Tighten Skin After Losing Weight

Nov 23, 2007 11:17 AM

ginge1 :

hey
well im probally not the typical person here, im 16 and when i was 15 i reached 15 stone. i don't know exactly how i did it but in less than 2 months my weight was plumiting, i quickly reached 10 and a half stone. family and friends got worried so i started eating more and more, now im roughly 11 1/2 stone, and happy.

the only problem i have is that because of the exteme waitloss in such a short period of time is that i do have excess skin, its not clearly visible but i have skin which i can stretch on my arms, throat, stomache and hands.

i was wonderin what type of excercise would be best to help me get rid of the extra skin, muscle building looks like it will help but what should i do?

Nov 26, 2007 2:50 PM

Tracy Rose :

The best way to go about tightening loose skin after loosing a lot of weight is to keep exercising regularly. If you keep doing what you did to take the weight off, you will eventually burn off the broken particles of fat that are floating around under your skin.

It's also important to stay hydrates and eat nutritious foods to keep your skin healthy and improve it's elasticity.

Good luck and congrats on your weight loss success.

Apr 25, 2008 5:55 PM

phoenxsfire :

I disagree. I'm 48 yrs old & have lost 30 pounds in the past year in a healthy way. I work out five times a week and yet I still have very loose skin everywhere. In the past three years I have a lost a total of 75 pounds and yet altho I am healthier, I don't look any better because of the nasty loose skin. I cannot afford surgery. I continue to do circuit training, aerobics, & yoga, without affecting the loose skin. I drink almost a gallon of water per day so hydration is not the problem. Any suggestions?

May 4, 2008 1:40 AM

Guest :

I think in this case, working on the buttocks will help. If she builds muscle in this area, it will tighten up the skin.

May 7, 2008 5:35 AM

Guest :

This article angers me to a certain degree. I have been morbidly obese for most of my adult life. I consider gastric bypass surgery for over two years. I did all the research and looked all the risks. While I think it is great for those who want it and need it to have it available, I didn't feel that it was for me. I had to have a reason, a drive to lose. The birth of my first grandchild was the catalyst I needed. I knew I couldn't continue using a walker with no cushioning in my knees at all. I would end up in a wheelchair if I wasn't struck with a life-threatening disease, heart attack or stroke before I was 50.

So, I got out my old Weight Watcher books and started on the points. I have been losing for almost 2 and a half years now. I have lost about 160 lbs. I worked it out and that is about 1.5 lbs a week.And yet, I have an extreme amount of loose skin hanging everywhere. It's on the buttocks, belly, thighs, all the way down my arms, between my armpits and breasts. Practically everywhere. I still weigh 190 lbs at 5'1", but I have a very small cup size on my breast and my collarbone, shoulder bones, wrists, elbow and fingers couldn't possibly lose any more around them.

I am angry because I have done my best to take it slow and lose it the healthy way. I eat all the good stuff. So for you to assume that anyone who has lots of sagging skin after weight loss must have lost it in an unhealthy and fast way simply is not true.

May 16, 2008 11:00 AM

Guest :

Considering you started at 350lbs at 5'1" I think no matter how you loose the weight there will be an excess of skin. Our skin only retracts so much after being stretched. I have actually used not wanting to look like a deflated CharPei as one more excuse not to lose the weight. But, I realize now that at 5'11" and about 280 as long as I take it slow and find the right combination of food and exercise along with the proper skin care I should do fairly well. Best of luck with your continued weight loss and enjoy the grand baby :-)

Aug 16, 2008 1:14 PM

Guest :

Ok,, I use to body build and well do some modeling when I was in my middle 20s and now I am 48 and ashamed of my arms and legs,,,they have what looks like an 70yr old wrinkles..Plus I had a historectomy and cant seem to tighten where they cut. Please tell me there is hope at my age,,,I still like to where young peoples cloths and well not ready to be considered OLD. I hope there is help out there because I am a single parent and cant afford surgery.. thank you and God bless

Aug 22, 2008 3:02 PM

Guest :

hey everyone, to all you people who think your a little old to look good, your wrong! look on the internet for a man named Jon Benson, he specialises in programmes designed for people of all ages, and its called "fit over 40" im only 22 but experimented on the programme and it is good, and atleast worth a quick read!

Aug 25, 2008 7:29 AM

Guest :

This is a problem that I currently face. I was 13 years old when I started to "balloon" up..By 9th grade, I was 5'6 and 190-195 lbs, 33% body fat. In the 10th grade,I started on hydroxycut when it had ephedra and dropped 25 lbs in 3 weeks paying basketball roughly 40 hours a week,6 days a week. This was 6 or 7 years ago. By the time I was 18, I had dropped down to 170 or so,before I went anorexic for a little bit abd belamic, because I had lost all the weight but still had the manboobs and loose skin. The lowest I had dropped to at 6'1 was 145 lbs, but never looked like it.

Today I am 23, in the navy, 185-195 lbs and have put on decent muscle,but yet still face the same problems. My body image has not changed and I am not quite sure what to do about it. Am currently deployed over seas so all I have is nothing but time. Please help.

Sep 22, 2008 2:18 AM

Guest :

hi
my wife was overwiegh and she reduce 35 Kg, with regular exercise now she has big problem of loose skin she does not want do surgery. can u give free advise and tips how to get out, what nutrition to go with whats best ?
sandy

Sep 24, 2008 9:40 AM

Guest :

About 6 years ago while in my mid 20's, I was about 20 to 25 pounds overweight. I lost the weight slowly, through a combination of cardio, strength training and by eating a very healthy and balanced diet. I've maintained my body weight since then, and continue to stay lean through eating right and exercising, but I still have some loose skin on my stomach and my arms.

Bottom line: Even if a person is young, doesn't have a huge amount to lose, and does everything right, they *may* still have loose skin. It just depends on your individual skin elasticity (i.e. genetics), whether it will be able to stretch back completely.

Sep 30, 2008 5:15 PM

Guest :

Hello, I'm a 20 year old male, I weigh 190 lbs and am 5'11. I want to lose about 30 pounds in 3 months. Would I be losing the weight too quickly, and have excess skin; Or am I young enough, and not have a lot of weight to lose, to where I wont have loose skin at all.

Oct 2, 2008 3:50 PM

Guest :

My daughter is now 16, but has been losing weight since age 13. She has lost 120 pounds now, which has been over that 3 year period and doesn't seem too extreme or fast. However, she has excessive loose skin on her stomach, upper arms and thighs. She has been working out the entire time (tae bo and weight training, as well as other cardio besides tae bo) so how do you do this? My husband (her dad, of course)suggested surgery to remove the hanging skin because he feels that it is so unfair for her to have worked so hard and to have this as a problem now. She has a date for Homecoming and wants to wear a beautiful sleeveless dress, but is still embarrassed about the hanging skin on her arms. Help! Does anyone have a suggestion?

Oct 12, 2008 8:59 PM

Guest :

Guest!

I am 20 years old. i have pretty much been over weight my whole life. 4 weeks ago i weighed 246 at 6'0. Now i weigh 215 and feel great. I play basketball evryday and do cardio. The best way to prevent loose skin is to lift wieghts during your work out. Lifting weight will use the excess fat (loose skin) to build muscle and tighten skin. My goal is to get to 180 by december. Im on my way to becoming a stud!!! good luck yall.

Oct 17, 2008 5:35 AM

Guest :

I am in the process of losing weight. I started at 347 lbs. but am down by 40 lbs. now. It has taken me 10 months. I'm 47. My skin is sagging under my arms, my belly is seriously hanging, and my inner thighs look ridiculous. I have been looking at options for reducing the flabby skin, but they all say it can't be done until I've reached my goal weight of 175 lbs.
I did read someplace that once you get down below a certain level of body fat, the body starts to find other readily available nutrition, like excess skin. You never see anorexic people with sagging skin. I'm certainly not advocating becoming anorexic, but I may attempt dropping my goal weight to about 160 lbs. (I'm 5'11") to see if my skin will shrink. I will only do this under a doctor's care, and I know it'll take time. In the meantime, I'm still exercising appropriately, as well as eating healthfully. My type 2 diabetes is almost resolved and my blood pressure is getting lower. And that's all good!

Oct 20, 2008 6:38 PM

Guest :

Hey, I'm a 18 yr old who lose 50 pounds and I have terrible lose skin on my stomach, arms, and thighs. I'm really concerned about my thighs and stomach. What foods/exercises can I do to get rid of it im afraid of surgery since it doesnt always work and i cant afford it. What if i do crunches or go running for 30 mins everyday, will that tighten my stomach and thighs? i also want to know, if theres any diet pills/tightening creams i can use that actually work that will tighten my skin..please let me know im desperate i wont even wear a bikini b/c of this!!

Oct 21, 2008 12:45 PM

Guest :

Howdy,

When i was thirteen i reached my top wieght of 310 lbs. although i carried my wieght well ( i have a huge bone structure, and very broad shoulders) i could tell that i was really unhealthy, and i needed to do some thing about it. I started running and lifting wieghts, but my wieght seemed to drop really fast. by the time i was sixteen, i had dropped to 260. already my skin was starting to sag. so i tried to slow it down, eat right, and work out. but it just kept going. finally at 19 i had a full time job in a construction business, and because i wasn't able to eat right, and i was working 60 hours plus, my wieght droped even more. I went from 255, to 207 lbs, in just six months.
I look aweful now. my under arms and stomach are saggy, and the muscles i have built don't even show well because of all the skin! I find myself aching for my booda belly and unshapped arms again. But here's the kicker, the more i eat now, the more i seem to keep dropping wieght! I can't swim with out my shirt, even go to sleep at night in my girl friend and my bed with out feeling like i am just desgusting, and i know it upsets her, but i can't help feeling so very unattractive now.
if there is anyone out there who can help me, any ideas, i would very much love you. hahah.

how is it that i work out, sit ups, boxing, wieght liffting so much, and this skin is still just hanging here laughing at me?

Mr. Flabby

Oct 25, 2008 7:36 PM

Guest :

I have lost 150lbs, and have worked out since I started. I weight train 3 times a week, and run four miles five days a week. Although, it has reduced excess skin. I still carry about 20 to 25 pounds of excess skin. Excercise can only do so much!

Oct 28, 2008 6:31 PM

Guest :

hi
I am 27 years old. I also have same problem. After lost weight my skin also flabby. Any one out there can help me to give any tips or ideas how can i tight my skin after losing weight

Nov 2, 2008 10:26 AM

Guest :

hi
i went on the south beach diet july of 07 i have met my ideal weight of 145 i weighed 247 when i started the diet i was told not to exercize my stomach by a trainer due to adding muscels to your fat
well i am now suffering with extreme loose skin on my stomach wich is very embarrising i recently read an article by another trainer saying by age and how long i was heavy ill be stuck with it i have been exercizing all areas of my body and have seen results but not in the stomach where the loose skin is so bad i also read that none of the creams on the market work that my only option is surgery im not a person with money so theres got to be a way to do something can you help me out with any suggestions on what i can do i waited so long to be thin again and im still ashamed to way i look when im naked ,
and due you have any suggestions for streach marks?

Nov 2, 2008 11:01 AM

sandra_allen10 :

hi
I went on the southbeach diet july of 07 i weighed in at 247lbs it took 15 months but i am now at my ideal weight of 145lbs but i suffer with extreme loose skin on my stomach i was told by a trainner i should not exercise my stomach due to building muscuke on the the fat that is loosing, but recentley i read an article from trainer who basically said surgery was the only optiion due to age and the amount of time i was heavy i was 39 and was over weight for over 20 years i had been exerciseing and see the results every where but my stomach can you help me with ideas on what i can do theres got to be something other then surgery i can do i cant afford surgery also any suggestions
on how to get rid of teh strech marks

Nov 4, 2008 10:32 AM

Guest :

I am facing this problem too but have yet to find a real good solution. I know from my younger days of bodybuilding that my skin doesn't have really good elasticity (I have many stretch marks from my pecs, lats, triceps, etc growing too fast)but am hoping for the best. One solution may be a newer technique called lipo-sculpting which uses a laser to break down fat cells which are then flushed from the body naturally. As a side effect, it has been noted that the laser seems to re-stimulate that mechanisms in the skin and cause the skin to shrink and a faster rate. THe down side is that its still pretty expensive to do on anything more than spot removal applications like 'love handles', etc.

Nov 5, 2008 2:04 PM

Guest :

Over the past 2 years, I have slowly dropped from 168lbs. to 118lbs. Not much compared to many of you, but on my small 5'2 frame the difference was pretty amazing. I made the transition with cardio, heavy weightlifting (mostly lower-body), and diet.
Although I have done a lot to keep up my nutrition, my skin is still pretty saggy around my belly, thighs, and buttocks. Sadly, my breasts have lost quite a bit as well.
From what I have read elsewhere, some of the culprit isn't really skin, but a loose layer of fat underneath. Skin is only about as thick as a thick sheet of paper. If a pinch of skin is thicker than that (it is about 3/4 inch on my belly now, a bit more elsewhere), then the underlying fat is still my main problem...
Unfortunately, to test that theory, I'll have to become 'bodybuilder lean'.
Spending time working on the underlying muscle is important, too. Even if there are some 'crepe paper' wrinkles left, I figure they will be much more snug if adhering to tight, shapely muscles, not loose, flabby ones.
I am not out to be a heavily-muscled bodybuilder... but some of those fitness models carry very low bodyfat too, and they look GREAT.
But even with saggy skin, I count my blessings. Most people see me fully clothed, so I wear clothes that accentuate all the hard work I have done, and I still feel really good about myself!
One last note about the sagging breasts... give one of the new breast enhancing herbal suppliments a try. I tried them a few years ago, and went from a 'B' to a 'D' cup-size. I am back on them now, and am already seeing some improvement. It took several months to reach the results I got last time, but it was definitely worth it.

Nov 9, 2008 6:14 PM

Guest :

my name is georgia, most of my life Ive been over weight, in january of this year I was up to 265lb. now Im down to 210lbs and I don't want to see my body I sure don't want anybody else to see it, my thights look like I have hips in the back and front. my stomach is so flabby and it,s very depressing. Im over 50 and need something to do to tight up all my flab. thank you

Nov 13, 2008 8:09 PM

Guest :

Dry body brushing before you shower can help a lot with skin and tightening, and cellulite. I've noticed an improvement personally and the tone of the skin changes with time and consistency.
Skin gets thinner as we age- the brushing seems to make it thicker a little.
Also on ttapp.com the trainers there recommend taking Alfalfa because there was a study done in 1991 or 1999 that it helps to reverse aging symptoms of skin. It also helps with bloating. This too helped my skin from looking puffy. See if it can help.. I think that while you are losing weight using shea butter or cocoa butter helps with the elasticity. It's tough because the skin had been stretched for so long but keep up the weight loss and consistency in your skincare regimen can help a lot.

Nov 24, 2008 1:37 AM

Guest :

A good way to diminish loose skin is to dry body brush or firmly massage your entire body every day, and also have a cold bath, which greatly helps to tighten loose skin. IT WORKS! Also eating tomatoes helps improve elasticity and collagen levels in the skin.

Nov 26, 2008 3:34 AM

Guest :

Im 20 and have 2 kids, one of which i had 4 months ago, i hate my body so much its full of stretch marks and the saggy skin makes me feel sick! ive been dieting and exercising and lost a stone in weight but its still realy flabby. like if i lay on my side it just flops over and look so horible, im big build, im a size 14 but feel like im maybe 4 sizes bigger. Thinking of just trying to get the skin removed on the nhs as cant afford surgery.

Dec 3, 2008 12:24 AM

Guest :

Hi,
I had extreme weight loss and i have got a loose facial skin. Though when i exercise it remains good and looks good. But the day i dont execise the skin becomes bad and looks dull. Is there a way to not let this happen

Dec 4, 2008 12:49 AM

Guest :

if some one have problem with loose skin, can he or she be body builder to tight up their skin

Dec 5, 2008 8:44 PM

Guest :

There's alot of requests for answers about excess skin, unfortunately the truth is everyone is different and all results are different. I've lost 150lbs over 4 years and I noticed that as long as I continue to lift weights and watch what I eat my body goes through cycles. As I loose weight my skin gets saggy but then it tightens up all of a sudden. Think of this though: Your skin is attached to the muscle by the fascia, as we gain weight the layer of fat stretches this area apart. So even though the fat is being reduced the fascia has to re connect. Hence the necessity of lifting weights. My skin used to be alot worst than it is now, have patience it will get better. If you decide to go the surgery route don't forget to look at the "bad surgery" pictures as well as the good. And make sure you're at the weight you should be before getting surgery, cuz loosing weight after will cause the same sagging as before.

Dec 13, 2008 10:05 AM

Guest :

What about swimming instead of weight training, will that be just as effective?

Jan 3, 2009 8:24 PM

Guest :

For the people who's skin has not tightened as much as they like they should consider body detox along with regular exercise. Skin brushing is one of the most effective ways to train the skin into tightening by using a rough natural bristle brush and rubbing it across your body aprox. 3 times daily which sheds dead skin encouraging the new skin to tighten and contract from the sudden shock of being scraped with the rough brush. Other skin detox treatments can be used as well but the brush approach is a cheap extremely effective way to tighten your skin a little more.

Jan 15, 2009 7:55 PM

Guest :

I am 16 years old and weighted 155 lbs before i started to box, within a month of boxing, i got down to 125 lbs. The problem is i still eat healthy, train regularly, lift weights, and maintain my body quite well...but i have loose skin over my abdominal area and my arms. How can i get the skin to tighten even after i still lift weights and eat healthy?

Feb 4, 2009 11:33 AM

Guest :

Here's an interesting online article about weight loss and loose skin:

http://www.bodyfatguide.com/LooseSkin.htm

From what he says and from what some of the posters here are saying, weight training seems to make the most difference. I've lost 75 pounds to date through improving my eating and increasing exercise (including weight training,) and my skin isn't nearly as saggy as I was afraid it would be. Although there is a little loose skin here and there, I am a 39 year old woman and so I'm not expecting miracles.

Feb 10, 2009 12:59 PM

Guest :

Hi I'm only 14 but anyway, I'm 140 pounds and I'm hoping to get to 110 by loosing 2 pounds per week. I do sit ups and go on our cross trainer at least 20 mins a day. Will I have flabby skin?

Mar 2, 2009 10:59 PM

Guest :

Hey
My name is Eric at one point i was 220 pounds and 5,2 in the 8th grade i ended up losing 65 pounds extremely fast. I had a good amount of extra skin the best way i feel to tighten the skin is by building it up with muscle to fill it in. I am now extremely into body building although i have gotten a mini tummy tuck because there was too much extra skin at my stomach i have filled out very well and am still working hard if you eat a good amount of protien and try to gain muscle by eating healthy food and lifting it will tighten

Mar 13, 2009 12:28 AM

Guest :

I've lost 90 pounds since July 22. I have loose skin just around my tummy, you only notice it when I bend over or lay on my stomach. Going to the gym will help a lot, don't miss any days, I haven't. I have a 6 pack now and the loose skin makes it hard to see them. If i cant tighten them by summer, I'm considering surgery.
Btw. Its going to be much harder for people over 30 to get thr elasticity back. You may never get it back. If you're in your teens it should only take half a year to gain it back. I'm only 20. Do 3 or 4 ab workouts 4,5 days a week. Not weak crunches and sit ups, I mean go to the gym and use machines and weights.

Mar 16, 2009 3:38 PM

Guest :

two years ago I became vert ill, within two months time I lost fifty pounds. ending up weighing 100 lbs, Im five foot five inches, and in my late forties. I also has a hystroectomy at thirty and couldnt take any HRT replacements. long story shot, I now look like my whole body has been deflated! Even the skin onmy hands and feet look that way. I can not wear sleveless shirts, shorts. my face when I look in a mirror makes me cry, I have deep wrinkles even on my chin too! The Doctors never found the reason for this happening, and all they say to me is no amount of excersize will help me, only plastic surgery, which I cannot afford and the Ins co, wont pay for! This is so unfair, I didnt go and try to lose weight! I was sick! I didnt ask for this! has any 0ne expericenced the same ? Ive tried all the skin creams out there, only to be very dissappointed and feel as though Ive been ripped off over and over again. I am now takeing supplement with hope that they will help. I have never felt so depressed in all my life! any suggestions would be welcome!

Mar 31, 2009 2:27 PM

Guest :

I had a baby later in life and gain some great pounds when I was preg. I have started running and lifting and lost a bunch of weight. On my inner thighs, I have saggy loose skin.. What can I do to get rid of this? I am 40 years old

Apr 3, 2009 1:08 PM

Guest :

Want to see if anyone can give me any advice in my case. I'm 19 years old and for about 8 years I was fairly overweight. I gained the weight quickly, but then never really got much fatter after the first year, just kept it on for the next 7. In the last year I've lost all my weight, but I still have sagging skin on my stomach and sides that REALLY frustrates me. I thought it was fat that wouldn't go away until I saw a plastic surgeon who informed me that it was just skin that had lost its elasticity due to me having gained the weight I gained so fast. He suggested a minor tummy-tuck (though I fear that won't cover the sides too) if nothing changes.

(Oh right, I lost about 70-80 pounds from when I decided to start losing weight, I'm sure I was a bit heavier at some point though).

Since I stopped "losing" weight it's been about 5 months. Since then I've been exercising regularly, eating lots of lean protein, water, vegetables, doing daily stretches and resistance training, ab exercises, etc. I have not seen ANY CHANGE AT ALL in my sagging skin. I know I'm young and my skin "should" gain its elasticity, but I fear I may have ruined that when I gained wait so fast. I'm not afraid of having surgery, I can afford it too, I just don't want to take a risk that I could avoid otherwise. BUT, at the same time, I'm in college, and I hate being afraid to take my shirt off after all this work. If I could get results in 3 years or have surgery and get them sooner, I'd take surgery.

Since I haven't seen any change in this time period, what do you think my logic options are? Summer starts in a little more than a month, and that's when I plan on going back to see the plastic surgeon again. From anyone here who has experience or expertise, do you think I'll ever see any natural skin recession? Are there creams or anything I could use to help? Is surgery still my best option?

Apr 12, 2009 4:13 PM

Guest :

My wife lost 60 lbs, and is now experiencing loose skin under her chin, its driving her nuts, and me as well. Anyone with some exercises to help tighten the skin would be greatly appreciated. She is 42 yrs old and lost 60 lbls while on the lap-band, she is very happy with the weightloss, but unhappy about the loose skin.

May 8, 2009 10:19 AM

Guest :

I once asked a burn unit nurse about this issue and the best way to renew skin tissue. She told me to treat your skin the way they treat someone with severe burns- strip away the dead cells and then feed/moisturize/heal the growing ones.
The ritual I go through is to dry brush my skin at least once daily (hint: go to your local farm supply store or tack shop and get a good soft horse brush; test it out to make sure you like the abrasion level, the automotive section of Walmart or Target has great brushes, as well, both options have better prices then the speciality shops).
Before your AM shower(and I would recommend when you change to go to bed)brush your whole body. Spend TIME doing this, at least five minutes. Cover EVERYTHING, focusing on the parts that are most stretched, like underarms, under the stomach fold,inner thighs.Don't pull the skin, you'll weaken it more. Have a mental picture of creating a "rosy glow". Think of yourself as a race horse; you need to be pampered and groomed to be sleek and beautiful.
Once in the shower, I alternate days using either an oil based, moisturizing wash/soap (Olay has a new olive oil based, patchouli scented one,less then $4 at Walmart) and a soft-scrub sided sponge (like you use for your non-stick pans) OR a glycolic acid based cleanser (search Ebay for best vaule, I buy these in bulk)and a wash puff. Don't use a highly abrasive scrubber with the acid cleanser. You are alternating between two different types of exfoliating- abrasion and chemical. Doing both at the same time is too harsh.
While I'm still in the shower, I use a bath oil all over (Alpha Keri)and rinse. I step out, DON'T dry off, and oil and/or lotion everything again. With this phase I alternate a lot with different body lotions and oils, depending on what I want for scent and feel to please the husband. Most consistantly I use Palmer's Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Oil, another Walmart bargain. I focus on my "butt" and lower legs (if you're a typical fat girl like me, your lower legs swell over the course of the day; that's HARD on the skin in those areas).
I've had body wraps be really, honestly, long-lasting effective. Google "body wrap", decide on a recipe, and find the ingredients (most common is powdered seaweed, again Google it, look too, for sellers on Ebay) and get out the plastic wrap! It's messy stuff, but it DOES help. So do coffee ground wraps. Start nabbing used grounds from the machine at work.
I'll send more in another

May 8, 2009 12:24 PM

Guest :

Continuing...
DO STRENGTH TRAINING!!!!! If you know nothing, spend money for a session with a trainer. Worth the cost to not waste effort!
Surprising, I recommend "Shapely Secrets in 7 Minutes". Blew my mind it isn't a rip-off, IF done correctly. At seven minutes total, do it multiple times a day (IF you're not too stiff, really, it's nuts). Google for the website, 40$ plus shipping, check on Ebay, too.
There is an ancient VHS workout,"In-Shape with Rachel McLish". Used copies for less than $2 at Amazon. It has THE BEST upper body and arm workout I've ever seen (I have several hundred exercise/fitness videos). It's sound physiologically and works very specific muscles. Only available in VHS, buy it, and burn it to DVD to have forever, it's that exceptional.
Next, you want something that has movement. Not so much for aerobics, but for your soul. Find something that feeds your heart and centers you, not just "exercise". "Exercise" is a chore. You will long to have time, you will make time, for something that fills your spirit. It will become a priority because you get so much from it.
Coming from a dance/fencing background, I'm continuely amazed at how little people, particularly women,have experimented with how they move, how their body works, and what joy it brings. It saddens me to see women in belly dance classes with no idea how to move their hips. WOW, hips are the physcial center of our gender! Get to know YOU!
Enough lecture, find SOMETHING- general dance, callanetics(remember that?), pilates, yoga (I like Ana Brett/Ravi Singh DVDs, there is an old Raquel Welsh video and book, I'll take looking like HER), belly dance (I like Dolphina's Goddess stuff and she just came out with a burlesque workout, not STRIPPING- BURLESQUE!,GREAT campy fun!!).
Close the door and MOVE, celebrate your body, just as it is, find some joy and release.
Lastly, wear the firmest girdle you can stand. I've worn a body briefer for twenty-five years. It keeps your fat pulled in and not stretching your skin. Ace wrap/bind other stretched areas when you can, like at home. Fight to keep further stretching minimal. The compression will help with the tightening, too.
An MD told me you have to be obsessive to loose 100+ lbs. You do. But it's more then just losing weight, it's reclaiming your life. It is devestating to be fat. It honestly crushes your soul. Be obsessed with getting that back, getting yourself back.
My best hopes for all, write, soo_sun1@yahoo.com

May 11, 2009 1:01 AM

Guest :

I lost around 30 lbs when I was 12 or 13 years old or so, within a period of about 3 months through crash dieting and exercise - from the overweight spectrum to the normal/underweight spectrum. For a few weeks, I probably ate no more than a few hundred calories a day. I then went back onto a normal diet with no weight gain, and retaining the extreme level of fitness that I had achieved through the exercise (Before the diet, 12 minute miles. Afterwards, 5 minute miles. I was winning races). "Crash dieting is always bad" is a myth. My case shows that crash dieting can be extremely effective if done correctly. Furthermore, the weight loss and exercise promoted my growth and metabolism, and there were no negative effects that I know of. No loose skin either, although I suppose that it helped that I was very young when I dieted.

May 23, 2009 5:51 PM

Guest :

after i had my daughter i dealt with loose skin on my abdomen for over 2 years, i had reached almost 200 pounds. my mom had this stuff from a company called "Mannatech". I used "Emprizone" and "Firm", both creams, on my stomach and notices results within a week and my skin actually firmed back up even after that amount of time. I'm not sure how long before it firmed up all the way. I hope this helps some out there.

May 28, 2009 3:56 AM

Guest :

Hello Tracy,

I hve a question for u. Im a 25 yr old woman weighin 62 kgs. I sit in the sauna mostly everyday to find myself sweating excessively. This is sort of resulting in loose skin due to the fat that im burning, so pls, if you could tell me what to do post sauna? What exercises should I follow to tone my arms nd butts?

Thanks,

Jun 1, 2009 12:41 AM

Guest :

At age 22, i was 550 lbs. By age 26, i was 350 lbs. By age 33, i was down to 245 lbs. I'm 43 now, and about 250. My weight fluctuates 10 lbs here and there over the years, but I generally eat well, and I exercise on an athletic level and I'm rather muscular - even with washboard abs while standing erect.

Do I have redundant skin? Yep. Lots of it. Yeah, sometimes i consider it unsightly, but it's me anyway, and i do love myself just as i am. Still, redundant skin is a basic reality that I accepted years ago. Sure, I can have the excess skin removed, but for whatever reason I have been reluctant to do that. Maybe one day.

More than anything, i'm happy to be healthy and fit. Meanwhile, I'm working on losing an additional 40 lbs just to see what it's like to be around 200lbs. I haven't been that small since i was 13.

Best wishes to all.

Jun 3, 2009 9:07 PM

Guest :

I am 17 years old and almost way 280. I am working on a lifstyle change and taking my time. Do think this will really prevent sagging excess skin?

Jun 18, 2009 7:26 PM

Guest :

I was 267lbs and now I am 193lbs and still going down my goal is 165lbs. I have a lot of skin and doing abs everyday dont help to get stomach skin off. I am hoping at 165lbs the skin will disapear magically. (ha ha) It seems that what ever people do nothing works. I look at it this way, we were blown up like baloons and now when all the air is out the baloon looks deformed and will never go back to its original form. Same process happens to us we get inflated and when the fat gets out the skin just does not want to go back to original form. But thanks to how our body is made the skin does shrink just because we are alive and our skin is living too. We are very excited to loose so much weight in a short period of time but its different with our skin it needs a lot more time to retract then we thingk. We just need patients. (hey can anyone tell me whre I can buy patients just kidding)

Jul 13, 2009 1:03 PM

Guest :

It can take 1-2 years, after weight loss is complete, for loose skin to tighten up. Skin attaches its self to muscle, not fat, so unless you are very lean, you will likely always have some amount of loose skin after weight loss. Since skin attaches its self to muscle, all you can do is keep working hard on strength training, cardio, eating lots of low fat protein (protein builds muscle) and drink lots of water (helps w/ skin elasticity) and in the end, just be patient. The older you are, the longer it will take for your skin to snap back. 1-2 years is the average, but could take longer, depending on how often you work out, your age, the type of exercises you do, the foods you eat etc... . Remember, your body can only process so much protein, too much protein is dangerous, so know how much you are consuming for your weight. If you loose weight too quickly, your skin doesn't have enough time to adjust, which makes the loose skin problem even worse- only loose 1-2 lbs per week.

Aug 14, 2009 5:19 AM

Guest :

Hi there everyone. I am 33yrs and after many years of playing sport and then going on yoyo diets I ended up by very overweight after having my kids. I have been working out for about 4 weeks and have already lost 10kgs I think that equates to 20lbs, somewhere around that. Before I started my new weight loss journey I did a lot of research about skin tightening and discovered a noninvasive procedure called 'thermage'. It is a laser treatment that helps your skin to tighten. I will be having this procedure done on my arms because this is the one place on the body that I do not want to have scars. I know that I will need a tummy tuck and probably the thigh lift and I am fine with that. But it tightens gradually, I am having the procedure done during my weight loss journey, so that as I am losing the skin is also tightening. I do not want to start from scratch at the end when I reach my goal weight by then it will become an uphill battle. Its definately something to look into. Oh, and theres no downtime. Good luck to everyone out there, sydney Australia

Aug 15, 2009 10:03 AM

Guest :

Lift weights, lift weights, and lift weights. My highest weight was 400 pounds. Lots of hanging skin. I built my biceps and triceps up and all the hanging skin is gone. Im working on the other parts of my body as well. At 53, I have a hard time getting rid of the turkey neck. Im trying neck exercises. The key secret, build muscle and the hanging skin goes away. Its like the muscle is filling in where the fat used to be.

Aug 15, 2009 2:58 PM

Guest :

Hi, im 27 and have lost 6 stone over the last 4yrs from being overweight since i was very young.I now run and cycle on a regurlar basis, and I have toned my body but my skin is still abit loose.Recently i have starting using a good firming moisturiser and bio oil (which really helps with stretch marks)all over my body every day and i am finding that doing this is really helping to firm my skin and makes it look much better.Also drinking lots of water helps and giving up tea and coffe too.For anyone that is starting too lose weight id advise really using a good body moisturiser or oil from day one it'l be worth it in the end.Hope this helps.

Aug 19, 2009 9:31 PM

Guest :

Hey Great Info :)
I'm 18 yrs old and was wondering if any one here can give me some tips or advice on how to lose facial fat, double chin, neck fat etc. without going through surgery.
I am planning to exercise and get back into shape, because lately I've been feeling like I'm eating too much and having no energy, but I do drink alot of water =)
Anyone can help? :)
Thanks

Aug 22, 2009 9:41 PM

Guest :

Yes, lots of great advice here! Long ago I heard that drinking skim milk helps with flabby skin...any truth to this?

Aug 31, 2009 1:28 PM

Guest :

the combination that helped my skin was exercise stressing cardioworkout most. I would go to the gym spend 30 min on the treadmill, then work for an hour or more- one day arms+ abs the next legs and abs, and would finish with 20 min on the stepper or the treadmill again. Increased circulation (lots of sweating) lots of water, a good diet (stress on vitC, E, and E- I was deficit with C so increasing this one helped). From time to time I massaged the critical areas in the bath and again with creams rich with natural oil (sometimes I just add olive oil or sesame oil etc in the cream and mix it). I started exercising little by little a year ago to see the results now. It's a long journey. A never-ending one. But seeing improvemnts in my skin by being firmer and more elastic with the stretchmarks noticing less is rewarding. Changing your whole lifestyle and mental thinking is essential.
don't stop your workouts
best to you all
maya

Sep 3, 2009 10:19 AM

Guest :

Hello I am 19. Two years ago I weighed 290lbs. Due to some life events I now weigh 128lbs at 5'10. The only place I really have a lot of loose skin is my tummy and its terrible, its bugging me so bad because it just wont go away. I figure if my body feels it needs it to go away then it will in time. So I keep doin what I've been doin. Just know a healthy weight is better than a picture perfect body. As long as you are healthy be happy and good job.

Sep 27, 2009 4:20 AM

Guest :

Hello all,

Ok, I've being looking over your comments and have some answers for some of you .. Some truths as well.

I'll tell you bit about myself first, My names aaron and i'm 17 years of age, unlike most of you I started off very skinny so I desided to gain some weight/mass (Bulk up) now I was 8 stone 3 months ago .. I'm now 11.4 stone which is a MAJOR weight increase after having my body fat tested I'm not at 13% overall body fat, SO you can guess how much muscle mass I have gained.

BUT even after losing all the excess body fat I still have excess skin round my face ... at my age? ... It happens to EVERYONE THAT LOSES/GAINS WEIGHT TO FAST, It is slowly dissipating, How you might ask?

Gym 5-6 times a week with a VERY well balanced diet, No junk what so ever ... Think of it this way ... if you cheat your diet you will pay for it in the long run.

Concluding, You need to have a balanced diet and exercise plan If even one of them is slightly off balance it will NOT work.

If you are having trouble getting your diet and exercise plan balanced seek a nutritionist and a personally trainer, much cheaper then surgery isn't it?

Good luck everyone!

Nov 4, 2009 8:11 PM

Guest :

Hello All,
I am 30 and the mother of two. I am currently dieting and exercising and have a morbid fear of loose/hanging skin. However, I have found a miraculous garment by Ardyss International that address all of the problems you all have mentioned. Ardyss has created and entire line of body reshaping garments designed for men and women which INSTANTLY shrink and reshape your body. These garments can be worn while losing weight as a preventive measure or after dramatic weight loss to reverse the effects of skin loosening and sagging.
The cadillac of the ladies garments is the "Body Magic". Ardyss Body Magic is designed to exert pressureon the abdomen, generating a protection that prevents fat accumulation in the abdominal wall. Once you put it on, it reshapes your body from the breasts (pushing them up) to the crotch area (helping to eliminate local fat) and smooths sagging inner thighs (DOES NOT ROLL UP!). It redistributes flaccid tissues reducing the waist and lifting the buttocks. You instantly reduce up to 3 dress sizes while creating that hourglass shape. You can wear it while doing any kind of activity, even working out. It corrects posture and improves blood circulation, enhancing the results of physical activity. It actually helps you metabolize fat and excrete it in your urine. I am wearing this garment daily as I am losing weight (25 lbs in 6 weeks) and I look/feel great. My body is actually shrinking and TAKING ON THE HOURGLASS SHAPE OF THE GARMENT, even after I take it off. My stomach is shrinking without getting flabby. They have shaping garments for men too, as well as an entire line of nutritional supplements AND skincare products which have also helped with my skin elasticity. I have not found anyone yet that has been less than elated after using these products and wearing the garments.
Please take a moment to check out the website: www.ardysslife.com/stylesbyjacintha
Much success in achieving all of your weight loss and nutrition goals.