asked a million times... but is there anything I can do to help prevent my skin from being loose after weight loss? Or anything I can do now in the process of losing weight that will at least improve it?
I'm 23 and my starting weight was 251 and I'm down to 241 right now. I haven't been at my highest wait for more than about 4-6 months. Before I reached my highest I stayed between 200-220 for about 4 years. I'm really enjoying losing the weight and since I've changed my diet and exercise habits I feel 1000 times better! I just want to do what I can to help my future self and body right now.

cheryldumais

From what I've seen on the boards it's really about genetics. Some have lots and others have very little. Personally I have lots but I am 60 years old, had been obese my entire life and had two 9+ pound babies.

I too started at 251 (pre MFP) But I'm down to 145. Still, I look great in my clothes and feel 100% better. I'm going for skin surgery in December but even if I couldn't afford it, it would have been worth it. I would rather be thin with extra skin here and there than obese. Hang in there kiddo, time will tell what your skin will do. You are young and likely will have less trouble than someone my age.

Lois_1989

Like Cheryl said, its genetics. Keeping hydrated and moisturizing is supposed to help. I can't say first hand.

JustRobby1

Genetics and age are factors that you have no control over and have the biggest impact on this. Strength training will also help, but at the end of the day if you lose a significant amount of weight you will have at least some loose skin to deal with. About 99% of the creams and wraps you see advertised for loose skin are just a waste of money. Ive tried many of them.

I am in my 20's and have lost just over 110 pounds (90 since MFP) and the areas where it is most annoying are under my arms by my triceps and on my belly. I wear compression tops under my clothing everyday so it is less noticeable, but I won't be hanging out shirtless on the beach anytime soon unless I get expensive plastic surgery. It is what it is. Loose skin and all, I feel like a million dollars these days, and if some female that comes into my life ditches me because of my loose skin, then she was not worth my time to begin with.

belleflop

As others have mentioned it really depends on your genetics/age. Either way, some of the most influential people on YouTube who have lost a ton of weight show their lose skin as a badge of honor. Their openness to share what most would want to hide due to being self conscience is a huge inspiration to me and others.

brookielaw

Genetics and age, just like JustRobby said above. I believe that water and strength training, plus time help. I have lost 239 lbs now and I have plenty of the loose skin. I will tell you that the loose skin in my arms is the least of my worries, because I strength train. (Because I don't have the codes to do the images I'll link you to the post I made that has pics- http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10594623/weight-loss-is-not-linear-237-lbs-later-and-loving-life#latest ) I'm damned proud of my GUNS and wear sleeveless dresses on the regular.

The loose skin on my thighs, however, look like elephant or rhino legs or ill-fitted pantyhose. My floppy gut/FUPA is pretty gross...but hey, it beats being filled out with all of that fat. I deal with it with compression gear on the daily, and I wear my tri suits to swim, which provides some coverage of the thighs. I get chub rub/rashes after athletic events (or typical hot Texas days), no matter how much body glide, powder, monkey butt'r, etc. I use. My thighs applaud my efforts when I walk...but again, IT BEATS BEING SUPER MORBIDLY OBESE EVERY DAY!!!! After having a recent iDXA scan I know that the only thing that will fix it is surgery. It is what it is. I'm in my 40's.

ENJOY your new life. ENJOY feeling better. Keep getting stronger, and build beautiful muscle to accompany those battle scars.

cheryldumais

Wow! Brookielaw, I just went to your pics. What an amazing accomplishment. You look incredible. What an inspiration to others. Your muscles are incredible too. Great job.

Hearts_2015

tnpx3 wrote: »

So I'm sure this question has been asked a million times... but is there anything I can do to help prevent my skin from being loose after weight loss? Or anything I can do now in the process of losing weight that will at least improve it?
I'm 23 and my starting weight was 251 and I'm down to 241 right now. I haven't been at my highest wait for more than about 4-6 months. Before I reached my highest I stayed between 200-220 for about 4 years. I'm really enjoying losing the weight and since I've changed my diet and exercise habits I feel 1000 times better! I just want to do what I can to help my future self and body right now.

Here's a recent thread on loose skin and weight loss.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/40309640#Comment_40309640

TAMayorga

I looked online to see the cost of an apronectomy. Averages are $8,500-$10,000. Obviously I have no idea of your financial situation and that kind of money would put a dent in most people's budgets. But it'll take you a little time to lose the weight you want. Could you open a special savings account and start saving for it now? Even a little bit each month would add up eventually. Just a thought. And good luck to you; you're off to a great start. :-)

Lois_1989

TAMayorga wrote: »

I looked online to see the cost of an apronectomy. Averages are $8,500-$10,000. Obviously I have no idea of your financial situation and that kind of money would put a dent in most people's budgets. But it'll take you a little time to lose the weight you want. Could you open a special savings account and start saving for it now? Even a little bit each month would add up eventually. Just a thought. And good luck to you; you're off to a great start. :-)

That's a good point! Could you put away $10 for every lb you lose? Maybe have a conversation with your parents, if you lose X-amount of weight would they put money towards it?

ETA or, further down the line, would you feel comfortable doing a sponsored run to raise money? Maybe family and friends would chip in to help that way?

I just realised I totally went off track with that one, sorry

earlnabby

Genetics and age. You are young so you will likely have less loose skin than I will at 61. Nothing will prevent it, but you can give yourself the best chance by losing slowly, staying hydrated, and pamper your skin with moisturizers.

MegaMooseEsq

earlnabby wrote: »

Genetics and age. You are young so you will likely have less loose skin than I will at 61. Nothing will prevent it, but you can give yourself the best chance by losing slowly, staying hydrated, and pamper your skin with moisturizers.

Seconded, just remember that all moisturizers are basically the same, so don't let yourself get tricked into spending $$$ on something that promises the moon and stars.

garber6th

Ditto what everyone has said so far. I have lost about 200 lbs and when I am naked I look like I am melting. I am also in my 50s so there's the age factor - my skin most likely won't bounce back. I've considered skin surgery but not only is it cost prohibitive, what I have seen from people i know who had it is that the recovery can be extremely painful, difficult, and it can take a long time. Also, the scarring is pretty major. My loose skin isn't pretty, but it doesn't keep me from doing things in any way, and honestly I feel amazing and I am healthy and that was my goal. All that said, the skin on my face is great now, probably from the lifestyle changes I have made.

DebLaBounty

Starting at age 23 will help you minimize some of it, because your young skin is more resilient. I'm 57 and am sad to report that my skin hasn't bounced back so much. I stay hydrated, slather on some moisturizer, and look at that saggy skin and rejoice that I'm thinner and healthier. You're very smart to do this while you're young!

earlnabby

MegaMooseEsq wrote: »

earlnabby wrote: »

Genetics and age. You are young so you will likely have less loose skin than I will at 61. Nothing will prevent it, but you can give yourself the best chance by losing slowly, staying hydrated, and pamper your skin with moisturizers.

Seconded, just remember that all moisturizers are basically the same, so don't let yourself get tricked into spending $$$ on something that promises the moon and stars.

Agreed. I use Dove moisturizing body wash and Curel lotion. Both inexpensive, effective, and don't have the ingredients I am allergic to.

shipleyamye

Losing at a reasonable rate, so not too fast. 1-2 pounds per week will help minimize loose skin.

tammystarren

I am 41 started at 270 and am at 212 with about 60 more to go. I have loose skin in my underarms and tummy. Some of it has tightened back up but i imagine i will have an issue in the end.

Good thing is you are young and may have less of an issue! Prob with good skin care and toning you can prob keep it more minimal.

fitoverfortymom

Your youth will help you. I was about your size but 20 years older. Mine isn't too bad--not even bad enough for me to really care. I'm much happier with the weight gone and a little loose skin than I ever was being overweight.