Loose skin as you lose weight?

youarewhatyoueat86
youarewhatyoueat86 Posts: 27 Member
edited November 12 in Health and Weight Loss
Is or has anyone experienced loose skin during or after weight loss? I know it's a common thing, but I want to hear your experiences. What products did you use for firming and toning? Anyone have amazing skin and it firmed and toned on its own?
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Replies

  • microwoman999
    microwoman999 Posts: 545 Member
    bump :)
  • bluberrygoo
    bluberrygoo Posts: 222 Member
    My skin is actually tightening as I lose.
  • youarewhatyoueat86
    youarewhatyoueat86 Posts: 27 Member
    They say it depends how long you've been overweight and how quickly you lose the weight. I'm just wondering if anyone has experience or suggestions on the topic.

    But bluberry that's good! Good for you. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
  • emma110984
    emma110984 Posts: 124 Member
    bump
  • samhelen
    samhelen Posts: 98
    I've had a few friends that have seen mixed results -- the ones that didn't have a somewhat intense exercise/weight lifting regime tended to have more issues with loose skin than those that have worked out consistently as they've lost the weight -- I really think its a combination of genetics, how overweight you were/are, and time...
  • ajanmillie
    ajanmillie Posts: 241 Member
    I am saggy everywhere but at least it is only skin and not fat!
  • kristenn1989
    kristenn1989 Posts: 196 Member
    I have a lot of excess skin and I find it rather bothersome and ugly. I've been told by a doctor that in my case it probably won't tighten up on its own.
  • Jmstill300
    Jmstill300 Posts: 239 Member
    I've having some serious issues with extra skin since I've lost the weight I have (149 lbs in 10 months). It was recommended to me to give the skin time to readjust due to my age (30), but if after some time, there's no change, it's time to go the doctor and see what they recommend. I'm hoping it clears up on it's own.
  • Victoria2448
    Victoria2448 Posts: 559 Member
    Is or has anyone experienced loose skin during or after weight loss? I know it's a common thing, but I want to hear your experiences. What products did you use for firming and toning? Anyone have amazing skin and it firmed and toned on its own?

    Many things determine what your skin will do after weightloss. Genetics, age, and diet. For example, sugar is said to break down collagen in your body. Some foods are said to build collagen.

    Your skin will continue to tighten up for about two years after weightloss.
  • Altruista75
    Altruista75 Posts: 409 Member
    I've heard a bunch of mixed things on this topic as well. I was going to give it awhile to see how my skin adjusts but if I don't see big improvements I have a feeling surgery will be in the cards to get some of it removed! The body is an amazing thing so it can probably adjust (I'm hoping)!
  • beccarockslife
    beccarockslife Posts: 816 Member
    It's pretty much genetic, keep well hydrated and be patient! It can take a year at target weight to really see results.
  • rockyshrode
    rockyshrode Posts: 69 Member
    bump
  • Aerohead21
    Aerohead21 Posts: 333 Member
    When I lost weight the first time I had saggy and loose skin. I was totally embarrassed by it but it never bounced back and I did have an intense exercise regimen. I expect it to happen this time around as well.

    I think if you are prepared for it, it will be easier to deal with emotionally.
  • bkandisjj29
    bkandisjj29 Posts: 172
    I was worried about the same thing because this is my first diet since having two babies. A friend recommended doing pilates for abs 3x a week saying that this would help big time. I have only lost 15 pounds so far, but no loose skin yet, my belly actually is looking so much better. I use Leslie Sansone 10 minute solution. Only 10 minutes 3x a week.
  • jaqiswany
    jaqiswany Posts: 76
    My friend and I hired a Vibro step to help with toning as we dieted.

    It worked out alot cheaper than attending a gym etc to use one.

    We liked it so much we ended up buying it , it was a personal sale rather than from a company so we got a bargain ( the lady had lost interest in it )

    We have noticed a big difference and use it 10 mins each day , it took 2 weeks to start showing results . Im hoping that with continued use everything will continue to tighten as we go , fingers crossed.
  • Rahul_ahuja
    Rahul_ahuja Posts: 28
    My skin is actually tightening as I lose.


    Same with me I believe thats coz we are young
  • kschmi24
    kschmi24 Posts: 59 Member
    I found these articles on avoiding loose skin if it is possible:

    http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/weight-loss/how-to-avoid-having-loose-skin-after-losing-weight.html
    http://www.livestrong.com/article/76938-prevent-loose-skin-after-weight/
    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28354842/ns/health-fitness/t/lose-weight-gain-loose-suit-skin/#.T1tv8_V2H2Q

    Most say stay hydrated, moisturize your skin regularly, keep up your exercise regimen and lose weight slowly to help minimize sagging skin. Note the word minimize, not avoid all together.
  • ThatGirlGlow
    ThatGirlGlow Posts: 68 Member
    Bump for later
  • kim457
    kim457 Posts: 15
    Age does play into it. My arms are horrible with loose skin and my legs. My surgeon told me mine would tighten a tad bit but not to expect them to tighten all the way up cause of my age. I just pray for plastic surgery one day
  • HeatherR930
    HeatherR930 Posts: 214 Member
    I'm 27 & have lost 55 lbs in 7 months, from a size 16 to a size 6-8. I work out a LOT, so I feel like that has helped, but I still have loose skin on my upper arms & stomach, with a little on my neck. I will continue to work out & hope that over time, the skin will realize there isn't fat filling it anymore, nor will there ever be again, & decide to tighten up! I've heard it can take a couple years, so I will just keep doing my thing & be patient! I truly don't believe that creams can do it, so I'm not wasting my time or money on that. Just my personal opinion, though.
  • TrailRunner61
    TrailRunner61 Posts: 2,505 Member
    Mine is tightening as I lose weight but I am doing it slowly. I am however worried about what looks like a little 'flap' forming on the bottom of my tummy.. hmm I guess I could store a light string cheese there just in case I get hungry. Yeah, I'm kidding. I don't know what I'll do if it stays there. I'ts not really big but if it WAS and my clothes didn't look 'ok' at my goal weight, I'd prolly have it 'whacked' off with a tummy tuck. If I could afford it. If not, I guess it will be spanx, or duct tape, or clothespins. Whatever works. At least we will be healthier. :)
  • hkween
    hkween Posts: 1 Member
    I also battle with problem... so, I use all kinds of different lotions, when I get out of the shower mostly, to help. Even though they say it may be temporary I don't think it hurts at all. My progress has been slow and good... Most firming lotions suggest you use them twice daily.... So good luck and don't be discouraged, you've worked hard to be healthier, everything else is small in comparison!
  • Zombietata
    Zombietata Posts: 11
    the only part is the middle of my belly, my legs, arms and my butt are getting firm. Its funnt because I have a lil pack on top then this round part in the middle, i just laugh at times.
  • delilah47
    delilah47 Posts: 1,658
    You are young. Your skin is probably still very elastic unless you've had a pregnancy that over-stretched your tummy. If you keep your skin moisturized/hydrated you should be okay.
  • knjantz
    knjantz Posts: 40 Member
    It is important to do toning exercises as you are doing cardio and weight loss exercises that way the skin isn't as flabby and you don't have to tone it up all at once. if you tone while you lose you won't have a problem. If you have already lost and not toned just work on machines at the gym, do something like a circuit trainer or individual toning machines. Planet Fitness you can get a trainer for free- he can show you what to do :)
  • littlelily613
    littlelily613 Posts: 769 Member
    I've lost about 63 pounds now (despite what my ticker thing says), and I still have just a little over 100 to go. My skin is already loose and sagging, and I know it is going to be saggy once I lose anymore. I really can't see any cream fixing it either. I think that is just wishful thinking (for the amount of saggy skin I am going to have---it might work for people that just have a little bit). I would love to have a tummy tuck once I am down to goal, but don't know if I can afford it.
  • o_delaisse
    o_delaisse Posts: 193 Member
    A few days ago I would have said no - I have that problem and I can't see a change, BUT - I was with my friend yesterday and I was complaining about it and I showed her, and she said "Now that is a LOT better than the last time I saw it". It's still there, I still hate it, but apparently it's getting a bit better!
  • coraliethomas
    coraliethomas Posts: 336 Member
    Yeah, Im 28 and my doc said that time and patience would do the trick. My bootcamp instructor also said that excersize with weight los is important, it helps tone up your muscles and that seems to help with the flappy skin.

    I just wish it would tighten up faster!
  • HonkyTonks
    HonkyTonks Posts: 1,193 Member
    I lost my weight over 2 years and have a lot of excess skin. I am probably going to get surgery when I get to goal weight.
  • adamb83
    adamb83 Posts: 719 Member
    I'm 29 - I've lost just over 100 pounds (from my heaviest point) and have about 30 to go. I've got a lot of loose skin, especially around the midsection and underarms. I've seen my doctor and a specialist (surgeon) about it - both say that I'll definitely have to have surgery to get rid of it. Unfortunately, health insurance considers it cosmetic, so they don't cover the procedures - and the procedures are very expensive. =/

    Edit* - I strength train twice a week and have built up quite a bit of lean muscle, so my body fat % has dropped. Unless I were to bulk up to an insane amount of muscle -like bodybuilder physique- t's not going to make much difference. It's just empty space that won't go away on its own.
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