How to get past discouragement

I haven't found the answers for myself yet. The amount of droopy skin I have on my abdomen (and below it) and on the inside of my arms and thighs from just a 25 pound weight loss (with lots more to go) is depressing and discouraging to me, too. Not to mention that the hanging skin also results in just...yuck. I have to constantly wash and dry the below abdomen fold multiple times a day or my skin rapidly starts developing a rash . Sadly, age is not on my side despite me deliberately losing weight slowly (normally that helps with skin), since I will be 60 soon and skin tightening on its own is much less likely at my age. I keep myself going by focusing on the fact that I am succeeding at purposeful weight loss for the first time in my life, that I already am seeing improvements in health markers such as my blood glucose and A1C, on the increasing ease I feel when walking and exercising, and on the fact that us moms (I have three grown kids and also had a C-section; indeed, the C-section scar tissue is part of what is causing the problem with the sagging abdomen) are entitled to our battle scars. I remind myself that despite the culture all around us, most women outside of their teenage years simply do not have bodies like those who the culture holds up as "perfect." I have actually started to set money aside for skin reduction surgery if I ever do hit my goal weight for the parts that I don't think I will be able to live with. In the meantime, I remind myself that my husband finds me beautiful no matter what, sags and all, and that's a pretty good place to be. Sending you peace.

I've seen videos of incredibly toned girls/women who still say they have a bit of jiggle! we need to stop punishing ourselves for what human bodies naturally look like! I remember how much praise the film Wonderwoman got for not editing out the way the lead actresses thighs shock on impact with the ground, it's kind of crazy that that would even be comment worthy! I watch videos like this and realise how common the 'flaws' in my body are: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJh3wvumCQE.

You look like you've come so far in your fitness journey, think about all the things you can do with more ease, think about all the health benefits and think about the fact you're setting a fantastic example to your kids. When we love and accept ourselves we open the door to others! keep celebrating your achievements and looking towards the future, I know it's hard at times.

My first was a c section, bikini incision. He's an adult now... My weight has varied over the years and even at my slimmest, the c section scar has always given me a bit of a poofy tummy right there. But it's a poofy tummy that was well worth it!
Congrats on your progress! Try to focus on the positives and speak to yourself as you would to your best friend

I know what you mean. I've lost 74 lbs and the loose skin is very apparent. I just have to keep reminding myself that its still better, overall, than the extra weight. I've just recently started toning in a gym and hoping that muscle will fill in some of that. At 60 years old I know that the chances are slim but hey..... It gives me something to work towards!!!

It's a great question - and a tough one sometimes. I have lost a ton of weight but still have a bunch of extra skin and fat in my abdominal area, it's the last thing to leave. Of course! I get down on myself for that sometimes because with this round area in my middle, clothes still don't fit right.

What helps is to think about how much more I can do, and how much better I feel. So much has changed and my life is a ton better than it was. I'll bet the same is true for you. Your body has carried you through so much, helped you bring forth new life, and carried you through all kinds of adventures. I echo what the others say about building muscle to create some structure under the fat, it will also help pull the belly in some and I'm working on that too.

You've got this - self compassion and love is a muscle that you can build too!

We all see ourselves in harsher light than others do. All I see is that you made progress and look good. Keep it up.

Steph, your after photo is fantastic! Cut yourself some slack.

Ladies, I started Sept 2018 and at one point lost nearly 100 pounds. I intentionally added back a few because I looked like a cadaverous granddaddy longlegs, but I still remain on the “low” side of normal BMI.

Yes, there is floppy, loose skin. But I stayed with my plan and continued exercising, and it has gradually become tighter. Stomach vacuums (a muscle tightening technique , not a scammy device) have been amazingly helpful.

Time, continuing the process, patience.

Having already been through a breast reduction, I would be extremely hesitant to do same with my gut.

Please shift your focus to your health. Make your goal a healthier you. Society has put way too much emphasis on looks and especially the looks of women. Eating healthy and working towards a healthy weight is something to be proud of. As everyone here has said YOU LOOK GOOD! Keep up the good work on becoming a healthier you!

I'm 68 years old, but I have learned to love myself finally. When I reach my goal, and am not satisfied with the finished product; I will see about getting a tummy tuck and a breast reduction. I deserve anything I think I deserve. You do too!!!!! I had a C-section 45 years ago, and my stomach was sewed by crooked.