Body Shape / Clothes

[JCP 619]

Hi all. Well, I am now down 100 lbs (171). My surgery date was 9/10. I'm very pleased. I still have more to go of course but am not stressing about it. The only issue I am having (and I'm thankful to have it) is that my body shape is out of proportion. I am much smaller all over but continue to carry weight in my abdomen. I think that I have 25 lbs or so there. It's like carrying a huge frozen thanksgiving turkey in a pouch. I know I will lose more and likely will always have the dreaded apron (I am 57) and I am not pinning any hopes on plastic surgery. It is just hard to find clothes that fit now! I wear a lot of leggings and tunics as they cover me well but don't bind my tummy... That is terribly uncomfortable. But skirts and dresses for work are tough and forget about dressy work pants. I don't guess there is anything I can do but press forward and hope exercise may mitigate the damage I did to my shape through obesity. Are others dealing with this? Thanks.

[Healthy_life2 8,330]

@@JCP

Congratulations with your progress.

Yes, I can relate. Its funny you never know where the weight will come off in this process. I was also out of proportion. That situation did get better with time. Getting comfortable with your body is much of this process. Plastics are not in my future. Spanx help. I just learned to love myself with all my flaws.

[JCP 619]

Thanks Jenn. That's what I'm thinking too. I don't think I would want the plastics even if I had the funds. I hear it's very tough surgery. I'm glad to hear your situation improved. Maybe mine will also. God bless.

Edited May 25, 2015 by JCP

[IcanMakeit 1,319]

I also carried a lot of my excess weight in my abdomen and after weight loss, that is the only area where excess fat remains (along with a lot of loose skin). I had been scheduled for plastic surgery this month but I put it off due to work and finances.

Now I am learning to wear Shapewear whenever needed and I'm not finding it too uncomfortable. More than that, I have also learned to accept my pouf. It is the natural consequence of substantial weight loss. No body is perfect, why should I expect mine to be? I plan to go forward with the plastic surgery when my work/financial situation improves, but in the meantime, I'm becoming more satisfied with my current shape.

[MeAndTinyTina 241]

Hi -- I'm in the same situation. Lost about 17" around the hips, bit the abdomen is way out of proportion. I have found that Spanx or other girdles flatten me out some, but make my waist bigger -- so pants fit worse! However, I have found one store and brand that look nice for work -- the Roz and Ally "secret agent" pants from Dress Barn. As for dresses, I have had much better luck as long as I am wearing control top pantyhose. I guess that has just enough control to tone down the belly, but not too much like Spanx does. Control top with an A-line or blouson, belted dress. And a lightweight cardigan to hide the bat wings -- because most dresses are sleeveless.

I'm 57 and figure I'll be at my job in a large corporation until I'm 70 -- so I am considering plastic surgery. I simply would like to feel normal, bodywise, for the first time since I was 6. I'm thinking maybe in the fall of 2016. I hope to hit my goal weight this Fall, and then can save for a year.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

I lost a LOT of belly / abdomen fat during the last 20 pounds before goal.

Just sayin'.

[glitter eyes 1,398]

I too carry my excess weight in my abdomen; so I feel your pain. I agree with VsgAnn2014 that my tummy fat did get a little better with the last 15-20 pounds that I Iost. It is still the biggest part of me. I wear compression tank tops under most of my shirts and they come down past my tummy and that helps hold things in. I think it would get even better if I lost another 10 pounds. I am currently 152-154 and I am 5'3". My body has kinda settled at this weight for awhile.

Also, I have increased my exercise over the last two months and I think that has helped a lot. My weight has stayed the same, but I can wear size 6's now. I am also going to add swimming to my routine so we will see if that helps.

Hang in there and let's cross our fingers that things tighten up over time. Good luck