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Suggest Treatment For Sagging Skin After Rapid Weight Loss

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Posted on Fri, 11 Nov 2016
Question: Hello. I have a serious question I've lost a lot of weight, I went from 240lbs down to 180lbs. However it's hard for me to tell if I have a bunch of loose skin or a little and some fat. I will put up some pictures if someone can give me a answer that would be great


Certain parts like my arms i know are loose skin. However you can't tell ever unless I bend over my stomach sags a little and when I pull on certain areas of my skin. I see my abs trying to come in but I feel like it's loose skin covering it up
doctor
Answered by Kathy Shattler (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Welcome to HCM. I have reviewed your question

Detailed Answer:
Your percent body fat is what is used XXXXXXX You want to be in a range of 18-25% body fat. A body fat over 26% indicates obesity. You can have your percent body fat calculated by someone using a calibrated set of skin calipers.

Generally anyone who has lost the amount of weight you have lost will qualify to have excess skin removed if a past medical history has shown evidence of rashes, infections, yeast rashes, difficulty cleansing. Sagging skin just hang there and typically has striation marks.

You do not appear to have sagging skin to me. Your physique appears to be in quite good shape for the large weight loss you experienced.

What I would advise if you were my patient is to work on your core, back and tricep muscles to firm them up. I have pictures of such routines on my pinterest page under my Fitness Board under my name if you do a search.

Good luck to you! Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Kathy Shattler (6 minutes later)
Okay so to clear it up you think it's just a little bit of skin but mostly just left over fat I have to burn off. I have a workout routine. I hit every body part twice a week which is prob the reason my skin doesn't sag with tons of water. I think it's a safe assumption if I cut down to 150-160 and my abs still arnt in it's loose skin btw with measurements I'm between 17-18% bf
doctor
Answered by Kathy Shattler (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, XXXXXXX

Detailed Answer:
Believe me, I have seen sagging skin that can only be corrected by plastic surgery.

Your skin is the by-product of weight loss and appears to have enough elasticity in it to, with exercise, reduce back to its normal shape and eventually the few stretch marks you have you will disappear. Rubbing cocoa butter on any stretch marks should help them disappear quicker.

You are right, the body fat at 17-18% is good, but that is your entire body fat. You may have to do some spot toning. Ask your trainer.

To me you look really good and you have made so much progress! Are you working your laterals too?

Oh, and watch excess sodium! Other diet killers are sugar and alcohol.

Your clarification is correct.

Good luck. Kathy Shattler, MS,RDN
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Kathy Shattler (8 minutes later)
Yes I do work them and yeah I have my own meal plan very little sugar and I do watch my sodium. I've had the stretch marks since I was 16 when I really put on the weight. I've tried the lotion and it hasn't really worked. However I know it can takes years to fully correct itself. I looked at old pictures and can tell they have faded away. But everywhere I have my stretch marks even my arms and chest is where my skin feels loose which is why I didn't know if it was skin or fat. It felt loose but also felt like I could feel some fat.
doctor
Answered by Kathy Shattler (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer: XXXXXXX learn to love your body

Detailed Answer:
I have worked with hundreds of beautiful people who all think they are too fat. You are doing a remarkable thing for your health by taking all that weight off, exercising and developing a healthier lifestyle. I encourage you to keep it up.

In addition, applause yourself for your progress and reward yourself for working towards keeping a healthy happy body. No one is ever perfect.

If you are still feeling a layer of fat, I suspect that fat needs to be replaced be a little more muscle. You still look very good and should be shining with confidence.

Are you using any supplements to help add on the muscle? For example, creatine? isolated whey powder?HMB?

It is highly advised to take a multivitamin with calories below 1600 or you will become fatigued.

I hope I have answered your queries. Good Luck Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Kathy
Kathy Shattler

Dietitian & Nutritionist

Practicing since :1985

Answered : 901 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Sagging Skin After Rapid Weight Loss

Brief Answer: Welcome to HCM. I have reviewed your question Detailed Answer: Your percent body fat is what is used XXXXXXX You want to be in a range of 18-25% body fat. A body fat over 26% indicates obesity. You can have your percent body fat calculated by someone using a calibrated set of skin calipers. Generally anyone who has lost the amount of weight you have lost will qualify to have excess skin removed if a past medical history has shown evidence of rashes, infections, yeast rashes, difficulty cleansing. Sagging skin just hang there and typically has striation marks. You do not appear to have sagging skin to me. Your physique appears to be in quite good shape for the large weight loss you experienced. What I would advise if you were my patient is to work on your core, back and tricep muscles to firm them up. I have pictures of such routines on my pinterest page under my Fitness Board under my name if you do a search. Good luck to you! Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN