Exercise After Major Weightloss
Hello All and congrats to all of you on your loss. I have come across a hurdle that I hope atleast someone has reached as well. I have lost 347 lbs and gone from a 72 inch waist to a 38/40. Because of this I have ALOT of skin left over. Trying to do any cardio such as running is next to impossible because of the strain that it puts on my back as well as the underside of the skin fold. The only thing thus far that I have found I can do easily is bike riding. That is fine except with it being winter and FREEZING I cant do that at the moment. I am terrified that I am going to put on some extra winter weight because of this. Can anyone suggest a possible solution? Has anyone used a binder or a girdle or anything when trying to run? Any suggestions would be great, thank you all so much.
i have loose skin issues as well, but my weight loss is just under 200 lbs, so i'm guessing that you have a bit more loose skin than i. i use underarmor compression gear as underwear (both tops and bottoms, and tuck the top into the bottom). I wear an XL t-shirt, but use a size medium shirt underarmor and a size L shorts. I know some folks have used a girdle/binder on this board and hopefully they will chime in. for me, i can't run or walk fast without the underarmor, it is too uncomfortable.
Where are we going?? And why am I in this handbasket??
right now. somewhere. somebody is working harder than you.
right now. somewhere. somebody is working harder than you.
Yea my skin issues are bad and insurance will not cover the removal so I have to just live with it. I also did the Under Armour tops and bottoms and that didnt cut it. There is so much skin (30-40 lbs worth per my Dr) that anytime I got faster then a walk all you hear is the skin flapping. Then the pain in the folds starts, as if the skin was about to tear away (wi**** would).
My skin isn't so bad, but it can be really annoying. I use a compression tank top from this place: http://stores.ebay.com/Easyliving100-Compression-Wear-Shop its a bit more expensive than a typical under armour, but it really holds its all together. They have lots of different types, full suits, etc. Took me a bit to get used to it, but I wore the top on my last long race, and it eliminated the prob for me entirely.
You also might consider an all-in-one like a triathlon suit.
A couple other things to consider. It does take some time to get the body used to the skin movement. After I had gall bladder surgery I realized how much stress is put on the skin and muscles that hold the skin in place during running. It would definitely do you some good to use the compression gear and just increase the time slowly.
The other thing is that if running form is bad, it can also place an extra burden on the body. It certainly is quite possible to figure out ways to keep the skin at bay and still be able to do the things you want to do.
If you really want to take up running, there certainly are ways. It takes time to work up to it anyway.
Linn
A couple other things to consider. It does take some time to get the body used to the skin movement. After I had gall bladder surgery I realized how much stress is put on the skin and muscles that hold the skin in place during running. It would definitely do you some good to use the compression gear and just increase the time slowly.
The other thing is that if running form is bad, it can also place an extra burden on the body. It certainly is quite possible to figure out ways to keep the skin at bay and still be able to do the things you want to do.
If you really want to take up running, there certainly are ways. It takes time to work up to it anyway.
Linn
I finally started working out last week at a 3x/week boot camp(beginner/intermediate level) and it includes some jogging, etc. About 95% of my excess skin and most of the weight I still need to lose is on my midsection/stomach/flank area, apron included). I am wearing a pregnancy band (and I don't have kids) under my t-shirt. Without it, I would not be able to do much of the cardio routine and it also helps with core exercises(again some would be impossible without). I've asked around and looked into the compression gear and other belt styles, but the preg band seems to be the best option. The compression gear(under armour, etc) does not fit tight enough in the stomach area for me, even when I try on smaller sizes. The fitness belts are too short. the preg band is 30-50% wider than those I've seen so it covers more areas.
In your case I would suggest maybe trying to wear a compression tshirt/half sleeve, then wear preg band on top. The first layering will give some support and will prevent irritation from the band. I don't need the first layer, but I suspect it might be more comfy for you. and if you have a long torso, you could always wear 2 bands. they are also not very expensive, I think I paid 19.99 and got mine at the maternity store in the mall.
BTW, boot camp kicks ass. Very hard, but not boring at all and the hour goes by without any looking for the clock. Seriously!!!
In your case I would suggest maybe trying to wear a compression tshirt/half sleeve, then wear preg band on top. The first layering will give some support and will prevent irritation from the band. I don't need the first layer, but I suspect it might be more comfy for you. and if you have a long torso, you could always wear 2 bands. they are also not very expensive, I think I paid 19.99 and got mine at the maternity store in the mall.
BTW, boot camp kicks ass. Very hard, but not boring at all and the hour goes by without any looking for the clock. Seriously!!!
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