Excess skin after major weight loss...please be kind

melissasue0317 · May 2015

Hey everyone! I was hoping to hear success stories about 100+ lbs lost and how you dealt with the excess skin.

I truly think I will be headed towards surgery for it but I hope not.

About me, started at 320lbs in Sept 2013 (6 months postpartum from my twins) , currently at 196lbs. My goal weight was/is 190. Even though this is technically still overweight, I never imagined getting to this point. I will not stop "trying" at 190 of course, I will continue my new lifestyle forever, if I continue to lose I will be ecstatic. I am 5'9. Joined Planet Fitness a little over a month ago (yes I know some people look at PF as a lazy gym lol). Anyways I think it fits my schedule and busy life well, so far it has been a great addition for me.

Problem is, my stomach is still very flabby with a lot of overhanging of skin/fat? Plus my arms are yuck. I broke my arm about 4 years ago and never attempted to build much strength back so I know this is my fault as well. Has anyone's skin realistically bounced back from so much weight loss and muscle neglect for many years.

cjwalker81 · May 2015

Did not want to read and not reply. Congrats on your accomplishment!!! I had a "panniculectomy" at 213 lbs. They removed just over 12 lbs of hanging belly and I could not be happier. You have to do what's best for you. You have done more than most and deserve to have the skin removed if that is your wish.

happygrandma52 · May 2015

I just wanted to add my congratulations to your story!! A job well done - you have lots to be proud of!!

cblue315 · May 2015

Just adding a bit of my story. I started at 297 and am currently 181. I too have quite a bit of loose skin. Lifting weights has helped some. I did ask my doctor about it at my last appointment. I can have it removed but insurance will not cover anything. He advised waiting a year to see what may reduce on its own.

Congratulations on the weight loss and lifestyle change.

shadow2soul · May 2015

Congrats on the loss.

My stomach's not perfect and I'd still like to lose another 8 to 18 lbs. I've lost 122lbs so far and I'm 6 yrs younger than you. Here's what it looks like currently:

I have plenty of stretch marks and some loose skin with a little fat hanging over my c-section scar. I am hoping it will tighten up some more, but if it doesn't I will probably save up to have it removed. I'm thinking I'll start saving when I move to maintenance, wait 1-2 yrs and if at that time it hasn't reduced to my liking then I will have it removed (and should have enough saved by that point for the procedure).

FatFreeFrolicking · May 2015

Honestly, I would embrace the excess skin. It is a constant reminder of the blood, sweat, and tears you shed throughout your weight loss journey. It is a constant reminder of your hard work, perseverance, and dedication. That's a beautiful thing.

melissasue0317 · May 2015

Thanks everyone. I am in no way ready to show others pictures lol. It's a significant amount of hanging skin, I'm assuming still with amounts of fat in there. My insurance does not cover anything either, so I'm very bummed about it. I'm not close to being done but it's disappointing to still get so sad about how you look.

I've told my husband that sometimes being fat was easier. Bc I knew I was just fat and was totally my fault. Now I'm trying so hard to still look gross.

My Multiple gestation with c section didn't help either lol. But I'm healthier. My 2 year old son and daughter are healthy and amazing. So I have a lot to be thankful for.

thriller001 · May 2015

You look great! Congrats!

melissasue0317 · May 2015

If you Google skin apron, that's what I'm working with. Wish insurance covered some things. I'll check into the panniculectomy option and see if that could be discussed.

My 2 year lifestyle change Mark is mid September. I wanted to be 190 by then. I'm so close.

shivasgirl · May 2015

if it makes you feel any better "twin skin" is a very common. My twins are almost 10, and I have it...my cousin's twins are 18, she is a size 4 and she has it. Insurance companies can be bullied into paying for the skin removal if you have a problem with skin infections under the flap. I am doing my best to work out and then see what I have. I started at 379, and am now 254. I want to get to 199 at the very least. I had a lap band when my twins were three and decided to take it very slowly so my excess skin wouldnt be so bad. It is not great on my tummy, but I have a csection scar that runs top to bottom, thru my belly button, so it's not like I am going to be in a bikini anytime, lol...congrats on your weight loss

yweight2020 · May 2015

I would pinch pennies, get a loan whaever necessary to remove the akin. How you feel is most important. Take the good advice given here though maintain loss for a while, weight train and a lean diet. You can do this because you are already successful. And I'm sure you're, keep not gross, Keep positive thoughts☺

yweight2020 · May 2015

I'm sure your not gross, is what I mean.

HannaSusi · May 2015

You're not gross, you look really cute! Be kind to yourself. Your body has been through so much: you have lovely babies, you have improved your health tremendously by losing weight, it's not just about looking great naked. You look great in clothes already! I KNOW how we wait for the new, amazing body so much, and how it feels like it's just the same old body with new problems. But you have loved that wonderful, hardworking, strong body of yours enough to shed all that extra fat! Don't stop loving it now. Save for the surgery in a couple of years if you want, but meanwhile be proud of yourself every day.

erojoy · May 2015

Hi there congratulations! I think its kind of weird for someone to tell you to keep the skin like a badge of honor. I know I've had friends tell me that it actually inhibited their progress because it was uncomfortable when working out or would rub against other skin and cause rashes, and then there just is the confidence factor. I would take the advise that first start with some heavy lifting and see what you can tighten up, but every body is different. Do what is going to make you happy and maybe check with a doctor instead of us.

melissasue0317 · May 2015

I started lifting when I joined the gym so the current plan is to continue doing what I do. And if 6 months or so pass without significant change I will go see a surgeon.

It does get uncomfortable, especially if I attempt to jog/run. I wear compression gear most of the them and lots of hygiene bc rashes are an issue with this type of problem.

My kids will know a healthy lifestyle is a part of our lives. I'm determined for that.

angeltilo · May 2015

I don't know any tips for excess skin but what you've done is amazing and inspirational! Hopefully you can find a non surgical solution!

triciab79 · May 2015

So I was only 218 to start with but I carried it in my stomach mostly. I lost 100lbs and it did leave a bit of skin.

This is what I call my honest shot. No makeup, no push up, no filters or attempts to cover the stretch marks or loose skin. I was also not working out at this time though so even though I weigh 6lbs more now it doesn't have any of the muscle rebuild that I have been working on for the last few months.

Now this is what a little bit of workout does for the loose skin (and a decent push up bra).

Keep working and let the results take care of themselves. It takes about 2yrs of maintaining a lower weight for your skin to recover. I will not say that I am happy with the loose skin. When I lean over I am especially unhappy but for the most part I like me, even naked and that is something I would have struggled to say at a larger size. It is worth the effort, and even though I may never get the body or skin of a 20 something yr old I am happy with what I have accomplished and you should be too.

ChipChocolatePancake · May 2015

triciab79 wrote: »

So I was only 218 to start with but I carried it in my stomach mostly. I lost 100lbs and it did leave a bit of skin.

This is what I call my honest shot. No makeup, no push up, no filters or attempts to cover the stretch marks or loose skin. I was also not working out at this time though so even though I weigh 6lbs more now it doesn't have any of the muscle rebuild that I have been working on for the last few months.

Now this is what a little bit of workout does for the loose skin (and a decent push up bra).

Keep working and let the results take care of themselves. It takes about 2yrs of maintaining a lower weight for your skin to recover. I will not say that I am happy with the loose skin. When I lean over I am especially unhappy but for the most part I like me, even naked and that is something I would have struggled to say at a larger size. It is worth the effort, and even though I may never get the body or skin of a 20 something yr old I am happy with what I have accomplished and you should be too.

This is GREAT! Thanks so much for the pics!!! Inspiring and so helpful...you look AMAZING by the way!

billymacintosh · May 2015

triciab79 wrote: »

So I was only 218 to start with but I carried it in my stomach mostly. I lost 100lbs and it did leave a bit of skin.

This is what I call my honest shot. No makeup, no push up, no filters or attempts to cover the stretch marks or loose skin. I was also not working out at this time though so even though I weigh 6lbs more now it doesn't have any of the muscle rebuild that I have been working on for the last few months.

Now this is what a little bit of workout does for the loose skin (and a decent push up bra).

Keep working and let the results take care of themselves. It takes about 2yrs of maintaining a lower weight for your skin to recover. I will not say that I am happy with the loose skin. When I lean over I am especially unhappy but for the most part I like me, even naked and that is something I would have struggled to say at a larger size. It is worth the effort, and even though I may never get the body or skin of a 20 something yr old I am happy with what I have accomplished and you should be too.

You look pretty well done on your achievement

OP you've done an incredible job, I would support what others have said re. Letting what will recover, recover then consider skin surgery from then if it makes you happier

so very impressed! x

professionalHobbyist · May 2015

I lost 120 lbs and did have excess skin removed.

It is a pretty involved, painful, and expensive surgery.

But if you are like me and wanted to continue and active lifestyle of jogging and biking, the excess skin actually got irritated and was a problem.

It gets down to how you feel about yourself and if you want to!

I have lifted weights and added arm/shoulder/back muscle to help offset some of the loose skin. But abdominal skin is a tough area to have bounce back.

Congratulations on your awesome success!

Well done and best wishes on whatever you decide.

melissasue0317 · June 2015

Ladies, I was just now able to see the pictures from a pc vs my phone. Thank you so much! You both look AMAZING and that gives me some great hope

I would love to say I did it all on my own without surgery once I reach a weight/size/comfort size.

Plus, I am still on the fence on if we are "done" having children lol. My husband use to say we were totally done, but now that our little ones are 2 and not "babies" anymore, he says its my decision haha. I would say I am 70% sure we are done......

purpleposies · July 2015

This might be stupid, but in addition to maintaining a good healthy diet and exercise regimen, is there anything else that can help? Making sure skin is moisturized? Is there a vitamin supplement that can help, too? I heard someone say they used exfoliating gloves once?

I've been researching this and am wondering. Any insight would be appreciated.

bjess8411 · July 2015

melissasue0317 wrote: »

Hey everyone! I was hoping to hear success stories about 100+ lbs lost and how you dealt with the excess skin.

I truly think I will be headed towards surgery for it but I hope not.

About me, started at 320lbs in Sept 2013 (6 months postpartum from my twins) , currently at 196lbs. My goal weight was/is 190. Even though this is technically still overweight, I never imagined getting to this point. I will not stop "trying" at 190 of course, I will continue my new lifestyle forever, if I continue to lose I will be ecstatic. I am 5'9. Joined Planet Fitness a little over a month ago (yes I know some people look at PF as a lazy gym lol). Anyways I think it fits my schedule and busy life well, so far it has been a great addition for me.

Problem is, my stomach is still very flabby with a lot of overhanging of skin/fat? Plus my arms are yuck. I broke my arm about 4 years ago and never attempted to build much strength back so I know this is my fault as well. Has anyone's skin realistically bounced back from so much weight loss and muscle neglect for many years.

Just after having a baby it takes several years for the stomach to go back to normal, add in weight loss and there will probably be more time. You should give it a little while and then go for surgery if you still aren't happy.

xBabyLlamaDrama · July 2015

Look up "obese to beast" on YouTube. He has a video where he shows his loose skin (he dropped a LOT of weight) and then explained why he wanted to keep it. It offers a really fresh and unique perspective.

purpleposies · July 2015

W_Northrop wrote: »

Look up "obese to beast" on YouTube. He has a video where he shows his loose skin (he dropped a LOT of weight) and then explained why he wanted to keep it. It offers a really fresh and unique perspective.

I appreciate why some people would want to keep it - but I don't see why everyone needs to think or feel this way. I don't see a problem with wanting to keep it, just as I don't think it should be a problem for those people that want to get rid of it.

gaelicstorm26 · July 2015

I have a lot to lose and this is something I worry about a lot. It's good to see some honest replies.

melissasue0317 · July 2015

Thank you all for the replies. I think if it were a small area, I wouldn't think of surgery as an option. But that being said, it's significant.

I carried my weight in my stomach then became pregnant with twins. Now I have a "skin apron" that hangs past my pelvic bone on the sides but not covering my pubic area. After meeting with a surgeon, its very unlikely to improve.

I can slide size 12s on but can not fasten or even get close to fastening them bc of the amount of skin etc. So I'm still in a 14 or 16.

Shapewear it is for a while anyways.

snowflake930 · July 2015

I lost a lot (160+ pounds). I have been on maintenance for 20 months and some of the "hanging" skin has shrunk(if that is the correct term). For me, at age 63, that is not much of an issue at all, so it does not bother me. I am so grateful to this site and the support and encouragement from the people here, I couldn't have done it without this site. I like myself now, and am happy with how I look in "normal sized" clothes. I can totally understand how you younger folks feel though. Kudos to you shadow2soul and triciab79, you both look amazing and should be understandably proud of yourselves! You are both roll models for sure.

galprincess · July 2015

I am a mum of 3 my eldest is 13 my middle us 5 and bubba 2. I had awful loose skin I body brush and moisturise twice daily ( not a miracle but does make skin look healthier) I use a good firming lotion again creates smooth feeling skin I run 3x a week lift 3x a week not particularly heavy and i have an okay body id never have surgery because i went through ivf i had the perfect body then ( in my opinion) and id never want the perfect body as it meant no babies

xBabyLlamaDrama · July 2015

purpleposies wrote: »

I appreciate why some people would want to keep it - but I don't see why everyone needs to think or feel this way.

And by no means was I trying to insinuate that others should think this way. If she wants to get rid of it, have at it. I just provided input as requested.

Debusaurus · July 2015

I'm so appreciative of this topic being discussed, and real pictures being posted as well. I'm trying to keep detailed picture documentation of my weight loss so that I will be able to do the same in the future, but a constant question on my mind is.. when I get to my goal, how much overhang and stretch will I be left with? It's a scary thought, but you all look so beautiful in spite of the excess and I'm gaining the confidence that I will too.

The weight has to go, overhang or not, this I know.. I've already lost over 50lbs of weight I have kept off successfully this year and have plenty to go. Congratulations to everyone, and good luck and future congratulations to everyone else!

Excess skin after major weight loss...please be kind

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