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Quick question: Medifast Diet - Phase 1 breakfast? Thanks for any answer. 2nd question I got is.. I must admit that Im sure there are a lot of you out there that are worried about the dreading SAGGY SKIN after weightloss huh? (or at least us that have over 100 pounds to lose) I can tell you that I am one, but I have feared for the longest time "what is the sense of me to just lose all this weight (180 pounds) to just lead me to have the same ugly body that I still have being OBESE? I couldnt tell you how many times I have thought this to no end, and just have realized something, I would rather be healthy with some saggy skin, then to be OBESE and look horrible..you can look at it like this:. |
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Hmm... I need to find out myself. I don't know what is the answer to that question. I'll do some investigation and get back to you if I discover an good answer. You should email the people at Medifast as they probably can answer it..
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I don't know if this will help, but my experience was that when I lost 90 pounds slowly over 18 months back in 2003 & 2004 when I started a new job..
I had no trouble at all with saggy skin - it seemed to shrink with me.. I moisturized like crazy because I was a little nervous.. Recently I gained it all back due to stress over eating and now I am starting MF.. So, lets see if I am as lucky.. Good luck! I would rather have saggy skin than be as fat as I am now!. I want to LIVE!.. |
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Wow, I wasn't aware how expensive the tuck surgeries are. I was hoping to reward myself with one or two tucks at least. I think the way our skin responds is based on genetics, how long and how much we were overweight, and our age at the time of losing the weight. I'm expecting sagging to be an issue, but certainly not a stumbling block to my goal! Guess I'd better start saving surgery $ though!..
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I think, too, that skin will "catch up" with you over time, depending on your age. It may be saggy and then over time be less saggy if you drink plenty of water, etc..
I am planning on surgery - insurance will cover saggy skin that creates a health issue. For me, I've always wanted a breast reduction and I'm sure I'd qualify. I'm just going to wait until I get to a good weight to do it..... |
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If you read through the T&M boards, most of the long time maintainers say to wait for a least a year at goal before you consider any action on skin flaps, etc. This is because your body will start to change and a lot of it goes away naturally. The key is patience. Just like the weight loss journey itself, the journey to tighter skin after goal is a marathon, not a sprint. I can't wait for mine to shrink!..
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Good Morning My Shrinking Friends!.
I am a nurse and I change into my scrubs in a communal dressing room with a rotating crew of 150 other nurses of all ages, shapes & sizes. We have amongst us several who have had bariatric surgery and lost 100 - 225 lbs & several who have lost 100-150 pounds "the good, old, fashioned way" (IE: diet & exercise). Most of them have looked like hell when they first reached goal weight (the exceptions being our younguns (24-30 who each lost in the 100-150 lb range). At 1 year out, most are looking pretty darned good. Those who lost more slowly (IE: the old fashioned way) seem to have less sagging then those who lost very quickly. The older you are when you get to goal, the more sag there seems to be. 2 have had medically indicated tummy tucks (both had lost more than 150 pounds), as they had very large aprons. Having seem them naked with the weight & without, I can tell you those aprons were there with the weight as well, they didn't hang as low pre-wt loss because they were filled with fat. My 45 year old co-worker who lost 250lbs 2 years ago after bariatric surgery is wearing a bathing suit this year, hasn't had any nips or tucks, has been dry brushing, oiling, taking supplements, maintaining excellent nutrition & exercising through out - And looks GREAT! Not 25 yr old perfect, but like a normal, healthy, 45 yr old woman should look. (Her bathing suit has an underwire bra & her small belly apron doesn't show in her suit.) Several who look on the saggy side naked, look wonderful fully clothed - even in shorts & tank tops. Of those who have opted for "tucks & lifts", the vast majority had breast lifts as it is hard emotionally to transition from being a triple D to a sagging B. I've started dry brushing & oiling, am taking supplements which support healthy skin and elasticity, and am choosing the veggies that are most nutritionally dense. My exercise habits suck, and I'm working on changing that. My goal is to be healthy & feel good in my own skin. I'm not expecting perfection, because that is a set up for failure. Helps that I see 30-50 marked women every day, keeps my perspective grounded in reality - the reality is that many, many "normal" women - who have never battled obesity have lumps, bumps, & saggy parts. So, do what you can to support your health (stay hydrated, eat well & OP, care for your skin, take your vitamins, etc), celebrate your success and learn to love yourself no matter what your "container" looks like in any given moment.. |
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Great advice!.
Question - what is dry brushing? Is it for circulation?. Thanks!.. |
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Dry brushing is just what it sounds like. You take a body brush and you brush from head to toe while your body is dry, pre-shower. It's an extra exfoliation step that really, for me, has helped with a lot of the sag and brought a really healthy glow to my skin that other methods haven't. Your mileage may vary...
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WOW, THANKS FOR EXPLAINING THAT AND WELL I KNOW THAT I MAY GET A TUMMY TUCK, BUT I WILL WAIT JUST LIKE YOU SAID, AND WILL BE PINCHING PENNIES WHILE DOING SO!!!.
So, she lost over 200 lbs and looks great huh, wow..that's awesome!!.. |
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Ok, do you have a website or what kinda brush I should use? Ive never done or actuallyheard about this until I read it on here! Also, how long do you do it for and how many times a week? Also does it hurt?..
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I don't mean to be dismissive, but 34 pounds I wouldn't expect to cause sagging on any age. 100 plus is WHOLE other ball game, especially 150+..
That is fantastic, but not my experience with many. Even those who lost a steady 8 to 10 pounds a month had horrible pics a year into maintenance. I just think we all need to be prepared for the distinct possibility that lots of excess skin is very possible and pretty probable if we are older and losing a huge amt of weight.. Dry brushing exfoliates... it doesn't make the skin draw up. That is a totally different animal. It absolutely works to defoliate. The other fantastic claims of toning muscles, removing cellulite..etc... not proven at all. Though I am sure the attention you give your skin makes you feel better so that's good. I think your other healthy regiment is certainly the best ticket. I also take vitamins, fish oil, and keep my skin lubricated... |
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I think that is pne of the reasons this discussion board was started... that not everyone has the same skin. That the skin of someone who is overweight can sag just as much as the skin of someone who has lost 50 pounds or more. The poster that you are referring to is petite - less than 5' tall. So 34 pounds on someone that is pretty tiny is like 100+ pounds on someone say 5'8" or thereabouts. 100 pounds lost on one will produce the same or worse skin sagging on another who lost 150+ pounds.
Me - I have no thoughts that my skin and body will be perfect when I get to my goal weight. I am giving myself a year at goal, with working out and eating healthy to see what my body looks like and make the decision for plastic surgery then.. |
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LOL...Deezy! That's too funny!.
Thanks for posting everyone. I have just started Medifast and need to lose 100+ pounds and as an older woman (51) do worry about saggy skin flaps. It it heartening to hear that people who take care of themselves see improvement over time. I hope I have some good elasticity in my genetics! But I certainly am not going to let the worry of floppy skin stop me...floppy skin doesn't contribute to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks or strokes.... Obesity does!. I wonder what it will be like to have a check-up and NOT see "morbid obesity" written on the diagnosis sheet!.. |
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My husband and I were so excited when I first started losing my weight, we were reading everything we could about the possibility of total success. Along the way we watched a few "cable" type shows that showed people that had lost 100+ pounds up close and personal. Boy was I scared! ALMOST scared me off of MF. Thought about it all that night, then I figured- hello? - my skin covers a very large area at over 300 lbs. - my choice was to have it filled with 150lbs of extra fat or not. I figured I'd deal with it when the time came.
I love my belly. I love my saggy thighs, I love what my 12 year old calls my "bingo wings". I'm fifty in December and most of my friends have much saggier arms than mine - the big friends and the little friends.. Now, I understand that just because I'm loving "the skin that I'm in" doesn't mean that it will be attractive to everyone. But here's the kicker everyone doesn't get to see me naked! I say save your surgery money for some Spanx, head to toe ones if you need them, some lift and flatter lingerie for DH and some NYDJ... |
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Kristine, I think it's a brand of jeans called "Not Your Daughter's Jeans"..
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Okay to add my two cents..
I have lost 158 lbs so far. I have saggy skin. My arms have batwings BUT they are already starting to tighten up some. I have some sag in my thighs - can't be helped.. My problem area is my stomach apron - having had two c-sections, my pannus is so large that it lays on my thighs. Nothing but surgery will fix this - which I do hope to have on my stomach as I get rashes, have skin breakdown issues, etc. Also, I quit 3 years ago, but I was a smoker for 20 years and well over 200 lbs for at least that long.. Would I trade how I feel now for no saggy skin? Not on a bet! I feel great and look good in clothes. Last night I "hopped" out of the pool. I haven't been able to do that in years! I have friends that have had bariatric surgery and their skin is MUCH better 2-3 years out. Patient is definitely the name of the game.. Personally, I think it's what you can live with... |
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Floppy skin doesn't contribute to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks or strokes.... Obesity does!.
WOW!!!! I love that quote - can I use it?????.. |
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Angela, that is what I have seen with so many people. And that while other areas may improve, that belly flap won't do much. But absolutely, I'll deal with that. I want that normal weight!..
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Just think, if we save all the money we would have spent in the drive-thru, we will have a nest egg when we are finished. lol..
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I am finally starting to see loose skin - YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
I feel like that alone is a huge indication of progress!!!.. |
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I know I will have the skin issue, as I have 150 to lose. I have a "Care Credit Card" that is going to allow me to have a tummuy tuck. There are a TON of plastic surgeons out there that have a financial payment plan, and you bet I'm going to use it. Tummy tuck and boob lift are first. Then maybe the thighs/arms...later down the road. Look into it.
I hear that if it is serious enough, your health insurance will cover the tummy tuck if you have a lot of issues with skin breakdown/rash/infection. Take photos and notes for the insurance company... |
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To Chewysmom if you're here somewhere. I have a couple of questions based on your post about seeing your co-workers undressed and skin health..
#1 - what kind of brush is used for dry brushing? If I am naked, I'm sure my husband will help me with this task.. #2 - what kind of body oil do you use - Again, if I am naked............. #3 - what supplement do you use to promote healthy skin - I'll have to go this one alone.. #4 - what kind of veggies are most nutrition dense??. Thanks.. |
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Yes - exercising and lots of water and lots of moisturizer helped a LOT - I lots 90 pounds in 2003-2004 - I did not have any problem - my skin kind of shrunk along with me - it would be loose for a bit then catch up then go through cycles as I did, too. Very resilient. Every one is different of course. Just be good to yourself!..
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Yeah I still have a ways to go, but I'm going to wait like two years and see what happens with my "extra" skin! But I'm not real worried about it as I was before!..
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Yes, it will help with saggy skin depending how hard you work out and strength train yourself, but I imagine over time you will see results. But look like you dont have much to worry about as to me I have to lose 200 pounds so ya I'm going to need to do something later on down the road lol...
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I was so hoping to see an answer to these questions! Hopefully soon?..
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Wow what a great thread. I would just like to add the thing about having the surgery for loose skin............the price tag will not be the only pain one feels. Surgery/recovery is painful and one needs to weigh the risks vs. the benefits of going under the knife..
Happy Melting!. Nora.. |
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Can you please share with us your vitamin, dry brushing, and oil routine with the specifics?!..
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Not really, I am buying new equipment when this is over lol. I am all about the lifting and tucking XD..
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In nursing school one of my student surgeries was a tummy tuck. It was absolutely brutal. The girl was only 16 and just so so very obese. She had been near 400 and had lost down to 250 or so, and they were already doing the tuck to deal with the skin. They said she would likely have to have another one. They cut from her sternum to the top of her pubic hair line and then to each hip bone and started removing skin.
They removed over 40# of skin. It was unbelievable.. The worst thing being that the anesthetist came in and made cracks about her. "Whoa, who killed a whale in here! Look at all that blubber!". As a student I was appalled.. Recovery was terrible. They could not seem to manage her pain and she was crying and crying. I was trying to calm her, but my hands were tied. It was not a pleasant experience.. Would I get one? I probably would, although money is a huge issue for me. I have a terrible apron even now from 4 c-sections and having been overweight so long. I carry MOST of my weight here. I already get some rashes there from time to time. It helps immensely to keep the area clean and thoroughly dried a few times a day- along with some baby powder with corn starch. I cannot imagine what it will be like when I lose all this weight. I did this to my body, no one else. I will not take out loans and such. We just don't make that kind of money and it would totally stress the family finances. I thought about myself way too long with stuffing my face and eating for me what I wanted seemingly with no thought as to the repercussions. The changes with Medifast are not just about changing the way I look and being healthy. To me they are also about my mind set and attitudes.. Would I like to look gorgeous when I am done? Sure, who wouldn't? I think beauty is much more on the inside though and I can still be happy to be a healthier weight and living a more healthful life even if my body is not ideal. I am sure my DH will not care either... |
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I'd just like to say, this is a stellar suggestion..
Thanks, cellis!.. |
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I have a question. Maybe it's been addressed somewhere already. If you start off really big, like myself, is it NOT possible to reach your goal weight because of the extra skin. I mean, one person said a friend had 40 pounds of excess skin removed after weight loss. I want to get to 150. But if I'm going to have 40 pounds of excess skin hanging around, doesn't that mean I won't be able to get to 150, because that would really be 110 if not accounting for the skin? So if I get to 150 and then have surgery to remove the skin, I'll be 110? Hope that made sense. I'm sure you all know what I mean anyway!..
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Hey Amy,.
It is extremely rare to have 40 or 50 lbs of extra skin after weight loss. My boss weighed 500 to start and had GBS, and just had a tummy tuck and it was only 9 lbs. I would guess if she had the thigh lift she wanted it might take off another 5-7 lbs.. What I am going to do is factor in about 10 pounds of loose skin. At 160, I will look at myself and see if I am happy there, and maybe get a plastic surgery consult for another opinion. If the scale is still moving easily at that time, I will definitely keep going to goal.. Keep up the good work.. |
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Yeah I figure 10 pounds of loose skin is about right, but obviously if you hit a weight where your fat is gone, you are there, skin or not. Just be sure to start wearing support clothing so you have better chance of having less loose skin. I plan to order the body stockings when I hit 250..
OMG Nursgirl you ROCK! 103 pounds in 24 weeks is incredible! I am happy with 2 a week but I won't like and say I am not envious. And really happy for you!.. |
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Hi Ya'll,.
I've gotten several messages these last 2 wks asking about my regime - so rather than continue to send individual answers, I'm back to post answers to the questions I've been most freq. getting.. #1 - what kind of brush is used for dry brushing? If I am naked, I'm sure my husband will help me with this task.. Yea, those DH are really helpful with this process :P A natural boar bristle brush works best -What ever kind you use, it needs to be soft. Remember, the brushing is supposed to feel good. If you are marking your skin or it hurts, you're brushing too hard. I got mine at Target for under $5. Remember to brush in the direction of your heart.. #2 - what kind of body oil do you use - Again, if I am naked............. I use the light sesame oil by Neutrgena - it absorbs quickly & doesn't leave you feeling greasy. A little goes a long way, your hands should be a little bit wet & your body still moist when you smooth it on. I'm guessing I use a total of 1 to 1/2 tablespoons daily. I still have 1/2 my first 16oz bottle & I started in March. Lotion doesn't work as well for me. Others have used almond, olive, & coconut oil or cocoa butter. #3 - what supplement do you use to promote healthy skin - I'll have to go this one alone.. As directed by my doc - This is what I take every day divided into 2 doses:. 2000mg fish oil (I get mine at Costco or Trader Joe's - cheapest & freshest. If it stinks, it's rancid) Keep it in the freezer & take it frozen to prevent fish burps.. 2000mg vitamin C. 2000 Vit D3. 1000mg Calcium, that also has magnesium in it. Multi-vit with zinc. The fish oil, vit C, zinc in multi vit are most specific to healthy skin. The vit D3 is important for your immune system & helps prevent infections, as well as promoting strong bones.. #4 - what kind of veggies are most nutrition dense??. The darker the green, the more nutrient dense - broccoli, kale, (OMG - the kale chips recipe on line is to die for!) chard, darker green salad greens, spinach, etc. Dark orange & red veggies are the same... but we don't eat any of those during 5:1, with the exception of red bell peppers.. #5 - How long does it take-. It takes me 5 minutes to brush everything but my face, pits, and pubic region. My brush has a removable handle that I can get to my back with. Oil takes me 5 to 7 minutes. Again I oil everything except the afore mentioned areas. On weekend mornings when I'm not in a hurry to get to work & DH is around... the oiling part can take a little longer. An update from my first post - which I think I wrote when I was down about 30 pounds???? Anyway, I'm now down 65 pounds and my skin is feeling good. I'm wearing dresses without hose regularly and my coworkers often ask what I do to make my skin look so good. No more swelling in my legs, cracked heels, itching, or skin rashes. It's interesting, the longer I brush, the less judgmental I am about my lumps, bumps, & saggy parts. I think just touching the places we have despised, helps us to forgive ourselves and move on to taking the best care of our selves that we can right now. My "angle wings" (as my friend Joyce refers to what I formally called bat wings) definitely are firmer than they were pre-MF. I think this must be related to dry brushing, as I would think the skin would be hanging more as it "deflated" with weight loss. The girls are still going south.... which is no surprise to me. However, they no longer get uncomfortably swollen with TOM and the skin is a better texture. My saddle bags haven't gotten any saggier, which is a surprise to me, as the last 30 pounds have come directly from that region. If I haven't answered your question, feel free to send me a PM & I'll get back to you.. Take good care and enjoy the journey!.. |
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>>2000mg fish oil (I get mine at Costco or Trader Joe's - cheapest & freshest. If it stinks, it's rancid) Keep it in the freezer & take it frozen to prevent fish burps.<<.
Just want to advise that 2000mg fish oil can be worthless or great. The part that counts is the Omega 3.. some cheap brands have 1000 mg fish oil, and only 200 of it Omega 3. And you want as much of it as possible from EPA and DHA.. Http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/d...t-fishoil.html. Http://health.med.umich.edu/healthco...eID=hn-2843005. Something else I want to share... Hibiclens. Http://www.hibiclens.com/. I tested yearly for diabetes from the time I was a teen because of family history even in not overweight siblings. I was tested in Feb, in Sept began having issues with sores not healing. In Nov, doctor retested... diabetic. He suggested Hibiclens. I have used it every since. It was miraculous for no more heat rashes, no abrasions, no sores.. I also highly recommend a GOOD olive oil soap. The feeling is amazing. It isn't cheap to get the good stuff, but wow it lasts and feels incredible... |
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Make sure you use a natural bristle brush even though a plastic one will seem soft it will leave small and unseen to your eye cuts in the skin..
Renee.. |
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Good evening! I am brand spankin new to this place (I just ordered tonight!) I am very excited!.
I have been lurking the message boards and this thread caught my eye... I am 24 years old and I am going to lose 110-120 pounds! (at 150 lbs I have a nice little figure) I never really have saggy skin a thought before... I lost 20 lbs summer 2009 (gained it all back though) buy at 230 I wasn't seeing saggy skin.. Should I be worried? I'm really hoping that my skin has enough elasticity and memory that I can go back to my normal size without the loose skin! Ice only really had this high of a weight (260) for about a year and a half.I know that genetics play a huge role.. Anyone un their 20s that can chime in?.. |
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Any suggestions and/oir products for people to be using while they are losing weight to help minimize the sagging skin? One person indicated moisturizing, another oiling, etc..
Would welcome suggestions and actual products... |
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I really struggled with this idea when I started, then came to the conclusion that I'd much prefer to be skinny and saggy, if that's what it came to..
For whatever it's worth, this nearly-50 year old lost 60 lbs in less than three months with no significant saggy skin issues.. I was right: thinner is so wonderful that any possible skin issues I may face will be no problem!.. |
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Volcom86,.
When I was 22 I went from 277 to 170. I had no loose skin anywhere, except my tummy. I had already had a child at that time, so she was guilty of being part of that, lol! To be honest even that loose skin was nothin' like I am seeing now! But I echo everything that the others have said...better to be a little saggy, but healthy and happy, than fat and miserable. Good luck!.. |
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I agree that it is better to be healthy than to worry about the sagging excess skin. I have now just lost the same 100+ lbs for the 2nd time in 11-12 yrs. While it was not a pretty sight the 1st time & I am just that much older nowit really is worse than I would have imagined it would get this time..
All of that asideI am soooo grateful and thrilled to get out of bed each morning knowing I am incredibly healthy (per recent Dr visit & tests)got to stop taking my double strength blood pressure meds after 14 yrsand get to put on my size 6 pants daily. What could be better than that!! I just tuck the skin in and go. Keep up the Great Job you are doing! It is sooo worth it... |
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Exercise along the way. Drink water, vitamins but mostly move your muscles under the skin. That said, if your skin is stretched (with marks) it most likely means it is not going back fully on it's own. But "skin" is better than "fat" hands down...
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I agree, skin is better than fat. You can give both a try and if you like fat better you can regain the weight if you like! That's what I always tell myself...
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Hah! I love this..
I can tell you right now... I'm not crazy about the places where I'm saggy, but the reduced pain, increased energy, new clothes, and admiration from my husband and kids makes this an excellent "trade" for me!.. |
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Great thread, because worrying about something like this can nag at the ability to stay focused and on track to the goal. I am at a point where the amount of sagging skin is a bit shocking to me, and I am grateful for the information about dry-brushing which I will begin today. I'll just give myself the equivalent of the brushing I do with my mule every time I tack him up. It is necessary with him because you don't want any dirt trapped under the saddle or girths to cause sores during riding, but also I think of it as a way I am connecting with him, showing him how fond of him I am, a bit of a bristle-brush massage. So all of us can dry-brush ourselves as if we were our favorite pony, with love and gratitude that we are actively transforming ourselves into who we want to be...
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The saggy skin I worry about most is on the face. So many times I see a woman who has lost 100+ pounds, and they look so old because their FACE SAGS. I'm really scared about this one!.
I'll just keep on losing weight and falsely reassure myself that I can get a face lift. (Which I can't because I can't afford it, and because I'm scared to have surgery unnecessarily.) But, I CAN and DO lie to myself that I will get the facelift "someday, if I need it" to keep my morale up while losing weight. And maybe once I'm thin I'll be so happy to be there I won't care so much about the skin?. My belly and thighs already make me miserable, but those can be covered up with clothing... |
