Loose Skin- the real deal

Why should have skin reduction surgery? Losing weight and getting muscles doesn't make women throw themselves at me or gotten me a super awesome job. So having some loose skin isn't going to make me a bad person. I have to say I don't feel great about having all the extra skin but it isn't the end of the world. I even have some lose skin on my arms and they stayed almost the same size as I lost all the weight. Once the skin gets detached from the muscle it doesn't matter what you do. Just wanted to let people know almost all the factors of getting lose skin are out of your control(other then surgery).

I have lost about 114 pounds - I'm only 5'5". I have A LOT of loose skin, and it really really sucks. It's mostly cosmetic, yes, and that's not the most important thing. On this, we agree. But there are certainly bound to be some self-esteem issues wrapped-up in this (at least, there are for me). It's also a bit defeating to work so very hard to get to/near your goal weight, but then to still feel uncomfortable with your body - uncomfortable wearing a bathing suit, etc. I understand what people are saying about how this isn't the main issue, your health is, but there's no denying that it still sucks. Big time.

I am about 20 pounds from my goal weight and, when I get there, I'm hoping to go back to my doctor to ask them again to try and work with my insurance on the needed surgery. I went about a year ago and insurance denied the procedures (for chest and stomach). I'm hoping that, having lost more weight and, more important, body fat %, they might reconsider this as truly necessary - it does cause back pain, sometimes rashes, and makes running/jumping more difficult (because the skin literally flops around and hangs down from my arms, stomach). I may be worse off than some/many, but I really understand those who are asking about and I wish people wouldn't just dismiss the problem outright as if it's not an issue. For some of us, it's pretty bad.

All that being said - don't let it deter you from getting to your goal. I did fall into that trap, once. I got very discouraged when I neared my goal a year ago, and my anxiety over this caused me to gain some weight back. That was NOT worth it. Keep doing what you can, what you need to, and, if you're in a situation like mine - well, hopefully you have better insurance or the means to save money and get skin removal surgery. I'll get there, one day.

You amazing physical transformation has been well-covered, and I have little more to add except one more heartfelt "Congratulations!"

To me, though, the most striking thing is your attitude. There's something about your unflinching self image, broad perspective, and intolerance for BS that imply a mental fortitude that's just as impressive as the fruits of all those hours in the gym. I wish you were my neighbor or co-worker.