100 pounds down. Now what?

hollyrinehart4883

Hi guys! Does anyone have any “loose skin” or “flab” tips. I’ve been trying to tone and lift for several months now. My muscles are firming quite nicely and I even see a hint of a six-pack forming, but I still have pesky saggy skin around my armpits and lower abdomen. Anyone have any advice for me?

TavistockToad

You can't do anything about loose skin, you may regain some elasticity but it can take over a year

Babbit221

I also have flabby arms after having lost 83 lbs (so far), and also a little abdominal pooch. There are several good, simple exercise videos on YouTube if you search for “flabby arms” - one in particular I found with only 5 exercises to do in 5-7 minutes per day. Haven’t started them myself - still focused on the 33 lbs I still need to lose - and I haven’t looked up abdominal yet, but check out YouTube and I’m sure you’ll find something.

mulecanter

What a great problem to have. WebMD mentions compression garments help a little but there is no magic. If it's drastic enough surgery might be an option for you (but expensive). I'd keep at the muscle build (a good foundation for skin) and give it time. It's a badge of honor. 100lbs!! Bravo!

ChelleDee07

Keep up the Strength Training. I lost just over 100 lbs in 8 months last year. I have maintained since and I focus on cardio and strength training. If I had not started working with weights I know I'd have way more loose skin than I do. I have it... don't get me wrong.... but the strength training will help a lot.

seltzermint555

After a total loss of ~130, I still have loose skin in my armpit/upper arm area and upper abdomen but it's definitely improved "on its own" in the past 3.5 years, especially the abdomen (upper somewhat and lower has dramatically improved). I had the excess weight on me for 20+ years and I'm now 41. So even though everyone is a little different I would say there is some hope for that to improve even w/o any special efforts.

gizel_b

How long did it take you to lose 130 lbs?

seltzermint555

gizel_b wrote: »

How long did it take you to lose 130 lbs?

If that's directed at me, a long long time. haha

Total of 6.5 years, first 40 took 5 years, lost 90 in 18 months on MFP, and then bounce around a range after losing a little more here "in maintenance".

tmetoyer123

ChelleDee07 wrote: »

Keep up the Strength Training. I lost just over 100 lbs in 8 months last year. I have maintained since and I focus on cardio and strength training. If I had not started working with weights I know I'd have way more loose skin than I do. I have it... don't get me wrong.... but the strength training will help a lot.

Wow. 100 in 8 months? How did you do it, if you don’t mine my asking?

ChelleDee07

tmetoyer123 wrote: »

ChelleDee07 wrote: »

Keep up the Strength Training. I lost just over 100 lbs in 8 months last year. I have maintained since and I focus on cardio and strength training. If I had not started working with weights I know I'd have way more loose skin than I do. I have it... don't get me wrong.... but the strength training will help a lot.

Wow. 100 in 8 months? How did you do it, if you don’t mine my asking?

I changed everything about my life. I started weighing, logging my food and eating the appropriate serving sizes of healthier foods. I joined my local gym and started moving. At first I was only comfortable with the Treadmill and Recumbent bike. After a few months I took my first class with the gym's personal trainer (Free through Planet Fitness). I took a few here and there, but because of my size and feeling insecure I didn't get regular with classes until the end of June. I stuck to the allotted calories given by MFP with my information I entered and opted to not eat my exercise calories. Since reaching goal back in September I have maintained and for me that means I take my weekends off from logging and I eat pretty much what I want. I don't gorge myself though. Come Monday, I am right back to eating healthier, logging it and getting back on track. By mid week, I am right back to my comfortable weight from any increases from my food choices and/or extra sodium from the weekend.

ChelleDee07

tmetoyer123 wrote: »

ChelleDee07 wrote: »

Keep up the Strength Training. I lost just over 100 lbs in 8 months last year. I have maintained since and I focus on cardio and strength training. If I had not started working with weights I know I'd have way more loose skin than I do. I have it... don't get me wrong.... but the strength training will help a lot.

Wow. 100 in 8 months? How did you do it, if you don’t mine my asking?

MFP actually shared my story last year if you are interested...

http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/southern-mom-went-couch-motorcycle-eight-months/