Since I have lost nearly 107 pounds I get asked a lot, “Do you have loose skin?” along with various other related questions about how to prevent it, fix it etc.
I only thought of loose skin briefly before I started. Honestly, I would prefer loose skin to the extra 107 pounds I was carrying around. I have actually had women tell me they are afraid to lose the weight because of the skin? REALLY? I don’t understand this mindset at all. I would much rather feel and look better and deal with some skin than to remain obese and unhealthy.
When I was actively losing I did not give it much thought because I was just so happy to finally be losing weight without struggling with hunger and calorie counting. When I got to goal weight it wasn’t lost on me that I had loose skin around my abdomen and yes I have had some ugly thoughts about it, but it is what it is.
I have seen umpteen dozen ideas online about how to “fix” the loose skin – including dry brushing and a painful machine called a fascia blaster. Those things don’t appeal to me. I have never tried anything to fix it other than continuing on with eating keto and lifting heavy.
The only thing I do is lift heavy and I think that has helped. Other than that, I can hide it in clothes usually-and you will be able to as well. I will be honest though, I am entertaining having it removed if it doesn’t get to the point I wish it was. For now, I am pleased with how it is healing. It could be a lot worse.
I understand that there are people who have it worse than I do because they lost a lot more, they lost the weight faster, they don’t heavy lift, but still having loose skin is healthier than remaining overweight!
Be happy with your success and progress. So what if there is some loose skin? Really and truly so what? I am wearing a two piece bathing suit this summer for the first time. I am certain there are people who see me wearing it who think I have no business wearing it, but I don’t care. My stretch marks and loose skin are my battle scars. I am not exactly flashing them around, but I am proud of how far I have come and if someone doesn’t like the way my belly looks while I am laying at the pool, that is their problem.
There are campaigns about loving yourself, embracing your body, etc., and while I don’t advocate loving yourself to death by remaining obese in the name of embracing your body, I do fully support the idea of loving the skin you’re in. I am working on that everyday and you should too. Love yourself by getting healthy and don’t project about the loose skin, just get to your goal.
Do not let something like loose skin hold you back from moving forward. Do not use that as an excuse to stay where you are.
Health is more important than vanity.
