so, here i am, down from 200lb to 173lb. it all feels great and everything, i've done about 1/3 of my journey to my goal weight. and here is the issue and i know i'm not the only one - what do you do with the belly? i mean mine is like really hanging down there and i'm scared to death that it'll just stay there without ever coming back where it belongs.
so what i've been doing is just using an anti-cellulite lotion and a redefining gel-cream (i dont know what the policy for giving the names of the brands is, so i won't mention it for now, but i'll tell the name of the gel if someone is interested) and exercising.
is there any particular lotion or cream that helped you make sure that your belly is getting firmer? maybe there is some kind of device, like a belt, that you can put on to help my stomach get smaller as i loose weight? any advise is appreciated! thanks a lot.

I hear you. I'm the same way. Actually I've taken 2" off my belly the last 20# but it never seems like it since its always bigger than the rest of me. My arms, shoulders and legs are getting really defined....butstill. Not pregnant but it sure looks like it.

For me, I know if I keep eating healthy and exercising it WILL come off...but in my bodys' time not mine!

Best Wishes!

Yeah, no. Unfortunately, once skin is stretched, it's up to your genetics, skin elasticity, and age to determine if it goes back. You can read more here in our Skin FAQs thread.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/body...skin-faqs.html

thanks a lot, girls! i've lost 3,5'' off my waist and still look a little pregnant.
i've read the skin FAQs and i learn a lot from there.
i'm 25 and i've been overweight for a little less than 3 years, so i guess i wouldnt say it's been that long and i might have a pretty good chance of my stomach to tighten up a notch.
what about massage? may that help at least a little? i guess i just need to do at least something to tell myself later that i've tried ^^

Pilates exercises are great for firming up the muscles in your abs and waistline. Even 10 minutes a day can make a difference. Lots of Pilates DVDs out there.

I was told by my diet group instructor that if you drink lots of water every day, it does help with the elasticity of your skin. And slower weight loss also helps with the ability of the skin to "snap back". However, age is a big factor. Good luck! I hope things work for you.

yeah--age definitely plays a part--i'm 47 and my skin is NOT snapping back
the worst for me right now is the swingy skin on the underside of my armsYUCK!!

my belly is actually doing well-just a little pouch above my c-section scar and it is going away just more slowly than the rest

keep up the good work!!

has anyone tried the Acai berry supplement with weight loss?
i just read that it helps skin snap back after weight loss.

Ugh ... I wish there WAS some kind of miracle cream! Ever since having kids, i've been trying to find something that will make my belly skin snap back. It's like, no matter how hard i work out or how many sit ups i do, it will never look the same and honestly, it can get a little discouraging when your trying to work out and eat right. There are times when i say to myself "why bother?" because even if i make it down to a size 1, it's still going to hang there, loose skin and all. I'll never wear a 2 piece again because of it .. it's that grose! lol Unless of course, I get a loose skin removal operation or sumthin ...

If anyone has any tips, tricks, or exercises that help loose skin snap back, PLEASE ping me and let me know as well!! I'll try anything!

i am terrified of this. i haven't had to deal with it yet because i haven't had substantial weight loss. but even now at close to my full weight, i have sagging in my belly and arms.

i do think it has a lot to do with genetics because i know quite a few people that had no problems and others who had excessive loose skin, even though they followed similar diet and excercise routines.

a waist cincher is good,(it also helps you not to have a "muffin to" when wearing clothes and give you an hour glass look, and drinking lots and lots of water. you can find affordable cinchers online at target, jc pennys or, my fave lovefif.com

I am also very afraid of the belly issue... after gaining 80 lbs during my twin pregnancy, I don't think it'll ever be the same again. And after I reach my goal of losing more than 100 lbs, I wonder what it will look like then.

I've also read that water can really help. I'm also going to be trying pilates, because I've heard that it's great for the abs. Good luck!