loose skin

Unfortunately, it's just one of those things where you can't know exactly how it's gonna turn out, but you can do things to minimize the likelihood of loose skin. I think what most people will tell you is that the best thing to do is to lose weight slowly (which is a good idea for numerous reasons). Resistance training might help too, and it'll definitely help you to get a stronger body--and who doesn't love that?

Hope this helps. Good luck!

I think its genetic. I lost my weight slowly (over a year now) Do lots of strength training and drink water and my skin is loose. I also used tons of lotions etc. As a teen I also got stretch marks as my hips came it etc...so yea I say its genetic

It's genetics, you can drink all the water you want. Either you're going to have excess loose skin or you're not. And there's nothing you can do about it really if your body doesn't catch up, barring surgery. You must understand that so many of our bodily ideals all stem from aesthetics...movies...opinion...public expectations...etc., and not science. Don't waste your time worrying about it, just be glad you got way healthier.

It's genetics, you can drink all the water you want. Either you're going to have excess loose skin or you're not. And there's nothing you can do about it really if your body doesn't catch up, barring surgery. You must understand that so many of our bodily ideals all stem from aesthetics...movies...opinion...public expectations...etc., and not science. Don't waste your time worrying about it, just be glad you got way healthier.
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Great advice! Love the attitude. :drinker:

Thanks for clearing things up TheFitnessTut

I have had four children, and I am very short (under 5 feet tall) and my babies were all over 8lbs at birth. Needless to say, I stretched out quite a bit (in addition to gaining 40+ lbs of fat each pregnancy!).

My profile pic is my stomach. I had a LOT of skin after the fourth baby, and honestly I still do -- I am not nearly as tight as I was in college -- but I think it is looking pretty good. Even the stretch marks have faded. I suppose if I got really, really skinny, my body would tighten up more, but I want to be strong and have lots of energy for my kids. So, I eat.

The good news is that I don't have flaps of skin hanging out all over the place, y'know? I was afraid of that, too. I did have a "sharpei" look for a while, but that went away as I continued to exercise. I might actually consider getting a lift at some point, but for now I am content to try to "work my butt off," lol!

I endorse weight training, eating clean (no soda, no junk food!), drinking lots and lots and lots of water, and wearing spanks when ya gotta! ;-)

I heard that it could take up to two years for your skin to finish shrinking. Most plastic surgeons recommend waiting at least a year in maintenance mode after weight loss before removing loose skin.

I have some loose skin. I have much less than I thought I would. My husband asked me the other day if I wanted to eventually (after having any other children) get a tummy tuck, because I have a flap from being pregnant with our son. But I think I won't care when I'm all done.

I've never wanted to strut around in a string bikini, that's just not my style.

But, I've heard there are things you can be doing to help have LESS loose skin. Water, certainly, and tone your muscles. Loose skin looks better with some muscle tone underneath.

My sister used a skin firming lotion, and that seemed to work a bit, but I bet hydrating your skin with good creams, no matter what they have in them, would help with circulation and elasticity.