Feeling discouraged
 

So.. I've lost about 56lbs now, I'm very happy that I'm thinner and fitting into smaller clothes, etc. I love my new appearance with clothes on. Unfortunately I am really disliking my body without clothes and it's starting to really affect my motivation to continue with the rest of the 40+ pounds I need to lose. I've had 4 abdominal surgeries for c-sections, ovary removal and then hernia repair. my stomach sticks out and sags since my muscles have been cut. I literally have a pouch that hangs and it's not pretty. My thighs have skin that just hang down, it's pretty annoying because I can feel it when I walk. My upper arms are ridiculous. I've been using MSM that MRC recommended but I'm not noticing anything for skin tightening. I'm 38 so I know that plays a role in my skins elasticity. But I honestly can't imagine what I will look at the end of this, it's a little scary. Anyone deal with this after weight loss? Is there anything else I can do?

I'm sorry that you are feeling a bit bummed right now. I had an ovarian tumor removed and also have a bit of a pouch at the moment. I'm not sure what to think about it at the point. I will re-evaluate when I get to "goal" and I start weight training.

For now- I try to get in as much bone broth for it's wonderful health properties- especially for the collagen. I've read many many places that it really helps with skin!
http://undergroundwellness.com/top-5...h-is-the-bomb/

anjy99 - I'm sorry you are feeling discouraged, you are such an inspiration to me because of your weight loss and inches lost. Plus I think you look amazing in the pictures you posted! Sending you lots of positive thoughts and hugs... :hug:

anjy99, I'm so sorry to read this. I haven't had the c-sections, so I'm not going to pretend to relate on those issues, but I have mentioned on here before that I struggle with my body image now that I've lost the weight. I'm just about to turn 36 and I'm not stupid enough to think that I would have revealed a bikini model body after being overweight my whole life, but it's still a bit shocking when I see myself naked. I seriously just stop and stare sometimes and think "What have I done to myself"?

HOWEVER, I feel you and I are young enough that time and weight training will resolve the issues with the saggy thighs, and good sturdy undergarments are available for the saggy tummy problems. (And for me, good padded bras give me the curves that breastfeeding three babies and a 60 lb weight loss took away). Looking good when dressed is a big deal and not something I could pull off when overweight. So I delight in that.

I'm sorry you feel this way, it really sucks when you have the feeling of giving up. Keep your head up. I bet you are feeling way better than before you lost the weight with having more energy and such and I almost guarantee that you will feel amazing if you lose more. I am younger than you but I enjoy tanning, it makes me feel prettier and like my scars that I have from appendix and endometreosis surgery aren't as noticable but that is just me. I know some people don't do that which is fine and I tan easily so I don't do it as much as most. I also found that my stretch marks aren't as noticeable either. I found this a while back and maybe some of these tips could help you. http://allwomenstalk.com/how-to-tigh...r-weight-loss/

Speaking to the sturdy undergarments... I love the pinup look for lingerie- you can definitely still feel uberly attractive even during your weight loss journey:
NSFW: http://cdn.glamcheck.com/fashion/fil...lection-14.jpg

Well, this breaks my heart. Your weight loss should make you so happy and make you feel like you look better, too. My advice would be to continue with the MSM...but also to maybe go see your doctor about your concerns. Surely they would want you to lose weight to be healthier, and may have ideas on how to handle excess skin that comes with the process.

Be sooo proud of yourself! You are doing fantastic!!