Saggy skin

[hopehopehope]

I am proud to say that since March of 2007 I have lost 40lbs. I feel great and am at my optimal weight. I am in maintenance-mode and exercise every single day!

So now that I feel so good...my skin looks horrible! My tummy and breasts have saggy skin. It just seems ironic that now that I have lost the weight I wanted to lose, I am now struggling with the consequence of that. I am embarrassed in front of my husband when I should be so proud...but it's gross!

Anyone have any solutions? Please help.

[julirama723]

Do you lift weights or do toning exercise? Muscle helps to give the appearance of firmer skin, because it's something to "fill" the skin in place of the fat that's been lost.

Also, dry-brushing can help. It softens and exfoliates skin, improves circulation, removes toxins, and has been known to help tighten up skin and improve its appearance.

[hopehopehope]

I run 4 times a week (aerobic) and I do pilates twice a week (toning).

Sorry for my ignorance...what is dry-brushing?


Thanks for the reply!

[julirama723]

You might want to try strength training--that really helps to tone your body and build sexy/sleek muscles! It also helps to burn FAT and keep it off.

Dry-brushing:
http://www.naturalhealthtechniques.c..._Technique.htm

http://www.epicureantable.com/articles/adrybrush.htm

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/home...y_brushing.htm

[Hoping]

I'll bet you anything in the world he still thinks your hot! Don't be embarrassed.
Julie's advice is good, and dry brushing feels good. It makes your skin tingly, in a good way. You should give it a try

[sadie147]

I will second the dry brushing recommendation! I love it.

[hopejoy]

You can do it yourself or pay a fortune to have it done to you at the spa.
Basically, I'm posting because there are so many hope's in this thread... I wanted to add some hope of my own! But, Julie is right on all accounts!
liz

[sallyseachange]

I'll second the dry brushing too. It seemed to tone up my problem areas in quite a short time.

[hopehopehope]

Thanks to all who posted! I am going to try the dry brushing...I'll get back to you on how it goes.

If there is anyone else with suggestions...keep them coming!

I guess this is God keeping me humble

hopehopehope

[Suechef]

I know exactly what you mean. I lost about the same amount, a little more, and when I jiggle my legs I look like someone twice my age. I also get a bit drawn around the neck (though oddly this varies from day to day, maybe due to hydration issues), and my breasts, well, let's not go there (although as time passes since the WLoss they are starting go in the right direction). I was self-conscious with my husband but ... a happy, slimmer wife is better than an unhappy chubby one, no matter how wrinkly, and since he married me when I was bigger I do know that he loves ME, however I look. The wobbly bits are the price I pay for not taking care of myself for all those years, and I've come to peace with it. That said, doing weights does make a difference, so does yoga.

cheers,
Sue