The sad truth

Pakitalian85
Pakitalian85 Posts: 57 Member
edited September 27 in Motivation and Support
Many people don't know this about me, but I used to weigh about 297 lbs about 6 years ago. After a HUGE diabetes scare with my doctor at age 19, I decided it was time to change. I went from 297 down to 136... a 161lb loss. I have now gone back up from 136 to about 169. The weight will come off, I know it will, but one thing that will never change is SKIN.

Even when I was down to 136, I could never wear exactly what I wanted. Sagging skin resulted in sags in the front of my stomach, I couldn't even see my belly button because of sagging skin! Sags on my back, arms, legs, everywhere.

I know that even when I get back down to my goal weight, I will never have a flat, perfect little tummy, nice toned arms and smooth thighs. Never. Because there is nothing that can be done about sagging skin. Besides a full-body lift, which is procedure used to remove access skin. The surgery starts at $25,000 (most cases) and I sure won't be able to afford that anytime soon.

Alot of people ask what about exercise? Exercise may help a little, but not enough. I had a doctor flat out tell me surgery will be my only choice.

I have had a doctor tell me I have anywhere from 10-15 lbs of just extra skin! Possibly more. So while I have been working hard, being healthy, it is still always in the back of my mind that I will never look the way I want to. The skin is still there, and once I get back down to my goal weight (135), there will be even more of it.

Sorry for the rant, just had a real close look at myself in the mirror this morning and got discouraged. Thank you for letting me vent.:sad:

Replies

  • Angela4Health
    Angela4Health Posts: 1,319 Member
    You might be surprised how much weight training can help you! You're right you may not have the exact body you're wanting, but I bet you could get pretty darn close if you stick to strength training just as much as cardio!
  • CardiacNP
    CardiacNP Posts: 554 Member
    Vent and keep making the right choices. What would you rather 300 lbs and tight skin or 135 with some excess skin. I'll take the extra skin anyday. no one ever got diabetes, high blood pressure or heart diesase from extra skin.

    Plus you so much hotter in that "little black dress"
  • jtp5184
    jtp5184 Posts: 138 Member
    its ok vent it out!

    Im sorry you're feeling discouraged but you should know that sharing you story gives other people encouragement (like me!). You did your self a great service in loosing the weight that you did! and you look beautiful. I doubt many of us will be completely satisfied with our bodies, were usually over critical. But you should be proud of your accomplishment. And if that isnt enough then just know there are many people that are proud of you!
  • SayLiLIG
    SayLiLIG Posts: 197 Member
    did you lose the weight quickly?? Usually with us younger people we still have plenty of elasticity in our skin as long as we exercise and weight train during our loss. Im not saying totally firm skin..but as long as we keep with the toning it should slowly shrink..
  • fcrisswell
    fcrisswell Posts: 234 Member
    I am right there with you!....after a 200+ pound loss I have oodles of skin. Probably 20 pounds of it.

    I would much rather have that then live the life I had to 200+ pounds ago. I carry a pic of my oldself with me always to remember that!

    Girdles are my best friends! With now 2 kids...I will likely never be able to afford plastic surgery but that's okay. No one but my man knows what is under there anyway and he obviously lovesit LOL
  • sturgill
    sturgill Posts: 118
    great job on getting healthier and sorry about the loose skin situation- maybe you can start saving for this surgery if you really want to have it. sounds like scary surgery to me. I think you are a very beautiful person . so hang in there and keep up the good work
  • jamiefire7
    jamiefire7 Posts: 50
    I do know the feeling! Try not to get down and instead be encouraged at how healthy you feel. Everyone has problem area's and I'll bet you look great. I think that we are way too hard and judgemental of ourselves. Have a better day!!
  • lbetancourt
    lbetancourt Posts: 522 Member
    you are just beautiful.. even behind those dark shades. be happy, stay positive & always remain healthy!
  • fteale
    fteale Posts: 5,310 Member
    I know it's not the same, but anyone who has been pregnant (especially with a giant, back to back baby, like my first) will know what it's like to have your skin stretched past the point of return.

    The first time I lost weight, through diet alone, after having the children, I was saggy, but this time, with exercise, I am getting more toned. You never know, it can happen. My tummy will always be a mess, but my arms and hips have toned up a lot from a lot of core work and press ups. If the skin is still attached to the muscle, it can be worked on.
  • laynethepain
    laynethepain Posts: 3 Member
    You're a rock star for working so hard and losing so much weight. Don't let the extra skin discourage you. Someday you may have the chance to do something major about it, but for now know that your skin will shrink some with time. And be proud of the hard work you have done to get and stay healthy!
  • Beebs33
    Beebs33 Posts: 262
    You are making yourself healthy and doing a great job. I'm sure it sucks to go through this but keep that chin up! You are doing fantastic!
  • runlorirun
    runlorirun Posts: 389
    I had found these a while ago, because I am worried about loose skin too.

    This site kind of explains why there is a myth to needing surgery, and of course they want you to buy the book but he does give you good information as to how your body can re-shrink the excess skin.

    http://www.bodyfatguide.com/LooseSkin.htm

    Just more info:
    |http://www.buzzle.com/articles/excess-skin-removal.html
  • FK1983
    FK1983 Posts: 186 Member
    Many people don't know this about me, but I used to weigh about 297 lbs about 6 years ago. After a HUGE diabetes scare with my doctor at age 19, I decided it was time to change. I went from 297 down to 136... a 161lb loss. I have now gone back up from 136 to about 169. The weight will come off, I know it will, but one thing that will never change is SKIN.

    Even when I was down to 136, I could never wear exactly what I wanted. Sagging skin resulted in sags in the front of my stomach, I couldn't even see my belly button because of sagging skin! Sags on my back, arms, legs, everywhere.

    I know that even when I get back down to my goal weight, I will never have a flat, perfect little tummy, nice toned arms and smooth thighs. Never. Because there is nothing that can be done about sagging skin. Besides a full-body lift, which is procedure used to remove access skin. The surgery starts at $25,000 (most cases) and I sure won't be able to afford that anytime soon.

    Alot of people ask what about exercise? Exercise may help a little, but not enough. I had a doctor flat out tell me surgery will be my only choice.

    I have had a doctor tell me I have anywhere from 10-15 lbs of just extra skin! Possibly more. So while I have been working hard, being healthy, it is still always in the back of my mind that I will never look the way I want to. The skin is still there, and once I get back down to my goal weight (135), there will be even more of it.

    Sorry for the rant, just had a real close look at myself in the mirror this morning and got discouraged. Thank you for letting me vent.:sad:
    I'm in the same boat as you although not as extreme (loose skin), will pm you :)
  • Pakitalian85
    Pakitalian85 Posts: 57 Member
    Thank you all for the encouragement. Feeling a lot better. Glad to have the weight off. I will take skin over fat. It's nice to know I can always come here for support and encouragement. You all are amazing!!!
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