Flabbiness and Loose skin

[Sonya Parker]

For those who have lost weight on this diet, am curious whether you experienced loose skin tissue (since the fat under it disappears) after 10-30 lbs of weight.

[sadie147]

I lost about 36 lbs on this woe, but I lost it over 10 months. I think losing slower and exercising helps avoid the 'loose skin' problem. Though, my stomach does have loose skin, not bad but a bit. (since it was a small and slow weight loss)..but I contribute that to my age, I'm not 21 anymore so of course my skin doesn't have the elasticity it used to, that's just part of aging i think...

[Perry]

No loose skin here. I actually noticed that my skin tightened up even though I lost it all in a 7 week time span. 28lb weight loss.

[tickletussler]

I lost the first 20lbs in 2 months and another 5lbs since. I haven't had problems with loose skin, but I agree with Jen that it does depend on how quickly you lose the pounds, how much exercise you do, and age is also a factor.

Oh, and one more thing... I don't know if it also depends on how long you've been "overweight"? It could depend on how long your skin has been "stretched out" for... maybe? ensive

[cajunthunder]

I'm thinking it's an individual thing based on a lot of different factors. There are things you can do to hopefully help keep the skin shrinking along with the body, like making sure you're drinking plenty of water, moisturize your whole body and exercise.

[Bejiitta]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

For those who have lost weight on this diet, am curious whether you experienced loose skin tissue (since the fat under it disappears) after 10-30 lbs of weight.

Heh, deffinitly. It's been about two years and I STILL have loose skin. (Infact my best friend nicknamed me Plasticman after the DC comic book guy lol..)

However I workout alot so the muscle has been tightening the skin, even girls have commented how I'm kindof built, which always puts a smile on the face lol..

Course I'm no Rob Van Dam, more like Spike Dudley lol..

[gooniegirl]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

I'm curious about his too as I find it hard to tell. I'm not sure if what see that I have left to lose around the belly is fat or skin. I feel the muscles underneath . I've had three pregnancies and I've lost 41 pounds since Jan '04. The only area that isn't trim and muscular is the tummy despite many daily sit-ups and regular exercise. Has anyone had a "tummy tuck" that knows something else? I'm hoping with another 20 lbs that this will not be an area of concern but I don't know.

G.M.

[Sonya Parker]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

The only area that isn't trim and muscular is the tummy despite many daily sit-ups and regular exercise. Has anyone had a "tummy tuck" that knows something else? I'm hoping with another 20 lbs that this will not be an area of concern but I don't know.

Situps and other ab exercises will strenghten and tone the ab muscles , no doubt, but if there is still a layer of fat covering it (which most of us do), you wont start to feel or see the 6 pack. The key to that fat loss is cardio, cardio and more cardio. No amount of situps will do it.

On the topic of tummy tuck, yes it is very effective way of removing large (or moderate) amounts of loose skin. However it does leave a nasty scar across your lower belly (bikini line). If you can live with that, then its worth it. However I would strongly advise that you reach your goal weight, stabilise it for atleast 6 months without fluctuation before you consider the surgery.

[Sonya Parker]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

I'm curious about his too as I find it hard to tell. I'm not sure if what see that I have left to lose around the belly is fat or skin. I feel the muscles underneath . I've had three pregnancies and I've lost 41 pounds since Jan '04. The only area that isn't trim and muscular is the tummy despite many daily sit-ups and regular exercise. Has anyone had a "tummy tuck" that knows something else? I'm hoping with another 20 lbs that this will not be an area of concern but I don't know.

G.M.

You may also want to consider a body fat percentage test. Most gyms offer it as part of theor program if you are a member, others will do it for a nominal fee. Healthy range for a woman is between 16% - 24%. Ofcourse this measures body fat throughout your body. If you are trying to determine whether the stmach is fat or skin, pinch your stomach between your thumb and forefinger. Roll your finger and thumb in opposing directions. Do you feel small grains, large as mustard seeds? Or does it feel completely smooth. If you feel grains, it is fat.

[ttdriver]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

Unfortunately, alot of it is genetic ... if your parents had good muscle tone and good skin elasticity, you have a definite advantage. I'm grateful that my parents did. Even after gaining 52 pounds during a pregnancy, I have no stretch marks and now have a 23" waist and 6 pack abs. And I'm gonna be 50 in 5 months. I do run alot (35 miles a week) .. and also do weight training. I totally agree, that cardio is the KEY.

Betty

[Iapetus999]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

I still have a little belly that hangs over my belt when I sit down.
It's kind of annoying but I don't think it will ever go away.

[cesara]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

I've wondered about this, too.

I had a baby in my early 20's...I was slightly overweight when I got pregnant, but not ALOT....after the baby I stuck to a strick workout regime and ate quite well. Lost alot of weight and was doing situps like there was no tomorrow....BUT....my tummy still flip flopped all about....albeit it was much smaller...but still there gosh darnit....I also have many many stretchmarks from my kiddies.... nothing I could have done there....even in my 20's my skin's elasticity wasn't the greatest...haha.

Sooooooo, now that I'm MUCH heavier and on my way to slimness again, I don't expect my stomach will ever be the way it was pre-babies....you can't have everything, eh?

Warning: Kind of graphic
As for surgery, I have done some research on it...and there are 2 types of tummy tucks...a more 'mild' form where they basically just cut off the excess...and a more drastic surgery where they cut along your bikini line, separate your skin from your muscle, from your crotch up to your bottom ribs, cut out your belly button, give the skin a REAL good yank, cut off excess along the bottom, make a new spot for your belly button then sew you back up. Sounds pleasant, huh? LOL....

I've thought for a few years now, that when I reached my goal weight I would consider having it done. And yes, they do suggest you reach your goal weight and maintain for a certain amount of time. For me, I want to maintain for at least a year before I make any decisions.

I think there are some doctors who refuse to do it unless you are at goal weight for your height.

Oh, and apparently it isn't exactly the easiest cosmetic surgery to recouperate from...ouch!

[Sonya Parker]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

Tummy tucks are not pleasant. I have had one done myself. So I can share some thoughts if you are interested. 2 years ago, i weighted 165 lbs. At 5'4" and in my late 20's , it wasnt attractive. I lost almost 40 lbs on a diet, had to give up exercise. Big mistake!. I lost the weight over 3 months - too quick for it to be healthy. But I did look fantastic....in clothes...but not naked.

I have fine skin so elasticity isnt the greatest, the major weight loss did a number on me. Stretch marks and a flabby lower belly of skin and some fat. I went for a tummy tuck - the basic kind where they cut you at your bikini line. I did not need the stomach muscles sutured ( I have well toned ab muscles) nor did I opt for the belly button realignment. (Thank God! - Ill tell youwhy in a second).

The surgery was fine , the recovery, not too bad, just mostly inconvenient for a couple of weeks. No major pain. But the scar !!! It can be pretty ugly if your skin is genetically not predisposed to being elastic. Its about 2 cm thick from hip bone to hip bone. I hate it. And thank goodness I didnt go for the full procedure where they cut your belly button. Forget about ever exposing your stomach. I want to wear a belly ring so I thakn my lucky stars that I didnt go for that option. Ofcourse my belly would have been flatter but the price for an ugly scar - nothanks.

So, think carefully before you go for surgery. You have the right idea - maintain your goal weight for a year before you do it. Good luck.

[cesara]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

Thanks for sharing your experience Sonja...it certainly helps to hear it from the horse's mouth.

I can only imagine the scar....ick...BUT, with the amount of stretch marks I have, one new scar will be nothing in comparison.

As for the belly button, I've seen before and after pics and there was little, if any scar around the belly button...I'm guessing they are more 'careful' with this?? I really don't know....

At any rate...I think I'm too afraid to get the full blown tummy tuck anyway...even though it's probably the best one for my icky tummy....see, that way a ton of my stretch marks would get the old 'snip snip'...haha

BUT, again, I'm too nervous as it's a much more intense surgery...not really into that....I may, however, consider the basic one down the road....we'll see how I feel about it then.

Again, thanks again for sharing!

[artgirl7]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

I did not have a problem with loose skin but I attribute that to lots of exercise and even more toning exercises. I do tons of squats, lunges, calf raises, situps and push ups. I believe that this saved me from the loose skin problems I hear many talk about. I am also a huge water drinker and under 30, which helps too.

Maybe try to more toning exercises, that may help. Good luck to you!