Hate body more now than before :(

ProgressNotPerfection32
ProgressNotPerfection32 Posts: 1,155 Member
in Motivation and Support
So this may be a long venting post............ *sigh*


When I started this weight loss journey 2 years ago, I ignorantly assumed that my post weight loss body would look somewhat similar to my pre fat body. Boy how wrong I was!!! I KNEW in my heart it would be different, especially after having 2 wonderful children. I just ever expected to hate my body SO MUCH. I am so much more insecure now than I was before. I have also convinced myself that my husband was MORE attracted to me at 235 pounds than now. At least when I was 235 it was firm, now?? Well, I admit I haven't exercised much..... When I started atkins I was obsessed with 30 min/ 7 days a week on the elliptical then got burned out. I recently started the Run a 5k app, starting week 3 tomorrow. But I HATE my soft body. So much loose skin!!!! In clothing it's not too bad but I hate looking at myself in the mirror. :sad: has anyone else experienced this or are currently experiencing these types of issues?? Will I ALWAYS view myself this way? It is so hard to SEE the awesome weight I have lost beyond the flab and I worry about how bad it will be in another 30 pounds!!! Thanks for 'listening'. :cry:

Replies

  • amcsouth
    amcsouth Posts: 283 Member
    I kind of have the same problem! I haven't had kids but I have been overweight since I was about 5. I'm not sure if you have lose skin or its just fat but many fitness facebook pages I follow are from ladies who have had babies and they look amazing after adding in weight training. Anyways I started lifting weights + doing lots of body weight exercises along with my cardio and things are looking so much better now! I'm still not completely happy but the improvements I see make me want to carry on :)
  • mthr2
    mthr2 Posts: 158 Member
    From what I understand, it takes time to firm up. I too, seem to have more (or at least different) body issues now than before. Now it is time to obsess over your imperfections less and try and focus on being thankful that you look better in clothes, feel better physically, and are undoubtedly healthier. The worst thing that we can do is make great progress and still feel bad about ourselves. ...Or let this discomfort in our new bodies turn into some huge problem. It's just dumb and a waste of our short lives. When I get mental, I sometimes quit logging food for a few days. I was more than my body when I was fat, and I am more than my body now.
  • iTemperence
    iTemperence Posts: 12
    It's going to take some time for that stuff to go away. I recommend just walking. That's it - just walking. I lost about the same amount that you did a year ago and had the same issue. Some extra skin in places that wasn't all that attractive.

    Drinking lots of water and walking helped loads - it wasnt an overload workout but a little at a time started to really tighten things up.
  • fitjessie813
    fitjessie813 Posts: 43 Member
    Lift and hydrate! And be patient... it takes time for the skin to firm up. I have lost 82 lbs and my arms and inner thighs are a bit lose but they are getting better :)
  • LaVonda47
    LaVonda47 Posts: 17
    You need to start doing some weight lifting which will help with the soft skin, making it firm and tighter. Keep up the good work!:flowerforyou:
  • ami5000psu
    ami5000psu Posts: 391 Member
    First of all, breathe. You've lost a lot of weight and that's a great accomplishment. Secondly, you need to start lifting weights to help with body recomposition. It will definitely help. Good luck!
  • anemoneprose
    anemoneprose Posts: 1,805 Member
    Yeah, this is totally normal. 1) your body's had real physical changes 2) your body's changed and your brain can't catch up 3) you've been preoccupied with your body, and had a certain idea of how it ought to be.

    skin: 2 years to bounce back
    looseness: build muscle underneath with strength training
  • Cindyinpg
    Cindyinpg Posts: 3,902 Member
    Weight lifting could be your key to success. I am just starting myself and it was suggested that I look into the book, New Rules of Lifting For Women (NROLFW). There's a group on here where you can learn more. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/102-new-rules-of-lifting-for-women-nrol4w
  • BurningAway
    BurningAway Posts: 279
    First loose skin and fat hanging are two different things. If it is fat, just keep eating at a calorie deficit and try to add more strength training in with your cardio soon you will see a HUGE difference. I gained alot of weight with my daughter and had the belly sag now that im sticking to my exercise regimen, and have made sure i stick to my deficit i literally have seen a huge difference! I used to be able to grab my fat with both hands full, now its barely one hand in a months time.

    If it is loose skin, its going to take time however you just said you dont exercise much? Well theres a problem you need to stick to your exercise. You cant expect to see results if your not being consistant it sucks, its hard, but in the long run its worth it.
  • LexiAtel
    LexiAtel Posts: 228 Member
    Congratulations on your weight loss! I'll echo everyone here about giving it time. Our bodies work with time, unfortunately, it seems you can lose weight faster than your skin can bounce back up.

    As the others suggested, it's time to get into a weight lifting/strength building routine, you need to fill in the gaps with something now that the fat is gone. Most people who lose a lot of weight have this problem, that's why a lot of people end up "working out".

    Just make sure you get enough to drink, and eat enough food including plenty of protein.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    i am sure others have already posted the same sort of things but;

    1) it can take up to a year for skin to firm up, so you have to be patient
    2) get some strength training into your routine!
  • ProgressNotPerfection32
    ProgressNotPerfection32 Posts: 1,155 Member
    Thanks for the replies everyone!! Exercise has always been something I struggle with and before i had issues with weight, i didnt necessarily need to exercise. I never had weight issues until I had my first child at 22. I'm now at my lowest weight in 10 years!!

    So here's my question: WHERE do I start with weights?? It been 5 years since I've done any type of weights and I don't know where or how to begin. When I lifted before, I did it all the wrong way. My doctor had put me on Phentermine and I had endless energy and drive from it. So..... Any help would be appreciated :-)

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