[Alec]

Well, I'm basically one big stretch mark. I've got them on my legs, arms, and stomach. As I continue to lose weight I'm beginning to become more and more afraid of having huge amounts of excess skin.

I was just wondering if anyone else is as concerned about this as I am? I've heard the younger you are, I'm 19, the more likely your skin is to "bounce back." My heaviest weight was 286 and I'm currently @ 240 lbs. Any info is appreciated!

[MissKelly]

I'm in my 30's. It's certainly been a concern of mine that I keep an eye on. So far coming down from 308, I don't have any, which I find unusual because when I was quickly gaining weight when sick, I did have some that were appearing very, very faintly, but then they just vanished. My skin is pulling in satisfactory right now....so far, so good, but who knows...that could change. My crystal ball is busted. If in the end I do get hanging skin on my stomach, I'm sure I'll just end up getting a full tummy tuck at some point in the future.

They say that it's all about the elasticity of the skin, I'm uncertain on whether genetics might play into it too. Someone else may come along who will know about this.

[Ellie R]

You might get away with it at your age......
I have come down from more or less same weight, and I'm afraid I do have quite a lot of excess skin....it is bearable on the legs and thighs, but my tummy is getting the snip!!

I think I have a lot because I lost and gained several times...if you do it right this time and excercise as you go, you could be ok....but it is unpredictable, some people's skin has much more elasticity that others naturally.

the stretch marks are no indication that you will have loose skin though, and they do fade to being barely noticeable over time - you will just have to wait and see unfortunately

Good Luck

[CorinneIrene]

I too am afraid of having loose skin- I want to lose my weight fast, but I know that's what is the main cause of it.

I'm being careful though. I think my exercise program is good in that it does cardio and strength training. Having a good base of muscle under your skin should help it bounce back better- as well as keeping hydrated.

I'm young too- 21- so we have that on our sides! I also have a good number of stretch marks- mostly on my inner thighs that I received when I was thin (go figure) at 12 years old- darn puberty! I've had them for so long that they're faded away. Though I'm still working on the texture of my skin! Also, use a moisturizer to help with elasticity.