The Skinny on Skin?

Ok so here's my question...I am 23, I'm 5"2 or 3 right now I weigh 274, my goal weight is about 130-135. Is it possible to lose 140 pounds and not need any skin removal? I mean is it possible with lots of exercise that everything will shrink back as it should? I think I'm proportioned wierd I carry all my weight up top. So I worry about a pouch...I have a small one right now. Is there any specific exercises that can get that tummy tight? lol
Kristin

My understanding is that the skin has a hard time once it's been stretched for a long period of time... given that you are only 23 years old, I would think would help. It's not like you're 43 and have been obese an additional 20+ years!

Also understand, that there may be a difference between "needing" skin removal and "wanting" skin removal. I am 43, have gone from 246 to 135, and yes! I would love to be tightened up! But, it remains to be seen whether or not a surgeon, let alone the insurance company, will see it as a "need". I'm thinking probably not. But, at the same time, I'm in size 6's and 8's even with the excess skin, so nobody else even knows it there (so to speak). I even had one friend ask me how I lost so much weight without having a lot of excess skin! Little did she know... ha ha

As far as exercise, there are of course the exercises that will tone your muscles and "tighten" you on the inside, but to my knowledge there are no 'skin' exercises. Again, though, you're only 23!

I guess my biggest piece of advice would be... do NOT let possibility of of some extra skin hold you back from pursuing doing what you need to do to BE HEALTHY!! Take care of your health - both for your sake and the sake of your beautiful family! Your son is young and you have the opportunity to be healthy - and a healthy example - for his whole life! My kids were 9 & 7 when I had surgery one year ago. I only wish I had done this sooner so I could have enjoyed those earlier years more. There's nothing quite as sad as not being an active participant in your kids' life because of health issues --- unless it's the times you hold back due to self-consciousness!

Good luck in your journey!       ~ Tara

 There is no magic cure to get rid of the excessive skin without a TT. You never know how its going to loo****il after you have the surgery. You can do all the crunches, sit ups, and side bends in the world. It will not get rid of loose skin. Sorry it will tighten some of the inner core but not fully. If you have had a child your muscles inside are pulled apart as well.  Being that you are younger it might help. But don't not have the surgery because your worried about the outcome of skin.

gidget

Tara, the younger that you are, the easier it is for it to pop back. Yep, you are right. Hon you can do what you can, you are gonna be just fine. I promise. I too am short, 5'4" but I was 326. I want to get to 145-140lbs. Good luck sweetie, MyNiceSpace.comBarb

There is no way that someone can give you a direct answer to your question but your age is in your favor. Things like age, smoking, drinking, sun exposure are all factors in how well your skin will bounce back.

I was 47 when I had the lapband done and I was about your weight and height 280 lbs. 5'5" and I now weigh between 130-135 lbs. and I have not had plastics. I could probably take off another 5 lbs. if I did a TT and get into a size 4 but hey a size 5/6 is fine with me.

You can look at my pictures and see what you think. Drink lots of water and exercise!!

Hi Kristin,
When I began this weight loss journey, I said I would never get plastic surgery.  But as the weight began to come off, the excess skin began to be more noticable and I would like to at least get a lower body lift.  I will say that exercise helps a LOT! My mother commented on a person that had gotten the surgery and how much more skin she has around her shoulders than I do.  Part of that is because she did not exercise at all.  I was religious about exercisisng and still am.  It will not make the excess skin go away, but it will help in muscle tone and definition.  I'm 34 and was almost 33 when I got the surgery.  I'm also 5' 2 1/2" and was 330 at my highest weight.  Hope this helps. 
-Alyssa