My Greatest Weight Loss Fear

Don't get me wrong, I want to lose this weight more than anything. I want to feel healthier, fitter, have more energy, be able to do more. Not miss out on seeing things when travelling because I am not able to walk up to it. Or have panic attacks when going on carnival rides because I fear the embarrasment of not fitting. I dont want the embarassment of flying in a plane and having to pay for 2 seats or having to use an extender seatbelt. I dont want my borderline diabetes to become full diabetes. The list could go on. But there is a pitfall to losing weight that drives fear into me. And in all my searches of other blogs, I am yet to see much written on the topic. That pitfall is, EXCESS SKIN!

When weight is gained, the skin expands, and often loses elasticity. This loss of elasticity can never be regained. No exercise, toning, lotions or potions, can ever give the skin back that elasticity. This is more common in people who are older or people who are overweight for many years, such as myself. When the skin has lost its elasticity, and weight is lost, the skin does NOT shrink back. Rather you are left with a large amount of excess skin. Such as these photos I found, show........ This excess skin will never go away (with the exception of major surgery. This excess skin can also cause other problems such as Abscess, Rashes, Ulcerations, Cellulitis (cellulitis is a painful bacterial skin infection) and hygiene problems. The greater the amount of weight lost, the greater the amount of excess skin. Everyday, people are having tummy tucks to remove up to 50pounds or more (up to 25kg) of excess skin. There is no other method of removing the excess skin. Some people will tell you that can tone the skin up and that exercise might work. But that is definitely NOT the case.

That is one of the reasons I have put my goal weight at 70kg instead of 60kg. I would even be happy to reach just 80 or 90kg. In all probability, I will have a large amount of excess skin which cannot be lost. I am already finding this possibility a reality. I have always said that I would never, in my entire life, have cosmetic surgery. And I could never understand why people put themselves through so much pain and for what really? However, the more I think about it, the more I do NOT want that excess skin that is bound to remain after losing a lot of weight. And the more I think that, then a tummy tuck is definitely an option not to be ignored.

Am I being vain? Afterall, who will see it besides myself, my hubby, and my doctor. In some ways, I feel like I am abandoning my beliefs and selling out. I have always sworn against it, yet here I am entertaining the idea. I know that I am already suffering from major skin infections from time to time. Would this help with that? And could I withstand the agony of surgery, I have a very low pain tolerance.

I would dearly love to hear about how others have dealt with this issue after weight loss. And also their thoughts on tummy tucks, arm lifts, etc.