Oh no, I do have loose skin... Thought I didn't... Help!

[Chunky]

I was super happy that I didn't have enough loose skin to care. As you can see, I've lost about 70 pounds and just hit my goal.

I lift weights, heavy ones, many days a week with a trainer, plus do yoga and more. I workout 6 days a week. I'm in my early 40s.

So, I am away on spring break and in shorts. And while in plank, I was so bummed. I never realized how much compression happens in exercise leggings and crops... My legs looked nasty. Granted I'm not in this position that much, but I don't think I'll wear shorts while doing yoga or weight lifting again...

Just standing up, I have light excess skin on my boobs, belly, back of thighs/lower butt, but if wearing shorts that are 4" inseam or longer or pants, or as long as my belly is covered, it doesn't bother me too much. And my arms (triceps) have some loose skim too, though some may be tricep fat.

In any case, skin removal never even crossed my mind till today. Just not sure I want to spend the money, pain, or recovery time on it.

How did you decide? Are there things I can do to help the skin pull back... Not all the way, but even some? Will it come in over time? Should I just wait it out and keep exercising? I'd love advice.

Cross posted in main area too.

Thanks!

[BillyJ]

My personal trainer told me that since I have lost so much weight so fast I will have hanging skin. I am 57 so I decided that since I never went sleeveless before I will just continue that way. I have heard many people go thru surgery to remove the excess skin and they love the results but I am not interested.

[jmw]

Honestly, if it were ME, with what you described, I would not have plastics. As you said, that is not a position that you are in often and it is easily remedied bu wearing longer shorts. Plastics are no joke(I had the works done), and I decided on it because my extra skin was life altering. Literally. I had to roll and tuck my tummy skin in to pants. I developed boils and rashes under skin. My clothes did not fit well(i.e. I would have to buy a size 8 to accomodate my stomach, and alter the waist 2-5 inches to stay up, it was beyond the capability of a belt.), and the skin got in my way when exercising. That is how I decided. And, even with all of that, I still can't tell you if I made the right decision or not.

[onitat2]

How did you start eating when your doctor told you that you could eat what you wanted.Because I started out at 280lbs and I had my surgery done on September 26th,2014 and I am down 72 lbs.Which put me at 218 and my goal is 180.But it seems like I cant get pass that.Do you have any suggestions

[Chunky]

Thank you Jessica. I am thinking you are right. I also am reading a lot on the topic, and I think I may have subcutaneous fat under the skin and... if I lower my body fat, some of these ripples will go away.

Honestly, if it were ME, with what you described, I would not have plastics. As you said, that is not a position that you are in often and it is easily remedied bu wearing longer shorts. Plastics are no joke(I had the works done), and I decided on it because my extra skin was life altering. Literally. I had to roll and tuck my tummy skin in to pants. I developed boils and rashes under skin. My clothes did not fit well(i.e. I would have to buy a size 8 to accomodate my stomach, and alter the waist 2-5 inches to stay up, it was beyond the capability of a belt.), and the skin got in my way when exercising. That is how I decided. And, even with all of that, I still can't tell you if I made the right decision or not.

[Chunky]

My doctor never said eat what you want. He said eat protein first, always.

I am slowly increasing my calories, but still exercising as much if not more than before. And I am focusing on staying true to the new habits, and not going back to the old ones.

How did you start eating when your doctor told you that you could eat what you wanted.Because I started out at 280lbs and I had my surgery done on September 26th,2014 and I am down 72 lbs.Which put me at 218 and my goal is 180.But it seems like I cant get pass that.Do you have any suggestions

[Mzzsugar]

I am using a lotion with a skin firmer in it, I think it Nivea. Between the exercise and lotion my loose skin isn't bad. But I still have a long way to go. We'll see how it looks at the end. It is an inexpensive option to try first.

[bergamini]

I worked out 1-2 times every day post-op and still had loose skin, it's just genetics. I had an extended tummy tuck (flank to flank instead of just hip to hip). It was worth it but it's a heck of a recovery. I did it because my loose skin was flapping when I ran (marathoner) and when I would do planks, down dogs or certain moves in Pilates my belly skin would slosh and flop. Gross. I have abdominal definition now so that's cool.

[Terps]

It's such a big and personal decision. I have always had a tummy. In high school, and a fairly normal weight, I gained some weight.mit showed up in my tummy and the mean girls started a rumor I was pregnant. Later in life, complete strangers would congratulate me on "expecting" when I wasnt. Even when I was bodybuilding at age 28' before kids and at 12% body fat I had a pooch. So 18 years later, two kids, yo yo dieting and a 50lb weight loss I decided to do it. It's been a rough 4 weeks of recovery...SERIOUSLY THIS IS A VERY BRUTAL RECOVERY. But I'm at the point where I'm beginning to love my results. I'm not allowed to work out yet, but when I get back in the gym it's going to be awesome.

My hubby and I try to get to the Caribbean, Florida, or at least a pool as much as possible. So looking good in a swimsuit was important to me. That was an important factor in my decision making process.

Ultimately it's a personal decision. It's very expensive, leaves you with some serious scars, and takes you out of commission for awhile. There are risks and complications that can happen. People can be so very judgmental.

Not sure if this helps at all. You are so dedicated to your fitness, I bet you look amazing right now. Let us know how things go in your decision making. I'm not advocating for it...just sharing my story and some of the rationale.

[Chunky]

Kristen,

definitely a personal decision. I am leaning toward waiting it out... and maybe give it a year and see how I feel.

I also think that there's a chance if I lose more it could lessen. My tummy is actually not bothering me (I mean I have a little pooch) but I do not wear full bikinis, only tankinis. The legs and back of thigh were what grossed me out a little when doing plank - I looked like I was 100 years old in shorts when in that position. Guess I will either not look, or wear crops or pants when doing pushups and planks, etc... Hmmm. The butt and back of legs just means no short shorts - but even a 4"-5" inseam covers enough when standing. I lost a lot of weight - but we are talking 70 pounds. And I just don't know that the flappy arms and legs need the scars, money, and time away from working out - to get fixed. Not sure I want it. If it was overnight recovery, mild scars, and not too pricey, it would be a different conversation.

What I can say is this sure beats being the 200 pounds I was.

[Terps]

What I can say is this sure beats being the 200 pounds I was.

Amen Sister!!!

[angie 3]

I agree! Amen sister again! Even if my tummy hits the floor before my feet in the morning!