Loose skin after significant weight loss?

Has anyone with a significant weight loss of about 80 or more pounds had a problem with loose skin? This is especially considering that you lets say lost that amount in less than a year. I was just wondering. I'm about to start my journey, and I am planning on loosing about 100 in 6 months- lol please no lessons, I know what I am doing- and I was wondering if anyone could share whether or not they have had a problem with loose skin, and if you haven't, did you do anything special? Thank you :) And I am still young- 19 years old - will this effect the amount of saggy skin I have. Thank you.

Replies

  • Guamybear
    Guamybear Posts: 1,061 Member
    I asked one of the trainers at my gym and she said sometimes it is just hereditary so there is no way around it. I am lifting weights hoping to avoid any loose skin in the end..
  • Yeah, I was going to say the same thing as Guamybear. I am no expert but you are still young and should bounce right into shape if you tone up while you lose the weight. Good luck to ya!
  • I asked one of the trainers at my gym and she said sometimes it is just hereditary so there is no way around it. I am lifting weights hoping to avoid any loose skin in the end..

    Oh wow. I think that I'll also lift weights and eat more protein. Maybe that'll help.
  • Yeah, I was going to say the same thing as Guamybear. I am no expert but you are still young and should bounce right into shape if you tone up while you lose the weight. Good luck to ya!

    Thank you :) Yep. I've heard about muscle loss while loosing weight.. but we don't that. So I hope that it does bounce into shape.
  • Sooooooo more importantly for the ladies, if you meet a guy that has this after his weight loss are you ok with it? Just curious, umm no reason LOL. Kidding. I think I may have this problem by the time I finish so just wondering what women think of it.
  • Valera0466
    Valera0466 Posts: 319 Member
    They say the slower you loose the less likely this is to happen. I asked a friend who lost over 100 if she had this problem she said she did around her belly at first but after about a year it had pretty much all shrunk into place. maybe the reason it happens less with slow loss is you are loosing closer to the pace it shrinks.
  • I agree with the previous posters about lifting. it helps a lot. but another very important thing is to drink plenty of water (which you should be doing anyways). It will help by keeping the skin moisturized to give it better elasticity.
  • Valera0466
    Valera0466 Posts: 319 Member
    Sooooooo more importantly for the ladies, if you meet a guy that has this after his weight loss are you ok with it? Just curious, umm no reason LOL. Kidding. I think I may have this problem by the time I finish so just wondering what women think of it.

    I think in general women are a lot less concerned about looks than men. How's your personality and do you treat women right. This is what's important.
  • cbeutler
    cbeutler Posts: 667 Member
    I have lost almost double that. I had no loose skin until the last 30 pounds or so. I hope that is the case for you as well.
  • Sooooooo more importantly for the ladies, if you meet a guy that has this after his weight loss are you ok with it? Just curious, umm no reason LOL. Kidding. I think I may have this problem by the time I finish so just wondering what women think of it.

    I think in general women are a lot less concerned about looks than men. How's your personality and do you treat women right. This is what's important.

    True.
  • Sooooooo more importantly for the ladies, if you meet a guy that has this after his weight loss are you ok with it? Just curious, umm no reason LOL. Kidding. I think I may have this problem by the time I finish so just wondering what women think of it.

    I think in general women are a lot less concerned about looks than men. How's your personality and do you treat women right. This is what's important.

    LOL if this were true I'd of probably just stayed overweight in the first place.
  • This used to happen to me until I learned proper strength training to go with weight loss. I actually learned most of what I know from the Diet Solution Program. Gave great points on how to get rid of loose skin and overall great fitness book. Check it out here: http://fantasticfitnessreviews.com/the-diet-solution-program-review/
  • ravenchick
    ravenchick Posts: 345 Member
    I've lost a little over 100 pounds in 8 months and still have about 70 to go. I have loose skin on my arms, legs, stomach and even under my chin but I'm 47 years old. I think age and the length of time you were overweight, play a big factor in determining how much loose skin you will have. I've been overweight all of my life so I was expecting it. I have heard from more than one person who have lost a lot of weight that their skin did bounce back after a year or so of maintaining. I'm hoping mine does at least a little.
  • LoveAlwaysAlisa
    LoveAlwaysAlisa Posts: 111 Member
    Saggy skin is usually determined from heredity, the amount of weight lost, and the speed that it's lost. I had lost only 50 lbs before and lost it quickly ( 3 months) and was left with some loose skin on my stomach...but after a few months (maybe 6 or so) and daily exfoliating and moisturizing ...it toned back up! Also strength training helps to firm under the skin...I did do a lot of stomach work ...and drink lots of water to keep skin hydrated...( I'm 26 btw if that helps and when i lost that weight I was 22)
  • KeriA
    KeriA Posts: 3,338 Member
    Losing weight fast will add to the probablity of loose skin. My strategy is to lose slowly and exercise alot so far so good. However I have heard that even after losing fast skin can shrink over time so give it some time.
  • quill16
    quill16 Posts: 373 Member
    When I was in my 20's I lost about 70 lbs and ll the loose skin went back. Unfortunately I am now 56 with 180 lb loss and I don't think this will be the case. My doctor said to give it a full year after my goal loss to see the total effects. I did aerobics (Jane Fonda style LOL) back then and now I run and work out in the pool.
  • Guamybear
    Guamybear Posts: 1,061 Member
    Sooooooo more importantly for the ladies, if you meet a guy that has this after his weight loss are you ok with it? Just curious, umm no reason LOL. Kidding. I think I may have this problem by the time I finish so just wondering what women think of it.

    You know, I think it it depends on the lady.. I personally don't like those muscle type guys..i found over the years, I like a little meat on my man..they are more cuddlier.. LOL.. I don't think it would be a problem if your a decent guy and treat a female right..
  • MsDover
    MsDover Posts: 395 Member
    I am just under 5'1" and I went from my top weight of 185 to 118 over the course of 2 years. In my lifetime I had 3 full term pregnancies... the last one at 38... and found that my skin just plain didn't snap back like I had with my earlier babies. Add that 65+ pound weight loss and I was left with a great big apron of skin around my lower abdomen. As soon as I could save up the money I had a tummy tuck. Best money I ever spent! I regained 17 pounds over the last 2 years (I'm 60 years old now) and I'm now in the process of losing that again (6 pounds to go) and so far I'm not seeing any new loose skin. In my case I think it just got too stretched out later in my life and as you age you do lose elasticity.
  • Hollycat
    Hollycat Posts: 372
    My understanding is that if you're youngish [under 40], after losing a significant amount of weight, your skin will shrink up over the course of a couple years :noway: with maybe the odd wrinkle or roll :grumble: . The most you might need is a tummy tuck... or not. If you're over 40, you might be looking at a little more than a tummy tuck :ohwell: . It also depends on how long you've been carrying the weight around. Skin sags more with age and if it's got weight behind it, it sags even more :frown: . I'll be 51 by the time I'm done and I'll, no doubt, be sending some plastic surgeon to Jamaica :glasses: . Or walking around with some saggy skin. Yes, muscle will fill it out some. Lift baby, lift!

    Hollycat:flowerforyou:
  • CindyLRP
    CindyLRP Posts: 24 Member
    Why do I have cellulite, lumps and bulges?
    The fatty tissue of your body acts as a "toxic waste disposal site," where substances that it cannot metabolize are dumped. This congested tissue can have poor circulation (you'll note that cellulite prone areas are cool to the touch). Lymphatic flow may also be restricted by tight undergarments and pantyhose. The cellulite layer is a physiological fatty layer that is supposed to be there but the extent to which it is visible is affected by several variables including: genetic predispostion, dietary habits, exercise habits, and hormones among others.

    WHAT HELPS? Lypossage does and is proven. www.lypossage.net has before and after pictures.

    How does Lypossage® work, and is it safe?
    Lypossage is the leading manual body contouring modality in the world; a specific blend of massage modalities that derive from physical therapy, including deep lymphatic drainage and deep tissue release. Lypossage cleanses the body of stagnant, stalled lymphatic fluid (Lymph edema) that can create the lumps and bulges we know as figure imbalance. The deeper Lypossage strokes break up adhesions under the skin that can contribute to the dimpled, uneven appearance of cellulite. Lypossage also tones the muscles, lifting and firming sagging tissue.

    Lypossage is not cheap, but it is worth it if you can find a trained therapist. I learned this modality and I can verify that it works! BUT...HOW can you help yourself, tho? Lypossage consists of tapotement (pounding with the fists), light to deep skin rolling, and other lymphatic techniques. These techniques are not comfortable to have performed and will make your hands and arms sore...but again...every bit worth it. Message me if you would like more info and I will help you as much as possible!
  • Hollycat
    Hollycat Posts: 372
    Why do I have cellulite, lumps and bulges?
    The fatty tissue of your body acts as a "toxic waste disposal site," where substances that it cannot metabolize are dumped. This congested tissue can have poor circulation (you'll note that cellulite prone areas are cool to the touch). Lymphatic flow may also be restricted by tight undergarments and pantyhose. The cellulite layer is a physiological fatty layer that is supposed to be there but the extent to which it is visible is affected by several variables including: genetic predispostion, dietary habits, exercise habits, and hormones among others.

    WHAT HELPS? Lypossage does and is proven. www.lypossage.net has before and after pictures.

    How does Lypossage® work, and is it safe?
    Lypossage is the leading manual body contouring modality in the world; a specific blend of massage modalities that derive from physical therapy, including deep lymphatic drainage and deep tissue release. Lypossage cleanses the body of stagnant, stalled lymphatic fluid (Lymph edema) that can create the lumps and bulges we know as figure imbalance. The deeper Lypossage strokes break up adhesions under the skin that can contribute to the dimpled, uneven appearance of cellulite. Lypossage also tones the muscles, lifting and firming sagging tissue.

    Lypossage is not cheap, but it is worth it if you can find a trained therapist. I learned this modality and I can verify that it works! BUT...HOW can you help yourself, tho? Lypossage consists of tapotement (pounding with the fists), light to deep skin rolling, and other lymphatic techniques. These techniques are not comfortable to have performed and will make your hands and arms sore...but again...every bit worth it. Message me if you would like more info and I will help you as much as possible!

    OMG! Somebody else that actually knows why we accumulate fat cells! To house the toxins! I'm so happy, I'm dancing! Well...not really. But I'm thrilled. Moral of the story: Don't eat toxic 'food'.

    Hollycat:flowerforyou:
  • Has anyone with a significant weight loss of about 80 or more pounds had a problem with loose skin? This is especially considering that you lets say lost that amount in less than a year. I was just wondering. I'm about to start my journey, and I am planning on loosing about 100 in 6 months- lol please no lessons, I know what I am doing- and I was wondering if anyone could share whether or not they have had a problem with loose skin, and if you haven't, did you do anything special? Thank you :) And I am still young- 19 years old - will this effect the amount of saggy skin I have. Thank you.

    yup! it happens u loose skin ur skin but there r way to treat them...so don't worry :)
    There is an inherent elasticity in everyone’s skin, but once you get to a certain size, the elasticity decreases, said
    Jason Spector, M.D.Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
    The tissue expands and your body literally makes more skin by producing more skin cells. And those annoying stretch marks? “They are the artifacts of the breakdown of the normal architecture of skin..Your intake of food and fluids before, during, and after losing weight is a factor for your skin...learn more here how to tighten loose skin - fitandhealthy.com/how-to-tighten-loose-skin-after-weight-loss/
    elasticity of your skin will naturally decrease with age. Though you can address issues such as not losing weight too quickly, staying properly hydrated, eating the right foods, and caring for your skin, you simply have no control over your age!
    and if u r looking for something that works on loose skin i suggest u should try this lotion cellutherm read reviews here healthnewsreports.com/cellutherm.html on ur skin patches hope it works u :)
  • Amlong1977
    Amlong1977 Posts: 125 Member
    I'm 35 & have lost 102 lbs over the past year. I have about 50 more lbs to go. I have TONS of loose skin, especially on my arms & legs. I haven't lost enough of my stomach for that to be bad yet. I topped out at 328 & started losing at 314. I am currently 211. I had extensive leg surgeries after being pinned between 2 cars when I was 6. And I've always had big arms. I think my chances of my skin going back are slim to none. After all this hard work, I will have body contouring surgery if I need it. It's a major decision, but my legs are so scarred already that I think it would be worth it for me to trade skin for scars.
  • MsDover
    MsDover Posts: 395 Member
    I'm 35 & have lost 102 lbs over the past year. I have about 50 more lbs to go. I have TONS of loose skin, especially on my arms & legs. I haven't lost enough of my stomach for that to be bad yet. I topped out at 328 & started losing at 314. I am currently 211. I had extensive leg surgeries after being pinned between 2 cars when I was 6. And I've always had big arms. I think my chances of my skin going back are slim to none. After all this hard work, I will have body contouring surgery if I need it. It's a major decision, but my legs are so scarred already that I think it would be worth it for me to trade skin for scars.

    It IS a big decision to have this kind of surgery. I hadn't gone through any sort of weight reduction surgery... lost the weight on my own and the excess skin wasn't causing any infection issues (yet) ... so my insurance wouldn't cover the removal (that seemed pretty lame to me!). I got a reference to a great plastic surgeon in Waterville, Maine near where I lived and made an appointment. I was told what could be done, what the recovery time was, and the cost. I saved my money and my sick and vacation time and was able to have the procedure done. It was a decision I will never, ever regret! My self esteem skyrocketed, and I was already a pretty self confident person! If you find you're unhappy with the excess skin... GO FOR IT!