Okay, so maybe there's not a six-pack under there, but all these damn crunches I've been doing better have made some kind of impact!! I didn't realize that body fat% had so much to do with it, though. I really just want to look toned more than anything. Thanks for the replies, I'm glad to know there is some hope for this poor, misused body!

Beverly

Bev: If you're only doing crunches you might want to add some pilates, yoga and/or core moves. Also things like free weights and squats and even push ups help with strengthening abs.

Take care!

Ali

Oh, thanks Ali! But crunches are, of course, just a small part of my daily exercise routine. Pilates, strength training, and good old cardio combined with the ab work make up the 60-90 minutes of exercise I do every day. I just know that no matter how many crunches, or anything else I do for that matter, those poor little muscles are gonna stay buried under a layer of loose, saggy skin until I am fortunate enough to one day have it all removed. But thanks for the advise! Anything to help, right?!

Beverly

I just wanted to chime in and say that I have had cosmetic surgery done and it is the best thing I could have done for myself. I have never regretted it one tiny bit and actually don't know how I'd feel if I didn't do it! I did not do anything that looked fake or unreal, no one would even know, except that I look fabulous hehehehe just kidding...but I was very happy with the end result.

All I can say is that if you have the means and support (someone to take care of you after surgery), go for it, once you know all the risks, procedures, personal results and so on.

I am not a proponent for changing yourself, but I see nothing wrong with self improvement. It makes a world of difference in the way you see yourself and your internal happiness.

Good luck hun
Take care.

.

Karynlee,

If you have a personal recommendation for a surgeon, that would be great. I only know people who have had minor procedures locally (and that means in NH). I'd rather go to Boston since I'm only an hour away. I searched the plastic surgery department at a very well respected hospital in Boston and took it from there. I also looked up the doctor at Plasticsurgery.org and googled him to see what I could find. Turns out, I found a huge photo gallery of his plastic surgery work. He works right out of Mass General and does all his surgery in the hospital. We'll see how I like him.

I totally understand your feelings about your tummy. The more I look at before and after pictures, the more I'm convinced that I will benefit because, like you, my stomach looks totally flat. It's only when you see it bare that it looks so saggy. And it's really the belly button that bothers me the most! If we can just fix that, I'd be happy to wear a high waisted two piece bathing suit. I'm not aiming for a string bikini. I also want to get rid of the jiggle, which is so humiliating.

Anne