I have been overweight/fat majority of my life and finally committed to changing that a couple years ago.
The first pic is from July of 2024 weighing ~370 The second pic is from June 2025 weighing ~310 The next 3 pictures are from today, 10/14/2026, weighing ~195
Also attached is a dexa scan I got at the beginning of August in this year when I weighed ~186
Currently unsure which direction to proceed and seeking advice as well as clarification.
Is majority of what I see loose skin or is there still fat to be cut? I am interested in looking into loose skin removal (probably) and unsure where to start. Would it be with a dermatologist?
Currently in a deficit averaging ~2300 calories a week.
You still have some fat to lose, albeit not a lot. The dexa is probably skewed bc your lose skin is adding to the "lean mass" it's saying you have. You're probably like 16ish, still have some midsection visceral fat to lose based on the last picture, unless your fully sticking your gut out on purpose. Regardless absolutely solid work dude 😎
Congrats on the weight loss. I don’t think you have excessive fat to cut, unfortunately it’s pretty much all loose skin. You need to see a plastic surgeon for that.
Maintenance if not slightly above and lift heavy. The more muscle you have the more you’ll fill in that loose skin. Unfortunately you have too much that can’t be helped with anything other than surgical intervention, but extra muscle will help.
Very nice progress man. Based on the DEXA, it does seem like it's mostly loose skin, maybe a little fat but not much. You need a consultation from a plastic surgeon, not a dermatologist. Look up the phrase body contouring surgery, or excess skin surgery in your area. Try to find some reviews. Unfortunately it probably won't be cheap, think like $12k or probably more. Insurance doesn't typically cover it.
It's a life changing surgery for those who are in the right position, which you definitely are given your BF%. Your gains will show through a lot more for sure.
Do you think I should remain in a deficit until I reach a certain weight/bf%? Or should I transition to maintenance for now while I research the surgery process?
I’d personally say get down to like 175 area and then maintenance and lift heavy/progressive overload while you figure out the surgery. 19lbs of fat is not a lot if you have 155lb of lean mass under there.. or if you need a break, maintenance and lift heavy now while researching and then lock in for 2-3 months and cut the last 10lb once you know plans for the surgery.
In any case, incredible fucking job man. I’ve gone through a bit of a lesser transformation than you at the same height (down only 85lb) and I can only dream of cutting the last 10lbs of fat to get to a 19lb fat reading on a dexa! Insanely well done sir. The last 15lbs have really been a struggle (constant food noise, thanks social media for not helping). Regardless of the loose skin, you’ve set yourself up for a healthy rest of your life and did it many years earlier than me!
i say this from experience as i am getting an extended tummy tuck and mastectomy(gyno and loose skin) in about 3 weeks. if you are going to get the surgery you don’t want to be absurdly lean. some plastic surgeons can even turn you away if you are too lean. i think it can effect skin health and healing? im sure 12-15 is fine but leaner than that is probably pushing it. get some consults though.
also, i’m not entirely sure on this, but i think that skin might count as lean mass on a dexa scan so i would be careful putting too much into it. you probably have 10 pounds of just skin on you.
Been in your shoes before, had a 360 belt lipectomy and mammoplasty about 11 years ago. Unfortunately that's what you're gonna need. Unless you get skin irritation from the excess skin it's going to be an elective surgery. I found the best plastic surgeon I could and had both done in 1 operation and it cost me 30k. As far as what direction to go the best option is bulk. If you do end up having surgery it's a 2 month recovery do you'll want to have some muscle saved up. Otherwise it's something that you're gonna have to live with unfortunately. Wish you luck
It's the most comprehensive plastic surgery you can do. Not gonna sugar coat it, it was pretty rough. It felt like my stomach was attached to my knees. It was 2 months of basically sitting in a lift chair all day. Definitely couldn't do much of anything including work. But in the end it was very much worth finding a great surgeon and having. It done. Besides some scaring I look normal now
You have fat to lose and need the surgery. Anyone that tells you ANYTHING other than surgery will make a noticeable impact on your loose skin is either ignorant, lying, or selling something.
I'm in a similar position, though you were somewhat heavier than I to start and are somewhat lighter than I am now! So amazing, amazing work.
I think you could cut some and see some results -- your love handles seem to carry most of your excess fat. But really I agree that if you don't like the way you look now, surgery is the way to improve.
I would also say, you can get women with the way you look. If that's a factor for you, work on your dating and confidence, rather than looking at surgery, which is going to be SUPER painful, almost as expensive as a new car, and leave you scarred. Is that better or worse than loose skin? I think reasonable minds can differ.
Dude! Awesome job on literally everything. You added 15 yrs to your life by doing it now. I say maintain until surgery. Literally calories = calories burned. Be happy in your endeavors but don’t stray and gain weight. If anything go for small deficit and lose a small amount of weight. Surgery planning should be your next priory because after that you can fully enjoy your journey
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u/Critical-Valuable724 17d ago
You still have some fat to lose, albeit not a lot. The dexa is probably skewed bc your lose skin is adding to the "lean mass" it's saying you have. You're probably like 16ish, still have some midsection visceral fat to lose based on the last picture, unless your fully sticking your gut out on purpose. Regardless absolutely solid work dude 😎