Living with loose skin :(

numinousnymph

I'm nearing the end of my weight loss journey -- I've lost 70 lbs so far (I started losing before I started using MFP), and am almost near my final goal of losing another ~ 5 - 10 lbs. When I started losing weight, I never thought that I'd really have loose skin -- or I thought maybe I'd have a *little*. I thought the unsightly kind of loose skin happened with at least 100 lbs of weight loss, minimum. However, I turned out to be very, very misguided -- though I'm just 24, have lost the weight slowly, and do strength training and core workouts (I know this doesn't eliminate any skin, but I guess it helps keep it from sagging a *little* bit??), I have a LOT of excess skin in my abdominal area (I carry most of my fat there unfortunately), and a little in my inner thighs as well. I'm not just being over dramatic -- it looks very disproportionate to the rest of my body, which looks pretty thin, and oh, when I bend over! It hangs down a good several inches in loose folds and wrinkles. Now, I know some of this is still some fat, and the last 10 lbs seems to be coming off of my stomach which will help a bit. But I'm 100% certain this large amount of skin is still going to be there.

The thing is is that all this skin is REALLY doing a number on my self-confidence. I've put so much work into losing this weight, and I feel like my body is "punishing" me in a way. I still look like I have a lot of fat there because my skin hangs, bulges out and is lumpy when I sit down, and I just want to tell everyone, "it's not fat, it's just skin!", because it embarrasses me so much. I've had enough of being fat and being seen as fat, and I still look it because of this skin. I can't buy some kinds of clothing since it fits everywhere else but its too tight on my lower abdomen.

I've decided I need a tummy tuck, but at the moment don't have anywhere near enough money to get one. I'm getting an inheritance next September and am seriously considering using that to get a tummy tuck (and probably work on my inner thighs too), since it's causing me so much unhappiness. I thought losing weight would give me more self-confidence, and it has to an extent. But this extra skin makes me feel so ugly still!

To anyone else who has loose skin (especially larger amounts of it), how does it affect you? How do you live with it? Are you planning to get surgery to get rid of it?

tjsoccermom

You're only 24, your skin will recover. I would just give it time. I've lost over 70 as well, and do have loose skin but I'm not finished and I'm 44, so I think I'll have more trouble than you will. Are you strength training? That should help as well.

dakotababy

I have heard a few times that before going through with a surgery, you should allow your skin to recover for 2 years at maintenance.

This allows your skin to full bounce back as much as it possibly will - after about 2 years, apparently that is as good as it is going to get. If you are still down about it - and you have the means to do so, go with the surgery!

bradsbaby1996

I seriously could have written this! We are in the same boat. . I have lost 110 and went from a size 20 to a 4 but do still have a stomach and It's all because of loose skin.. I also have a little on my inner thighs but I am running and lifting and it is improving tons!! My stomach is also improving a lot but I don't think it will ever be pretty on its own:( I'm sure when I get done I will have a tummy tuck also..
I have battled these feelings you have.. in fact still do, but they are coming less frequently than they were.. I have this thing called a kymaro that I wear.. it's a top but it goes around your bra not over it so it doesn't squish the girls.. it really helps!
Just keep working hard and when you are done if you still aren't happy definitely check into the tummy tuck!

Kate7294

I'm probably will not be financially able to ever have a tummy tuck. Though I still have some to lose and things are improving. Just thought I mention another girl posted pictures of her tummy tuck and lose skin removal about a week ago. You can probably search under successes and see her pictures and story. She seems very happy with her procedure.


Share Your Tummy Tuck? Post your Before and After Pic <<< I think this may be it

cincysweetheart

I've just already resigned myself to the fact that I will deal with loose skin, since I've got a total of 200 to lose. Already, I'm seeing the beginnings of it in my arms and my stomach. I'll just take it as it comes. It's better than being morbidly obese! We'll see where we're at when I'm nearing my goal weight… but I am not ruling out the possibility of surgery. I've also heard the 2 year rule to give your skin time to bounce back as much as it will. But considering how much I have to lose… I'm not betting that 2 years is gonna have much of an effect in my case.

numinousnymph

it's awful to think i'm going to have to live with this for two more years. i basically look pregnant! ugh. i can just hope it'll start to look better before then.

KameHameHaaaa

I have 260 lbs to lose and have been morbidly obese my entire life. My plan is once I get to my goal weight I will maintain it for three years. After three years I will have the surgery to remove the skin.

FitOldMomma

First off, congratulations on your weight loss!
You are pretty young and your skin will get better over time. Of course, not all of it, but probably much better than it is today.

I met the most inspiring young woman at my gym. She started at 411 pounds and is currently at 235. She's set to have a breast reduction surgery soon. Her goal weight is 160 or so
. Anyway, I talked to her about loose skin. Her arms look pretty amazing considering her significant weight loss so far. She said she hopes to have a tummy tuck in 2 years. Her plan is to meet her goal in one year from now, and then wait one more year until surgery. Her doctor told her that there will be some shrinkage in that year.
In order for medical insurance to pay for the surgery as medically necessary- her wonderful doctor is now mentioning in her medical records problems with yeast skin infections under the excess skin. This isn't a lie. Having these things documented now will help legitimize the need for skin removal.

I'm sorry you're so bothered by the loose skin. You've accomplished a major weight loss and THAT is AWESOME. Until time has passed allowing your skin to shrink-just buy some very good body shape wear. They work amazing.

Jess_Betty

Hello, my name is Jessica and I am currently researching for a documentary series in the UK about single people with a medical condition. We are looking for UK based single individuals who are looking to start dating again but may feel nervous about a physical condition they may have, such as excess skin. The programme aims to give the individuals confidence in their bodies. Their excess skin or physical condition should not be holding them back in their search for love. Please feel free to get in contact via love@betty.co.uk for more information.