I really struggled with where to post this and why to post this and a big sting of vanity. But I have learned at 3FC, that if I struggle with something ... so does someone else. In the realm of weight loss and body image, I am not unique.

So here goes ... have you read the thread called something like ... I only look good standing up? I have several times. I am light, I am slight (now) but I've got some loose skin and rolls around the middle that really do make a difference in how clothing fits and how I look.

When I was heavier, I had to wear control top hose and the like to fit into things ... even just to get them done up. It just seems kind of silly and vain to do the same thing now when I'm at a reasonable weight, BMI, BF% ... ya know?

It's not hard to stay this weight. It would be a lifelong trial for me to lose enough more to have a flatter stomach (or maybe never because of the skin). So control garments might just be a cop-out ... easier than doing the work -or- an economical alternative to surgery

What do you do? What do you think?

I am extremely narrow now, my body fat% is miniscule, my BMI is good. But having been so overweight, for so long - I still need some stuff tucked in, held down, lifted up and smoothed out.

I love control undergarments. Love em'. They're no cop out to me. They're made for a reason. They are vital at times. I say you need um, use um. They make you look and feel better, then what's the dilemma?

They're no cop out to me either! They're a necessity! I'm with Robin on the tucked in, held down, lifted up and smoothed out. My skin is kind of like unfolding a brand new map. Once you've unfolded it, there is just no way it's going to fold the exact same way. It's just not. There's just more there than there used to be and the control undergarments help keep it in place.

Besides, and most importantly, I feel better when I'm wearing them.

Oh no, definitely not a cop out.

You should have seen me at the Woman's World cover shoot. I was spandex'd from head to toe. Sometimes one just needs a little smoothing, especially if loose skin is involved. You've worked hard to get the body you have, and it seems to me like its only fair that it should look smooth (despite any loose skin) underneath.

Try Spanx. Pricey, but worth it.

SusanB, Sorry to hijack the thread, but Amanda, when will you be on the cover? I don't usually buy WW, but I sure don't want to miss this issue! How exciting!

No problem Tammy ... I'd like to know too. Amanda should post a big slpashy post when it comes out!

End of October. Its a Halloween issue - just look for the girl with the Texas pageant hair, orange or black shirt (depending on which outfit they use), surrounded by hay and pumpkins.

I'll be doing one or a combination of the following: holding up giant pants, holding up a jack-o-lantern, giving a thumbs up.

I'll make sure I post when it comes out. Especially if its ACCURATE.

So what kind of things does everyone wear?

I really think I'd like a full body shaper with which I can wear my own bra.

I have a couple of Spanx undergarments for when I really want to be held in. Mine are like the first image.

For everyday wear, just some I bought at Wal-Mart, more in the style of panties - that don't come down on the thigh.

I am really long-waisted, so the full body shapers never fit me quite right. I like wearing a seperate bra too, otherwise I feel like the the shapers are being stretched too much (due to being long-waisted) and the "girls" aren't being held high enough. Maybe I need to try the second image instead for times when I want to be smooth higher than the kind I currently use.

The Spanx they provided for me at the shoot were REALLY neat. You know how sometimes undergarments like this tend to roll down at the top? These particular Spanx had 6 or so little elastic band attachments that hooked into the undergarment, basically forming a loop. The idea is that you put on your bra and the spanx, then hook the spanx to the bra using the loops so that the undergarment stays up. It DEFINITELY worked, with the added benefit that you get to use your OWN bra while still getting the full coverage.

http://www.amazon.com/Spanx-Cognito-.../dp/B0009VGI9M

I don't wear the full body shaper. I feel more comfortable wearing a separate bra.

I actually have several different items that I wear, depending on what I'm wearing on top of it. Sometimes I need just a little tummy control, sometimes I need my outer and inner thighs smoothed out and sometimes, I need a little lift and shape to my bottom.

I have ones that go down to mid thigh and ones that go just past my bottom and ones that go a little further down. A couple of them go up very high, right under my bra in fact, which is good, because then it doesn't show through fitted shirts. Flexees is one brand that I have and Maidenform is another. I bought them at Macy's.

I have a bid on some Spanx SlimCognito things on Ebay. In the mean time I'll keep an eye out in department stores.

You guys have made me feel so much better about this. Thanks. It's kinda fun now thinking about something else I can collect.

Susan I don't know if you have a Nordstrom's Rack near you, it's there outlet store. But they carry Spanx for only 8.00! Love em'!!

Eight dollars! That's great. You could sell those on Ebay

Spanx rock! I also buy camisoles with the bras sewn in from Solutions. It just gives a smoother look when you're wearing a summery sleeveless top and they have a three or four different cuts.

As for the "cop out" factor, I have an aunt who has never been overweight a day in her life, never had kids and has always been active. Even she needs to give nature a little boost now that she's waved good-bye to 40. She's the one who told me about Spanx!