Flabbiness and Loose skin

[Kent]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

I attribute some of mine continued looseness to the remaining body fat percentage to go. Having lost a lot of weight, I can say without a doubt the skin does shrink, but it takes time. I have always used a balloon as an example. You can fill a balloon with water and damage some of the elasticity, the balloon will snap back as the water drains out, but as long as it holds water it will look more distended than a normal balloon. Running has helped a lot more recently than I thought it would. My goal is to get down beneath 14% body fat and hopefully my balloon won't be as noticeable.

I have already noticed a big difference between 19% and 16% in how the skin looks, so I still have hope for surgery-less future.

[cajunthunder]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

Make sure you moisturize along with the other suggestions of water and exercise. There are quite a few creams/lotions out there now that help firm skin and take away some of that dimply look.

I used to never moisturize my body, except when my skin was dry in the winter, but now I faithfully moisturize after I take a shower/bath.

Another thing to consider is skin brushing. It's been discussed in the Womens forum - so the gurls can check there, but the guys can just do an internet search on it. It's a great and inexpensive way to make your skin look and feel great.

[happierme]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

you can always turn to surgery if you end up w/ a lot of flabby skin.

[New_Me_In_2005]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

Thanks for sharing on this subject. I am noticing a lift in my "bottom" belly. I figure if I keep exercising, drinking my water, and eating correctly. It will continue to rise and disapper. The only way I will think about surgery is after I either a) have another child and get back to my goal weight, b) don't feel good about wearing certain clothes due to the extra skin, or c) after years (2) of being my goal weight and there is no change.

What about arms?

[happierme]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

The arms are the hardest. No matter how hard I workout my arms, I notice very little results. Oprah complains about this too.

[Heidi3]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

I was worried about being 47 and loosing what was a lot for my body size ...leaving me with a lot of loose skin but seriously even though I had two huge babies and have gained and lost quite a bit of weight.. I am pleased to say things are looking pretty good...I think to be honest genetics play a huge part in your skin tone ..tone in general.....I happen to be lucky ...there are some stretch marks I wish I could erase but DH says they are a roadmap of my life and accentuate not detract from the big picture...he does not say a lot ...and does not say things often but that was one of the nicest things he ever said to me!!! so no for me except for one area below my belly button where I have a couple of scars ..things are just fine thank you!!! I can still get by with a tight tshirt and no bra under my scrubs at work!!!....but shhhhhh do not tell ok?

[Bren]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

I believe everyone is correct. After being overweight for all my life, there is too much damage to my skin. It is genetic to a large degree, but it is also based on exactly how much damage and for how long. At this point nothing is going to remove alot of the loose skin I have except for surgury. I have had the "loose skin" talk with my doctor on numerous occasions. Exercise... has helped to a degree (and I work out a min of 5 days per week). I focus on tricep/bicep alot and abs. Nope.... ain't cutting it! Creams..... they do not make enough! lol lol lol. Been trying those for the past two years. But, I do know it is the least of my worries. My BP is lower then it has been in 35 years as of last week. Loose skin is a reminder to me of how I abused my body for years. Mr. B does not mind, I am old so I just deal with it!

[ex-barbie-doll]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

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.

Mine feels smooth... no grains...but it is definately fat... fat...flab....blubber.....
I've lost 40 pounds very slowly in 2 years.. and that is where the last of the fat is hiding out... 12 more pounds to goal....
when I stand normally in a relaxed position.... stomach hanging out.. the skin is tight and firm.. but when I suck in my gut.. the skin looks flabby and loose and wrinkled...
I am quite sure it will look fine when I reach goal....

[Heidi3]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

I have to offer this because even though I do not think much can help but this seemed to improve the feel of my skin and even tone as the pounds come off... several times a week I dry brush my body ..we have mentioned it on the boards before it is really nice very stimulating and seems to have helped my skin tone a bit... what you do is
get a decent natural bristle brush (they run like $5) and starting at your hands and feet scrub your dry skin inward towards the center of you body...good for circulation and if you believe everything you read on the internet a cure all but please do not believe everything you read on the internet!..then go take a nice long warm shower wash as usual...then before I get out of the shower I hit the cold water hard and kind of shock myself ..it is supposed to close your pores ..but for me it just gives me a jolt!!!! I love doing this ..find it very addictive and really it makes the skin feel so good, smooth and tingles all over !!!....if it did indeed have anything to do with my skin tone a total plus..and like I said it seemed to do just that because my tummy was not as flat as it is now!
so try it ...I promise you will like it...btw the first time or two it did make me itchy all over but that was only a couple of times now not itching and my skin craves it!!!!...
it is our largest organ and needs lots of tlc I think!...

[BikerGoddess]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

Quick disclaimer - don't do the cold water trick if you have heart problems, as it could trigger an unsafe condition.

Laura

[Heidi3]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

Quick disclaimer - don't do the cold water trick if you have heart problems, as it could trigger an unsafe condition.

Laura

hmmm I guess that was a good idea!...
it is like a sauna if you can do a sauna you can go from a hot shower to a cold shower no problem ...if you can't well don't!!! I leave it to you you are all grown ups!

[ex-barbie-doll]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

several times a week I dry brush my body ..we have mentioned it on the boards before it is really nice very stimulating and seems to have helped my skin tone a bit... what you do is
get a decent natural bristle brush (they run like $5) and starting at your hands and feet scrub your dry skin inward towards the center of you body...good for circulation and if you believe everything you read on the internet a cure all but please do not believe everything you read on the internet!...

How long do you do this for? And where and how do you do it? I tried it a few times lying down in bed before getting up in the morning... my husband looked over.... .... looked at me like I was a weirdo... and asked what are you doing? I felt a little foolish....

[Heidi3]

Re: Flabbiness and Loose skin

Ok with out getting tooo graphic here ...I stand in the shower and scrub it takes about 5-10 min before the shower ...you start with your toes move up your legs then go to your fiinger tips (your DH would not think you were a wierdo if you did this together I bet)...GUYS pay attention here...anyway up your arms ..then work your way up your butt back just keep scrubbing your dry skin with the dry gentle brush towards the center of your body ..do your tummy and your chest and all of your back and neck...no face of course not with this brush!

then shower ..and if you really want the whole wonderful treatment take a jar of coconut oil melt it in a bowl of warm water and add some scent (before your shower do this) I add lavender and patchoulli oil to mine ..as soon as you step out of the showert barely pat dry your skin ...then rub/or have yourself rubbed with the coconut oil .....rub it EVERYWHERE!!!
You will be amazed at how this makes you feel..."flabby skin what flabby skin???"

This draws the blood flow to the surface of your skin ...and that is a very nice feeling

I really believe that God made coconut oil just for me!!!

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