To just stop hiding my body?

[themiddleofourstreet]

I am a size 16-18, down from a size 32-34. I have lost a lot of weight and, as to be expected, I have a fair bit of loose skin. At the moment this seems to be centred around my arms.

I have always been insecure about it. I hated my arms at my biggest and I still don’t really like them now.

But I’m also bored of hiding them and staying away from gorgeous dresses because I’m worried that people will stare at my arms. Realistically, nobody will care, will they?

AIBU to just give up and stop hiding?

YABU - nobody wants to see that. Hide it away.

YANBU - I wouldn’t give it a second glance

I honestly wouldn’t think anything other than isn’t that a great frock etc.

On the same journey, OP. Currently size 20-22. Also hate what it has done to my arms. I wear dresses all the time, usually buttoned up from at least the waist. Short sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, long sleeves. I do sleeveless with a shirt or cardigan. Do not care. I think I look bloody amazing and I'm sure you do too

Please, for women and girls everywhere, stop giving a fig about how others view your body. If they don’t like it that’s on them and they can look away. You get one life and you deserve to live it.

Logically I know I don’t look at anyone else’s arms and care. But when they’re you’re own it’s a little bit different isn’t it 😂

I’ve just bought a load of sleeveless dresses! 😬

That is a really impressive weight loss! Please don't feel as if you need to hide. If I noticed loose skin on someone's arms, I would only think they had probably lost a lot of weight and good on them.

My arms are not my favourite part either and never have been but I am currently wearing a tank top as it is too hot and uncomfortable to do otherwise. Nobody has shrieked in horror yet, much to my surprise!

You have done amazingly OP. You must be so proud- well done.

Its not easy being insecure about something. I would remind myself at every niggle of how far you have come. That you are proud and fuck it to any weirdo who focusses on any part of you in a negative way.

Celebrate.

I’ve just looked in the mirror and really realised I am not the same size I was two years ago. I need to stop thinking I am

Well done one your weight loss, you must feel fantastic!

If you were still a size 32 you'd have the right to wear nice dresses and wear appropriate clothes for the weather - enjoy your success.

This is very true also. I wish I didn’t hide myself as much as I used to, but all I can do is be kinder to myself moving forward

Honestly OP I spent most of my life hating my arms ( and other bits of my body tbh) and would never wear sleeveless dresses or tops.

In the last ten years -I'm 74 now- I gradually realised my arms were no worse than many other peoples who walked around quite happily in sleeveless tops and dresses and didn't give a damn.

So now in my early 70s I am eventually at peace witb my arms and wear just what I want.
Don't be me OP. Wear what you want.

Good for you!

Everyone’s so busy worrying about themselves, they aren’t looking at anyone else.

Well done on your amazing weight loss!!

On the same journey, OP. Currently size 20-22. Also hate what it has done to various bits of my body and the crepey skin is horrid! But I am having a bloody marvellous time dressing myself and wearing exactly what I want.....at 55 dr martens are my boot of choice and a goth kind of punky style to go with them! Do not give a flying fuck what anyone thinks ....

PS Don't you just love not having to worry about getting cornered in a cafe or having someone park too close and not being able to get the door open?! Cannot express the joy that gives me every single day!

🙌 ❤️

Enjoy them!!

Lost 70kg and have the same issue, major bingo wings. I have lymphodema and my legs are awful, big ankle overhang. Bought a dress on Vinted and it has a big split, not shown on the pics. I’ve decided I’m keeping it and sod it, I don’t care anymore.

I wore a sleeveless t-shirt this week, first time since I lost the weight. I was embarrassed but saw virtually nobody. Eventually, I’d like an arm lift, but then people will stare at the scars. Can’t win!

Wear what you want. No one cares. Amazing weight loss by the way. Well done.

To be blunt and I say this as someone who was a similar size...if you're a size 18 then you'll look a size 18 whether you are covered up or not.

I was in a hotel recently and saw a plus size woman really covered up...it actually looked worse imo than if she'd been wearing a bikini... because she looked self conscious and uncomfortable.

I’ve lost 4 stone and I do have some crepey skin on my arms but overall they look biggish but shapely / toned. Wearing sleeveless tops is one of the most liberating aspects of the weight loss. I probably would notice someone else with loose skin etc but that’s because I’ve been through my own weight loss journey and noticing is not the same a judging. I also notice a plus size person if they’re running but I still think “ you go girl “ as I go by.

One of the reasons for losing weight is to show off your new figure. Well done you - celebrate your massive weight loss with a new wardrobe. Do some toning exercises as well if you're up to it.

Yesterday I put on a dress that made me look pregnant but decided I didn't give a toss so kept it on..

It's all about comfort isn't it. I've bought a body shaper to flatten my stomach but it's frigging tight trying to get it on. I've given up on it. Meno stomach, so aside from carrying on with tai chi and strength conditioning, I'm wearing what I want. Flowy long dresses have been my go to in this weather.

I don’t think I’d ever have an arm lift because I just couldn’t deal with the recovery! So I just need to say eff it and stop hiding away

Well done on your weight loss.
FWIW I’d probably notice someone looking uncomfortable in weather inappropriate clothing but would never notice a normal woman wearing a normal summer dress in summer!