Advice please?

Supremacy88
Supremacy88 Posts: 8
in Health and Weight Loss
hello. I need some advice please! I'm really worried about my weight loss. The thought of loose skin freaks me out so I was wondering if I could get some advice on how to avoid it as much as possible. I'm 6 ft, 202 lb, I was 238 early last year. I started putting on weight 9 years ago I would say. I'm 25. Male. and I am now very active. Walking to work every day and in the gym 5-6 times a week. I also have TERRIBLE stretch marks, especially on my right side (middle picture) however the bit at the top is just a rash I currently have... Is there a way of fading these out somehow or are they too thick?

20130604_133127.jpg

20130604_132904.jpg


20130604_133029.jpg


The thought of having loose skin and these terrible stretch marks really lows my confidence, I admit. Do you think I can avoid loose skin and fade out my stretch marks? Thank you.

Replies

  • Lizzy622
    Lizzy622 Posts: 3,705 Member
    There are many creams for stretch marks that help. Make sure it has vitamin E or just get some plain vitamin and apply. As for loose skin, the only thing that really works is strengthening the muscles under the skin. ( may not be 100% though)
  • Supremacy88
    Supremacy88 Posts: 8
    OK and creams can hide them pretty well? Thank you for the reply.

    I'll appreciate any help, I really need the confidence boost.

    Also with that figure, does anyone think it will be possible to one day achieve a six-pack? Or is it not possible now that I have stretch marks from being overweight?
  • confetti_blind
    confetti_blind Posts: 91 Member
    I think that loose skin and stretch marks are battle scars which some people simply cannot avoid. I guess a lot comes down to our individual genetic make-up as to whether we are prone to loose skin and stretch marks or not. Some people are just lucky.

    I don't think your torso looks bad, it probably feels worse because you are being uber critical of yourself. I bet if you saw it on someone else it wouldn't bother you and you wouldn't think they look 'terrible' because of a few imperfections.

    Things that help from my own experience (although I am sure there are other things out there which work too):
    1. getting a tan (or spray tan)
    2. some bleaching-type creams can fade out stretch marks which are red
    3. regular moisturising
    4. taking a multivitamin (seems to help the elasticity of skin)
    5. exercise (improves circulation and tightens loose skin)
    6. time. Time really will help. Loose skin takes quite a long time to 'catch-up' with weight loss. If it took 6 months to lose the weight, it can take more like 2 years for the skin to snap back. Time will also make the stretch marks fade.

    Please don't feel down about it though. It really doesn't look that bad. No body's perfect...
  • Supremacy88
    Supremacy88 Posts: 8
    A very helpful reply, thank you. I will make sure I do all those things + drink lot's of water! I try to not let it bother me, I just think if I get loose skin AND have stretch marks... I'm doomed... no girl will touch me with a barge pole.


    I appreciate all replies (-:
  • Supremacy88
    Supremacy88 Posts: 8
    Bump.

    As much as I appreciate the advice already given, I would love more. Thanks.
  • megsmom2
    megsmom2 Posts: 2,362 Member
    Use a cocobutter cream on the stretch marks...they will eventually fade if you take care of your skin.
  • bubpuff
    bubpuff Posts: 16 Member
    Most people have or will have stretch marks at some point in their life. They will fade (mine have), but my doctor told me that creams don't work all that well. But it is a personal choice. Maybe ask your doctor about it next check up and see what they say. I agree with what confetti said, they don't look bad. Also, congratulations on losing so much weight! Good luck :)
  • Supremacy88
    Supremacy88 Posts: 8
    Thanks so much about help with my stretch marks. Very helpful replies. I just hope they don't look worse when I've lost weight and that they fade.

    Now about my loose skin worry...Do you think I could escape it judging from them pictures? I do feel like I can pinch a tiny bit of loose skin on my lower stomach. :/
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    I'm doomed... no girl will touch me with a barge pole.

    rubbish... a friend of mine has stretch marks, or his arms, so pretty visable in a t shirt, but i still think he is really fit! (dont tell my husband!!!!)
  • Supremacy88
    Supremacy88 Posts: 8
    Meh. I have them all over. I just have very low self-esteem because of my weight/loose skin & stretch marks.

    Haha don't worry I won't tell your husband. I don't know who he is anyway. (-:
  • aTallLiam
    aTallLiam Posts: 75
    Cream for the stretch marks, and ab workouts for the loose skin. Sorry, that's all I can think off.
    I think you can get it removed by having surgery, but I don't know.
  • lil_pulp
    lil_pulp Posts: 701 Member
    A very helpful reply, thank you. I will make sure I do all those things + drink lot's of water! I try to not let it bother me, I just think if I get loose skin AND have stretch marks... I'm doomed... no girl will touch me with a barge pole.


    I appreciate all replies (-:

    My husband has loose skin and stretch marks from losing over 100 pounds. They remind me of his dedication and perseverance, which are very attractive qualities.
  • jakkisr
    jakkisr Posts: 175 Member
    you're doing great and you look just fine. Stretch marks do fade to a light silvery colour in time and I've found when I lose weight on my tummy the skin kinds of comes together and makes them even less noticeable (mine are post pregnancy and a few on my thighs, I admit, I'm lucky).

    Bio-oil is very good for stretch marks, so is Ponds Cocoa Butter, so is anything with vitamin E as people have already said. I know this might seem a little bit weird but look in the pharmacy at creams for mums-to-be or shop online and find something in this range!

    As for the loose skin, it looks to me like it will eventually shift with ab work and as the weight continues to come off. You certainly don't look like you need any kind of surgery! and certainly not at this stage of your journey - just keep up the good work the healthy way. Be confident, you have every reason to be :)
  • chloeobe
    chloeobe Posts: 72
    http://www.bio-oil.com/en/

    Works wonders for both stretch marks and loose skin
  • Supremacy88
    Supremacy88 Posts: 8
    aTallLiam - Thank you, helpful advice.

    lil_pulp - You have a valid point. Well done to your husband on losing all that weight.

    jakkisr - Thank you! I will look into the bio oil. I certainly hope you are right about the loose skin - this is my biggest fear. Is it normal though that I can grab a tiny bit of loose skin though on my lower stomach? Only if I tug on it, which I probably shouldn't do... For the first 3 stone, I did not go to the gym, I did however do alot of walking, I go to the gym 5-6 times a week now with crunches. I have 2 stone left on my target I however might need to lose more when I get there. Thanks again.

    chloeobe - I will buy that I think, thank you!

    Thanks for all the support, very appreciated (-:

    Sorry for going on, but do you think with stretch marks from putting on weight, it's still possible to achieve abs later on? Also I'm only 25 so maybe this will add to my advantage?

    Thanks.
  • rmsturdy
    rmsturdy Posts: 73
    MEDERMA (which is specially for scars) and PALMERS COCOA BUTTER. You'll smell like chocolate (don't try to lick yourself like I did) and eventually the scars will fade. Be patient! Your skin takes a LOT of time to catch up. But a nice tan will instantly make you feel better :)

    And yes you can have abs. You're young and your body will bounce back faster because of it. Abs come from eating really lean (lean meats and good for you fats...yes, you need good fat in your diet) and clean (lower to no preservatives with lots of fruits, veggies and FIBER!) with a lower carb intake (shoot for equal protein to carb ratio or even more protein since you're a guy). Substitute your white breads, pastas and rices for whole wheat breads (check the labels! sometimes breads masquerading aswhole wheats have a LOT of sugar and little fiber), whole wheat or fortified pastas, black beans, sweet potatoes/yams, quinoa and brown rice.

    GOOD LUCK!
  • SkinnyMsFitness
    SkinnyMsFitness Posts: 389 Member
    Hi! I'm dealing with the same..but LUCKILY you seem to have less weight to lose than I do..even from your starting weight! My bf lost weight a few yrs ago, so he's been helping me. He mentioned that with loose skin, it's best to 'work on it' during your weight loss process. Start doing crunches. Start using a skin firming lotion...daily. And keep in mind, skin is more likely to bounce back when weight is lost more gradually. The stretch marks, they kind of fade away when your skin does bounce back/weight is lost and your areas shrink.

    Don't be too harsh on yourself. :-)
  • fooninie
    fooninie Posts: 291 Member
    A very helpful reply, thank you. I will make sure I do all those things + drink lot's of water! I try to not let it bother me, I just think if I get loose skin AND have stretch marks... I'm doomed... no girl will touch me with a barge pole.


    I appreciate all replies (-:

    If women stay away from you because of that alone, you don't want them! I agree with some commentors...sometimes, the skin won't bounce back right away, completely or at all (depending on the speed of weight loss and amount).

    There are no miracles creams, but, my opinion, lift weights and do cardio regularly and you will see the loose skin might only be a small issue.

    Congrats on your successes and stay the course!

    (PS - I have terrible stretch marks all over my body from growing up and out during puberty and I have a wonderful husband who doesn't even see my lumps and imperfections. Don't be discouraged!)
  • Bacardibarker
    Bacardibarker Posts: 48 Member
    First of all. WOW! Well done you for losing that weight. You should be so proud of yourself.

    I have stretch marks on the inside and outside of my thighs, hips, breasts and the inside of my arms. At first they looked purplish/reddish but now are white/silvery colour. Some with slight dent. They will never go away but they remind me that I never want to get any bigger.

    Using creams will help with the circulation in the areas, drinking water flushes the toxins.

    Talk to your GP regarding the lose skin and gym staff about your abs they may be able to help.
    You look good in your pictures. Well done you! :smile:
  • jakkisr
    jakkisr Posts: 175 Member

    jakkisr - hope you are right about the loose skin - this is my biggest fear. Is it normal though that I can grab a tiny bit of loose skin though on my lower stomach? Only if I tug on it, which I probably shouldn't do...

    Totally normal! you are very lucky! Most people can pinch an inch (at least!) You're young, the skin is still nice and elastic, this is to your advantage.

    Keep up the good work, don't expect miracles overnight, it'll take probably 3 months to see a massive improvement (and poking and prodding and being critical of yourself sure won't make the miracle happen any faster!). Be kind to yourself, don't spend a fortune on creams, you could use olive oil or coconut oil just as easily - they will nourish your skin. Eating zinc and garlic is good for the skin too. :flowerforyou:
  • aidendart
    aidendart Posts: 32 Member
    I got rid of my pregnancy stretch marks ( that were purple) with a stratch mark cream the main ingredient was emu oil. You can feel them now but they are barely there. Also make sure to avoid the sun. They make all scars worse. Hope that helps.
  • oiseau17
    oiseau17 Posts: 142 Member
    A very helpful reply, thank you. I will make sure I do all those things + drink lot's of water! I try to not let it bother me, I just think if I get loose skin AND have stretch marks... I'm doomed... no girl will touch me with a barge pole.


    I appreciate all replies (-:

    My husband lost 200 lbs before I ever met him so he has a lot of loose skin and stretch marks. I think he's the sexiest man alive. That kind of stuff won't matter in the least to the right woman for you, so don't let it get in your way!
  • shazamm20
    shazamm20 Posts: 2 Member
    OP, I dropped 40 lbs a few months back, unfortunately through a little too much leniency in my diet and exercise routine I put about 25 pounds back on (which I'm now working on getting back off) but a whole lot of it is in the kind of work outs you're doing, depending on your height and recommended body weight compared to where you were when you started, it's going to take time for things to tighten up.

    It took me 6 months to drop all that weight and I started out just a little lighter than you were when you started. I would reiterate working on not just cardio, but muscle strengthening workouts. Maybe run for like 30 minutes and then get in a full body workout. I found Circuits to be extremely useful in working multiple body groups and not just dropping the weight, but tightening the muscle under the skin.

    A whole lot of extra info is available free on mensfitness.com.

    They post recipes that help build muscle, have lots of good workouts, tips from pros and success stories from people that have gotten where they want to be from a bad place.

    Those are all things that helped me. Stretch marks are going to happen, especially if you drop a lot of weight in a small period of time. I would suggest a number of creams for that if you're feeling self-conscious.

    The amount of weight you've already dropped is definitely something to be proud of, keep it up because no matter if you don't end up looking exactly the way you've envisioned under everything, you're still significantly better off than you were when you first started.

    Keep up all the great work!
  • sk_pirate
    sk_pirate Posts: 282 Member
    This helped take the redness away from my awesome scar...I imagine it would help with stretch marks as well.

    Pick up some Vitamin E capsules, the ones with the liquid insides. Poke with a pin and squeeze the liquidy goo out on to your skin. it'll have a sticky consistency of thick shampoo. Try it twice a day, it should help :)
  • Supremacy88
    Supremacy88 Posts: 8
    Wow lot's of replies haha. OK...

    rmsturdy - Thank you, I have been recommended Mederma & Cocoa Butter (which I have also been told smells VERY nice haha) I'm glad that I can still get abs, while I have lost some of the last bit of weight, I have been resistance training and would like to continue with that after I have reached my goal and I just want to transform myself as much as possible for the better. Yes you are also right about how skin can take time for it to catch up, I need to be patient I suppose. Thanks so much.

    Pamela_1404 - Hello! I do crunches and I also do planks daily. I have noticed improvement from both because the more I have been doing it, the more I can do also! I think the first plank I did lasted maybe 20 seconds - I can do them upto 2 minutes now. I will definitely be getting a lotion. I did lose weight at first quickish, maybe 3 lb a week. I'm aiming for 1 lb a week now. Thanks a ton for your helpful reply.

    fooninie - I guess you are right there, thank you. I lift weights 3 times a week and cardio 3 times a week, for an hour each atleast. & thank you (-: I'll try to not let the stretch marks bother me as much.

    Bacardibarker - I am proud of myself for my weightloss and I can't get enough of the compliments I get. Especially about my jawline haha. Thank you. Hopefully when they go white/silvery they will be less noticeable. I will definitely be talking to the gym staff and the doctor when I next need to go, thank you (-: I drink about 10 pints of water a day atleast. Thanks again for the compliments. (-:

    jakkisr - Really? Glad it's normal... I think I can only grab maybe 1 cm, 2 at the most. I know it's going to take alot of hard work and time. I will also stop pulling on it I think haha. Thank you. Think I'm going to get a olive oil cream tomorrow, thank you for all your nice replies.

    aidendart - That definitely helped thank you. I'll be buying a cream tomorrow too.

    omydaughter - 200lb? What an achievement, you must be proud. My overall target is 70lb. Thank you, I will try (-:

    shazamm20 - I'm 6 ft, so not too short. I have 2 more stone to lose (Which will be 12 stone) and I was 17 stone. I try to tighten the skin at the same time with resistance training 3 times a week. Thanks for the website you posted! I shall be getting a cream too. I am proud of myself, didn't think I was going to be able to do it because I have been trying to lose weight for a couple of years and I've finally found a strategy that works for me. You are correct, eitherway I shall still be fitter and more healthy. Thank you.

    sk_pirate - Oh really? I have never heard of that method before, I will 100% check it out, thanks a ton!

    Lot's of replies haha. Thanks so much, definitely boosted some confidence.

Categories