Question:
Anyone else unsure where/how to take your measurements b/c of your fat folds?

I am 7 months post-op, and prior to now, have not taken my measurements because of the uncertainty of exactly <b>where</b> to measure. For instance, my waist - where do i measure? Is it the smallest area between the bottom of my breasts and the top of my belly button? I am a short person (5'1"), and the smallest place in that area is about 2-3 inches below the bottom of my bra line - not necessarily where i would say someone's waist is. <br> <br> Another example is my hip measurement: I have a large pannus fold, and really don't know whether to put the tape measure around the largest part of my pannus fold? See what i mean? I have so many folds, i'm just not sure WHERE my waist and hips are to measure!?! Thighs and arms are a little easier to figure out, but my waist and hips - no clue. Anyone have any tips? (Open PROXIMAL Rny, 7/7/03 227/155/127)    — sweetmana (posted on February 16, 2004)

February 16, 2004
The waist, depending on torso height, could very well be where you describe. I was always told that the waist was 4-5 inches above your hips. I measure there, and around my belly button (which is where I wear my pants at). As for the panni - I put the tape measure around my hips and since the panni does hang down I measure over that. I know that this is not an accurate hip measurement, but then putting the tape under the roll would not be either. And since that roll does dictate what size pants I can wear, I have to take it into account. That is until I have this baby and get my TT!
   — Ali M

February 16, 2004
I don't know if this is the correct answer, but this is what I do. I measure my waist as the smallest part between my breasts and belly button. I measure my hips by placing the tape measure under the ab skin fold so that the tape crosses over my genitals. I also measure my abdomen across my skin fold about 1-2 inches under my belly button. After losing 130 pounds, I've lost 20 inches at that location alone! I hope this helps.
   — Yolanda J.

February 16, 2004
Are you measuring to track the loss of inches? If so, I don't think it would matter exactly WHERE you measured, only that you measure the same places each time. Shelley
   — Shelley.