Stretch marks and saggy skin... anyone???

[jessica13]

ok, so I have been on the atkins diet for about 6 weeks now and have lost 13 lbs...had a little trouble over thanksgiving but Im back on track. I work out 6 days a weeks doing the classes at my gym. most of them are cardio and strength training combined. I drink a ton of water and I put stretch mark cream and skin firming cream all over my body twice a day. I have a ton of stretch marks from my first baby who is almost 1. I only have about 30 lbs to go but Im so worried about my skin sagging and my stretch marks not going away. I did gain alot with my son but Im only 22 years old and my mom was a young mom too and after 4 kids she doesnt have a single stretch mark or saggy skin. so i guess im a little confused if it has to do with genes. Im hoping since im so young ill bounce back but i was hoping someone can clue me in on some other things I could be doing to save my skin. I have been getting stretch mark removal laser treatments but with the economy the way it is I just cant pay for anymore treatments. they did help alot Ive seen alot about dry brushing but Im thinking it might not be so good on the stretch marks. If anyone has any advice I would greatly appreciate it. I just want to look somewhat how I did before the pregnancy.

[colleenieweenie]

I am the only woman in my family that got stretch marks...

I had my 1st son when I was 20. He was 9lbs, 10oz. My weight on the day he was born was 135. (I'm only 5'0 )
My entire tummy became covered in stretchies. I tried every lotion, every cream. Gave it time to heal - nothing. I had my 2nd son at 29.(8lbs even) Max weight with him was 184 (I went a little crazy..) Already had stretch marks, so I couldn't really tell if I got any new ones. My 3rd son was when I was 32, (6lbs 4oz) max weight with him was around174lbs.
Yep, I've lost all of the weight. I am back down to 105lbs. I work out 6 days a week, very active, etc.. For me, there was no way in **** my tummy was going to magically get better. My stretch marks are light in color, but still there - they look like crepe paper.
I have had 2 consultations with a plastic surgeon for a tummy tuck & lipo. As soon as our business sells, I am getting it done. For me, it's the only thing I can do to fix my "chicken skin" Some people are lucky - give it time. After you're done losing weight and maintaining for a while, take a look where you are and if that's where you want to be. If your tummy still looks wonk, you might have to look into different options...
Best of luck to you

[tacfla]

Well I dont have any words of wisdom I had 3 children and was over weight from one degree or another. After losing around 60 lbs and working out alot I went for a consult to get something done with my stomach. I was not so worried about the stretch marks cause they are pretty light. When I went for the consult I asked the doc will this skin go away and she said " NO " its extra from when you had your babies and lost weight. Now with that said I have seen some women have children and lose weight and there is not alot of extra skin. I dont know why. But eventually I had a panniluctomy done and she took away the extra skin and my insurance paid for it. I think everyone is different.

Finish losing your weight and then see where you are.

Robin

[somethings gotta give]

Got both, how depressing. Hoping someone replies with some better news!!! You asked one of the questions I wanted to know as well, until now I atleast had a little hope. Damn!!!

[EverLosing]

Maybe I shouldn't reply because you wanted.....hope! Just keep some perspective! My baby weighed nearly 14 lbs at birth, 13 years ago! No one wants to talk to me about stretch marks! Crap! I can't even wear a belt!! They have faded with time though. I know I'll never look hot naked no matter what my weight but I'm enjoying looking hot in new smaller clothes!! There are some things you have to accept. I was disgusted by the loose skin a few months ago and began dry brushing. Do it! You'll love the results and it's something you can do as soon as you go buy a body brush. Do it once or twice per day for best results. It's cheap ($5 or less for the brush) and easy!! It makes your skin feel like silk and it helps your skin along the way. The other thing you need to really think about is lifting weights. That has helped tremendously! More than anything else. It fills out that extra skin with lean muscle mass and that looks awesome! I like the results from lifting...the look, the feel, the way my clothes fit, the way my muscles look toned to anyone who sees them. I feel strong...because I am STRONG!! Start off slow...you'll get addicted!!

[ziggy]

i have had big problems with excess saggy skin but in your guys cases i think just going to the gym would be enough to fix it just keep training hard everyday

and as for people who have lost 100 pounds you will most likey need to go to the gym for along time over a year fix it as good as you can then get excess skin removal surgery then go to the gym again more thats how i fixed alot of my upper body

my lower body still needs excess skin removal surgery though