Loose Skin?!!?!?!?!

Posted on November 25, 2014

I hadn't even thought about the idea of having loose skin... until my aunt asked if I was having any issues yet... I have lost 55.5 pounds and have 44.5 pounds left. I am soooo super paranoid now that she has brought the issue to light. I feel heartbroken--- like my dream goal may not even be a physical reality (without surgery--- which who can afford/wants to go through all that?) I have accepted stretch marks LONG ago as I have been getting them since 6th grade. But loose skin... that is a new one to me. I know that loose skin is def a lot better than being obese- you can't die from heart disease because of loose skin. But I can't help but cry about it. After working this hard... to end up all loose skinny is NOT ideal.

So what does everyone think? How likely is it to have loose skin with 100 pound weight loss... as a 23 year old that has been packing on the weight slowly yet surely for the last ten years-- 5'3" 240 at my heaviest? I have a wee bit of hope since I am young, that I am loosing the weight slowly and since I am getting rid of the weight sooner rather than later. But the other part of me knows I had hit the morbidly obese mark and am aware of how many stretch marks I have... stretch marks fade but they will always be a scar of stretched skin that cannot shrink back. Where is the point of no return for our skin? Most videos I have watched with this loose skin issue- the people reached over 300 lbs... but I am short so I have to take in account that I don't have as much wiggle room... proportionally... where did I land compared to them?
I wish my Aunt would have never brought this to my attention! I feel like maybe I shouldn't loose as much as I had originally planned... is some pudge better than skin hanging all over? I feel like I would be happier looking how I look now than the alternative.

UGH! HELP... I know ultimately I won't know until I get there. I just want to know-- is there anyone out there like me... that has been through this- that can share their story so I can have an idea of what to expect.

THANKS!

Comment Now!

Kat

11/30/2014 7:24PM

If you want to avoid baggy skin as you lose weight, it is pretty helpful to include weight lifting/circuit training. This type of exercise seems to help build both muscle and connective tissues, which tighten the skin as you lose weight. I can tell you that the loss of 60 pounds, from 207 to 147, for a person of your 5'3" did not result in baggy skin for me with my weight lifting/circuit training and walking regime.

Chelsy M. likes this comment.

Chelsy M.

Yay! I have been doing that all along. I feel so much better. Thank you!

prsmomdoc

11/26/2014 8:44AM

You have a few things on your side: you are young and you put on the weight over time, instead of in a couple years. Continually hydrate your skin with good creams or oils as you go (like Emu oil). They aren't cheap, but taking care of your skin through this process may help. I don't have personal experience with this, but I'm in medical school and that is what we have learned about skin changes through drastic weight changes. Good luck to you!

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Chelsy M.

11/26/2014 6:41AM

Thank you Ladies! I feel much better. I have been doing this slow and steady... I average about 2.3 pounds a week since I have started. I drink TONS of water and exercise regularly. *Fingers Crossed* This is going to happen!

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Tracie

11/25/2014 9:36PM

As I have been on my weightloss journey I have occasionally noticed a few loose areas of skin --- but they have always tightened up with time. Most of my areas involve stretch mark areas --- they have stayed, but also are pretty light --- much healthier than the weight I used to carry. From what I have researched genetics may play a role, but eating healthy and keeping hydrated seems to limit the problem and minimize it.

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Brit

11/25/2014 2:14PM

I always thought you end up with loose skin if you drastically lose weight in a short period of time. I could be mistaken, but if you lose weight gradually, it shouldn't be an issue.

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Rebekah Y.

11/25/2014 1:49PM

It's not an odd thing to worry about Chelsy. I'm 5'3" and was 236 lbs at my max weight. I think as long as you have a good exercise plan that you are sticking with and not losing it by diet alone, then you will be fine. You're not only losing your fat, but you're replacing it with muscle so it helps so much more. Don't let your Aunt's question stop you from reaching your ultimate goal. We are all here to back you up and stand beside you. :-)

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Kelsey D.

11/25/2014 11:28AM

Slow and steady is the key. Being young your skin has much more elasticity and ability to bounce back. Eating healthy, slow weight loss and lots of water will help you tremendously. Keep doing what you are doing!

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Susie S.

11/25/2014 6:24AM

I had the same thought. I told my husband I was scare of the idea of loose skin he thought I was weird. But from what I heard the problem occurs if you lose a lot in a short period of time, you skin needs time. So a steady weight loss is ideal. Don't worry you will be fine. You are beautiful and will meet your goals!!

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