Exercise Ideas to Reduce Loose Skin

I'd like to start an exercise regime to help with reducing the amount of loose skin (the apron effect) as I drop weight.  I know that surgery to remove it is an option but I'd like to see what I can do now to avoid another surgery.   Has anyone had any success with an exercise program, piece of equipment to target problem areas, etc... that they'd like to share?  I joined a gym so most kinds of exercise equipment are available to me.

I am not a medical professional but it is my understanding there is not much that can help with the skin.  That is dependent on age, genetics, how long you were obese, etc.  You can tighten the muscles with exercise and that might help "fill" in the skin a little but once the skin is stretched it is pretty much a done deal. Red

Red is right - exercise in itself and the rate of weight loss has nothing to do with loose skin or reducing it. Lose skin depends on a number of factors (age, how long you were overweight, where you carried the excess weight, were you a smoker, genetics, etc.) However, that being "said," you can definitely incorporate some toning exercises to firm the muscle tissue beneath your skin, so that it doesn't hang or reduces the appearance of hanging. I wish I had a pic of my biceps - I really worked on my arm muscles so it doesn't look as though I ever had a BMI of 52.

HTH,

Kristen, sometimes I think we were separated at birth because you always say what I'm thinking!  I spoke at Dr. Jawad's seminar yesterday and this question came up.  My answer was also that exercise helps with keeping the weight off and it will tone the muscles, but skin doesn't tighten from exercise.  With all that said, I had a sleeveless top on, and my "cut" arms really blew them away!  I carried my weight all over, but mostly on the bottom half of my body, so my arms are small and very toned and buff!  I don't look like a formerly 45 BMI person either!

I have gone from 283 to 135 and can say, exercise will help a bit .... BUT the skin will hang... I have a LBL Oct24th then will have my chest done with my arms... because although tone, I have saggy skin... I am 45, I think its easies when someone is younger...

 

Hi Jean: I also live in Tarpon Springs and am having my surgery Oct. 16.  Can you tell me what Support Group you go to?  Did you use Dr. Gordon and Dr. Gonzalas? Susan

Hi Susan I was going to the group at Mortain plant, but since they got  rid of Julie I have stopped. I had doctor Gonzolvo, who is great but the hospital stinks!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I will never go back to them... they gave me things I was allergic too, did not give me a place to wash up and did not put my Iv back in right and I had stuff going all over in my arm... they ICU staff was great however...

 

Sorry for your problems in the hospital.  I've had surgeries done at Morton Plant before and didn't have any problems. Are you planning to go to the meetings  they just started in Hudson?  I've been going to the one's at Pasendena but it is so far.  Let me know if you plan on going to Hudson.  I can't drive at night.  So if you go and could take me with you I'll pay for the gas. Let me know? Susan

I have had 5 yes 5 surgeries there, before this one.. I do not think staff is trained or compliant with the special needs of bariatric patients...
No, I don't think I will go to Hudson.. mostly when I went it was to see people I know.. I don't need the "support" so much now..
you can go to Largo with the same doctors and get a private room...