Hello, everyone. I'm a newbie who could stand to lose at least fifty pounds. A few weeks ago I started working out regularly, and eating more fruits and vegetables, less fat and junk food. So far I haven't lost a lot of pounds, but I love the way I'm feeling.

Here's my problem though: I've heard of people who lost a lot of weight but were left with sagging skin. I'm in my late 40's, so my skin isn't as resiliant as it used to be. I mentioned this a few weeks back to a dermatologist I was seeing (for unrelated reasons). He was very flippant about my question and told me that if that happened, I could always have surgery to fix it. Well, hello, even if my insurance would cover primarily cosmetic surgery, surgery cuts through skin AND NERVES, and leaves areas of numbness in the skin. No thanks.

Are my fears rational? How often do people who lost fifty to seventy pounds have this problem? My dermatologist's smart-alecky attitude didn't exactly reassure me. Any insight, advice, or encouragement would be welcome.

I'm no expert, but I've heard that saggy skin is more of a problem for people who lose weight really quickly, than for people who lose weight more slowly. This seems to make sense...

First of all, that doctor was a jerk. That being said, I've read a lot of information about weight loss and lots of women (who've lost waaay more than 50 pounds), say that by working out and doing strength training, they toned themselves up and avoided the saggy skin thing. maybe there's a gym or a class you could consult for some "firming"?

Plus, I really don't think that 50 is enough to leave you with saggy skin. unless all of your extra weight is in only one area, which it probably isn't. you'll lose it from all over and only have to deal with stretch marks.

Hi, I have lost a total of 65 lbs (over the past 15 months) and do not have saggy skin, and I am 41 yrs old, so no Spring chicken! I think the key is a slow and steady weight loss and exercise. It sounds like you have made a great start with your changes in lifestyle, do you do any strength/resistance training? I think that has made the most difference to me in toning up any sag-prone areas.

Don't be afraid of weight-loss, it is the best gift you can give yourself for your long term health and self-esteem. Keep up the good work .

Hi, from what i've read and heard in my fat people club, the saggy skin comes from losing weight too quickly. Slow and steady. I have lost a total of 41.5# from my heaviest weight, and i dont have any flabby sagging skin. I have a ways to go yet, but i wouldnt worry. just dont lose it too quickly. And you arent silly for being worried about it, because i am too!!!

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone. I'm already doing strength training. And if the main cause of saggy skin is losing weight too quickly, then I guess I have nothing to worry about. Slow and steady sounds good to me.