That Dreaded Excess Skin...

[squidgster]

A common issue, but wondered if any of you guys had any other advice than the little bits and pieces I have found on the Internet so far.

I have been overweight all my life really, but trying to do something about it. Over the last 14-15 months I have lost 6 stone - and still got a couple more to go before I reach a weight/size I'll be happier with. I know excess skin after weight loss is a problem, and so am desperate to know what I can do to minimise the problem. I often read on forums etc that "surgery is the only answer", but I'm hoping with age on my side (I'm 22) and being proactive there may just be another way...

I do 10 miles a day on an exercise bike, and get out for abit of walking in the fresh air when the weather permits. I never fancied the gym to begin with because of being self-conscious, but am thinking now it may be wise in order to build lean muscle tissue? Does anyone know anything about this? What should I be doing to try and minimise the dreaded saggy skin....

Thanks very much...

[SmellyCamel]

I think you're too young to worry about saggy skin being a problem with losing weight. I'm not a doctor, but your skin is constantly regenerating itself, so over time any saggy skin would disappear naturally anyway.
If you don't fancy the gym, that's really not a problem for building lean, as opposed to bulky muscle. Press-ups, sit-ups, crunches, and also yoga exercises can tone you just as effectively - and it can be a lot more enjoyable doing those in front of a tv or listening to the radio than down the gym.
Really well done on losing so much weight!

[squidgster]

Thanks very much for both your answers!

Will plod on with the exercise and try and increase things like sit-ups, crunches etc. May also hve a look at moisturisers etc next time I'm out shopping! And will keep fingers crossed that my age and genes will mean I don't look too hideous...

Thanks again!
Squidge x