Downfalls of weight loss

[gypsy]

Hi ladies of AKA and friends,
I'm not a member of your org. but I see that you all have posted some helpful things here.

Here's the situation:

I'm currently in a weight loss program and I'm dieting and exercising. I'm not on any fad diets or things like that. I'm doing this the right way!!! I've successfully lost 23 lbs. The downfall is that I'm starting to see STRETCHMARKS!!!! Now in my smaller day, I never had them. But I went to college and gained weight and it goes on from there. They come from stretching your skin and not having any or not enough elasticity in your skin. Does anyone have a similar story and how did you deal with this outcome? Is there a way that the stretchmarks can be decreased or DEMOLISHED!!! HELP!!!

[ryanzmom]

Hi Gypsy-
A little over a year ago, I had a baby. I went from 123lbs (pre-pregnancy) to 190 lbs the day that I had my son. I am now back to 132, with a lot more "junk in my trunk" lol;o). I drank gallons and gallons of water & cocoa butter. I know that doesn't work for everyone, but it did for me. Your diet is essential. Healthy skin recovers better. The trick with drinking all of that water is to spike it with a little lemonade or something. Good Luck!!

[ryanzmom]

OK- I did not put the cocoa butter in the water. That sounds groce. I put the cocoa butter on my skin after I shower.

[Poplife]

Hello Gypsy,

When your skin rapidly contracts or expands (i.e. in instances of weight loss or pregnancy), if the skin does not have enough moisture it will result in stretch marks. You can keep it from getting worse by moisturizing your skin twice a day (three times if you can). Make sure you use a GOOD lotion brand/cocoa butter and don't forget to slather on a layer after bathing. Drink water as well.

I got stretch marks when I gained weight and then a few more when I lost it all. I use this cream called "Dermal-K" and let me tell you it WORKS. The only downside is that it takes a jar or two to fade them to near invisibility, and I pay $30 for a 2oz jar. But a little of the cream goes a long way. You can get it at any good skin care place but I recommend ordering it from the Harriet Carter Catalog because it's cheaper. Call 1-800-377-7878 and they'll send you a free copy.

Good Luck.

[Taykimson]

Thanks for the tip Poplife!

[Poplife]

Anytime!!!

[gypsy]

Thanx for all the advice. I started doing the moisturizing thing about three weeks ago but I was using Vaseline Dermatology Formula Lotion. I haven't gotten around to the cocoa butter. Do you think that the water drinking will help? Does it clear the skin or prevent the marks from happening? Thanx again.

[Poplife]

It helps for some people and is worth a try.

[gypsy]

Thanx Poplife!!!!!

[Poplife]

Just helpin' a sista out!

[gypsy]

I have been using cocoa butter for a week and a half now. Poplife, you said a GOOD brand cocoa butter. What is a good brand, because I have purchased two different kinds. PLEASE give some insight, Poplife or anyone who would like to!!!

[AKAtude]

When I used cocoa butter years ago, it was the Palmers brand. However, if I'm not mistaken Ambi makes cocoa butter as well.

[bdown4U]

You might also want to try Emu oil which is a natural healing oil known for its superior ability to penetrate through the skin's layersand actually thicken the skin. That stuff is wondeful but it is pricey. You can order it off the interenet. 1oz. will sale for about $15.00.

[bdown4U]

Poplife,
How long were you using Dermal-K before you noticed an improvement in your skin? I want to experiment with other skin creams, but I will only spend my money on something that is guaranteed to bring results. Thank you for the tip.

[gypsy]

Thanx!!!!!!!!!!!!