How can you tell what is fat vs. stretched skin?

J

jzsnow

Cathlete
First off, I am 24. Have 2 children, both c-sections. Oldest is 3, and my baby is 6 months. In november, I was 205. Today, I am 165. So, a 40 pound loss, but only 1 pant size (16 to 14).

My question: how can you tell what is fat that you need to burn off, vs extra skin. I know I still have a good 30lbs to lose, I am 5'2, but when I got married 4 years ago, I was 165, and in a 12!

When I was doing my workout today...my belly just hung down...when I was stretching...so like my belly was facing the ground. Gross I know, but I'm curious.

thanks!
Jessica
 
I gauge it by the "pinch an inch" test. You can tell whether you're pinching flesh or fat -if it's over an inch it's fat I think. (unfortunately, in some spots I can pinch over an inch!) x(
 
First of all, congrats on your weight loss! :)

Like you, I've lost 40 pounds so can relate to your question. I notice what is loose skin vs. fat by getting into a plank position. Whatever is loose just hangs like udders of a cow. I know, gross description, but the closest I can think of based on what I see in my torso.

So, I think you're seeing loose skin instead of fat during your stretch.

Hope this helps.
Lorrayne
 
Hmmm Lorrayne. I never thought about that. I have loose skin myself then. I understand as well. I have also lost 40 lbs.
What's up with LauraMax though? Maybe cuz she doesn't have any kids? Her body is rockin! And I believe she said that she lost 30 lbs a few years ago. I wanna know HER secret!!!!:)
LD
 
>I gauge it by the "pinch an inch" test. You can tell whether
>you're pinching flesh or fat -if it's over an inch it's fat I
>think. (unfortunately, in some spots I can pinch over an
>inch!) x(

Some people who have lost a lot of wt will be able to pinch more than an inch and it is loose skin not fat.



Catherine http://www.smileyhut.com/silly/arrowhead.gif

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I can't speak for Laura, but you've probably only seen pics of her standing upright, correct? If I'm standing, my abs are very cut & visible, but in plank, you'd know that I've had kids. :) Same with Cathe, actually.

It's also dependent on the elasticity of the skin in general - some people's skin just bounces back more easily than others, which depends on genetics, age, etc.

m.
 
Come on, it's too early for that kind of talk! You just said you still have 30 lbs to lose, and the baby is only 6 months old. Keep plugging at it....

And don't forget that diet is the most important piece of the puzzle. Good, clean stuff, and enough of it. :)
 
But it takes time to "unstretch" - you have no idea what you are going to look like over the long term just yet, especially if you still have a bit of weight to lose. If you've got 30 lbs left to lose, it's not just skin. :) Even if it is, skin doesn't just immediately bounce back. I can't remember when I went back to looking normal after my kids, but again, it's different for everyone.

m.
 
I also don't look like I have loose skin when I'm standing. But, it's clear as day when I bend over. ;-)

Yes, it takes a while for the skin to get back to the elasticity it used to have. Being stretched out for years takes quite some time (years, perhaps) to tone back to where it should be.

However, if you've lost hundred(s) of pounds, then most likely the only option is surery. However, with only 40 pounds or so, then surgery should NOT be an option.

I've heard that dry brushing helps promote circulation and helps with elasticity of your skin. Anyone have success with this?

Lorrayne
 
Well my stretched skin looks very much like...stretched skin. If I put on weight it fills in and gets a 'firmer' consistency. I can have a 4 pack but my 6 pack will never show under the perma-pooch.

I lost 50 lbs. after my second pregnancy when I was 30 and had been heavy all of my life. I had another child after losing the weight and have completely reconciled with the fact that the elasticity of the skin below my navel and above my hip bones will never come back (if, indeed, it was ever there ;)). Small price to pay for 3 of the most gorgeous children not to mention a lean and healthy body and heart.:)

Take Care
Laurie
 
I agree with you Laurie. I know what is stretched skin over my abdomen area. I can long all I want to get rid of the loose skin, but I know that will never happen short of surgery, which I would never choose to do.

I do know that when I put on a few pounds it does kind of fill it in, but then my abs stick out. It is a losing battle(no pun intended). I have to keep telling myself that I have had ten full term pregnancies. All of my babies were 8 1/2 to 10 pounds each. I do work on my abs very hard -if I pull my skin on each side , my abs look great.

I definitely can see muscle defintion in my abs, but I do know that the older I get it seems I have gotten cellulite in this area too when I never had that before. I am 5' 6" tall and I weigh 115 pounds, so I am thin - but if I do put on even 5 pounds it all goes to the abs.

I would never trade any of the children I have had for better looking abs. I am very proud of the accompishments I have made in that area. I LOVE all of my children dearly. I have had the last three children in my 40's, so I know my skin elasticity was even worse by then, wouldn't you say?

So, when I do my plank exercises, I can look down at my abs and think of cow udders as someone pointed out in one of these posts. And I will think of how things could be worse. My abs look good while I am standing and even while I am sitting and they are flat!

Cheryl
 
>I agree with you Laurie. I know what is stretched skin over
>my abdomen area. I can long all I want to get rid of the
>loose skin, but I know that will never happen short of
>surgery, which I would never choose to do.
>
>I do know that when I put on a few pounds it does kind of fill
>it in, but then my abs stick out. It is a losing battle(no
>pun intended). I have to keep telling myself that I have had
>ten full term pregnancies. All of my babies were 8 1/2 to 10
>pounds each. I do work on my abs very hard -if I pull my skin
>on each side , my abs look great.
>
>I definitely can see muscle defintion in my abs, but I do know
>that the older I get it seems I have gotten cellulite in this
>area too when I never had that before. I am 5' 6" tall and I
>weigh 115 pounds, so I am thin - but if I do put on even 5
>pounds it all goes to the abs.
>
>I would never trade any of the children I have had for better
>looking abs. I am very proud of the accompishments I have
>made in that area. I LOVE all of my children dearly. I have
>had the last three children in my 40's, so I know my skin
>elasticity was even worse by then, wouldn't you say?
>
>So, when I do my plank exercises, I can look down at my abs
>and think of cow udders as someone pointed out in one of these
>posts. And I will think of how things could be worse. My abs
>look good while I am standing and even while I am sitting and
>they are flat!
>
>Cheryl


You ARE AMAZING!! I can't believe all your kids were sooo big! I had 3: 9.2 , 8.9 and 7.3 - and believe me there is a BIG difference between 9.2 and 7.3!!! You should feel so proud - I am in awe! If you ever want to write a book, journal or memoire, I would be right there to purchase it. What an interesting life! Marnie
 
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