Since I was overweight my entire life until highschool where I got down to a good weight and kept it there for a while, I never had stretch marks until I got out of the service and started putting on weight. They are highly embarrasing (even though the few people that have seen them have never commented on them). But I know they are there and why they are there.

I hope they fade. Even more, I hope I'm not left with tons of lose and flabby skin - I doubt I would ever have cosmetic surgery to remove it. But, if it happens then it happens and it will be both my trophy for a job well done and a constant reminder to never go down that road again.