Lost 94lbs, Now Dealing with Skin

pinkobsession

Hey MFP Community!

I've been a member on here for quite some time and this has been one of the most useful tools along my weight loss journey.
Over the past 2 years I have lost 94lbs with trying so many variations of just plain and simple diet and exercise.
I started out at a small gym weighing 269 lbs at the age of 22.
I have been over 200lbs since grade 5.

I hit the gym hard, this was my goal and I was going to stick with it!
I did cardio 3-5 times a week and quickly dropped 60lbs in 6 months through cardio only.

A long hiatus from the gym lasted about a year and a bit, but I managed to maintain my weight.
Starting back up after a devestating break-up, this fuled my fire. I have managed to lose 94 total pounds now.
I recently did Jamie Eason's Live Fit trainer ans had great results. I lost 21lbs and 19 inches.

I am very comfortable with weights now and prefer strength training and dread cardio at first.

Since I have been over weight for virtually my whole life, I have a lot of excess skin. I've read that this is not skin, it is rather fat deposits. But, looking at my body and not seeing the 94lb accomplishment, I see skin, dragging and drooping.

I have been working on this for 2 years. Although only incorperating strength trainning in the last 4 months on a regular and regimented schedule. I cannot afford cosmetic surgery, is there any tips you'd like to share with me? More time and toning?

Just when I compare myself to other girls whom have the same weight, or story as me I see so much extra skin on myself!
Thanks in advance!

Goin4goal

I have no advice and have lost only 40 lbs thus far, but I'm much older (63), and of course I'm experiencing the same thing. Posted to see others replies, hoping for tips also. I try to tell myself its better and healthier than the extra weight, but I just don't feel attractive.

I feel your pain!!!!

PAnn1

You're young, your skin will firm up in time. It takes a long time to tone. I am much older and had initially lost 82#. I am mostly a cardio person with some resistance band and light weight workouts. I never thought my skin would firm up, especially at my age ( I was 54 when I lost the weight in 2008). My face especially, looked very saggy, as did my stomach. It took about a year, and I noticed my skin starting to look less saggy all over. Even my stomach was flat! Your workouts will prove to be your savior down the road. Keep at it, maintain your weight and you will look fabulous! I didn't look at your profile to see any pictures of you, but the peak I see here as your profile picture looks wonderful! Kudos on the successful journey you have had. Best wishes to you :-)
(I just looked at all of your pictures. You are a very pretty girl, even before the weight loss, but even more so now)

JourneyingJessica

Depending on your body it can take 1-2 yrs of maintenance for your skin to catch up.

In the mean time body brushing, lotion & water water water may help too.

You're so young its possible things won't be as bad as you think.

razzafuss

I'm just starting out, 47 years old, with over 100 pounds to lose. I checked this post because the excess skin has been a worry of mine. Only 14 pounds lost so far, so don't have that trouble yet, but I know I will. Thanks for your tips & encouragement ... I will keep this in mind as I make my weight loss journey! I truly thought the only way I would loose the hanging skin I'm going to have is by surgery, your responses have given me so much hope, and will keep me encouraged. BTW, what is body brushing?

Spreyton22K

I have lost 167lbs, starting at the age 48. I am now 51, it took about 2 years to lose that weight and I have been maintaining at 110lbs for over a year.

I too had issues with skin....but to be honest most of them psychological.......it's far better to lose the excess weight with all of the wonderful health benefits than letting worries about loose skin impede your progress.

I agree with all the tips of continuing your workouts, water, keep up with moisturising and add in a whopping dose of patience to boot. Youth is definitely an advantage as your skin has alot more elasticity and collagen to help it adjust.

Genetics and luck also play their part too.....we are all individuals in this department. There was a young man who posted about his weight loss and resultant loose skin just recently. He looked absolutely amazing and was completely honest about HIS experience, results and posted pictures of his progress. He also made some very valid points about the issues around loose skin not bouncing back if it has detached from the muscle wall. Perhaps if you search the forum you pick up some more info...from memory I think the title was "Loose skin....the real deal", but don't quote me on that.

Others have also talked about either wanting or getting surgery to correct problems......but you are so young, maybe wanting future kiddies so obviously that's an experts field of experience.

I have pics of my belly and the following are the links, hope this is useful. The first 2 were taken 8 December 2013 and last 6 were snapped 8 January 2014. I have just been back at a modified strength routine and I think it has helped.

Peaked at your profile, what a beautiful young lady. Congratulations on your amazing achievement and very best wishes in all your future endeavours.

http://s1215.photobucket.com/user/Spreyton22/library/muscle-definition

The PASSWORD is coco1962

Cheers
Karen

PS: This is the 1st time we have used the pic thingy on the computer so if it doesn't work and you're interested.....could you let me know and I'll try and get it right. Ta :drinker: