... Sag...

kskroch

OK, maybe an uncomfortable subject...

I lost about 90 pounds in about 7 months last year... does your body/skin ever tighten up much ?

How long does it take ? How much comes back ?

Short of surgery, What do people do?

Does that 'cold laser treatment' do anything or is it a scam ?

Thanks, K

kyle4jem

I think it one that's on a lot of folk's minds... certainly something I worry about.:ohwell:

I know that personally surgery is not an option... even if I could afford it (which I most certainly cannot) the thought of having any scarring round my waistline would probably drive me to distraction.

I've lost 42lbs since I started in August last year and clothed I'm really starting to feel so much better about how I look, but when I come out the shower or get up in the morning and I see my belly hang in the mirror and my moobs... well that's when I think.. "slow down there buddy!"

I've read on the boards quite a few threads like this and the one thing that seems to make sense is that saggy skin still contains fat and until that's ALL GONE the skin will never tighten up. That seems to ring true, because when I've watched tummy-tuck surgery on TV, the skin that's removed always seems very fatty.

Of course our age is against us too. We're not spring chucks any more and the elasticity of our skin may be permanently damaged.

I'd be interested to see what weghtloss veterans have to say.

kskroch

I'm still adjusting to the way I look, while I like the new clothes and complements. I have no butt anymore, I feel kind of scrawny and I have this saggy belly/pooch in front. I assume it will take a while.

I've also been extremely cold, particularly hands and feet this winter and we've have an exceptionally mild winter.

I haven't discussed this with my Doctor, we usually have more serious things to talk about..

I keep seeing these ads for this laser treatment, but I suspect it's a scam.

Kenzietea2

It depends on how overweight you were to begin with, genetics, age, gender, and exercise. Unfortunately some people just don't bounce back the way others do.

kyle4jem

I've not seen any ads for cold laser treatments. I know they are used in the treatment of some cancers and other ailments, but not sure how they are used cosmetically. TBH... I don't pay a lot of attention to ads (web or otherwise :laugh:)

tameko2

It depends on how overweight you were to begin with, genetics, age, gender, and exercise. Unfortunately some people just don't bounce back the way others do.

This I think, but also I will mention that it takes longer than you want it to (well obviously). I am younger than you both and female but the skin shrinking up seems to be happening in waves. Also its nearly impossible to notice it on yourself because all you see is the saggy fat/skin that's still there, BUT if you think about how much you have lost so far you must realize how much your skin has probably already shrunk. I've heard it can take up to 2 years to realize your full potential in skin healing but after that you're probably stuck with what you've got.

staying very hydrated is supposed to help and also I think men generally have dryer skin than women which is BAD for elasticity so I would think some very aggressive moisturizing. Maybe that stuff pregnant ladies use to prevent stretch marks ? (coconut oil type stuff?) I know nothing about it because I'm too lazy to use moisturizer and I'm hoping I'm still young enough and didn't gain enough for it to be ok. Also i'm really lazy.

kaswain

I read an article last week on Yahoo health that mentioned the following tips:

1. Moisturizing several times a day
2. Use body scrubs over the area
3. Drink lots of water
4. Strength Training

Hope this helps!

tameko2

Just occured to me I also have heard of something called "brushing" which is supposedto increase skin circulation which in turn is supposed to increase skin elasticity. NO idea if it works but buying a few inexpensive brushes seems like its worth a try.

kskroch

Sounds like I have to give it more time, It's less than a year, it came off fast, I was virtually inactive for a good 6 months.

twinsanity

Fast weight loss does this, unfortunately, as the body and skin don't have enough time to catch up to the shrinkage. Weight training helps A LOT, because muscle burns fat, and it will also increase the elasticity in your skin. Age does play a factor, as we lose elasticity as we get older. I would say just keep doing what you're doing for your health, moisturize the skin and add some strength training to your routine. You've done a great job so far, keep up the fantastic work!