Success stories for stretched/saggy skin during weight loss

Jwildeboer

I'm curious on how anyone might have dealt with stretch marks and saggy skin on the weight loss journey? At one point in my life I had hit 230lbs. For the past couple years I've been able to maintain between 185-195 lbs fluxuating (sometimes you get busy and can't run, travelling for work, etc). Now that I'm setting a goal to lose weight again, I want to make sure I take care of the stretch marks if at all possible and minimize the effects as I lose weight. I'm guessing it's easier to do while losing weight instead of tending to it after I lose the weight?

I'm currently just under 185lbs and just shy of 5'7 with a 'large' frame (wirst size = 7 inches on the mark). My initial goal is to get to between 160 and 165 by Christmas (so around 1 lbs average a week). That way I'm hovering the overweight line vs the obese line I'm at now. I am thinking if I lose it slowly this time (vs 2-3 lbs I'd normally lose in a week trying in the past) I can keep it off easier. I am also thinking this might help the stretch marks heal as I lose weight and avoid saggy skin? After that I'll look at another 15-20 lbs to get in the lower 140's and see how I look at that time (that's middle of the range for my 'healthy' weight per websites).

I have tried shea butter, however haven't stuck with it due to the smell. Is there any less stinky/messy ways to minimize these marks? I've heard lifting helps avoid saggy skin, but how intense should I lift if that's the case? Should I just go to a dermatologist if I end up with saggy/streched skin? I don't care about definition, I just want to look healthy and not have saggy/streched skin. My method of weight loss is sticking to the calorie fat and carb count as recommended by MFP, along with biking (mostly mountain, sometimes commuting to work 18miles on my mtn bike) and a good amount of running (3-4 miles/day for 3 or so times a week).

What has worked for you on the journey to lose weight? Any tips would be appreciated as I start the journey!

Jwildeboer

bump, if anyone has any advice on this?