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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think that there's no solution for me (fat legs and the beach)

135 replies

JMSA · 08/06/2023 20:12

I am very overweight and am going to Greece next month. I am making a massive effort to lose weight, but let's face it, I've left it too late.
I really envy overweight people who have decent legs! You can conceal a flabby stomach or bum with good 'shaping' swimwear. But you can't cover up fat, toddler-like legs. Of course you can put on a sarong or cover-up while wafting around the pool. But the thought of the dreaded walk between sunlounger and sea/pool is leaving me cold! I'd look ridiculous with one of the skirted swimsuits, and there's no point because the skirt is too short. Swim leggings might make me stand out more than just my actual legs!
Is there a solution I haven't come across?
Thank you.
PS I've always had bad legs, even at my slimmest. The varicose veins and corned beef tinted skin don't help the cellulite either.

OP posts:
Malarandras · 21/06/2023 18:46

Jen63 · 21/06/2023 18:41

100% the same for me ! My legs are truly revolting. My family always took p* out of them. My ex husband said they put him off me.
All my exes have commented on them. When I was slim I often had comments from total strangers how I was so slim yet my legs didn't match. Now I'm a lot fatter & there is nothing nice about me. Legs are quite painful too, knees & ankles agony some days. Arms are joining in now. Simply cannot lose weight even on liquid diet. A big lady at work lost 5 stone on same diet. Me? 2 kilos then nothing. Lipodema is the pits. Even friends don't get it & say their legs are slim because they run/walk/gym/swim. As though I'm stationary my whole life! I actually probably exercise more than they do. I wish, wish I could say sod it. But I can't. I cringe at even showing a cankle. I've had no relationship for decade as I'm sick of put downs. I hope OP is braver than me & I bet her legs aren't anywhere near as bad as mine. Dare to bare. She should be brave for all of us & we want pics!!

I couldn’t read this without saying how sorry so am to hear about awful some people have been to you. Loosing weight is really hard. You deserve support not bullying.

Jen63 · 21/06/2023 18:49

Thanks. At least when I was slim I had some redeeming features! I so envy people with " normal" legs. Not even sl

Jen63 · 21/06/2023 18:57

Oops sent too quickly.
Not even slim or skinny legs, just normal. Lipodema means you have "column" legs. No shape, and these weird pads under the knees. If I show legs ( rarer than Hallie's comet) then people think they're swollen & say things like " ouch, that looks painful" . Which is kind but embarrassing. Difficult to even get trousers to fit. You'd think men were more forgiving than women but they're not. Even the kindest ex partner has said, ooh perhaps a longer skirt? :(

Jen63 · 21/06/2023 19:01

How did you get diagnosed? My Dr hopeless. I've had lipo privately, but not made barely any difference other than bank account lighter!
I'd love to meet some lipo ladies.
It's a peculiarly separate thing having huge legs. Everyone can hide or forgive a fat tummy, but wow betide you have cankles or fat legs, you must be lazy! You don't walk enough! Omg could write a book on the " advice" I've had in my lifetime!! Bet you've had same?

Jen63 · 21/06/2023 19:08

I tried to watch but won't let you without app.

Goldensparrow · 21/06/2023 20:00

Dear every woman on this thread, who is feeling shit about their legs or body.
You have the right to take a holiday, you have the right to feel the sun on your skin and the sea water lapping around you, you have the right to relax and to feel ok.
I am in the same boat as many of you, I am very overweight with lipoedema legs. I made a decision when my lids were small that I was going to claim my right to enjoy holidays with my kids including enjoying the pool and the beach. Ok a little I have still felt a bit conscious of my body but not enough to stop me doing the things I want. Fuck it, life is too short. Just do it.

I love this video (it's not me) - https://www.tiktok.com/@jos_unfiltered_life/video/7245584853582826779?_r=1&_t=8dMEgvK7dXO

Jos_unfiltered_life on TikTok

A promise to myself #fyp#viral#plussize#bodypositivity #summer

https://www.tiktok.com/@jos_unfiltered_life/video/7245584853582826779?_r=1&_t=8dMEgvK7dXO

evilharpy · 21/06/2023 20:15

Jen63 · 21/06/2023 19:01

How did you get diagnosed? My Dr hopeless. I've had lipo privately, but not made barely any difference other than bank account lighter!
I'd love to meet some lipo ladies.
It's a peculiarly separate thing having huge legs. Everyone can hide or forgive a fat tummy, but wow betide you have cankles or fat legs, you must be lazy! You don't walk enough! Omg could write a book on the " advice" I've had in my lifetime!! Bet you've had same?

"You just need to do more squats" Angry

TheSnootiestFox · 21/06/2023 21:54

Goldensparrow · 21/06/2023 20:00

Dear every woman on this thread, who is feeling shit about their legs or body.
You have the right to take a holiday, you have the right to feel the sun on your skin and the sea water lapping around you, you have the right to relax and to feel ok.
I am in the same boat as many of you, I am very overweight with lipoedema legs. I made a decision when my lids were small that I was going to claim my right to enjoy holidays with my kids including enjoying the pool and the beach. Ok a little I have still felt a bit conscious of my body but not enough to stop me doing the things I want. Fuck it, life is too short. Just do it.

I love this video (it's not me) - https://www.tiktok.com/@jos_unfiltered_life/video/7245584853582826779?_r=1&_t=8dMEgvK7dXO

Which is fine if you have the same mind set. I don't, probably due to years of conditioning, even my own father bullied me about my size. I literally would rather die than get my legs out and just telling me life is too short will never change that. I don't want to be looked at and judged or even worse, pitied!

WheresTheForum · 21/06/2023 22:07

@evilharpy and @Jen63
Join us on the Lipoedema thread chat - we’re all in the same boat and understand:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/general_health/4824822-lipoedema-chat?page=1

I can’t stand the while ‘just get your legs out and enjoy yourself attitude’ - it’s so patronising and really lacks both empathy and understanding.

Lipoedema chat | Mumsnet

{mention:thesnootiestfox} {mention:smallbox} {mention:wherestheforum} I hope you don’t mind me tagging you but you all mentioned on another thread th...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/general_health/4824822-lipoedema-chat?page=1

Jen63 · 18/07/2024 20:27

I have same issue. People can tell me not to care until they're blue in the face but I do care. I do look awful. People HAVE commented, to my face! Even, years ago, my parents asked why I had such awful legs when the whole family had skinny legs. I don' t know!!
I keep thinking, at least they work, but tbh they are agony too as I have severe arthritis everywhere.
I have been single for many years, as I cannot face one more man saying they love me but hate my legs. I'm divorced, due to my legs, honestly, I swear!

I. Hate. Them.
I have avoided, swimming, holidays, relationships, skirts, dresses, shoes, sandals, shorts, even going out.
I used to be very slim, but still had huge legs. I've had SO many comments I could do a book of them.
Fat stomachs can be hidden. Fat stomachs are forgiven. But legs? "Walk more". " Exercise more" , " go to the gym" I've heard it all. I dieted to the point where my Dr told me I was too thin. I still had massive ankles, massive swollen calves, fat thighs.
I hope you are braver than me OP.
My life is now lonely crap because of my bloody legs. I had liposuction , Dr said some of my fat was " resistant" & as a result it all looks worse! I tried to be brave the other day & wore a long skirt for work. I got " Ooh, what's happened to your ankles? They look so painful!"
I was back in trousers next day.
I bet 100% your legs are fine & not as bad as mine!! I swear, everyone who says their legs are bad look like model next to me.
Shall I come on hols with you? You'll look great ;)

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