Does This Uterus Make My Stomach Look Fat?

cupcakesandproteinshakes

Name: Jo
Age: 46
BMI: 20
Height: 5 ft 8,5
Weight: 138 lbs

BF%: ? Low twenties
Number of Pregnancies:1
Medical Conditions affecting appearance: None
Primary form of exercise: lifting
Number of years doing aforementioned exercise: 3

cupcakesandproteinshakes

BTW thanks to the OP and a contributors. I think it’s important.

mom23mangos

Thank you everyone for keeping this thread alive with real world women in raw, unfiltered bodies.

And in an attempt to bring some levity back....I present you my blobfish! 🤣 We had a lot of fun identifying shapes out of our plank bellies early on in the thread, so when I looked down at my slumped rolls, the pic on the left was the first thing to come to mind and I knew I just had to share.

jesspyre

Commenting to follow. Will post photos soon! This thread has helped me a ton! 🖤 all you strong women.

TinaZ2018

I know the struggle most women are facing during period and how easy it is to get discouraged and depressed when you turn into a little monster. You don't feel sexy anymore, you retain water, have cravings and you are bloated as f**k.
Imagine that these photos are taken a couple of days apart. Horrible, right?
Try to be patient and understanding with your body, don't cheat too much due to your cravings and don't weight yourself until 2 days post period.
When it's done, get back to the gym and do your best. Be perseverant and with small gains you'll reach your goal.

HufflepuffJo9

I’m sooo grateful for this thread. 💖🌟✨ it has helped me tremendously.

cupcakesandproteinshakes

Bump bump. As there have been a few threads about tummies

gradchica27

Since bathing suit season is here, thought I’d repost. Hit my goal weight of 125 (5’4”) today and was feeling confident enough to wear this rather transparent white tank, tucked in.

Then I grabbed one of the few swimsuits left at Target and brought it home, without trying it on. And realized that I am definitely not a “hipster” in any sense of the word—the lower cut puts my 4 giant babies lower stomach and saggy laparoscopic scar second belly button on full display. Ah well, my other suit is falling off my behind, so this will do for the weekend.

Noreenmarie1234

gradchica27 wrote: »

Since bathing suit season is here, thought I’d repost. Hit my goal weight of 125 (5’4”) today and was feeling confident enough to wear this rather transparent white tank, tucked in.

Then I grabbed one of the few swimsuits left at Target and brought it home, without trying it on. And realized that I am definitely not a “hipster” in any sense of the word—the lower cut puts my 4 giant babies lower stomach and saggy laparoscopic scar second belly button on full display. Ah well, my other suit is falling off my behind, so this will do for the weekend.

Love both suits ! Wow you look incredible!!!! Amazing job. Your stomach doesn’t look very “baggy” at all you look awesome!

stargirlhorse

I’m not trying to troll here, I’m genuinely curious but WHERE do you find the confidence to show off like this?? In real life, in public, I’m literally terrified of first impressions because I don’t want people to think either “ew she’s got a big stomach” or “is she a pregnant teenager?”

18, Asian, female (ofc), 5’5.5, and 122lbs. (But it’s apparently a scientifically proven thing that Asians tend to gain belly fat, so in my opinion, I have too much for my liking.)

Unfortunately, society generally hates fat people, or even people with fat in the “wrong” places, and will judge them because they are fat.

AnnPT77

stargirlhorse wrote: »

I’m not trying to troll here, I’m genuinely curious but WHERE do you find the confidence to show off like this?? In real life, in public, I’m literally terrified of first impressions because I don’t want people to think either “ew she’s got a big stomach” or “is she a pregnant teenager?”

18, Asian, female (ofc), 5’5.5, and 122lbs. (But it’s apparently a scientifically proven thing that Asians tend to gain belly fat, so in my opinion, I have too much for my liking.)

Unfortunately, society generally hates fat people, or even people with fat in the “wrong” places, and will judge them because they are fat.

WIthout intending to criticize, and explicitly not speaking for PP: I think, among women who are lucky (or clever),

* Confidence increases with maturity;
* We learn how very little attention other people are paying to us (they're busy being self-conscious about themselves);
* We decide not to make others' opinions our problem, so can enjoy a visit to the beach without worrying about what they think;
* We learn that only jerks spend their precious time judging others' bodies (and who wants to give up her enjoyment of life because of jerks?);
* Looking around, and no longer over-focusing on the Cutie McCutersons, most of us notice that we're within the range of normal, and that that's an OK place to be;
* . . . and more.

You're very young. (Did my saying that feel like criticism? If so, why? And if it did, think about your post, in that light . . . . ).

Best wishes, sincerely.

P.S. I'm 5'5", 129 pounds. I wouldn't wear a bikini to the beach, because as a 64-year-old post-bilateral-mastectomy woman (no reconstruction), there's nothing to hold the top in place. I'd be like one of those 7-year-old girls with her bikini top riding up to her chin, choker-necklace style: Not nearly as cute with the scars, and who knows whether public decency laws about toplessness apply to that? So, sticking to the one-piece, with whatever flat top, saddlebags, belly-pouch, wrinkles, droop, or anything else that may display (as long as legally allowable). I would've done the same when obese.

Not enjoying the sun and water because of an imperfect body just makes no sense whatsoever. What "society" judges is "society's" problem.

springlering62

@gradchica utmost props to you. You are truly working that bikini! Flaunt it! I wish I could wear one, but it’s swim shorts for me, since (TMI, gentlemen, please look away....) one bikini line shave and I’m out of commission with crazy painful razor rash for weeks.

I bought a couple of sweet yoga ensembles that have crop tops. My belly had not seen daylight in 42 years, since the Great Band Camp Bikini Fail.

I have slowly built up enough confidence to wear them to class- and the mile round trip walk to the studio, directly down the busiest road in town, through the popular town square and restaurant outdoor seating areas.

I was incredibly self conscious at first, and super tense, but it got easier as people at traffic lights would holler out their windows “I love your outfit!” and I finally came to realize that not a single person had yelled “Hey, fat *kitten*!” or “Who you trying to fool!” I felt like I had pulled it off and was mostly over the hump.

But I have to giggle every time I do a plank or something similar, because my belly, which is comparatively taut when I’m standing up, leaks and oozes out of every available gap between that crop and those leggings, and hangs down like that blob fish pictured earlier.

I swear the thing has a life of its own. I was horribly embarrassed at first, but have come to terms with it. Most the other people in class know where I’ve come from and if they don’t, *shrug*.

It’s skin. We all have skin. Some of us just have an extra suitcase full, at least for the time being. Hopefully it will shrink.

Anyway, I just bought the shorts version of my fave yoga crop ensemble to wear to the pool. No planking there and what the neighbors don’t know won’t hurt them. Gonna need some major SPF on that poor chalk white belly though.

@stargirlhorse I wish I could give you a major hug. You are me, forty years ago. Wish I had some magical advice for you, but as @AnnPT77 says, with age comes wisdom. I’m think I’m getting smarter, if not actually wise yet. I think you are modest, as was I. Modesty, while a PITA, has its own charm. You just gotta learn to roll with it. It’s awful hard to unlearn.

gradchica27

I’m with @AnnPT77 —my confidence definitely increased with age and position in life. I’m married and have 4 kids. What do I care what some rando at the beach thinks about my belly, or my anything else? (I can also usually count on my ability to cow youngish people with my teacher voice and resting b*%€£ face). Plus having all those kids around = obvious why I have loose belly skin. That’s just natural, so if anyone noticed it at all, the answer is splashing them in the face.

I’m not trying to attract a mate, and I really only interact with people I know regularly. My friends are all married with a bunch of kids, so We’re not trying to one up each other bc this is probably the least catty and most supportive group of women I know. We’re all different sizes, and lots of us are still early post partum, and don’t really talk about our bodies/hang ups. Maybe it’s bc we also know that it’s a quick slide from being “the hot/thin/athletic one” bc of pregnancy, injury, or illness, so best not to peg your self worth on appearance or what others say about you. It is the most refreshing female friendship I have ever had in my life. My advice is if anyone does not a group of women like this in your life, make it your mission to find them! Your confidence and don’t-give-a-rat’s-behind-ness will soar.

And really, I know people are not looking at me—most people are really hung up on their own insecurities and don’t nit pick on strangers. And if they’re doing that in their heads? Well, let them eat that poison, I don’t need to worry about it.

Also, I wouldn’t strut around posing like this in real life 😂😂 i usually wear a rash guard bc I’m paranoid about skin cancer and can’t put lotion on all that skin 🙄

Courtscan2

stargirlhorse wrote: »

I’m not trying to troll here, I’m genuinely curious but WHERE do you find the confidence to show off like this?? In real life, in public, I’m literally terrified of first impressions because I don’t want people to think either “ew she’s got a big stomach” or “is she a pregnant teenager?”

18, Asian, female (ofc), 5’5.5, and 122lbs. (But it’s apparently a scientifically proven thing that Asians tend to gain belly fat, so in my opinion, I have too much for my liking.)

Unfortunately, society generally hates fat people, or even people with fat in the “wrong” places, and will judge them because they are fat.

This reminds me so much of me at 18. I remember thinking "god, I'd kill myself if I looked like that!" when I saw people out who didn't meet my own personal ideal. Ironically, I also thought I was hideously overweight.....at 5'4" and 110lbs. I was constantly agonising over the extra 5lbs I thought I was carrying.
But with age comes wisdom. At 42, I'll happily rock a bikini to the beach and won't think twice, because in general - no one gives a crap what I look like, they are all far more concerned with themselves. And while I;m sure there are 18 year old girls who look at me and think they'd rather die than be saggy, baggy, lumpy whatever like I am - meh. They'll learn none of us are perfect (at least not forever) and it really doesn't matter. My husband still thinks I'm a babe, and my body has grown 2 awesome kids, so I'd way rather spend my time enjoying my life than worrying about what people think of my lumps and bumps.

AnnPT77

I love this thread.

That is all.

bigblues11

This is one big gigantic thread of TOTAL rock stars!!! BEAUTIFUL!

hipari

stargirlhorse wrote: »

I’m not trying to troll here, I’m genuinely curious but WHERE do you find the confidence to show off like this?? In real life, in public, I’m literally terrified of first impressions because I don’t want people to think either “ew she’s got a big stomach” or “is she a pregnant teenager?”

18, Asian, female (ofc), 5’5.5, and 122lbs. (But it’s apparently a scientifically proven thing that Asians tend to gain belly fat, so in my opinion, I have too much for my liking.)

Unfortunately, society generally hates fat people, or even people with fat in the “wrong” places, and will judge them because they are fat.

@stargirlhorse do you stare at other people and think ”eww”, wonder if they’re pregnant or hate fat people? If not, don’t assume others do and you’re just better than them. If you do, start changing the society by changing yourself. Also note that gossip media does not equal society in general.

BTW, I love this thread.

cupcakesandproteinshakes

Agree this thread is fantastic. I think I posted some pics of my belly upstream.i might take a few more and post later just to keep this thread visible.

I’m very happy strolling around in batty rider shorts and a bikini top at 47. IDGAF what anyone thinks. I place little value on how my body looks anyway. My values as a person are more important.

Grace_spaceship

Age: 24
Height : 5ft 10in
Weight : 158lbs
BMI : 22.4




Idk how to make the pictures work. But it's my relaxed and in anterior pelvic tilt tummy vs my engaged core with a neutral pelvis. Not the best pics but there we are.

Grace_spaceship

Also forgot to put in that I mostly lift weights and did for 2 years then broke my spine but have been back at it for about 8 months

SERmom3

@gradchica27 - Thanks for posting! It’s encouraging to see that level of success after 4 babies! I’ve had 3 (two of which were 9-10lbs and c-sections). I’ve also had laparoscopic surgery, so my stomach area has been through a lot.

I’m close to your height and hit my initial goal of 140. Hoping to get down to 130 eventually, but it’s been slow and I’ve been focused on strength training. I’m beginning to see results, but I know it will take more time and patience. I’m inspired by your progress! Thanks for sharing!

cupcakesandproteinshakes

cupcakesandproteinshakes

Err not sure what went wrong. Upside down plank belly. A thing of beauty

gradchica27

SERmom3 wrote: »

@gradchica27 - Thanks for posting! It’s encouraging to see that level of success after 4 babies! I’ve had 3 (two of which were 9-10lbs and c-sections). I’ve also had laparoscopic surgery, so my stomach area has been through a lot.

I’m close to your height and hit my initial goal of 140. Hoping to get down to 130 eventually, but it’s been slow and I’ve been focused on strength training. I’m beginning to see results, but I know it will take more time and patience. I’m inspired by your progress! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks 😊 I had a 8lb, 11lb, and 2 9lb babies and got up to 195-200 with 3 of those pregnancies, and had my gallbladder out last Labor Day. My youngest will be 5 in Aug. I stayed around 130-135 for the past few years, mostly strength training. With gyms closed, I decided now was the time to try and cut a little more. I’m going to focus on recomp again.

Going to PT for a second round of pelvic floor therapy this month, my therapist told me I needed to fix my diastasis, and that would help my hip issues and pelvic floor issues. Not one of my previous PTs or drs have mentioned diastasis to me in the 4.5 years since my last baby! Ugh. So I’m working on that right now. I do about zero direct ab work bc it tends to aggravate my pf issues. Hoping this will help! My ribs are already noticeably less flared out.

I wore that bathing suit for 5 hours today and felt pretty darn good 😄

mom23mangos

Can I just say you all rock and thank you for keeping this thread alive.

RunsWithBees

Can I just reiterate how important posture is? I had terrible posture as a teen and most of my adult life due to a number of factors, Shoulders always hunched over and pelvis tilted forwards, making my tummy bulge out more than necessary. 6+ years ago when I started exercising regularly for the first time in my sedentary life I found my posture automatically improving and I noticed how different I looked in photos, I was standing so straight without even trying to. Posture really helps with the tummy pudge! I have always had a pudgy tumm even as a skinny teen and I don’t mind having a round soft belly but it definitely looks better when I’m standing straight! I have multiple large fibroids and about a year and a half ago I had a successful UAE procedure to kill the fibroids but keep my uterus so I am happy to put up with a little belly as long as I can keep my uterus and be free of the fibroid symptoms, it’s been life changing! Our womanly bodies are beautiful ladies, embrace yours! And we can all benefit from better posture!

ElioraFR

What an amazingly nice thread!

Hanibanani2020

This is so awesome. This whole thing. I was raised by an incredibly conservative parent so I can’t join in the bikini photos as I’ll get an incredible attack of religious guilt 😂🤣 but I just have to say thank you to all these women who are sharing this as years ago I was very ill with an inflammatory condition and one of the ongoing side effects still today is abdomen boosting randomly. I can go up two pant sizes in a day and it’s really depressing. To see that I’m far from alone and that we all have our individual body struggles and successes is so motivating and cathartic for me. Maybe one day I’ll post up here but until then I will lurk and be in awe of all of you. 💓💓

nitalieben

Figured this needs a bump.

tushitatravellogue

I so needed this post, I have been frustrated for a while obsessing over a flat tummy !!!

Age : 37
Pregnancies : 1
BMI : 21.6
Currently 13 months postpartum. .

Activity before pregnancy (for roughly 5 yrs) :
Yoga, body weight training, running, trekking...

Post delivery my only workout is slow walking and restoration yoga(gentle and slow) as am yet to get clearance for heavy workout (recovering pelvic floor) ..

Health Condition :
Suspect DR, yet to meet a physiotherapist for confirmation but I see a dome when I bend!!!
My tummy is even bigger on the days am Bloated(read 5 months pregnant look !!!)