Excess Skin???

I have excess skin. I'm also 41 so my skin is not as elastic as well. Loose skin varies from person to person & can take up to 2 years to shrink as much as it's going to. Altogether I am glad to be rid of the weight & while I'm not happy about the skin, it doesn't affect my mobility or health & I can cover most of it up with clothing. Once I lose the last 30 lbs, I will be seeing a surgeon to get rid of my tummy skin & the horrible looseness under my chin, but I'll deal with my saggy thighs & bat wings which could be worse.

I am still young (21) do you think mine will shrink?

It likely will, but genetics play a large part too.

I am still young (21) do you think mine will shrink?

It likely will, but genetics play a large part too.

Youth will help you a lot, drink plenty of water and eat as clean as possible. You shouldn't have too much

I've lost 120lbs, have about 100lbs more to go, and I already have excess skin.

I'm in my 20s, and in my personal experience (keeping in mind that every body is different and what applies to me may not apply to you) with the amount of weight I have lost and need to loose, I don't think my youth is going to be able to make a huge difference in the excess skin. I already have lots of excess and I still have a long way to go.

However I believe someone my age or younger with less to loose than me, they shouldn't have as much of a problem with excess skin.

I've heard good things about moisturizing too, I use coconut oil myself.

I am still young (21) do you think mine will shrink?

Absolutely!!! Unfortunately I'm 43, so I'm expecting lose skin.

Well, I'm 22 and have over 150lbs to lose... I'm almost certain I will definitely have excess skin, but I'd rather have that than this huge belly lol.

When I lost a lot of weight, I was getting my hair done one day and noticed that the back of my neck looked horrid, and it made my confidence plummet. Please, don't let it bother you too much though. This is to be expected to some extent.

Keep working out, toning, and things will change. If not, save up and tackle the area that stresses you the most. I have over 100 pounds left to lose and I know I will have excess skin. I am all ready checking into costs of plastic surgery but... I still want to wait a year or two once I've lost the weight to see if I truly will need / want it.

If you lose weight by counting calories, doing cardio, and weight training excess skin should not be a problem. Weight training is key. Just follow MFP find a good lifting program and make sure to get some cardio in. As long as you don't lose weight ridiculously fast you should be golden!

I'm not sure what you're basing this on. I don't think there is any 1 answer to the question. People are different. Bodies are different. I have excess skin and I've done everything you've mentioned.

Sadly, that "after" pic looks like my "before" stomach, I think due to pregnancy. I'm resigned to having loose skin, especially since I plan to get pregnant again in a year or so. I'm planning to continue strength training and exercising, and will only consider surgery if it becomes a health risk.

I looked up this topic last week, and read that one can eat foods rich in collagen.
From Wise Geek, http://www.wisegeek.org/which-foods-contain-the-most-collagen.htm
"Deriving its name from the Greek word kolla, collagen is indeed a vital element that helps to keep the body functioning. Fortunately, there are a number of foods that help to support the creation of collagen within our bodies. Here are a few examples of the many different foods that provide the building blocks for the collagen production.

Soy products such as soymilk and cheese contain an element known as genistein. The presence of genistein gives soy products their collagen production qualities, as swell as helping to block enzymes that tend to break down and age the skin. Just about any soy product contains enough genistein to be helpful, including soy products that have been developed as substitutes for meat products."

I plan to make lots of bone broth/stock, with 'patas' or beef and pork legs. The bones and ligaments yield much collagen, especially after roasting.
Dark green vegetables are also excellent examples of foods containing collagen producing agents. Rich in Vitamin C, regular consumption of kale, spinach, collards, and asparagus helps to strengthen the body’s ability to manufacture collagen and to utilize the protein effectively.

Red fruits and vegetables also are excellent sources to up the collagen content of foods in the diet. The presence of lycopenes in these types of foods helps to act as antioxidants, which in turn increases collagen production. Try adding rep peppers, beets, and fresh or stewed tomatoes to the diet. In like manner, darker berries, such as blueberries and blackberries also help to boost the antioxidant level in the body and stimulate the production of collagen."

When I started that was one of my main worries, after all the reading I came to the conclusion that slow and steady seems to be the best way for me. So, I have been losing in phases after every 20 or so lbs I go to maintenance for a couple of months, to give my skin time to catch up. Also, a lot of weight lifting and cardio through out.

I am 20 (21 in September) and I have lost 61lbs. I do have excess skin, but with moisturising, strength training and copious amounts of water - it'll go back. Especially as you're only 21. Don't worry about the skin for now - focus on your weight! Good luck! :flowerforyou:

EDIT: Forgot to mention, it does take time too.