New to group and looking for friendship and support.

[Sisterofthebride]

Hi Everyone. New to this group. I'm 51 and have put on 9 stone in the last 15 years whilst suffering from depression amongst other things (too many to mention). Anyway, my little sister is remarrying in Sept and I am so excited for her. This has really given me the motivation I need to do something about my weight. Started well today. Went back to gym this morning and did 30 mins on cross trainer. Also eaten healthily. So day 1 is a success. What's niggling me though is, if I am successful and lose the substantial amount of weight I have put on in recent years, is it inevitable that I will be left with loads of excess skin? Must admit I am quite worried about this.

[mandyflatt]

Wow,you could be my doppelganger, I have also put on alot of weight over the last few years with depression, food has become my crutch and my sister is remarrying in March,but I really want to lose my weight for my 50th birthday in June 2018 which sounds a long way from now but I have alot to lose. I also worry about my skin cos I already had loose tummy skin before I put on all this weight but perhaps we have to do this for our health first and worry about cosmetic stuff later.I an glad your first day went well, my first day is tomorrow, good luck, we can do this x

[Sisterofthebride in reply to mandyflatt]

Hi. I thought for a second I was reading my own post! How amazing is that! Yes, we do need to do this for our health first and foremost. I haven't set myself a goal yet in terms of numbers, wanted to focus on developing good habits first. Good luck with your first day.

[Hidden]

Hi there I wouldn't say "inevitable" or "loads of skin" as it's hard to know and you don't want to get bogged down with those worries so soon. Iit's likely there will be some but I imagine it's the same for a lot of us. Do lots of strength and toning, use a good toning cream (I'm lost for what they're actually called but they claim to put the elasticity back into your skin), drink lots of water and don't lose too much too fast. It's important to let you body/skin adjust as you go and the faster you lose it the less time your skin will have to shrink.

Don't let loose skin put you off losing weight. Do a bit of research into it and find the best advice to reduce the amount you'll have left. There are surgeries etc. If things do go down that road but you won't know until you get there and if nothing else, loose skin is a medal of how hard you've worked and how far you've come.

I'm massively worried about loose skin but I'd rather have loose skin and be healthy than have fat and be unhealthy I'll worry about if I need to do something cosmetically once I get there.

Best of luck!

[Pineapple27]

Different people losing the same amount (depending on age, height, genetics) will be left with some excess skin to a greater or lesser degree - but please don't let this put you off losing weight. Losing any amount of weight is really going to help you - not just physically, but emotionally too, especially if you are able to do some exercise.

I lost 4.5 stone, but am very short (4ft 9" - was a size 24, went to a size 16). I did a lot of toning exercises, but was left with a tummy apron which hung to my knees and my boobs didn't get any smaller, but just flopped. I had a tummy tuck and breast reduction when I'd lost 3.5 stone. Mine was more for practical reasons rather than the aesthetics - it's major surgery, is pretty uncomfortable wearing binders, etc - and takes a long time to recover from.

I paid for my surgery privately.

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello Sisterofthebride Welcome to the Weight Loss Forum 😊

Things are a little hectic around here at the moment but have a good look at the pinned posts and ask if you have any questions, we are a very friendly lot 😊

I am also in my 50s and after losing weight do have some softer areas!!! (To put it nicely!!) lol 😊 However, I am amazed at the success of exercises, my arms legs and neck are toned and smooth. (Especially my thighs as I want to look good in a swimsuit) My abdomen still needs work and after 3 children and a hysterectomy last year that is to be expected, but with my clothes on (size 14 yay! ) I look 100% better. 😊 Also, my skin and hair look good, and I have much more energy (think if the dancing at the wedding ❤)

Important things to remember are slow steady weight loss, drink plenty of water, include some healthy fats and do a combination of different exercises. 😊

Good luck 😊

[Fitforit75]

Hi,loose skin is a worry but losing weight at a sensible speed 1-2lbs a week should help particularly if you can exercise or tone too.. Its a concern for me too, but at bottom the weight is the bigger issue.

Good luck and keep posting

Kate