I need to KNOW!

mehapp

I have quite a bit of weight to lose.

I'm sort of concerned how I'll look afterward. I know I'll lose the fat, but what about all that loose skin?

I'm 35 and afraid the skin won't regain that elasticity. I don't consider myself to have very good skin tone (prone to stretch marks, etc)

To those who have lost large amounts of weight - What has been your experience?

I've heard different things - Water is the key, it helps improve elasticity... Gradual weight loss is the key...

What can I do to help myself? Plastic surgery is not in the budget.

Please Comment.
~ME

mehapp

I have quite a bit of weight to lose.

I'm sort of concerned how I'll look afterward. I know I'll lose the fat, but what about all that loose skin?

I'm 35 and afraid the skin won't regain that elasticity. I don't consider myself to have very good skin tone (prone to stretch marks, etc)

To those who have lost large amounts of weight - What has been your experience?

I've heard different things - Water is the key, it helps improve elasticity... Gradual weight loss is the key...

What can I do to help myself? Plastic surgery is not in the budget.

Please Comment.
~ME

LuckyLeprechaun

there' s been a lot of discussion on this- the ideas you mentioned are often brought up- slow loss is key, toning up muscles seems to snap it back into place- it keeps getting tighter over the course of your first year at healthy weight- hydrate yourself well-

don't let this concern hold you back! healthy with loose skin is waaaaay better than unhealthy with skin stretched over all that fat!

Welcome, and I hope you stick with us!

kerrilucko

water and slow and steady. yes, they will help. I have loose skin, but it's not excessive and it is constantly getting better with time. You can't worry about it though, it may happen, it may not. try not to worry.:flowerforyou:

macollins79

even after the weight loss it can take some time for your skin to "shrink"
I am worried as well, BUT I have been told not to skip on milk as it contains elastin and thats what helps your skin "shrink"

jvandertuin

The benefits of weight loss FAR outweigh any skin issues. Be proud that you've taken the first step! I'm 38 and have stretch marks from pregnancy and weight gain, but they are a reminder of my beautiful boys and where I was. The skin will return as long as it is SLOW, quick weight loss does not allow the skin to return to normal. You will probably always have some loose skin, but that is nothing compared to how you will feel.

You will feel soooo much better with less weight, whatever that amount is!

Good luck, you can do it!!!

Mommy2Girls

I am not sure how much weight we are talking about or where you live, but I know in Canada that if you were to lose 100lbs+ within a year that you are eligable for "reconstructive" surgery to have all of the additional skin taken off, should that be a route you need to take. There are guidelines to the weight loss but you can speak to your DR about it.

If this does not apply to you, while losing weight be sure to keep your weight loss at 2-3lbs per week(obviously the more you have to lose the quicker you will lose it), incorporate weight training with cardio and be sure to choose foods and meal plans that you can maintain as a lifestyle change, not just a quick fix.