127 pounds later and my stomach still is huge!
aprilflower18232
Posts: 205 Member
I have lost 127 pounds and my stomach still looks like it did when I weighed 325 pounds...I cannot stand to look at myself in the mirror without clothes! I have to look away
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Replies
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You're crazy! I can speak first hand... knowing you in real life that it DOES NOT.. you're just being your own worst critic! Be proud of what you've accomplished dear!
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First, look how far you've come! That is an amazing weight loss and took dedication. You now need to do lots of strength training and core work to tighten things up, as well as look in to options for getting the excess skin removed. I believe it can be a covered procedure under certain circumstances.0
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You should see me in a bathing suit.....not pretty...0
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Oh, and for sure this. It would be impossible for it to look the same after that amount of weight lost. It's smaller for sure, it's just hard for you to view it that way.You're crazy! I can speak first hand... knowing you in real life that it DOES NOT.. you're just being your own worst critic! Be proud of what you've accomplished dear!0 -
http://www.pinupgirlclothing.com/swimwear.htmlYou should see me in a bathing suit.....not pretty...
Suits to flatter any body type!0 -
That amount of weight loss will usually result in excess skin. Unfortunately the only option is either acceptance or surgery. The important thing is that the weight loss lowers the risk for health issues that are weight related.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
I know I'm going to need surgery eventually...but I think I still have more fat then skin still (I still weigh 198). The problem is affording the surgery....0
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Well, so far you done an awesome job really! You been doing great progress I see on the photos as well.
What's your length? and what's your weight goal?
Maybe continue cut down in weight and that last fat will go away
I suggest both cardio and strength training. 0 -
http://www.pinupgirlclothing.com/swimwear.htmlYou should see me in a bathing suit.....not pretty...
Suits to flatter any body type!
OMG! Those are gorgeous! There IS a suit every one there.
OP--Tough love here---You've lost 39% of your weight already (yeah, I did the math). No way should you allow yourself to be consumed by mind lagging behind in what you see in the mirror. So what? Your belly has a way to go still. So what? It'll get there; it's always the last to go. Yes, you have the "apron". It will reduce some, there are surgical options for those who need it when you're ready. For now, it's your annoying badge of honor for an epic, and well-earned weight loss journey.0 -
Join the club lol. But you know what, my theory is I would rather the excess skin then the fat.
I believe (from looking at your pictures) I am shorter than you and I lost over 150 lbs (also topping up at over 320), and my tummy (under my clothes) is VERY VERY droppy and so are my thighs I cant wear a skirt/ dress shorter then my my knees unless I want to show it off. BUT I dress otherwise, I wear tightish shirts, skirts and dresses and when I think of how much I hated how I looked before I lost my weight I realize that ITS TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!
I hope to one day have the surgery to remove the excess skin and tighten it all up but until then I learn to accept how I look each day. But I think how you feel (and how I felt, and somedays still feel) is part of the of becoming used to not being that big anymore and leaning to get used to the new fabulous you.
p.s. it does suck to not be able to wear a swim suit and feel comfortable, I joke that my 80+ year old grandmother looked hotter than me in a bathing suit lol0 -
Trust me, you're wrong.
I've lost almost as much as you have and I felt the same way. I too was wrong. What's happening is that, because you once had an extraordinarily obese torso, your abdominal area just looks like a smaller version of it's biggest size. So the shape likely hasn't' changed that radially therefore it looks the "same size" to you.
Speaking from experience, the lowest I've been in my life was about 140 lbs from the highest I've ever been. My stomach didn't really start to change all that radically in shape until I was knocking on the door of pretty low body fat levels. Genetically I, like my brother, sister, and mother, carry a very disproportionate amount of fat in the lower stomach area. It just takes getting pretty lean to see that shape change.
But the size? Oh yeah, that's definitely changed for you. No such thing as losing over 120lbs and maintaining the exact same size stomach.0 -
I am 5'4 my goal is 1400
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It does take time for the image in our minds to catch up to reality. You've made big changes - celebrate them and keep going. Sometimes we hate the 'in-between' looks more than even the 'before', but keep going. Your body is still changing, and the health benefits are amazing.0
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I know I'm going to need surgery eventually...but I think I still have more fat then skin still (I still weigh 198). The problem is affording the surgery....
Try looking into it. There may be programs in your area to help with that.
You may be able to donate excess skin to help burn victims. I cannot say for certain, but years ago a friend was able to do this after losing weight from her gastric bypass surgery.0 -
You've done such an amazing job, don't be so hard on yourself! I promise you, it's much smaller than it was, it's just hard for you to see it. It really does take time for the mind to catch up. Someday soon, you'll catch a glimpse of yourself and think, "Damn! I look good!" Really!
Also, I know it's hard when you've worked so hard and your body isn't what you dreamed of. It will take time, but the loose skin will tighten up a lot--you're still young. Just keep working at it, improved health is worth it. 0 -
Looking at your profile picture I see a huge difference. I find for me I am becoming more self conscious about how I look the more I lose. Sometimes I have to see some before pictures to remember exactly where I came from.0
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I know the frustration. I've lost over half my body weight, and my belly still wants to hang around. It's really disheartening sometimes. But your belly isn't anywhere near the size it was, you can see that plain as day in your avatar pic. Besides, you aren't even in the normal weight range yet, right? Don't freak until you get to your goal weight, then see what you have to work with. And if you end up needing surgery, go for it.
Oh, and those bathing suits someone linked to are gorgeous.0 -
I know I'm going to need surgery eventually...but I think I still have more fat then skin still (I still weigh 198). The problem is affording the surgery....
You may need surgery eventually, but you are young so your skin will likely adjust eventually. I realize that doesn't help you now, but get a good lotion (I'd get one designed for pregnancy) and keep yourself well hydrated. It should correct itself some over time. How much is hard to determine.0 -
We can be our own worst enemy. I am pear shaped, so I will ALWAYS hate my hips and thighs. I do have a nice butt though. Maybe you should focus more on something about your body you do love. But yes, insurance will most of the time cover a panniculectomy (similar to a tummy tuck) but sadly nothing will cover a lower body lift.....except for out of pocket. You have done great and that is an accomplishment you can really be proud of. :flowerforyou:0
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Girl you look amazing. I know that you were expecting to see less rolls. But mostly that is just excess skin. I am exactly where you are. I'm down over 120 lbs. The excess skin is what I see when the clothes come off. What others see is a smaller body. What you need to do is look in the mirror. Pick out all of the things that you DO like and embrace them. Keep working. The last bit to lose is the hardest. Stay positive. You will get there. Everyone is right. Continue your diet and cardio. Add in strength training. Try planks and push ups.0
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I hear you sweety. It's definitely not as big as it was before - that's just your mind telling your awful things and you know better. Just look at your profile picture!! It's not as pretty as you hoped though and that can be disappointing.
You admitted yourself that you still have a ways to go to get to goal and know you'l have to do surgery so start saving up for it right away. I went in for a consultation earlier this year and had a bit of sticker shock even though I had a rough idea of how much it'd be. Thing with elective surgery that I didn't realize/know is that you have to pay up front - it's not like other procedures where they let you finance over time. So I'll probably have to wait at least another year and in the meantime I'm doing some prep work (also doing boobs so mammogram, continuing to lose weight and exercise), plan to get a 2nd opinion and am saving as much as I can. And hopefully someday it'll happen.
Acceptance is a big part of it too. If I had the money, I'd do my whole body as I also have loose skin everywhere - upper arms, neck, thighs, upper back/under arms. But that's not gonna happen unless I win the lottery that I rarely play (lol) so I'm settling for fixing just my stomach and boobs as those are the most important to me. Most everything else looks good under clothing and pretty much every woman deals with bat wings...but I want my sexy full boobs back and I want to not have a stomach roll forever.
I know I did this to myself and consider this a combination of a trophy and battle scars. It's a way to remind myself of both how far I've come and how important it is to never to go back to being obese because of what it can do to the body - not just bad for health but bad for appearance. It can be tough on the ego sometimes but I know deep down that I'm still a good and beautiful person, as are you, and that's all that really matters.
P.S. Have you considered compression clothing or spanx to help with how it looks under clothes? No shame in spanx - I know girls who look perfectly skinny to me who wear them just to smooth out the so-called lumps and bumps0 -
*hugs* I think you're wonderful.0
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First off, you have done a tremendous thing, congrats. Second, our past abuses sometimes come with a cost. Our bodies were put through hell and "some' damage may occur. I know, it is harder for women, as men can flaunt their guts and not many judge them. I am sorry, but it happens. You have come soooooooooo far, so be proud. I do understand, when my wife took my pic for the before, with out my shirt on, I almost wept at how I looked. Stretch marks and this barrelous belly. But, I don't care, I know now I am doing something positive, and my chance at posing for GQ has long passed. Hold your head up, young lady. You have earned it. Peace.0
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What I've experienced so far is that the bumps and lumps continue to be bumps and lumps now, just smaller ones, while my overall shape continues to be the same. As a prior responder said, I feel more self conscious now than I did when I was at my heaviest due to the saggy skin. I hate to wear sleeveless shirts and shorts now, which is tough to avoid in the summer.
I'm sharing this so that you know others understand. What I've chosen to do is embrace the smaller me while covering the parts I'm not so happy with yet. A good compression garment (Spanx or the like) has become my friend when wearing fitted dresses. It gives me a nice smooth look that I really enjoy. Thin cardigans and shrugs allow me to wear sleeveless shirts to work or out with confidence. Capris and knee length shorts are great for covering up my thighs. I even like fitted spandex type long shorts with an oversized tshirt that hangs long enough to cover my behind and tummy.
Try out different styles to see if there's something you feel good in. It's ok to embrace the smaller you, even though you haven't gotten to your goal yet and aren't totally thrilled with the results so far. You have truly come a long way already and I hope you can see past the bumps to enjoy where you are at now. You've earned it.0 -
Wow looking at your picture we can all see the amazing progress you have made. Your stomach by no means looks the same I know what you mean though and that is something we just have to learn to accept. Somedays I look in the mirror when I am getting dressed and still see the almost 470 lb person I was. Its our view and our self image. Other's do not see what you are seeing. It is going to take time and lots of adjustment in how you view yourself. After 3 years I can finally look in the mirror somedays and be happy with where I am at now It will come but you have to encourage it also. Lots of positive self talk helps Remind yourself how much healthier you are. Take pictures of your body for you too look at and see the difference, compare them side by side so you can see just how far you have come and train your mind to know what the new you really looks like. Congrats on becoming a even healthier you 0
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Problem is I pretty much want to cover everything up....if I could hide in hoodies and yoga pants all the time I would!0
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I know it feels like it, but I guarantee if you had photos your stomach IS a lot smaller. I'm in the same boat. Stomach still big and will never be small. I stretched it out too much from being over weight for years and waiting til I was over 50 to lose it. Great waited til I have practically no elasticity in my skin. Enjoy your great accomplishment.0
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Problem is I pretty much want to cover everything up....if I could hide in hoodies and yoga pants all the time I would!
I understand.
Why I have not had as much to lose or have lost as much, but it is understandable. It is mental and it is hard to get over the fact that we need to love what we got. The website that was given to you: http://www.pinupgirlclothing.com/swimwear.html is a fantastic website, I have been to it before. You look fantastic and you need to self assess how stunning you are. When you find the right clothing/swim suit you will feel amazing. Do not let the *ideals* discourage you. I have a swim dress that I use and it really hides all the unwanted areas, and it is cute as heck! And yeah, I bought it in the older ladies section of the store, but when I got it on it flattered so nicely. I hope you can see how stunning you are and how amazing you have done in your journey *hug* remember we are here for you!0 -
Wow looking at your picture we can all see the amazing progress you have made. Your stomach by no means looks the same I know what you mean though and that is something we just have to learn to accept. Somedays I look in the mirror when I am getting dressed and still see the almost 470 lb person I was. Its our view and our self image. Other's do not see what you are seeing. It is going to take time and lots of adjustment in how you view yourself. After 3 years I can finally look in the mirror somedays and be happy with where I am at now It will come but you have to encourage it also. Lots of positive self talk helps Remind yourself how much healthier you are. Take pictures of your body for you too look at and see the difference, compare them side by side so you can see just how far you have come and train your mind to know what the new you really looks like. Congrats on becoming a even healthier you
Wow. Youve done an amazing job. How long have you been losing?0 -
All i have to say is you are AMAZING! Keep up the hard work.I am 5'4 my goal is 1400
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