Loose Skin and Self Acceptance (X post)

 damaged skin is damaged skin. Nothing can be done except surgery but exercise will tone the muscle behind the skin and make it look better. I love my arm muscles, it makes up for the sagging batwings that hang below it in my book.

Weight training is great for muscle building, yes.  And that is important to having shape in general, at any size.  I do work out six days a week and four of those days are with weights.  That's why I get a lot of compliments on my shoulders and guns.  ;-)   But muscles and skin are different tissues, so it doesn't take care of the skin.  I have often wondered about excess skin on the Biggest Loser and, now that I have a couple folds, I can see it in them but don't know how some of them are not dealing with more than they are.  Thank you for the thought!

Janice

I always said that if I had the money I would get plastic surgery.  Then I did have the money from an inheritance and I felt it would go to better use in other things so I didn't have it.  Sometimes I think about it but I know I made the right decision.  I am 53 and *****ally cares about my loose skin?  Maybe if I was in my 20's it would be more important to me, I would have more time left to enjoy it.  The only person that sees it for the most part is my boyfriend and he certainly doesn't care.  What it comes down to is that my life wouldn't be no different with or without the skin.  I might feel better about my body but that wouldn't necessarily change my life.
That said, I did have my panni removed 8 years ago, after my first surgery and I am very glad I did that.  I also got implants and I regret doing that.

Hi Lady,  I am originally from Lincoln City so your location was the first thing that jumped out at me.  :-)

One of my nieces is 32 and had the whole kit and kaboodle of plastics done after she lost 70 pounds.  It made a huge difference to her.  I think for me liking how well I move and how much healthier I am is more important than being taut ... at this age, is taut normal?  I doubt it.

Janice

I am having my surgery on the 24th [4 days away now] and one of my real concerns for afterward is the skin issue.  I have  LOT of my weight in the stomach right now and it hangs nearly to my knees. It is humiliating and extremely upsetting each and every time I see my reflection.  Every other area of my body, I can see doing ok with the diet and exercise, but I am really worried about that stomach skin not disappearing enough.  I'm not at all scared about the surgery and the diet will be fine, but this issue really upsets me.  If it comes to that, I won't hesitate to have the plastic to correct it.  I just want my life back.

Depending on your insurance they may cover a panniculectomy.  They paid for mine and it wasn't that terrible.  Just make sure you document any problems like rashes or back pain.  Go to your doctor and get creams for the rashes so it will be in your record.

I will keep you (and your medical team) in my thoughts on the 24th.  Congratulations!

A panni that hangs down generally creates skin problems and function problems such that insurance will cover that.  I know one lady who has refused to have hers removed, but her insurance and doctor would like her to.  So, talk to your insurance company about that, even now .... one of those "say .... in the future if I have skin problems, would you consider this?  Is it covered?"  Better to know than worry!

In the meantime, you will feel so much better overall, the panni may be an issue, but I doubt it will take away your delight in your improving body and health.

Janice

I am 56, soon to be 57 and have gone full steam ahead with the Plastic surgery..I am having an inner and outer thigh lift, a butt lift and a tummy tuck on sept 13th.  I found my doctor here on Obesity Help.  It is expensive, but I figure 60 is the new 40 and I hate the way my legs jiggle and my arms sag.  I am going to do the arms and breast next year.
I am so happy with my new body but disappointed that I can't wear sleeveless or shorter dresser or shorts that I am going to do it.
I hope you do it also, My kids say I should spend the money on a family vacation, but this is important to me, I will have more fun on the vacation if I feel comfortable with myself!  LOl

I'm 61, and have lots of drapy skin.  Three-quarter sleeves are my best friend these days, but like you I'm OK in my bathing suit.  The other day a friend and I did a spa day - massage, then lunch around the pool at the Four Seasons.  (What a treat!)  Me and my saggy legs and arms walked around with a "f*ck em all" attitude.  I do have some sleeveless things, because I figure when we finallly get our really hot Southern California weather, I won't care how my arms look.

At this point, my attitude is, "No more medical procedures."  I'm kinda done with the medical profession for a while.  (Recently spent some time in the hospital due to pleurisy of unknown cause and had a thoracentesis, or draining of fluid from around my lungs, along with at least 100 pints of blood drawn and dozens of chest-related tests.)  I may change my mind, or I may carry my "f*ck em" attitude forever. 

Kathy, I love it!  I do wonder what my massuese thinks of the extra skin ... we talk about everything else and I am nekkid, so maybe I could ask.  LOL