The more weight I lose, the more flabby I look ...

neurodoc · 08-30-2010, 09:20 PM

This can't be normal. I've gone from 162 pounds to 133, and feel flabbier than ever, despite exercising (including weight training). Yes I'm smaller, and there are definitely fewer rolls and smaller bulges, but the fat that's left is soft and squishy, not firm. And when I bend over, everything wrinkles and hangs down in a most unattractive way. EEWW. THIS IS NOT WHAT I WANT TO SEE AFTER 6 MONTHS OF DIETING.

I feel really disheartened. I know I still have more than 10 pounds to go until goal, but I can't imagine that such a modest additional weight loss is going to make all this flab go away. And I definitely have muscles underneath the jiggle, so I don't think that merely doing a bit more weight training is going to solve the problem either. I'm thinking I'm doomed to be "skinny-fat," - looking good in clothes, but not so hot naked. Is this typical of being 40+? What would I have to weigh in order to actually look good naked?

foodfighter2000 · 08-30-2010, 11:42 PM

Speaking from experience, weight training is good for tightening, but doesn't do anything for stretched/excess skin, which is what you may be mistaking for flab. If your trainer doesn't have you doing this already, core strengthening exercises are critical for the "bending over" business - BUT as some of us may know already, that's one of the reasons not to "be on top" as it is not the most flattering position....

My Michelle · 08-31-2010, 06:40 AM

I am experiencing this, also. I look better in clothes, but I feel soft and squishy nekkid. And I am only about half way! I'm thinking that eventually some clever lingerie is going to be my BEST friend.

caryesings · 08-31-2010, 07:59 AM

I think this is totally normal. The only good thing about fat is it fills in the wrinkles!

ANewCreation · 08-31-2010, 12:59 PM

In addition to agreeing with all the above (and laughing about it too) I have to add that in time things might improve a little bit. I can look at pictures and see new changes all the time. I think it takes a bit of time for our body to 'catch up' with our weight loss. I wish I could explain it better....

For example, while I am experiencing everything you've mentioned, I can see that my double chin has disappeared. There is a wrinkly pouch of skin remaining that continues to shrink (not disappearing by any means) as time goes on whether I am losing weight or not (right now I am taking a break and in maintenance).

Will you ever be as firm as you were when you were younger--doubtful. Age takes it toll regardless of our weight issues. If you've had children, surgery of any kind, a major illness or accident, etc that also plays into how your body looks.

But, given time, it is amazing how much the body can recover. Who knows what might firm up or disappear altogether in the next 6 months? Or at the very least, look a little better.

Try to appreciate what you've accomplished instead of what isn't happening. You've done a great job and you're almost at goal. Celebrate

lyv33 · 09-09-2010, 12:23 AM

You have done a great job, but if you are not happy with the the results of exercise and weight loss then you might consider seeing a plastic surgeon. I know it's not for everyone and nobody should take surgery lightly. But if you are really unhappy, then you could at least have a consultation visit. I'm considering having my breasts put back where they should be and later on I am definitely having some facial work, when it's time. It's not time yet. The rest of my body, doesn't bother me so much.

cgracia · 09-09-2010, 10:04 AM

I think taking a piyo (Pilates / Yoga) class will definitely be a great advantage to you. Your body is going through a transformation and I know it's hard. I am dealing with the same situation. So don't get discouraged!

neurodoc · 09-10-2010, 09:47 PM

Ivy33, I'm actually going to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon in 2 weeks, to talk about breast lift surgery, since I'm pretty sure that no amount of exercise is ever going to "tone" them up, and I'm tired of having everything drop straight for the floor as soon as I take off my clothes.

As for exercise, cgracia, I am doing a combination of pilates, weight training and aerobic activity (treadmill/bike/elliptical), so I agree that a piyo class would be nice. Since my gym doesn't offer that, I'll take what I can get :>)

Thanks ladies, for the supportive comments and commiseration. I appreciate each of you for taking the time to give me your thoughts. I know this problem must be common, but it feels more real when people write back. And yes, Foodfighter, I know all about the perils of being on top!

BlueFlower · 09-20-2010, 04:23 PM

I agree with the TIME aspect of weight loss and skin.

I can hit a plateau, but my skin will keep 'taking up' for a month or more afterwards, especially the double chin.

My skin is also saggier if I havent been drinking a LOT of water. I think the water helps puff it out!

Hang tuff!

lyv33 · 09-22-2010, 10:00 PM

14 years ago when I was working as a home health nurse, I was reading an admission note on a patient and the assessment stated that the woman had pendulous breasts and I still remember that. It certainly left an impression on me and I kept thinking, I don't want that to be written about me.

Dedee · 10-01-2010, 12:37 AM

I FEEL your pain after losing 96lbs my arms are like these huge flaps that slap and make funny popping sounds when I wave them around. I am trying to have a sense of humor about it. Everything on me is falling down. Someday after I lose the other 144lbs I will likely have to have all this squishy lose stuff removed. Till that day I just have to smile and see it as a silly sign of progress.

Dedee