Will it go away?

[mislicious16]

I have a big question...that maybe some of u ATKINS experts will know. I have a large lower tummy. Its gotten worse with each of my c-sections. Its the whole "hanging thing". Ive seen much worse. But I can never wear anything nice...cause Im so nervous that someone will be staring at my hanging lower belly. Ive heard that even with diet and excercise that this will not go away unless u have surgery. Is this true? Im really worried. I can suck my gut in and have a flat tummy. But I still have this big hanging pouch (its ugly)................oooo someone please help. I know I should prob try doing more sit ups...but I cant do them. I can only do like 2 or 3. SERIOUSLY!!!!

[Skeptika23]

Re: Will it go away?

I don't know, but I have it too, for the same reason and I like it no more than you do!

I have a feeling that surgery is required, though...

[Aisha]

Re: Will it go away?

I think it may depend on the severity of your sagginess (is that a word..lol) When I had my daughter in 2000, I gained 60 pounds, it left me with quite a bit of sag. By her 2nd birthday my stomach was flat again but the was still a little loose skin but none visible through clothing. I even got my belly button pierced that year..lol. I didn’t look bad. But since I gained all the weight back plus …im back at square one. I cant believe I even let my self get to this point. I always been small and petite, I didn’t have to fight to be small until I gave birth. I quess things change and I will make that change ..( sorry for rambling on..lol)

[Razzle39]

Re: Will it go away?

I was watching Dr. 90210 recently..lol
Anyway he was discussing this very topic. He said that the skin will continue to shrink over time and that skin needs to adhere to muscle so even if we have a small roll of fat in our abdomen We need to lose that fat for the skin to adhere to the abdominal wall. It takes a lot of time work and exercise. He also stated that genetics has a lot to do with it as it determines where our fat deposits are and how elastic our skin is. People who have lost 100 pounds or more after being over weight for a 10 year period or more will probably need surgery. I was pretty positive though when he stated that 80 % of his patients could acheive similar results to the tummy tuck with diet and exercise and a little patience

[LaceyLooWho]

Re: Will it go away?

Ok I actually know about this! I too have a large lower tummy and have had 2 c-sections so I can totally relate to what you are talking about. With weight loss your tummy will flatten out (mine is so much smaller than it was!) However, no amount of diet and excercise will completely reverse the belly apron. Many times during pregnancy, your abdominal muscles actually are seperated and that damage cannot be fixed with anything other than surgery. Obviously implementing some sort of ab routine will help your overall appearance and posture but that stretched out hanging skin will probably have to be removed with a tummy tuck. It sucks, it doesnt make me happy but it is the reality of the situation. I am waiting to reach my goal weight and keep it off for a while before I decide if I will do what they call a "Mommy Makeover" which for me would include the tummy tuck and breast augmentation. You can always make an appointment with a plastic surgeon and see what his or her opinion is. They can help you decide if a procedure is the only option to get rid of that skin. I just want to add that I plan to lose a lot of weight and have been obese for a long time so surgery really is my only option. I certainly think the less invasive the better so get a dr's. opinion!
Hope that helps answer some of your questions

[ImREADYImREADY]

Re: Will it go away?

I have had 4 c-sections, I had bigger looser skin, but with weight loss it has gone down A LOT. I think it takes patience, weightloss, and exercise

[DLS]

Re: Will it go away?

I too have had 4 c-sections. I hate my floppy roll at the bottom of my belly. My upper belly is already looking better. But I hate the way that flap of bluck looks when I look at myself from the side.

I plan on getting to my goal weight (about 40 more pounds) and then looking into surgery. I also want the breast lift (nursed three of those kiddies for a year +) so those guys are checking out the floor and not looking ahead. LOL

I pray to GOD I don't ever do this to myself again!

[Zarabelle]

Re: Will it go away?

I also hear you! I have had two c-sections and hate my hanging belly! I read that as you lose weight, you will eventually lose the fat from that area and skin is thin (pinch the back of your hand) so it won't look nearly as bad.
I found this info really interesting and reassuring:
The Myth of Loose Skin
Zx