lost preg. weight but bigger than before

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2004
lost preg. weight but bigger than before
10
Tue, 06-15-2004 - 11:14pm
Hey girls!

Okay, I've been my pre-pregnancy weight since baby was 7 months old and fit into (most) old clothes; some not as flattering as before, or comfortable. :( Before my bundle of joy I was a size 10 no question about it, but I now hover b/n 10 and 12. Have a little bit of belly "flab" (never there pre-pregnancy, and only noticeable to me when I am sitting)and now need a large in shirts instead of pre-pregnancy Medium. What gives???? How can I be the same weight, but bigger???? I am a healthy eater and do cardio 3xs/week and lift weights 3x/week so it's not a lack of exercise issue....I'm thoroughly confused!

Had baby 22 months ago.
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-13-2003
Wed, 06-16-2004 - 2:09am
I feel your pain!!!!

Before pregnancy, I was 124 lbs, wore approximatly size 7 dress, 7-9 pants, medium tops, and size 10 shoes (sounds weird, but I'm kind of tall)

I gained 57 pounds in pregnancy, and lost all but 5 pounds. Not a big deal. NONE of my clothes fit now. Even though I am only 5 lbs heavier than pre pregnancy. I can't suck my tummy in flat if my life depended on it!!!!

Things have shown up in different places now. It's like the twilight zone... "weight shifting" you remain the same but different!

I don't know what to do, sorry I'm no help, but glad I'm not alone!!!!

Lesley

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2004
Wed, 06-16-2004 - 12:36pm
Hey Lesley!

You're so right saying it's like the twilight zone! What a perfect way to put it.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2004
Wed, 06-16-2004 - 1:15pm
Have you tried working out to make the flab muscle?
When having a baby, our bodies stretch and its hard for it to go back the same way it was.
I also have that pooch when I sit, but only because I have lost the muscle that use to be there.
Good luck on losing.....

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2004
Wed, 06-16-2004 - 2:09pm
yep. lift weights 3 days/week and cardio 3days/week and I am a healthy eater..... I don't want to cut back anymore on calories and starve b/c that's not healthy. Probably will add an extra day or two of cardio, that's what really gets the fat to take a hike!

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-05-2004
Thu, 06-17-2004 - 3:53am
Well, I'd hate to tell you this but that stomach will more than likely stay with you. Your skin was stretched soooo much, and all that stretching doesn't go back. My friend who had two children tried so hard to get rid of her baby pouch belly. She exercised like crazy and dieted all the time. Finally, she decided to go under the knife and have it removed. It's just excess skin that can't go back. If you ever find anything that helps let me know. I could use some help myslef. good luck!!!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-03-2004
Thu, 06-17-2004 - 5:04pm
Glad to see that I'm also not alone!!! Used to have a (very) flat tummy before my pregnancies - and now at times get very distressed because I have tis little bulge that just won't go away. At some point I weighed even less than I did before my prgnancy.... bulge still there! aaaarrrgghhhhh!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2004
Thu, 06-17-2004 - 9:24pm
while the truth does stink, I was prepared to hear it; not happy to hear it but prepared. :)

Now, about your friend. I've heard there are two types of tummy tucks; one that removes the skin, and one that actually goes into the ab muscle tightens that in addition to removing skin. Which did she have? Does she have a scar?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-16-2004
Thu, 06-17-2004 - 9:52pm
You didn't mention your age, but from my own personal experience, I went back to close to my original shape when I was younger. I had my first child at 21, and my body went back pretty easily. It's been downhill ever since! My last one was born by c-section (at age 32), and I'm sure my tummy will forever be flabby. It's like I have a seam that my tummy hangs over now! Icky! I don't have any solutions for you, just to let you know you aren't alone in the altered body experience! I can also totally relate to the joke about rolling up your breasts to tuck them into a bra! A body only a husband can appreciate, is the way I look at it. I can't think about it too much, or it makes me sad. *sigh* what we go through for motherhood =}

Carson - SAHM to six

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-09-2004
Sat, 06-19-2004 - 11:18am
You should try pilates. It is the best for flattening stomachs. Also, since you are lifting weights that could explain the difference in weight since muscle weighs more than fat. Don't judge yourself by your weight, just by how you feel.

Mel

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-08-2004
Sun, 06-20-2004 - 12:16am
I totally relate to what was said about the tummy after a c-section. I had one 3 months ago and my stomach just hangs over that seam of scar tissue. I was not fit before my pregnancy, and I am having a tough time getting motivated to work out now because I see no hope to lose this saggy belly. I fear it will forever hang over that seam, no matter how much I work out.