Feeling a lil bummed about my stomach

keekahari

Hi. I'm not that new to MFP, but I am new to the message boards and I've spent the last few weeks looking at many of the pics posted. First I want to say SUPER CONGRATS to everyone in their successful journeys. You ALL look awesome, no matter where you are in the process. I know it takes a lot of work and everyone's story is so motivating!!! I am 5'8 and at my highest, I was 282 (about six years ago) I hovered around 240-250 for a few years and about June of this year, I started getting serious (again) about my weight loss. I am down to 203 and am super excited about that, but as I look at all the pics on here, I am getting a little deflated thinking of how my tummy will look when I get to where I want to be (wherever that is) See, most people pics, even during their starting weight, don't seem to have the overhang that I have above my belly button. So I am thinking as I lose, I will still have that same overhang, with just a lil less fat. I know all bodies are different, but I specifically looked through pic hoping to find someone whose stomach is similar to mine. Did you have an overhang over you belly button similar to mine and if so, do you still have it as made it to your goal weight?

Here are my pics at 242. Still pretty much looks the same now.


http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1277/4345273/24276675/405104767.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1277/4345273/24276675/405104769.jpg

Telugammayi87

Lift weights lift weights lift weights!!!!! It will do wonders... I have the same problems, but since starting lifting, it's improved a LOT! Your skin already looks tighter than mine does... so I say it again.. lift lift lift lift and LIFT HEAVY!!!!

Jennaissance

I feel your pain. I have that, too while a lot of people that weigh the same as I do, don't. I carry a lot of extra weight in my midsection and I think it's because I'm just carrying so much extra weight right now. The last time I remember not having it was at around 140 pounds... or maybe 135... I have lost about 20 pounds and it looks a lot better right now than it did at 175 but it's still there.

I know it goes away though because I didn't have it two years ago. But for me, it was probably the last thing to go before I hit my goal. I think weight lifting and core exercises helped me not have it before I gained my weight. Cardio does nothing for me!

It might not be the first thing to go, but you can get rid of it. Just stick with it and don't give up. Meanwhile, I'm sure you'll be happy to drop sizes, right? The bikini can come later, lol!

keekahari

Thank you ladies. Glad to hear that some reassurance that I may still be able to rid of this eye sore!! Yes, I am definitely enjoying my clothes getting looser. I am doing lots of cardio (zumba and body combat), but I do need to start lifting and doing more core work. I will add that to my program!

lilpoindexter

I'm a 5' 11" man...I've lost 50lbs +. I currently weigh 197lbs. I was 250+ at my heaviest. The stomach fat is the hardest to get rid of. I've lost weight in cycles...when I lose weight, the stomach fat gets "looser" and I feel it hanging over my belt...then I weigh myself, and see that even though I feel fatter due to the flab hanging on my belt, I've actually lost 2 or 3 pounds. After about a month, the skin tightens up, and I feel slimmer, then I lose a little more fat and the cycle continues.

Don't beat yourself up over what will or won't happen as you lose weight. Be patient, and stick to your plan, and you will do great.

kimad

I have went from 245-158 (give or not with Christmas)
I have a large stomach still and alot of skin - when I see pictures of others in my weight range with a flat tummy I know I can accredit most of mine (if not all) to having full term twins 7 years ago. My ab muscles are also seperated.

I have decided for myself that I want to get a tummy tuck, but I did start lifting weights last month and I do feel alot tighter.
I have no idea where it will take me, but I am curious to see the changes that I can make myself before I can get in for a consult.
I will probably still have alot of extra skin, but I honestly believe LIFTING WEIGHTS HELPS!! haha

Good luck girl

Natihilator

My stomach looks similar, and unfortunately that's just how our bodies chose to carry excess waist fat. After seeing people with the same situation after they've lost weight, I've just accepted that once I reach my goal weight, it will improve, but I'll still have a frowny little triangle-shaped belly button area unless I opt for a tummy tuck down the line, if I want a flat, tight tummy.

Jennaissance

I think it's great to start out with some handweights and videos at home for strength training and work your way into the gym. But as my friend explained it to me, it's not how much I weigh that causes it... it's my body fat percentage that's just too high. I know people that are my weight and don't have it, they have a lower body fat percentage maybe. But if you weight train and eat at a calorie deficit, calorie deficit = losing fat and weight training = changing what remains. You'll get there!

LoveAlwaysAlisa

My stomach looks similar as well.... hoping that with plenty of strength training and good skin care it will be ok when I reach my goal.

kalyn_QT

I have that exactly. i call it a double belly. I have only lost 20pounds and still have about 30-40 to go. Trust me i am worrying a lot about it too though. I hope it goes down properly but we won't know until we lose the weight.I haven't seen any others with this type of belly let alone success pictures of people with it