We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Extra skin- what to do?

2004Jessica
2004Jessica Posts: 113
edited October 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I'm sure some of the poochyness in my belly is from loose skin from 2 pregnancies. (I got very large with both- couldn't even zip my coat with the last one!) The baby is 6 years old and my belly is very flabby still. I always thought I couldn't do anything about extra skin, but I got thinking, with all the people here, maybe someone has tried something that worked for their extra skin. Is there a way to tighten up this belly of mine, or is the dieting enough? Or will it just hang more as I lose weight?

Replies

  • Unfortunately surgery is typically required after a large amount of weight loss.
  • Hi, I have the same problem but lately I feel that with walking and running it has gone down. I wear a curves slimming waitband that can be purchased by any AVON salesperson.
  • mamashatzie
    mamashatzie Posts: 238 Member
    Clean eating, cardio, and strength training are all supposed to help tighten loose skin. Can you do a few sessions with a trainer?
  • Frannswaz
    Frannswaz Posts: 172 Member
    Not sure if you cando anything about loose skin besides surgery but until you find the answer....good (and comfy) support undies...makes a load of difference to how your clothes will fit and how you feel as your weight loss continues :smile:
  • Not sure if it will help, but I gained 54 with my first child and then had 2 after. I had to have all via c-section which also causes a "hanging" effect. I have been doing strength training and cardio while losing weight and it has helped tremendously. You may not get the full tightness back, but it truly does make a HUGE difference. If you keep up with it even after goal weight, and do some serious focus on your core, you will notice a huge difference and maybe, just maybe, even get back to near what you did without kids ;) My goal is to tighten up enough to get rid of the hang, if it isn't a total hard-body I can deal (price of being a momma), but I want to look better in a swimsuit and without strength and cardio, as you lose, it just hangs loose.
  • raevynn
    raevynn Posts: 666 Member
    I've met people who have lost a LOT of weight doing raw vegan, who shared that the loose skin has just kept gradually tightening up over time.

    I'm thinking (my opinion) that it is all the fresh fruit and veggies - antioxidants, phyto-nutrients, etc., that the skin needs to stay elastic.

    Keep well hydrated, too. Lots of water, and water-rich fresh foods.
  • iluminadaonix
    iluminadaonix Posts: 79 Member
    I've been doing cardio, and strength and lots of crunches for the pastmonths and see a huge difference. I also been using CELLU-SCULPT anti cellulite slimming treatment is by AVON solution, and have noticed a big difference. I put it after workout and shower over my legs and stomach.
  • I can not afford a strength trainer, but I can drink lots of water and eat fruits and veggies. I wish I could just have the surgery, but again I don't have that kind of cash. Thanks for all your answers, guys! :flowerforyou:
  • JsGirl93
    JsGirl93 Posts: 1,156
    A lot of the time the pooch/hanging skin is extra stubborn fat. I had two very large babies & know what you are talking about. Eat clean, lots of water, healthy fats, STRENGTH TRAINING, & time are sometimes all thats needed. I emphasize strength because that's when I really noticed a difference. And no, I don't mean crunches. Lol
  • funsizeme
    funsizeme Posts: 12 Member
    I had been reading about this as well. There was an article I ran across. It suggested that proper exfoliation wld help skin elasticity. Getting rid of the old dead skin cells wld stimulate new ones, hence creating a more toned/tighter skin. Obviously this wldn't happen over night but wld happen with the proper diet and exercise over time. I am trying it myself and it seems to be working. I had two pregancies and extensive amounts of yo-yo dieting.
    Oh another theory I'm testing out is the preperation H. According to this article it suggest that putting PrepH on your skin and then wrapping it up, during wkout or throughout day, will help support skins elasticity. I havent been consistant with it, so I cldnt' share results with you on it yet. Try it, you never know. :)
  • LJA1968
    LJA1968 Posts: 516 Member
    This topic is of great interest to me as well. I had two larger babies (9.3 & 10.3) and have had two surgeries via c-section cut (most recently a hysterectomy in July this year). As my weight is gradually coming off I notice the "hang" more and more. Since I am unable to work my core as of yet because if the surgery, I'm worried the skin will get even looser as I lose weight. I've lost 11 since my surgery.
This discussion has been closed.