Does This Uterus Make My Stomach Look Fat?
Replies
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Mexicangreensalsa wrote: »mom23mangos wrote: »Mexicangreensalsa wrote: »sunflowerhippi wrote: »middlehaitch wrote: »@ythannah, you visuals are beautiful, but please eat more so you are not underweight as per BMI.
I do know BMI has to be taken in congunction with other body metrics, but as a lightweight myself, I think you are probably not at a healthy weight.
Spoken out of concern, not criticism.
Cheers, h.
Thank you
I am the hard gainer poster child, I have my father's physique. It has taken me over 30 years to gain 14 bs. Being underweight all my life was one of the things that motivated me to take up lifting as I was hoping to add muscle weight and, more importantly, increase my bone density.
My doctor isn't concerned at all, my health markers are excellent (other than hypertension, which I also inherited from my dad) and I almost never get sick.... the last time I had the flu was in 1983, and my last cold was two or three years ago!
I saw your pictures and never thought underweight. I saw muscle and lean. As someone who has dexa'd at 21% your numbers are my goal for body fat, but to be honest the other response is why I am hesitant to really push to lean out because I don't want the judgmental comments about it. You look great and keep up the good work building muscle.
No one is a "hard gainer" for any other reason besides behaviors. If you check out the weight gain thread talking about hard gainers and all the forums on the falsity of "naturally thin" it is simply because you don't eat enough. If you ate enough you would gain just as anyone would. It is other factors that make it "hard" to gain such as your behaviors that offset calories. I just think it is not right to say that being so underweight is fine especially since this thread is to promote healthy bodies.
I really don't want to derail this thread because you fantastic ladies have touched me deeply with your willingness to share. Yes, this thread is to promote healthy bodies and IMO @ythannah looks very healthy. She's worked hard to bring her BMI up and as long she has no adverse health consequences (still menstruates, etc) and her Dr. isn't concerned then she is probably just one those people with a very small frame that tend to straddle the line between normal/underweight. Let's not forget the BMI scale is arbitrary. There will always be outliers. Just as I asked outliers on the top end to post, I'm glad to see an outlier on the bottom end as well. And lets give her props for showing the even at an underweight BMI, SHE STILL HAS ROLLS when she bends over and plank belly.
Thank you for those who expressed concern because I know it comes from a place of caring and support.
Yes, I didn't mean to derail the thread! I apologize for that! This is one of my favorite threads and it is amazing to see and so reassuring. I just know that many women have their cycles at anorexic weights and it is not necessarily and indicator for everyone. I know many who were underweight their entire lives with a period and without symptoms (myself included). The bottom line is anyone can be a healthy weight if they eat enough calories (unless they have a serious medical issue), and all women should strive to be in that range. I am glad to hear she has been working towards that. I apologize for getting off topic! Back to the posts!
Yes losing your period has been taken out of the diagnostic criteria for AN. In fact, because of gastroparesis, my BMI is 16.1 and I still get my period. I don't take it as an indicator that I am healthy because obviously <106 at 5'8 isn't.
ETA not implying that she isn't healthy as she does seem healthy13 -
I will add photos just trying to take some that won't get me warned/banned (I have an ileostomy and scars). I'll probably just add a spoiler tag (and obviously won't have any visible poop) just in case people are disturbed by scars/medical devices25
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I would be really grateful to you for sharing that - thank you.singingflutelady wrote: »I will add photos just trying to take some that won't get me warned/banned (I have an ileostomy and scars). I'll probably just add a spoiler tag (and obviously won't have any visible poop) just in case people are disturbed by scars/medical devices
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sunflowerhippi wrote: »middlehaitch wrote: »@ythannah, you visuals are beautiful, but please eat more so you are not underweight as per BMI.
I do know BMI has to be taken in congunction with other body metrics, but as a lightweight myself, I think you are probably not at a healthy weight.
Spoken out of concern, not criticism.
Cheers, h.
Thank you
I am the hard gainer poster child, I have my father's physique. It has taken me over 30 years to gain 14 bs. Being underweight all my life was one of the things that motivated me to take up lifting as I was hoping to add muscle weight and, more importantly, increase my bone density.
My doctor isn't concerned at all, my health markers are excellent (other than hypertension, which I also inherited from my dad) and I almost never get sick.... the last time I had the flu was in 1983, and my last cold was two or three years ago!
I saw your pictures and never thought underweight. I saw muscle and lean. As someone who has dexa'd at 21% your numbers are my goal for body fat, but to be honest the other response is why I am hesitant to really push to lean out because I don't want the judgmental comments about it. You look great and keep up the good work building muscle.
Thank you.
I say go for what you want, never mind any comments. If you think you look too thin, add back some body fat.0 -
Mexicangreensalsa wrote: »sunflowerhippi wrote: »middlehaitch wrote: »@ythannah, you visuals are beautiful, but please eat more so you are not underweight as per BMI.
I do know BMI has to be taken in congunction with other body metrics, but as a lightweight myself, I think you are probably not at a healthy weight.
Spoken out of concern, not criticism.
Cheers, h.
Thank you
I am the hard gainer poster child, I have my father's physique. It has taken me over 30 years to gain 14 bs. Being underweight all my life was one of the things that motivated me to take up lifting as I was hoping to add muscle weight and, more importantly, increase my bone density.
My doctor isn't concerned at all, my health markers are excellent (other than hypertension, which I also inherited from my dad) and I almost never get sick.... the last time I had the flu was in 1983, and my last cold was two or three years ago!
I saw your pictures and never thought underweight. I saw muscle and lean. As someone who has dexa'd at 21% your numbers are my goal for body fat, but to be honest the other response is why I am hesitant to really push to lean out because I don't want the judgmental comments about it. You look great and keep up the good work building muscle.
No one is a "hard gainer" for any other reason besides behaviors. If you check out the weight gain thread talking about hard gainers and all the forums on the falsity of "naturally thin" it is simply because you don't eat enough. If you ate enough you would gain just as anyone would. It is other factors that make it "hard" to gain such as your behaviors that offset calories. I just think it is not right to say that being so underweight is fine especially since this thread is to promote healthy bodies.
But my body IS healthy, almost freakishly so!
My father, who is a physicist, has always said that we have an inefficient metabolism. What he means is that we have a lower propensity to store excess calories as fat (like we're supposed to) and likely excrete them as waste to a greater degree.9 -
mom23mangos wrote: »Mexicangreensalsa wrote: »sunflowerhippi wrote: »middlehaitch wrote: »@ythannah, you visuals are beautiful, but please eat more so you are not underweight as per BMI.
I do know BMI has to be taken in congunction with other body metrics, but as a lightweight myself, I think you are probably not at a healthy weight.
Spoken out of concern, not criticism.
Cheers, h.
Thank you
I am the hard gainer poster child, I have my father's physique. It has taken me over 30 years to gain 14 bs. Being underweight all my life was one of the things that motivated me to take up lifting as I was hoping to add muscle weight and, more importantly, increase my bone density.
My doctor isn't concerned at all, my health markers are excellent (other than hypertension, which I also inherited from my dad) and I almost never get sick.... the last time I had the flu was in 1983, and my last cold was two or three years ago!
I saw your pictures and never thought underweight. I saw muscle and lean. As someone who has dexa'd at 21% your numbers are my goal for body fat, but to be honest the other response is why I am hesitant to really push to lean out because I don't want the judgmental comments about it. You look great and keep up the good work building muscle.
No one is a "hard gainer" for any other reason besides behaviors. If you check out the weight gain thread talking about hard gainers and all the forums on the falsity of "naturally thin" it is simply because you don't eat enough. If you ate enough you would gain just as anyone would. It is other factors that make it "hard" to gain such as your behaviors that offset calories. I just think it is not right to say that being so underweight is fine especially since this thread is to promote healthy bodies.
I really don't want to derail this thread because you fantastic ladies have touched me deeply with your willingness to share. Yes, this thread is to promote healthy bodies and IMO @ythannah looks very healthy. She's worked hard to bring her BMI up and as long she has no adverse health consequences (still menstruates, etc) and her Dr. isn't concerned then she is probably just one those people with a very small frame that tend to straddle the line between normal/underweight. Let's not forget the BMI scale is arbitrary. There will always be outliers. Just as I asked outliers on the top end to post, I'm glad to see an outlier on the bottom end as well. And lets give her props for showing the even at an underweight BMI, SHE STILL HAS ROLLS when she bends over and plank belly.
Thank you for those who expressed concern because I know it comes from a place of caring and support.
She doesn't still menstruate because she has no uterus
Even at my lightest and lowest BMI (I just calculated it at 15.2) in my 20s, I never ceased to menstruate. In fact, I ended up having the hysterectomy at a fairly young age because of mennorhagia.10 -
Warning...the following photo may frighten small children...and terrify expectant mothers.
Plank belly. Not my most flattering angle.
I love my three boys more than anything...but I blame them for all the loose skin on my belly. Of course waiting until my mid-30s (when I suppose my skin was losing elasticity) to have babies didn't help my cause. I gained less than 30 pounds with each...but they still stretched my abdomen to the max.38 -
Fortunately my tummy is not quite as scary when I stand up.
I stand a shade under 5’3” and maintain within a couple of pounds of 105. Not sure of my body fat percentage (guessing low 20s).
I have been pregnant five times...suffered two first trimester miscarriages, and delivered three big healthy baby boys.
I turned 49 in July. No major symptoms of menopause yet. Aunt Flo still makes her regular monthly visit. We shall see what changes come as my cycles cease.
I had hernia surgery as a toddler (for the kind you are born with...I wasn’t lifting heavy back then).
My fitness routine is a bit of everything. From yoga and Pilates to TABATA and HIIT. I play tennis a couple of times a week and take a Zumba class here and there.47 -
Front and side view, seconds apart. Amazing what a deep breath and a straight back can do!
I always say, sucking in my gut is an awesome ab workout
45yo F 5'8" 193 lbs
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I love this thread. I've uploaded my own photo (excuse the shocking lighting!).
I don't come under the 'healthy weight' category but think all the more reason to share my image.
I've been a competitive swimmer from being a child up until a few years ago. Now I exercise in various ways but mostly running and the gym. I'm in pretty good shape and have reasonably defined muscles.
I don't have any kids or medical conditions.
I'm 5 ft 6 and 105 lbs (BMI around 17). But I don't have a totally flat stomach! I have a strong core, probably not a massive amount of body fat given how light I am but I still have that little bit at the bottom of my tummy. It doesn't go away and looks bigger or smaller depending on exercise, whether I've had something to eat or drink or my menstrual cycle. Some clothes can completely disguise it but despite how flat I can make it appear using flattering leggings, it's not a 'perfect washboard'.
I've seen the posts on the forum from women looking for flatter stomachs despite being slim. I don't really post because it feels weird posting to say 'well I'm slimmer than you...'. It's not a competition but I just wanted to say that I am 21, have never had kids, have been very sporty since childhood and am well into the underweight category. And don't have a totally flat stomach! That's just my shape and short of becoming an extreme body builder I don't think it's going to change much. Not that it needs to really.
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Okay! This is taking a lot of nerve to post because I do not have a pretty belly. After losing 125 lbs and suffering from Cushing's syndrome caused by an ovarian tumor, which causes disproportionate weight gain around the abdomen, I have a lot of loose skin and stretch marks. But I am normal weight, finally, and this is what that looks like on me.
Age 50
Height 5'8"
Weight 149
BMI 22.7
Number of pregnancies - one 2nd trimester miscarriage
Medical conditions affecting appearance: had diastasis recti caused by obesity, has closed up now. Had Cushing's syndrome and large ovarian tumor (benign) - ovary removed. Currently have fibroids. Loose skin due to weight loss.
Exercise: running, weightlifting, sometimes cycling, Zumba
Years exercising: one and a half
So this is my three second diet. Good posture with stomach tucked versus bad with stomach relaxed.
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Apologies for the underwear, I only own high-waisted trousers which would rather defeat the object...
One photo with decent posture and abs tensed, one just letting it all hang out.
[photos removed by MFP mod]
This is the tummy of someone who has lost sixteen stone to juuust squeeze inside the top end of the normal BMI range.
Or to put it another way... this is the saggy belly of VICTORY.48 -
Age: 21
BMI:24.8
Weight: 147 lbs
Height: 5’4
No pregnancies
Previously very active until I started university when I lost the healthy lifestyle (oops) until recently.
Need to remember to take a side shot when I have time.
[Photo removed by MFP mod]
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singingflutelady wrote: »I will add photos just trying to take some that won't get me warned/banned (I have an ileostomy and scars). I'll probably just add a spoiler tag (and obviously won't have any visible poop) just in case people are disturbed by scars/medical devices
Obviously, please only post what you are comfortable sharing. Your life, your body, your privacy.
I can only speak for myself, and to quote the title of a popular children’s book: “Everybody Poops!” Not about to let that scare me off. 9 -
OK, I literally choked on my water at the gym when I saw this but it was sooooo worth it! OMG, if you have rubber chicken plank belly, I must have the whole coop (and probably a couple foxes in the hen house as well)!!!! 12 -
singingflutelady wrote: »I will add photos just trying to take some that won't get me warned/banned (I have an ileostomy and scars). I'll probably just add a spoiler tag (and obviously won't have any visible poop) just in case people are disturbed by scars/medical devices
@singingflutelady
All that matters is that you are comfortable (and not violating MFP TOS, of course). Most of posting have all kinds of saggy skin, stretch marks, surgical scars, hell - I even posted the link to my actual abdominalplasty surgery. It's called honesty and real life. If people are disturbed by scars and medical devices they need a reality check. Almost everyone on Earth has scars, some from surgery, some from falls and cuts received in thier day to day life. Medical devices: also, no big deal to see on someone, it's just something that helps them out to have a better quality of life.
If you're comfortable, post away. If not, that's okay too.7 -
I feel comfortable posting them when I take them lol. Most people don't know what an ostomy looks like so I guess it will be educational
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LO-*kitten*ing-L
OK, I literally choked on my water at the gym when I saw this but it was sooooo worth it! OMG, if you have rubber chicken plank belly, I must have the whole coop (and probably a couple foxes in the hen house as well)!!!!
If you've got the whole coop, I think what I've got must be a cattle ranch.
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meagan8376 wrote: »
Thank you so much ❤️0 -
Age: 42
Height: 5'6",
Weight: 125
BMI: 20.3
Number of Pregnancies: 0
Medical Conditions affecting appearance: none
Primary form of exercise: walking (35-45 miles per week)
Number of years doing aforementioned exercise: 2.5 years
Standing normally (imperfect posture) front view:
Standing normally (imperfect posture side view:
Sucking in, front view - saggy belly button lifted up (even when I suck in my belly button is not taut:
Sucking in, side view - note there's still a wee roll and that saggy navel:
So all I need to do to achieve the perfect tum is to keep my gut sucked in constantly, and also pull up my skin so my belly button looks "normal". And get a hysterectomy. And also learn how to live without oxygen. I'll get right on that...
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@singingflutelady My husband had a colostomy for a year. He has some scars from that and the mesh the doc used to try and forestall any hernia. He has a very bumpy belly. Real life is NOT all flat tummies, 6-pack abs and butterflies and roses. The thing I like about this thread is that it is REAL; extra skin, scars, ostomies and all. However, do not feel pressured to post any pics you are not comfortable with.
P.S. I can identify with the plank lady, @ilfaith, too funny!11 -
I realized what my plank belly reminds me of...a rubber chicken!
Oh my, that cracked me up. We've had scream belly, donut belly, rabbit belly and now rubber chicken belly. Can't wait to see what's next!
@ilfaith - thanks for sharing the good AND the bad. If people never saw the loose skin and just saw your six pack they, might think there was something wrong with THEIR plank belly.
@jayemes - actually sucking in the belly IS a great workout! Ladies, stomach vacuums are a great way to strengthen the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor health is something else that doesn't get talked about enough.
https://www.livestrong.com/article/187007-stomach-vacuum-exercise/
@rheddmobile - you have a REAL belly. One that's had a lot of life lived and unfortunate things happen to it. Very happy to hear your tumor was benign
I've seen the posts on the forum from women looking for flatter stomachs despite being slim. I don't really post because it feels weird posting to say 'well I'm slimmer than you...'. It's not a competition but I just wanted to say that I am 21, have never had kids, have been very sporty since childhood and am well into the underweight category. And don't have a totally flat stomach! That's just my shape and short of becoming an extreme body builder I don't think it's going to change much. Not that it needs to really.
@NadNight - I love this. Thank you so much for sharing.
@ceiswyn,@ggh15 - ugh, looks like the mods started cracking down in here on the underwear pics. I'm sorry that yours were removed because I loved the story they told.
@candycanebec - even though your belly button is frowning, it makes me smile!
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@mom23mangos LOL!!!! It does look like it's frowning! Maybe because I implied it wasn't normal.
But seriously, this thread is amazing, thanks for starting it. I'm not even on instagram and yet I too fall prey to negative self-talk/image issues, and comparing myself to others. This has been a real eye opener
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quiksylver296 wrote: »
Bwahahaha!!! That is the best @quiksylver296!!! You should post that on any thread asking how to get abs.2 -
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