What weight is most likely to have skin hanging after?

underthecherrytree

I started my journey having 110 lbs to lose. I now have 97 lbs to lose. One of my biggest fears is that I may have skin on my stomach hanging down. My husband told me that that usually happens with people who lose 150lbs or more. My question to you guys is, what amount of weight loss would cause this? Is there any way to prevent it?

grapeeyes1

That is one of my big fears too. I have emailed a lot of people who have lost significant amounts and have heard if you tone the muscles you won't get as much skin sag. And use plenty of lotion. It happens worse to people who lose a lot very fast.

underthecherrytree

bump

xbekkiex

I've heard drinking water helps? But this is a big concern of mine too - I have 70 to lose, and already have some saggy belly from having a baby, I'm hoping the toning will help with that... would love to hear from people who have lost a lot and not had saggy skin!

yentess

I think it depends on how fast the weight is lost, the faster the more likely you will have saggy skin. And it also depends on your skin's elasticity. If you are proned to stretch marks than you don't have the best elasticity.

adalychee

Also, when you do get loose skin, is it permanently loose or is it just not able to keep up with the rate of fat loss (and thus will disappear over time)?

ace175

I think it depends on how fast the weight is lost, the faster the more likely you will have saggy skin. And it also depends on your skin's elasticity. If you are proned to stretch marks than you don't have the best elasticity.

I agree with this. And I've heard about the water comment. I believe its different for everyone (I'm not an expert, so this is just my opinion). But, skin is pretty elastic, and can repair itself. I've also heard that if you lose weight really really fast, you don't give your skin "time" to figure out what is happening, and youll have saggy skin. But if you keep hydrated, and do cardio as well as strength training (core exercises!!), then that should help

ninerbuff

With the majority of my clients from the past, if they had 80lbs to lose or more, there was usually going to be excess skin. The younger ones (20's) seemed to have less of it. Age and genetics have a lot to do with it though.

A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

sevencallmemom

I'd post a pic of my stomach, but I don't want to scare anyone into deciding it's better to just stay fat. LOL

Seriously, this was a huge concern for me too...even an excuse for a bit, but now that it's just a fact of my life, it's just not the big deal I thought it would be. It sucks, but it just is...ya know? If my loose skin (and trust me it's everywhere) is the price I pay for the amazing difference this has made in my life, it is SO TOTALLY WORTH IT.

Drink your water, use your lotion, and don't let it hinder your journey.

Lozze

First off you will age saggy skin. Accept that fact. Now how much of it, the way it looks and if it's permanant no one can answer. You can do things to help your body, lose slower, exfoliate, water, weights and so on but it will happen. I'm not saying it will stay hat way (two years after you hit goal is a common measure)

Would you rather have firm skin with that 110lb or saggy skin weighing lighter wih all the extra benefits?

buzymamagoals

I have lose skin now and still have 60+ to lose. But also having 3 babies in the last 4 years I have a belly over hang

rileamoyer

You will probably have some saggy skin. 1) lots of water, 2) lots of stomach/core exercise 3) lots of moisturizer on you tummy (
AND ARMS). 5) start a savings account for the tummy tuck when you reach your goal!! I prefer saggy skin over the beach ball.

Elf_Princess1210

If you have enough, you may qualify to get the excess removed

littleworm23

At my heaviest I was about 250lbs and am now 126lbs. I have a "hangy" tummy. That being said, I have also had 3 c-sections and am in my mid 30s so those things probably factor in also. I lost my weight over a period of years (not super fast) and it really bothered me. In the past few months I have been working more on toning and I am starting to notice a difference. I will probably always have some lose skin but I figure I'm still way better off than I was.

40Marbles

I kind of figure that when I reach my goal, that I will have some - especially since I have had 2 c-sections.

But - I don't give a crap. I'll still look a heck of a lot better than I do now.

DrKittyCat

I am scared about this too... I'm 21, so hopefully my skin is elastic enough to take care of it, but it's still hard to think about it. I really don't want to invest in a tummy tuck or something.

CynGoddess

That is one of my big fears too. I have emailed a lot of people who have lost significant amounts and have heard if you tone the muscles you won't get as much skin sag. And use plenty of lotion. It happens worse to people who lose a lot very fast.

This is what my trainer told me.

Lillyeatslillies

I heard the losing the weight really fast can cause that like in lap band or bariatric surgeries. If you are exercising and eating right I think it's not as severe. I one time lost 85lbs and didn't use any lotions and had no problems at all. Now that I'm older and gained that all back I'm not sure if I'll encounter it. I think weighing less and being healthy outweighs loose skin though.

keepitcroosh

Stay hydrated as much as possible. Drink minimum 8 glasses of water a day and MOISTURIZE!! Keep the skin hydrated. Maybe even do some research on good quality products! Also, if you are taking multi vitamins , supplements, make sure they do not dehydrate your body. If you notice your hair seems to look dry and unhealthy, or if your nails are brittle, skin is flakey, (etc!) , discontinue using those specific supplements and look for a better one. Good luck and congrats on the weight you lost already!!!

cristaine

I think part of it is genetics. (collagen and all that.)

But when I first had my son, I went from 228 (or more, I seriously stopped weighing....) down to 136. I was saggy a good long while and just accepted it. Then one day I saw a picture and went..... wait.....no sag! oO I think your skin may take way longer to shrink or whatever it does than it takes to lose weight. After all, your entire body regenerates itself over several years, so maybe its just a waiting game in combo with your genetics. I have heard building muscle underneath that skin also helps. Thats what I did, and plan to do again since I apparently had so much fun losing all that weight years ago that I decided to do it again. *sarcastic*

But I am also older now, so there is a good chance my collagen just isn't what it used to be. And you know what, I am ok with that. I have spent the last 5 years hating, hating, hating this weight, so if I can get rid of it, I will either accept the sag or start saving to minimize it surgically in the awkward places.

AlicynH

That's a problem for me. I had over 200 lbs to loose. I've lost 161 of that and I have a lot of skin. Of course I was HUGE!!! I'm hoping I can get my Dr. to recommend it be removed so my insurance will cover it.

suthrnladey

I think its mostly genetics. My father had a gastric bypass and went from 300+ to 180, and he was 60 years old at the time. He exercised regularly and ate within the recommended limits. He has no loose skin--he's 6'3" so 180 is on the small side for his height.

ILoveJesus72

I did alot of research on this subject and came away with a few bits of knowledge.

Probably not a good idea to lose weight in an extremely fast pace

Drink H2o

Exercise - I want to be able to lose my 100lbs and have a perfect abdomen like some of the women on this site. Eeehhh ain't gonna happen so I gotta exercise.

I've read in several places (on here and else where) that you cannot "target" belly fat to get rid of it. I agree with that so make sure you don't fall for some weird exercise or supplement aimed @ belly fat.

I've heard and seen very good success stories where their belly is just fine. Don't get overloaded with tons of advice just focus on losing the weight and getting healthy and fit. Exercise is becoming my best buddy

BrionaLoree

i am very young, so does this mean that my skin has a good chance of not being too saggy? cause this scares me very very much. i drink lots of water, and use lotion. but what should i do to tone? like what exercises?

reneecgc

I lost 40 lb and less than four months. That seemed to be quick, but I did it eating well and exercising. I do have
some loose skin but I also had 2 c-sections. The rest of my stomach looks fine and I should be able to hide the
rest with clothing . I am 45 anyway no one needs to see my belly. Make sure you do strength training not just cardio for
exercise that will help with the toning. Just so you know I started my jouryney at 215lbs.

shaelataylor

http://www.3fatchicks.com/5-steps-to-lose-excess-skin-without-surgery/

i dont have any yet but i figure i probably will when im done...i dont know how well the tips there work but worth a try, eh?

nwg74

Lost 165 pounds so far and just have some around my left and right side. I had more loose skin under the arms but is gradually getting better all the time.

Elise_healthy4life

I've lost 120lbs and seem to be doing ok I have still got some more to lose though I've just been using Nivea skin firming lotion with Q10 and it seems to help I also have herd it goes back with time

terraskye

I've had the belly flap thing /cries for about 24 years now ...I have major fears its going to get worse but the one thing that keeps me going is knowing the surgery will be covered for health reasons and my total loss will be just over 100lbs. Of course the surgery scares me too but I have big ambitions to be a runner and I do not want that flapping in the wind :noway:

grannygethealthy1111

There are many factors that will determine if you have a lot of sagging skin at the end of your weight loss ... how much you lose, how long you were overweight, if you ever were a smoker, if you yo-yo dieted in the past, your age, how quickly you lose the weight, sun damage, and MOST IMPORTANT ... genetics.

I believe that genetics is the number one factor. I am 61-years-old, I have lost 117 pounds, and I have very little sagging skin. I did have some sagging skin in the beginning; however, it can take up to 2 years for your skin to "bounce back" (if it is ever going to) and it only happens with lots and lots of hard work. I have a friend that is in her early 20s, she lost 30 pounds and she has lots of sagging skin. I believe genetics is the biggest factor in determining your outcome.

That being said, getting to a healthy weight (excess skin issues or not) is sooooo worth it. There are wonderful techniques the doctors can do today to help you if you should have skin issues after your weight loss. Good luck!

Bnwillia1

This is one of my major concerns. I worked with a lady who had the surgery to lose weight. She wore a size 22 dress. She now wears a size 12 but has no excess skin on her stomach. She does have it on her upper arms though. I need to lose approx. 45 lbs. and seem to have some loose skin here. I hope toning will take care of it.