SCARED of loose skin
TMK0214
Posts: 70 Member
I'm trying to lose at least 100 pounds and chances are i will have some loose skin, im super terrified.. sometimes it makes me want to give up because I'd rather be plus sized at the beach, then be skinny but with like 10lbs of loose skin just sitting around. Ive already talked to my family and they promised me a tummy tuck (as bday or Christmas gift) but Im worried about my thighs and arms. Has anybody on here lost a lot of weight and ended up not having a lot of loose skin on their arms etc?
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Replies
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I did a TT a few years ago to help with twin skin and repair ab muscles.
It was worth it.
You should check out RealSelf for experiences there. I met some ladies that had lost 100+ and went through the whole shabang.
Good luck!3 -
Lots of people lose that much weight and more. Some have loose skin and some do not, but I'm willing to bet you that not a single one of them would say that it wasn't worth losing the weight.11
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You'd rather have 100 lbs of fat hanging off you than a few lbs of loose skin? Why? I've lost almost 150. Sure, I have some loose skin and bat wings, but not a single person has mentioned it. In fact, most people comment how strong, fit and toned I look. I'm like, huh? You can look at my progress pics over in success Stories ("Before and after, same outfit"). Since your family has promised surgery, there's not too much to worry about. Get out of your head and focus on your weight loss and fitness plan (meant kindly.)8
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I've got some loose crepey skin on my thighs. Big deal. Those who know me know the hard work I did to come by it. Those who don't have something about themselves they are insecure about. People who notice these things we perceive as flaws generally won't give them a second thought. It really is not worth giving up over.5
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I am going to put this bluntly, are you really prepared to say vanity (how you look) is more important than health? Realize as time goes by we will all get wrinkled. It is part of ageing. For that matter, if how you look is so important to you, 100 pounds of extra fat doesn't look good at all.5
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You are very young. I am not saying that to be dismissive. I am saying that to point out that how you feel right now at 100 pounds overweight may be good enough that you consider it a better option than the possibility of having some loose skin but give it another 10-15 years max and you will change your mind. You will be achy and realize that you have reduced flexibility and that life in general is harder than needs to be in about a million tiny ways. Then you will need to start losing weight and it will take 2-3 years to lose it and then several more years to improve your body composition. By that time you will be in your upper 30s/40s and feel great but want to kick yourself in the *kitten* for putting it off for so long. Better to get it in gear and lose the weight now. A bit of loose skin is a very small price to pay for long term health.8
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rileysowner wrote: »I am going to put this bluntly, are you really prepared to say vanity (how you look) is more important than health? Realize as time goes by we will all get wrinkled. It is part of ageing. For that matter, if how you look is so important to you, 100 pounds of extra fat doesn't look good at all.
I'm definitely not saying that looks are more important than health.. which is why I'm trying to lose 100 pounds. But why not be healthy and look great?! I want to lose weight and FEEL great, I feel good right now and I'm happy with my body, but I know it's not healthy, but I also know that when I lose this weight, I'm not gonna feel good about loose skin, I'm not insecure now.. but will be if I have lots of loose skin. I know a few people who have loose skin and they're really insecure about it, more insecure than they were when they were "fat" I just don't want that to be me0 -
rileysowner wrote: »I am going to put this bluntly, are you really prepared to say vanity (how you look) is more important than health? Realize as time goes by we will all get wrinkled. It is part of ageing. For that matter, if how you look is so important to you, 100 pounds of extra fat doesn't look good at all.
I'm definitely not saying that looks are more important than health.. which is why I'm trying to lose 100 pounds. But why not be healthy and look great?! I want to lose weight and FEEL great, I feel good right now and I'm happy with my body, but I know it's not healthy, but I also know that when I lose this weight, I'm not gonna feel good about loose skin, I'm not insecure now.. but will be if I have lots of loose skin. I know a few people who have loose skin and they're really insecure about it, more insecure than they were when they were "fat" I just don't want that to be me
I still have skin issues after losing weight. Even though I hate it and it makes me self-conscious, I feel a million times better than I did when I was fat. I would never go back.3 -
You may be surprised that you might really not care that much about loose skin. It was one of my fears when I first started, but I soldered through anyway. I have loose skin, and I don't mind it as much as I thought I would. I thought I would be considering surgery, but now I don't believe it's worth it. In fact if one day I magically woke up without it I might miss it for a short while because it's so soft and fun to touch.
Do what you need to do and cross that bridge when you get to it. You may be okay with it, or you may not be and opt for surgery. Whatever happens, worrying about it now won't change a thing or help you in any way. Focus on the more important next step right now. Trust me, diabetes, heart disease and dodgy joints feel way worse than loose skin.5 -
You'll never see me in a bikini but you know what... I'll take the loose skin over the 80 pounds of fat any day. I don't like my belly but it still looks better than having 3 extra rolls there...
Plus they make cute 'skirt' swimsuits that I look awesome in - you can't see my belly or my inner thighs (arms are not great but could be worse, so whatever).
Also the longer you wait, the more loose skin you'll have.6 -
rileysowner wrote: »I am going to put this bluntly, are you really prepared to say vanity (how you look) is more important than health? Realize as time goes by we will all get wrinkled. It is part of ageing. For that matter, if how you look is so important to you, 100 pounds of extra fat doesn't look good at all.
I'm definitely not saying that looks are more important than health.. which is why I'm trying to lose 100 pounds. But why not be healthy and look great?! I want to lose weight and FEEL great, I feel good right now and I'm happy with my body, but I know it's not healthy, but I also know that when I lose this weight, I'm not gonna feel good about loose skin, I'm not insecure now.. but will be if I have lots of loose skin. I know a few people who have loose skin and they're really insecure about it, more insecure than they were when they were "fat" I just don't want that to be me
As good as you think you might feel now you will feel a million times better with the weight off. I've only lost 11 pounds so far and already feel better physically- it's easier to get up stairs, exercise, run, clothes fit better, I have more stamina & energy... you can't possibly feel "good" with 100 excess pounds on your frame.
Chances are you won't have much excess skin and most of what you have will be on your stomach which your family already has said they will pay to fix.
The sooner you get started the less likely it is you will get loose skin because the younger you are the better and the less you have to lose the better. If you wait till you are a few years older and a few pounds heavier to lose the weight the chances increase for loose skin.
Why not get started, try it, and see?
Also I have never understood how someone can say they feel fine with how they look with 100 pounds of extra body fat that everyone can see ALL THE TIME (even the most flattering clothes cannot hide 100 excess pounds), but are afraid of a little loose skin that they can easily hide with clothing but have an otherwise perfectly healthy looking normal sized body- the only time anyone will see it is if you wear a bikini or naked. What percent of your life are you naked or wearing a bikini in front of someone anyways? Maybe like 1% of the time or less?
First of all it's about health, but when it comes to looks I'd rather only look bad 1% of the time rather than 100% of the time.
You might be worrying about nothing anyways- I've seen several people who have lost 100 pounds and have no loose skin at all.
Are you sure you're not just making excuses because you're really just afraid of change, or daunted by the work and time it will take to lose the weight?5 -
courtneyfabulous wrote: »rileysowner wrote: »I am going to put this bluntly, are you really prepared to say vanity (how you look) is more important than health? Realize as time goes by we will all get wrinkled. It is part of ageing. For that matter, if how you look is so important to you, 100 pounds of extra fat doesn't look good at all.
I'm definitely not saying that looks are more important than health.. which is why I'm trying to lose 100 pounds. But why not be healthy and look great?! I want to lose weight and FEEL great, I feel good right now and I'm happy with my body, but I know it's not healthy, but I also know that when I lose this weight, I'm not gonna feel good about loose skin, I'm not insecure now.. but will be if I have lots of loose skin. I know a few people who have loose skin and they're really insecure about it, more insecure than they were when they were "fat" I just don't want that to be me
As good as you think you might feel now you will feel a million times better with the weight off. I've only lost 11 pounds so far and already feel better physically- it's easier to get up stairs, exercise, run, clothes fit better, I have more stamina & energy... you can't possibly feel "good" with 100 excess pounds on your frame.
Chances are you won't have much excess skin and most of what you have will be on your stomach which your family already has said they will pay to fix.
The sooner you get started the less likely it is you will get loose skin because the younger you are the better and the less you have to lose the better. If you wait till you are a few years older and a few pounds heavier to lose the weight the chances increase for loose skin.
Why not get started, try it, and see?
Also I have never understood how someone can say they feel fine with how they look with 100 pounds of extra body fat that everyone can see ALL THE TIME (even the most flattering clothes cannot hide 100 excess pounds), but are afraid of a little loose skin that they can easily hide with clothing but have an otherwise perfectly healthy looking normal sized body- the only time anyone will see it is if you wear a bikini or naked. What percent of your life are you naked or wearing a bikini in front of someone anyways? Maybe like 1% of the time or less?
First of all it's about health, but when it comes to looks I'd rather only look bad 1% of the time rather than 100% of the time.
You might be worrying about nothing anyways- I've seen several people who have lost 100 pounds and have no loose skin at all.
Are you sure you're not just making excuses because you're really just afraid of change, or daunted by the work and time it will take to lose the weight?
I'm not making any excuses, i work out 6 days a week and im willing to do all the hard work, whatever it takes to lose this pregnancy weight. I just THINK about loose skin and how it would make me feel etc. definitely not a reason to stop working out, it's just like a "what if" kind of thing. I was worried about my stomach the most, but since I'll get the TT I'm not worried about it anymore, just my arms and thighs, since those are the main things bothering me right now, and I know it'll only get worse the more weight I lose. That's why I wanted to see if anyone lost lots of weight and managed to not have loose skin on their arms and thighs0 -
Lost 140 so far. I may go for another 20 come spring to try to get the last stubborn belly fat, but for now I'm maintaining. Yep, there is loose skin. No, I didn't look better before. No, I definitely don't regret the weight loss.4
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courtneyfabulous wrote: »rileysowner wrote: »I am going to put this bluntly, are you really prepared to say vanity (how you look) is more important than health? Realize as time goes by we will all get wrinkled. It is part of ageing. For that matter, if how you look is so important to you, 100 pounds of extra fat doesn't look good at all.
I'm definitely not saying that looks are more important than health.. which is why I'm trying to lose 100 pounds. But why not be healthy and look great?! I want to lose weight and FEEL great, I feel good right now and I'm happy with my body, but I know it's not healthy, but I also know that when I lose this weight, I'm not gonna feel good about loose skin, I'm not insecure now.. but will be if I have lots of loose skin. I know a few people who have loose skin and they're really insecure about it, more insecure than they were when they were "fat" I just don't want that to be me
As good as you think you might feel now you will feel a million times better with the weight off. I've only lost 11 pounds so far and already feel better physically- it's easier to get up stairs, exercise, run, clothes fit better, I have more stamina & energy... you can't possibly feel "good" with 100 excess pounds on your frame.
Chances are you won't have much excess skin and most of what you have will be on your stomach which your family already has said they will pay to fix.
The sooner you get started the less likely it is you will get loose skin because the younger you are the better and the less you have to lose the better. If you wait till you are a few years older and a few pounds heavier to lose the weight the chances increase for loose skin.
Why not get started, try it, and see?
Also I have never understood how someone can say they feel fine with how they look with 100 pounds of extra body fat that everyone can see ALL THE TIME (even the most flattering clothes cannot hide 100 excess pounds), but are afraid of a little loose skin that they can easily hide with clothing but have an otherwise perfectly healthy looking normal sized body- the only time anyone will see it is if you wear a bikini or naked. What percent of your life are you naked or wearing a bikini in front of someone anyways? Maybe like 1% of the time or less?
First of all it's about health, but when it comes to looks I'd rather only look bad 1% of the time rather than 100% of the time.
You might be worrying about nothing anyways- I've seen several people who have lost 100 pounds and have no loose skin at all.
Are you sure you're not just making excuses because you're really just afraid of change, or daunted by the work and time it will take to lose the weight?
I'm not making any excuses, i work out 6 days a week and im willing to do all the hard work, whatever it takes to lose this pregnancy weight. I just THINK about loose skin and how it would make me feel etc. definitely not a reason to stop working out, it's just like a "what if" kind of thing. I was worried about my stomach the most, but since I'll get the TT I'm not worried about it anymore, just my arms and thighs, since those are the main things bothering me right now, and I know it'll only get worse the more weight I lose. That's why I wanted to see if anyone lost lots of weight and managed to not have loose skin on their arms and thighs
I mean, you could always gain weight back if loose skin really bothers you that much.... (if you even have that much)
I don't think many people would recommend that, but it's always an option. Just saying.
Don't let the fear of what may be stop you from even starting though. To lose even 50, 75, etc pounds will make a huge difference. 100 lbs is a long journey ahead.1 -
At your age, you have a very good chance your skin will tighten up, though it may actually take a couple of years longer than the weight loss itself. I am more than twice your age. I've lost 75 lbs total the last 5 years (still have 30 to go) and my skin has rebounded as much as it's going to, and surgery is not possible. When I hold up my arm, more than half of what you see is hanging skin. Is it painful & disturbing to see? You'd better believe it. Does it bother me? Yes! Would I trade the loose skin for the extra 75 lbs back? NO WAY! I look at it 2 ways. It's the visible evidence and a good reminder of the damage I did to my body for many years. It's also now a badge of honor.
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I forgot my point #2- just cross that bridge when you come to it (and make sure you come to it!)2
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Also, our actions in life have consequences...
Allowing yourself to become 100 pounds overweight has consequences. It's hard on your joints & organs and will lead to major health issues if you don't lose the weight. It's also stretched out your skin, so if you do lose the weight then yes you might have some loose skin.I'm definitely not saying that looks are more important than health.. which is why I'm trying to lose 100 pounds. But why not be healthy and look great?!
The truth is your body may never look as great as it could have if you'd never been overweight at all... but you can't go back in time and undo becoming overweight, you can only accept the consequences that came from your choices and do the best you can from this point forward. And the best thing would be to get down to a healthy weight.5 -
Maybe look into possible surgical options for loose skin on arms and thighs if it does end up being a problem? It might tighten up over time anyways but if not I'm sure they have a version of the tummy tuck for the arms & legs too?0
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I admit...Loose skin sucks but.... Being fat sucked more.4
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at your age I doubt you will have that much loose skin around your arms and thighs. Use a good moisturizer everyday to keep skin supple and it will most likely stay firm as you get fitter.0
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courtneyfabulous wrote: »Maybe look into possible surgical options for loose skin on arms and thighs if it does end up being a problem? It might tighten up over time anyways but if not I'm sure they have a version of the tummy tuck for the arms & legs too?
They do, but it's expensive too, and you have scars, so who knows what's worse.
I was 34 when I lost the weight and I had pretty big arms, but the loose skin really isn't that noticeable there (I have no problem wearing sleeveless tops), so it's not necessarily going to be as bad as you think, OP.1 -
Lost 4 stone, so yes, some loose skin -I'm 51 - but its not obvious, especially when fully clothed, and its still way better than the weight.
It's a bit like after having a baby, really.
You can't erase it, but it's not like evidence you committed a crime, is it? We were just fat, not evil.3 -
60 pounds lost so far - I had some loose skin but it's been tightening up by itself the last few months. I'm 25 so I don't know if that makes a difference.2
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There is absolutely no reason that you have to feel insecure if you have a little bit of loose skin. Just because you know people who feel this way, that doesn't mean that you also have to feel that way. If you feel secure now, why not just keep loving your body through all the changes to come and show others you know how you can continue to feel secure regardless of what happens. Certainly don't spend the next 100 pounds worrying about it, because if you do, you'll almost certainly derail. Enjoy the process and look forward to the results!rileysowner wrote: »I am going to put this bluntly, are you really prepared to say vanity (how you look) is more important than health? Realize as time goes by we will all get wrinkled. It is part of ageing. For that matter, if how you look is so important to you, 100 pounds of extra fat doesn't look good at all.
I'm definitely not saying that looks are more important than health.. which is why I'm trying to lose 100 pounds. But why not be healthy and look great?! I want to lose weight and FEEL great, I feel good right now and I'm happy with my body, but I know it's not healthy, but I also know that when I lose this weight, I'm not gonna feel good about loose skin, I'm not insecure now.. but will be if I have lots of loose skin. I know a few people who have loose skin and they're really insecure about it, more insecure than they were when they were "fat" I just don't want that to be me
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JennifrClaire wrote: »You can't erase it, but it's not like evidence you committed a crime, is it?
Well, a crime against our body, yes.
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my arms are really hysterical actually....... I laugh when I get that cute little slap sound when I am nakey. Its cute. NOT. lol BUT i can say absolutely: I will take my sound effect over the weight any day. Any day! And ...you are young I bet it will not be bad over time! All the best!
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There's quite a few youtube videos posted by people who've lost a LOT of weight and have loose skin.
There's ONE thing in common. EVERY SINGLE PERSON in those videos states they'd NEVER trade their loose skin for being fat again. The incredible benefits they've received in physical and emotional health FAR outweigh any insecurities or disappointment they've developed regarding their loose skin.1 -
I lost 70lb when I was 24 and didn't get any loose skin. Now I'm 32 after 30lb I can already see its going to be a problem. But I known only have myself and my chocolate eating to blame. I would still rather be able to physically do what I want and improve my medical problems than be fat. It is in the back of my mind though it may make it more difficult (or just embarrassing) to date. I am single so no existing person who is going to love me no matter what. I am hoping I can do that for myself .0
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