I'm getting smaller all over except...

My arms are smaller. My thighs are smaller. My butt is way smaller. My breasts are smaller. Even my fingers are smaller - my rings are falling off! But my stomach? Stickin' out there, hangin' down there, not a pretty sight. Completly disproportionate to the rest of my body. I'm having trouble buying pants, because most of my body is now around a size 20, but I'm fitting in 22s and even 24s because of my lower abdomen. All the pants are loose in the leg and butt, but tight in front and around my waist. Maybe if I put them on backwards.... naah, I don't think that would help. And shirts are problematic too; snug across the tummy but too big in the shoulders and bust. I suppose being pregnant with twins while being obese has stretched the skin and tissues, and underlying muscle, past the possibility of redemption. Is there hope, or am I destined for plastic surgery? I had really hoped to avoid that. Sheryl

Maybe we can find some nice surgeon who will give us a "two-for-one" deal on tummy tucks. You think? Ugh, I just can't face more surgery, this was bad enough. I've heard a tummy tuck is far more painful. You're right, I'd rather have skin than fat too, but the clothing fit issue is rather dramatic right now. If my body ends up in this type of shape, I'll have to buy big pants and get them altered. Thanks for sharing your experience. Sheryl

I have the same problem! I'd probably be another size smaller, or at least the size I'm in now would be a lot looser, if I didnt have this belly! It wasnt always like this, even at my heaviest it didnt hang like it is now, but when I had my c-section it never looked the same! I've said since the beginning that I'd get plastic surgery, I could do sit ups all day, every day, but it's not going to ever be "normal" again... Oh well, small price to pay, I guess! Rebecca

I have come to the conclusion women who have had C-sections are gonna keep some hang over due to the fact afterwards our muscles are not the same. Mine has gotten smaller though for the fact I can see and reach to shave now. Marcey 255/206/150

I didn't realize that a c-section could be part of the cause, becasue sure enough, my kids came out c-section, not uncommon with twins. My RNY surgeon did tell me he saw lots of scarring related to the c-section, apparently it takes quite a toll. Thanks for your insight.

I have had 6 c sections, yes 6! My lower stomach will never be the same. However, I am shrinking there, but not in the upper region of my stomach. My surgeon said that he could not even tell that I had even ONE c section by the way my insides looked. Jenn 264.8/212.8/145

My doctor mentioned that C-Sections, especially the horizontal bikini type cut, weakens the abdominal muscles. Then when we gain weight, the muscles won't hold as well and they fall over. He told me I would be a good candidate for having my tummy done at the same time I had the open surgery for weight loss. I followed his advice and I have never regretted it. I did not have a true tummy tuck, but a panniculectomy with some muscle tightening and belly button relocation. When he got inside, my C-Section incision was herniated and my bowel was all trapped in it. It was a big hernia, he said. That bulge was a big part of my panni in the first place. Now that I am 3 months out, my tummy is flat. I feel great. I'm beginning to fit into size 12 clothes. My thighs are what's keeping me in 14s right now. I think my thighs were the biggest part of me after my belly flab and they are the slowest to go. I am getting a lot of "elephant skin" on my inner thighs, but I don't think I have the guts to go through that kind of plastic surgery. Cheryl 240/173/140 (surgeon's goal)/130 (my goal)

I'm having the same problem with my big belly. I did not have a C Section but at age 28 I had to have a hysterectomy so it probubly had the same result. I have a long ways to go befor it is just skin. Deb 392/316/180

Hey Sheryl, I had my surgery one day after yours. I am having the exact same problem. That gut just hangs there like a spare tire. Shirts are a pain to find. Mine also hang off the shoulder. And, I also had two C-sections. What's a girl to do? I can't wait to loose this weight and get this stuff all cut off. Good luck, and let me know if you find a way to shrink this flap. Frankie

I have the same problem, too. I figured mine was from being overweight, having my second child and 6 months later getting pregnant with my 3rd and him weighing nearly 11 lbs. I had him naturally, but it sure put a huge toll on my stomach. I am looking forward to plastic surgery. I really don't believe that this skin is going to shrink back. I can't wait for a flat tummy! Marcia 251/196/130