SKIN SUCCESS stories- for WOMEN OVER 55 ONLY, please!

Hi @NewMEEE2016

I am now 53 and started my monster weight loss of 168 lbs at the age of 48. It took just over 2 years and I have maintained that loss for 3 + years now at a weight of approx. 110 lbs at 5' 4".

I have been menopausal on HRT since a Hyster at 28 and have 2 children now aged 31 and 28 years.

I think my skin has bounced back really well and my masseuse has been equally amazed when she saw the before pics of me.

Genetics is key I think and also because my lose was slow and steady it helped. Some people on here have terrible problems but I have been very lucky.

I'm pretty clueless with the computer and probably live in a different time zone to you Aust. but would be happy if I can to send you pics of my tummy etc if you would be interested.

Best advice I can give is just to be a patient as possible (not easy) do as others have advised and lift heavy (I wish I had done this more). Wraps, lotions etc etc may make your skin feel nice but the evidence for lasting change and results do not seem to be there.

I wish you all the best.

My pleasure @NewMEEE2016.

Weight loss and how you want to look at the finish may lead to very different expectation and outcomes.

I do think the media and Hollywood types play into unrealistic expectations and then that leads to deep disappointment. It is sad when you think about it seeing that what we are doing is a very noble and healthy thing ie. keeping our weight under control and staying active thus avoiding the scourge of obesity, diabetes and osteoporosis etc.

Keep up the good fight. As others have pointed out there are many options in dealing with excess skin issues from supportive undergarments to corrective surgery.

Ha! I was coming to post my lifting programme, but I see a little more is needed.
Here is the lifting programme. AllPro.

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=160947761

I like it because it progresses in reps (8-12) rather than weight. I lift alone so I like to feel secure in the weight I am trying to move.

The saggy skin and haggard face were really a thing for the first couple of years after I lost the weight, but both my face and body adjusted to my new size over time.
Compared to a twenty year old one could say both still applied, but I am not a 20 yo and I am very happy with my body, my face, I would have loved to have kept a little roundness, but having my hair slightly longer rounds it out.
My face- 2000 aged 47 as I was gaining weight (left): 2015 aged 61 post weight loss (right)



I have learned a lot over the years and one thing is that as one goes through menopause subcutaneous fat decreases and visceral fat increases. This I now know is why my skin is a little looser on my body, it isn't just weight loss. I do think I may have had slightly better results if I had lost pre menopause, but I have nothing really to base that thought on.

Cheers, h.
Edit: eek, I think I now prefer my face now, joke, the older pic is non digital that I just snapped.

Hi Lainey 4818
Thanks so much for the compliment! I am 5'8" and I started at 169lb and I stay at 135lb pretty consistently. I ate 1200-1400 calories a day. I'll be honest with you, I'm not a "clean" eater, I don't love vegetables, I do love sweets and junk food. So, breakfast is Jimmy Dean Delight Breakfast sandwich, 250 calories and lots of protein. Buy them by the case at Costco. If I am not working out or traveling will have a Zone bar or Nature Vally Sweet and Salty protein bar. Lunch is yo plait Greek yogurt with Kashi go lean crunch cereal. (I do measure the cereal). I often have egg salad made with 6 egg whites, one yolk and light mayo and mustard. I do measure the mayo, I always have light string cheese because it has lots of protein. I also use Lean Cuisine and Weight Watchers frozen dinners because they make counting calories so easy, I do make salads a lot with chicken breast, cheese, cucumbers, peppers, carrots. I go to panera and have different salads and then go home and recreate them. I use Bolthouse yogurt dressings, they are the best! I do soup a lot during fall and winter. For sweets I do the skinny cow products, they are all good. I have to keep some foods like peanut butter out of the house, too tempting. I work out a lot doing cardio and weight training. The weight training keeps the loose skin away. Sorry to be so long but I wasn't sure how much detail you wanted. Hope this helps. MFP is so great. Calories add up quick is what I learned. Sure, I was working out but I was eating 2000 calories or more and eating back all my workout calories without thinking about it. But wearing that bikini made it all worth it!

I am in my early fifties, lost 43 pounds exercising faithfully (6 times a week of 1 hour spin classes and after 9 months into the first year started weight lifting 3 times a week, in addition to eating clean and measuring all food intake). Weight came of within a year. At about 30 pounds weight loss I got scared of my arm wings which is why I incorporated weight lifting. My arms still have some wing flab but not nearly as bad as they were before weight lifting. I have maintained 43 pound weight loss by working out 4 to 5 times a week which includes 1 hour of cardio and weight training 2 to 3 times a week along with clean eating and meal preparation for 2 years now. My stomach still has some loose skin or flab. I don't let it bother me because I am not into wearing clothing that shows my tummy and back such as halter type clothing. I am pretty happy with my outcome of hard work and dedication. To my surprise weight melted off and I love working out. I am focusing on abdominal workouts to tone because I really never focused on my stomach. Have always disliked stomach crunches and floor exercises which is why I have focused on activities I enjoy.

I wish you well. Weight lifting definitely helps and gives us more body definition. Burns calories even after working out. Makes you stronger. Many great benefits, worth trying.