Need Help - Weight Loss and Loose Skin - Can It Be Avoided?

Hey guys,

New to the site. Here is the thing. I used to frequent the gym on a regular basis in my thirties and was in fine form with just the right amount of muscle in order to land myself a spouse - LOL
Now, 20 years later I am approximately 70 lbs overweight and have been for about 6 years.

I hade an epiphany this week and decided to take back control of my life. I joined a gym two days ago, and am slowly easing into my exercise regime.

I am 55 years young, 252lbs. Although I am not concerned about my ability to put on muscle, I am though about the possibility (or near certainty?) of having loose skin when I reach my goal. My skin is pretty taught for my age, and despite my huge gut I do not have any stretch marks, which I feel is a good marker of my skin's elasticity.

I know it is key not to loose one's weight too fast (1 to 2 lbs /week), as well as putting on muscle mass during weight loss, but over and above that, I was wondering if any of you have herd or know of any successful 70lb weight losses without any loose skin? Before and after pics, advice for incentive would be great.

Here is how I looked on my start day, two days ago.

Thanks!
Chris

With weight loss you don't want to lose it to quickly as the skin need time to tighten up.

About a half pound to 1 pound per week is great and gives time for the skin time to tighten up, not like were young anymore.

Always remember cardio only after weight and not before.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by St

With weight loss you don't want to lose it to quickly as the skin need time to tighten up.

About a half pound to 1 pound per week is great and gives time for the skin time to tighten up, not like were young anymore.

Always remember cardio only after weight and not before.

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Thanks, St!

What if I start loosing more than 1 pound per week? Do I just start to eat more, or less gym time?

Also, why would cardio be after weight?

Chris

I've lost 60lbs for a show and my skin although not super tight is not too bad. But I'm only 38 not 55 and I stay within 15 lbs of show conditioning now because it's too hard to diet down.

The reason for cardio after a workout is, for the fat you want to save your strength to workout.
If you workout first your strength will be better with the weight.
Also after you burn all your carbs from the work out, then hit the cardio you will use your stored fat as energy. You need to have a higher protein intake with some protein shakes to hold on to muscle with cardio after a work out, so you don't use muscle mass as fuel (breakdown of protein in the muscle).