[skinnymomskitchen]

I lost 35 pounds (still have 10 to go) and everyone compliments on how young I look. I bet you will look FABULOUS!!!

[rmc9142]

I never really worried about the age thing in general, but since hitting 50 this year, I'm a bit more conscious of it. I recall my mother losing a bunch of weight when she was in her 60s and she really did look old. But, she was a heavy smoker and was very sedentary, so I've just hoped that those factors were responsible for her appearance and put it out of my mind. As others have said, I'd rather feel good and be healthy than worry about my appearance. (Which, clearly, I haven't been too concerned with lately, as I let myself gain all this weight!)

If I wasn't convinced before, I am now. Just this afternoon, I ran into an old neighbor. Her son and mine became best buddies when they were 4 years old (they're now 21), so we still see each other maybe once a year. Today, she kept interrupting our conversation to say, "I really can't get over how good you look. You haven't aged a day since you lived next door!" Of course, that's far from true, but made me feel good none the less. The only response that I could come up with was, "I'm really happy these days." And I am.

[milmin2043]

I'm 47. Lost 100 lbs. I do look older b/c I no longer have that chubby baby doll face from the extra fat. But, for me anyway, I would much rather have someone say that I look older than fatter.

[CeciliaM]

You might look older, but you'll have a slammin' bod! ;D

[psuajblue]

Here's the way I see it. Losing weight might make me look older. NOT getting to a healthy weight could make me die sooner... easy trade off for me!

[gsb126]

After already losing 23 lbs, I'm getting remarks that I look younger. Most people don't realize I'm 43, anyway, but now it's getting better.

My advice? Exercise and good skin care. I am diligent about taking care of my skin, always have been, and it's really paying off. Like most other posters have said, you MAY look a bit older, but you will be so much healthier. Not a bad trade-off, I'm thinking.

[shellofself]

It depends on a number of factors. For one, the quicker you lose weight the older you may appear because of the issues with skin elasticity (versus someone who loses weight at a slower pace). Genetic predispositions are also important. (In short, it varies so don't worry yourself too much!)

My step-father underweight gastric bypass and lost over 150lbs within a period of months. He went from looking like my mother's husband to being mistaken for my mother's FATHER.