65 pounds gone FOREVER! (pictures)

I ADORE the pictures ! Keep them coming and don't feel guilty about posting them. I find them truly INSPIRING because I want to see real women in before and after pictures not Photoshopped fake ones from a weight loss ad.

If you feel comfortable answering this please do: How is your skin? The elasticity? Is it snapping back into place? I have a significant amount of weight to lose and I am very concerned about flabby skin and stretch marks.

I definitely don't mind answering those questions - I'm certain anyone with a large amount of weight to lose has those concerns - I know I do!
I have, as I'm sure you can tell from my pictures, VERY fair skin and it's not exactly elastic by nature, so I was really concerned that I was going to have drooping skin everywhere.
The good news is, I don't. Yes, I have loose skin on my tummy, but not much, and no other part of me has that problem at all.
Honestly, the stretch marks and loose skin on my stomach are not from being fat, anyway - they were from my son, who is now 8 1/2. I doubt they'll ever go away completely, but everything is "toning up" quite nicely.
I am fortunate, though, because I'm only 26. I would imagine it gets harder for skin to snap back as people age. Also, I exercise a lot (including some strength training) so I'm building muscle, which helps. I also drink lots of water, which keeps my skin hydrated.
Beyond toning exercises and keeping hydrated, age and genetics are going to play a HUGE part and, although I am not struggling with loose skin, I can't promise anyone else the same thing -- but even if you DO end up with loose skin, at least you'll be healthy, which is what is really important.