Loose Skin - 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community

missymont · 07-08-2004, 06:52 PM

I was just watching Plastic Surgery on the Discovery Health Channel where this lady had issues with loose skin after major weight loss. Does anyone know if loose skin is a problem when people lose weight the old fashioned way? The lady on the show had a gastric bypass operation which meant she lost a lot of weight really fast. I wanna know if you lose is slow and easy would it still be an issue.

Thanks

MrsJim · 07-08-2004, 06:58 PM

Hey missymont - I got the perfect thread for you to check out in the Maintainers forum:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36040

Meg's the person to ask about loose skin - she lost over 100 lbs "the old fashioned way" and yup, she did have loose skin. As did I (I'm 7 months out from a tummy tuck!).

Meg · 07-08-2004, 07:02 PM

.

Meg · 07-08-2004, 07:03 PM

Well, Mrs J -- looks like we both posted the same thing!

JennasMom · 07-09-2004, 11:09 AM

I am having a lot of issues with loose skin. I don't have any yet, I haven't lost that much yet, but I am really scared of having it. I really doubt I would have a tummy tuck or anything. There are times that I think maybe I don't want to lose the weight because my I don't want the loose skin. Then I figure at least I can hide it better than hiding the fat!

Anyway it is almost always on my mind. And really bothering me.

MrsJim · 07-09-2004, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JennasMom

I am having a lot of issues with loose skin. I don't have any yet, I haven't lost that much yet, but I am really scared of having it. I really doubt I would have a tummy tuck or anything. There are times that I think maybe I don't want to lose the weight because my I don't want the loose skin. Then I figure at least I can hide it better than hiding the fat!

Anyway it is almost always on my mind. And really bothering me.

Hi Jennas Mom

I've gotta tell you - being obese is FAR worse than having loose skin. Like you said, you CAN hide the loose skin under clothes, etc. It's hard to hide fat!

Two-three years ago, I would have never even thought to have surgery...there was a 'myth' going around (actually, it still IS going around) that as long as you eat 'clean', drink gallons of water, work out, and use EFAs such as Udos Choice (at $16 a 15-serving bottle!) the skin would tighten up like a Shrinky Dink. Unfortunately, 'tain't so. Maybe for some fortunate people...not for me though.

And you don't HAVE to have plastic surgery - just want to stress that Meg put that information out there as OPTIONS. It's an option that's available, and more and more people are choosing that option - but it's important to have all the facts and do your research!

Meg · 07-09-2004, 01:19 PM

Let me chime in and say that the excess skin was a very small price to pay for getting rid of 122 pounds of fat (actually 132 pounds of fat because I gained 10 pounds of muscle while I was losing the fat

). If I had to choose between having tight skin and being fat or excess skin and being slim and healthy, well, it's a no-brainer for me. It is priceless to have a strong and healthy and functional body. It is a gift beyond measure.

No one knew about my skin problems except me (and DH

). They were camoflagued quite nicely under clothes and I was able to wear size 4s even before I got rid of the skin. I didn't have to have it removed; it was my choice because I felt like it was hiding the body that I had worked so hard to build. Others might chose differently and that's OK too, of course.

Please don't let skin worries stop you from being the slim, healthy, and fit person who is inside of you. I guarantee that you'll never regret it!

missymont · 07-09-2004, 02:19 PM

Thanks for the thread info. Anyone out there who has lost 50+ pounds without loose skin? Just wondering.

Angelic_Me · 07-09-2004, 03:12 PM

I have lost over 50 and do have loose skin...only in the tummy area. I have heard of loose arm and leg skin as well...but luckily those areas seem to be just fine. The loose skin is a bummer, but it does beat a fat belly. No one can tell I have loose skin when I am clothed...and I can hide the fold with low rider undies. But I know it is there, and it is tough to deal with. I think when I reach my goal and stay at it for at least a year I may then consider a TT (tummy tuck). BTW....I still feel SEXY! and am very happy that I lost and continue to lose weight. It is worth it...even with loose skin.