Question:
Mid-section Blues...

I need to know if anyone out there who had a large stomach area before surgery was able to conquer it and how? I have lost about 115lbs so far and can see the definate difference in my upper body, legs, face and arms. I'm sure I have lost weight in my abdominal area because I have went down several sizes, but the belly just does not seem to be really shrinking. It could be my imagination, but I do not think so. Any tips?    — N. H. (posted on February 19, 2008)

February 18, 2008
Hey Niki....I'm sure in your weight loss you've lost weight EVERYWHERE but for some reason the abdominal area seems to be the toughest spot to lose. It's also one of the worst areas for sagging skin and that might be part of your problem. That's why a lot of people get the tummy tuck after they've lost all their weight. That extra skin...even if it's not noticeably saggy can add a lot of bulk. I'm only 5 weeks out of my surgery but I keep looking at my tummy thinking when is something going to happen there. However my clothes are looser so I know it's going down. Try putting on some of your old clothes and I'm sure you'll then be able to tell a big difference. Good luck....you're doing great!
   — cjjordan

February 18, 2008
I have the same problem.....I've lost 135 lbs and notice a BIG change all over my body but my waist isn't going down much. All I can suggest is exercise...exercise...exercise and save up for a tummy tuck. That's what I am doing.....Congrats on your weight loss!! Renee
   — Nee P

February 18, 2008
Be faithful to crunches!! You may not be a able to get rid of the skin, but in the back of your mind you'll know that your stomach is getting stronger. Skin takes forever to shrink and most of it just won't bounce back. Be accountable to your zipper, if you can zip up a smaller size pants, it's not something to be overlly concerned about!!
   — bariatricdivalatina

February 19, 2008
I had to go to the gym and join classes to work on my stomach area. It is hard at first but just do what you can. You will get stronger and stronger each time. I got to the Gym now 6 days a week and it has really helped with my weight loss but also toning my body. I never felt this good in my entire life.
   — William (Bill) wmil

February 19, 2008
Did you take any before pictures? That is a good thing to do to compare before and after. I am planning on taking a picture the day before my surgery and then every month after that. I lost 60 lbs once and was so discouraged because I really didn't feel different and didn't see a change. BUT my clothes were a lot smaller, so I know that my body had to have changed some. Just a suggestion. Kim
   — Kim M.

February 19, 2008
I am almost 11 months out and I have the same problem after a 141 lb loss. The stomach is the slowest. So I switched exercises and am now using my bun and thigh roller which works on the butt, hips, thighs and stomach. I still don't see a difference in my stomach (but do see a difference every where else, soooooo I'm praying something will work at some point! Good luck and God bless!
   — crystalsno

February 19, 2008
Hi Nikki! Just checked your b4 and now pics, you look FANTASTIC!!!! I think the "tummy" area is the hardest place to lose. Seems thats always the biggest area that we notice the most, that's the area where I had gained the most. Of course maybe the people who saw my "behind" would disagree. But anyways, take measurements, maybe once a month, and mark on a calendar. I just KNOW you'll see a differance! Keep up the good work!
   — Toni Todd

February 20, 2008
Hi Nikki!! I have the same problem but look at ur b4 and afters you will see the difference. remember why you had the surgery and it wasn't so we can look like tyra banks. We did it for our health and well being. LUV URSELF UNCONDITIONALLY! ---luv jewlz
   — JULIAP