Well, I'm going to do it - I'm going to buy a swimsuit. I haven't purchased a swimsuit since 96 Even though I was 15 pounds lighter then, I'm ready to take the plunge.

The last swimsuit I had was made by Mossimo and it was a bikini bra top with board shorts (non-hugging type) that zipped up the front. They did a good job at hiding my tummy, butt and hips and I want something like that again.

Any suggestions? I want to try to cover my tummy and hips if at all possible, but not wear a swim dress.

Please help!!!

Try a tankini. You can get mix and match that will allow you to camouflage the areas that are not very attractive.

Yep, try www.kohls.com

You can mix and match I got one of those little skirt bottoms and a deep V neck top...

http://www.laraines.com/jantzen4.html shows a suit very similar to the one I bought. The pattern is similar to the one on the bottom left (black with floral design) except it is a normal cut on the bottom (rather than the little skirt) and it has a racing type back. I bought it at JC Penney. They have some of their suits on their website if you want to check them out.

Last summer when I needed a larger size I would buy a Roxanne suit since you can buy by the cup size. I used to be a 42DDD but now I am a 36C so there is a big difference!

Lands End!!! They not only specialize in suits that cover you where you want to be covered, but they also allow you to try their suits on a model that looks like you! Check it out at http://www.landsend.com/cd/index/fp/...98269901187001

(I know, I sound like I'm getting a kick back from them, but I'm not! I used to do a water aerobics class and was stuck with wearing a suit at 326 lbs, so I was very grateful to find a website that helped me find a suit I could fit into and still feel feminine! )

You might like the "Mix & Match" part.

This is just what I was looking for - THANKS!

Our Burlington Coat Factory has some really cute suits this year.

I tried a few suits at Kohl's last night and it was a nightmare! My belly was emphised in everything I put on. I guess I'm gonna walk around with a t-shirt over my swimsuit again this year.

Not to self: Trying on a swimsuit - not self-esteem booster.

Here's a model of my figure, though my tummy is more rounded - it kinda hangs there like a bag of marbles.