Post weight loss skin - has anything worked (other than surgery)

[braveandwellbehaved]

I've just lost one of the last stone I need to lose to get to target and my stomach skin is very loose (I've had 2 DDs too...) all of a sudden - visibly now (where before it was filled with fat). I'm 33 so maybe it's just something I need get on with but ... anyone have any tips that worked for them - I was thinking of micro needling!

I have been doing a lot of Pilates and weights and it has improved over time. I don’t think mine will ever be flat again though and I don’t think I can get rid of the skin completely without a surgery (which I don’t want) so I just make sure I wear flattering things that don’t cut into it and make it more obvious. I’ve had 2 DC and a hysterectomy and lost 4 and a half stone so I think I might have to accept that it has been through a lot! Are you doing any exercise?

Thanks @Menora

I've read a lot that says water fasting for longer periods (2-3+ days) causes autophagy which helps reduce loose skin. Obviously do it safely and research properly as it's quite extreme and requires careful build up / safety research.

I really feel like this is irresponsible and dangerous please no one do this. Your loose skin is not worth organ damage or death

No nothing other than surgery works. I have a fair bit of loose skin after losing 11 stone. I exercise, I lift weights... My arms are still awful. I just dress appropriately and hide the bits I hate. Including big knickers to pull my tummy in.

Fasting done properly doesn't give "organ damage or death". Plenty of people do longer term water fasting with amazing results and scientific studies show the health benefits. Obviously it must be fully researched first, done safely, and is not suitable for everyone.

OP google Dr Jason Fung and Autophagy / loose skin if you want to learn more.

@orpmoa I am concerned for your level of delusion. I know who Jason Fung is (a rich man selling people idiotic things like this) but I hope that no one in their right mind tries this for reasons of vanity and loose skin, and yes, you can severely damage your kidneys through dehydration. DO NOT TRY THIS. It’s too risky and just frankly fucking stupid to suggest people do this. Go and fast on food if that floats your boat but no one should be going on a water fast unless you are prepping for surgery. No one needs to do this. The risks are not worth the tiny tiny benefits

@Menora Provided fasting is suitable for you as an individual (no medical contraindications), if you work up to it slowly, take the right electrolyte solutions and enough water you won't get dehydrated. You must also be careful to avoid refeeding issues when you do eat afterwards, so that's something to bear in mind. Obviously it has to be researched and done very safely. Dr Fung is a nephrologist so would hardly recommend something that damaged kidneys.

Having successfully lost a lot of weight through extended water fasting I have personal experience of this.

I'll leave you to think what you want though.

I was thinking of trying at home micro needling. I’m a nursing assistant so feel comfortable with infection control measures and bio security. The science seems it back it up (a couple of papers) so I’ll have a go with that. I think lifting weights would be a good start @Coppercup

For myself I mean! Do you feel like it’s helped you slightly? Also wow congrats on an incredible loss!

Lifting weights has helped me be stronger, fitter, healthier but no, there's no external visual improvement in my saggy and baggy bits. My muscles are hidden under the wrinkly skin!

I also was pinning my hopes on microneedling! Are you supposed to do it as you lose weight or at the end of the journey? (I keep not even starting the journey so a long way off yet)

Ive lost nearly 10 stone and have very saggy skin. Ive done not a shred of exercise, neither have I moisturised or anything like that

What Ive noticed is that as time has gone on, its sort improving on its own. My face which looked really really haggard with turkey neck, now looks quite plump and smooth, a bit of chin but much less than before.

Same with legs and arms, the skin is still there, I have always had very thin skin, right from a child with severe stretch marks so I knew that I lack elasticity and would get saggy skin, but its now smoother and not so 'hanging'

Its interesting over the couple of years how its changed and transformed.

No one can convince me that how your skin looks is anything to do with supplements, exercise, speed of weight loss etc etc. Its soley about how your skin is. Having said that I do take collegan protein because I take that as part of my protein intake, its also said to be good for bone density. Perhaps my skin would have been worse if I hadnt taken it, not sure.