This is a dumb question, but has anyone heard of any success stories or information on if it's possible (and if anyone on here has done it) to go from being obese, to having a six pack. I realize it's a big dream to have, but if someone has done it, it would be interesting to me.

i have a nice stomach now .....

i have a nice stomach now .....

You look great! Congratulations! How much weight have you lost and how long did it take you?

I don't personally know of anyone who went from obese to 6-pack abs, but it's possible. I would think that it would depend on alot of factors that would be different for most people. First off, it would depend on how obese your starting weight was, how successful you are at weight loss, your personal commitment to diet and exercise, your age, your skin elasticity, and whether or not you get (or need) plastic surgery.

I'm not shooting for a six-pack. I don't see it as a realistic goal for myself. I've been overweight for my entire life, and I just want to improve my health. Everyone needs their own goals. If a six-pack is your personal weight loss goal, then I wish you the best of success.

Bryan

I've spoken to my trainer (he competes in body building contests) about specifically this. Several interesting things came out of the conversation:

1) exercise alone won't get there. Big abs under a layer of fat == looking even fatter.

2) it's all about the body fat %. The average male has to get under 10% body fat before the abs start to show definition. Weights build pecs, diet builds abs.

3) Very low carb, very high Protein, no junk foods at all. This isn't the healthiest way to live.

4) Those guys in the competitions and on the magazines don't really look like that, and certainly don't look like that all the time. To get to that 3-5% look, they quite literally starve themselves and take diuretics before the shows and shoots. Even then, the magazines and such are usually airbrushed.

5) Specifically problematic for ex-obese guys is the loose skin that most carry. Since guys carry most of the excess in the waistline, that skin usually doesn't come back nice and tight. Loose skin will hide good abs. The only fix for this is a tummy tuck, and then ya got to measure the scarring vs. the ab gain.

Not saying it can't be done -- It's certainly my goal -- but be realistic about what it entails and the side effects.

Edited January 8, 200917 yr by Manatee

I found an interesting blog. It isn't from Lap Band, but this guy went from obese to six pack:

Mr. Low Body Fat’s Blog

I've *almost* done it. I just have a bit too much residual fat/skin left on my stomach to really have a true siz pack. But I have quite obvious definition at the sides and miracle of miracles, I have those dents at the side of my buttocks too!

Its purely down to low body fat. You need to be in shape, but I dont do ab specific training, apart from planks, but most of my strength work is functional training. I dont use weights often and I dont work single muscles, I do full body compound exercises lifting things like a sandbag and I have an incredibly strong core as a result.

If I could get my body fat lower I would have the six pack, but it appears my upper abdomen is one of those stubborn pockets that I'd have to get really really skinny to eliminate.

so yes, its possible. but it may require cosmetic surgery in the end to really make it visible. Obviously I'm female and i've been pregnant three times and born three big babies, so theoretically speaking, my muscles should be separated and I should have a pot belly.

If I were the have the money for a tummy tuck, I would have an awesome stomach. Unfortunately those three babies have to be educated!

Edited February 4, 200917 yr by Jachut

There's should be a training techniques and dietary strategies.The fact is, your nutrition is going to be more important than your training to lose your stubborn stomach fat and get those six pack abs. Dietary habits are the next important reason that most people will never lose their body fat and get visible abs.

re: "having a six pack."

......'having a six pack' far too often is part of the reason I became morbidly obese!:bored:

:lol::wub:

Jachut and Kartman come to mind. I see you have already heard from Jachut, try and search Kartman.

I say give it the old college try!