How bad is dealing with the excess skin after weight loss? I'm afraid I will be hating the way I look in shorts, swimsuit, with my hubby. Is it a turn off or is it not that bad? I weigh 250 lbs and 5'4" now and 9 days away from being sleeved. I know I won't be able to afford body contouring surgery. Any suggestions on how to minimize the skin?

I don't really think there is anything you can do. It is part genetics, age, starting weight,babies or no babies, speed of loss and just plain luck. I do know skin or no skin you will be happy with the results

Exercise can help with toning too, still may leave you with some loose skin though. Like apricot said- genetics can play a key. The plastics doc at our seminar said there may be a chance it is covered by insurance as well if the excess skin causes medical problems...like rashes and such

And it depends on how you carried your fat. Here's a visual for you: I was 360ish and I carry my weight in my upper arms. When I was young and thin, I was athletic so muscular in that area. So with the weight loss, I now have what --- and I'm not kidding -- looks like testicles hanging on my arm in the bicep area. That's why I will be having the surgery.

I know, that's a real sexy visual isn't it. But I can hide it under sleeves until I get the finances together for the surgery. And two members of my support group had it done last year and said it was a breeze...more itchy as you healed than anything.

But I am extreme. I was huge and older. I do think some of the body firming lotions help so start trying them now. The one I loved is no longer on the market. But no lotion was going to remove my bicep testicles. It's just the cost of doing business in the 350+ pound world. : (

Biceps testicles! Love it!

Exercise is not going to tone your skin but improve your muscle underneath it. As others have said, your skin elasticity is genetic and age, race, babies all have a factor. I think if you have alot to lose you may have loose skin, it is inevitable. The good thing is when wearing clothes you will look fantastic! I now know why they have invented bathing suits with skirted bottoms; to hide my droopy thighs!!

I have heard from others here that if you have loose skin that it can get somewhat better over time. That we lose weight so fast that it takes awhile for our skin to catch up. So I think we have to remember that we didn't put the weight on overnight so our skin may not bounce back right away. The standard I've heard is consider plastics only after a year of maintaining your new weight.

Exercise is not going to tone your skin but improve your muscle underneath it. As others have said, your skin elasticity is genetic and age, race, babies all have a factor. I think if you have alot to lose you may have loose skin, it is inevitable. The good thing is when wearing clothes you will look fantastic! I now know why they have invented bathing suits with skirted bottoms; to hide my droopy thighs!!

I should have said it this clearly...toning is not of the skin but the underlying muscles.

And it depends on how you carried your fat. Here's a visual for you: I was 360ish and I carry my weight in my upper arms. When I was young and thin' date=' I was athletic so muscular in that area. So with the weight loss, I now have what --- and I'm not kidding -- looks like testicles hanging on my arm in the bicep area. That's why I will be having the surgery.

I know, that's a real sexy visual isn't it. But I can hide it under sleeves until I get the finances together for the surgery. And two members of my support group had it done last year and said it was a breeze...more itchy as you healed than anything.

But I am extreme. I was huge and older. I do think some of the body firming lotions help so start trying them now. The one I loved is no longer on the market. But no lotion was going to remove my bicep testicles. It's just the cost of doing business in the 350+ pound world. : ([/quote']

Haha that is a classic!

I tell people it's why my boyfriend dumped me shortly after the surgery. He was jealous mine were bigger than his. lol

I tell people it's why my boyfriend dumped me shortly after the surgery. He was jealous mine were bigger than his. lol

Haha. I think I love you. Well at least your sense of humor.