Hi all.....I'm so glad to find this forum...seems like a great place for support and inspiration!

I'm a mom of 3, which includes a set of twins that are now 5-1/2. I used the "twins" excuse for so long allowing this extra weight to stay on my body. I say it was an excuse...but to be honest, sometimes the reality was that is was next to impossible to put myself first. Not anymore....they're not babies anymore & Mommy needs to find her way back on the list of priorities...right?

Yesterday, I finally visited a plastic surgeon about the tummy tuck I've wanted ever since my belly was stretched to a size equivalent to 11 months pregnant & sliced open to deliver them. "This will be the day I can start making plans for a new me, without a saggy tummy, with no more rippley loose jiggly skin"....or at least I thought so. Didn't work out that way. I was told I'm too fat in the middle and need to lose weight beforehand. I carry my weight in the middle and apparently I have too much fat under my ab muscles to repair the damage to my abs from the twins. I felt deflated as I left....what's the use....as I fought back my tears.

Well, today's a new day.....I will not be deflated and I am not going to let this weight cling to me any longer. Thirty pounds...I can do that...maybe even more than 30!!

Today, I join you all, as I begin my journey!

I can so relate to you. I have two kids and my youngest is 6. I had a big portion of loose skin covering my abdomen since my last pregnancy. It was always such a sore spot for me. I was very sensitive about it. The thing that's helped me the most is jogging. The cardio is key IMO. Also, refining my diet and eating super cleanly. Now, I actually have some ab definition and my stomach is getting tighter. I still have work to do but I'm encouraged by my progress.

Thanks...yeah...I agree. I've been running on and off for about 2 yrs and regularly now for 4 months. I do see a difference (a little), but the cardio and watching my diet "most of the time" just isn't working for me anymore (maybe cause I turned 40 this yr). I have to watch every calorie now...etc. That's ok though...I'm starting counting points today (Weight Watchers) and see what happens. Sometimes I think I may not eat enough and that's why I'm not losing. Easier to gauge it if I'm keeping track.

Welcome! I'm a twin mama, too (they're also 5), so I can relate to the "body by twins" excuse, not to mention twin skin. This forum is a great place for support and encouragement.

Wishing you success!

Then we are practically the same age....I turn 40 in November. Have you cut out all unnecessary refined sugar: white potatoes, pasta, rice, bread, etc? Limited your alcohol intake? Limited the amount of juice you drink? All these things have hidden sugar in them which add up to a lot of calories. I eat very cleanly now (lots of fruits/veggies, lean protein, whole grains, low-fat dairy and tons of water) and that combined with the running and working out with kettlebell weights has made all the difference to me. But everyone's different. Good luck...hope this helps.

WOW! Thats a great motivational goal. Working towards the tummy tuck you always wanted. That would really get my butt in gear! Good luck and welcome to 3FC