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Original poster

Has anyone toned up a tummy like this (graphic photo attached)

36 replies

Confusedchocoholic · 20/04/2020 18:24

My stomach depresses me so much- no matter how much running and Pilates I do it still looks like this. I weigh 9.5 stone at 5 foot 6 so not overweight although I would like to lose a few pounds. It’s been 6 years since my massive baby who caused this! Has anyone toned up a stomach like this and if so, how? Would lifting weights help? Thank you

Has anyone toned up a tummy like this (graphic photo attached)
OP posts:
Gratitudeiseverything · 20/04/2020 18:26

It's very hard because it's to do with having children, the muscles detach from the wall. But I use a waist trainer and have found that has helped loads.

puds11 · 20/04/2020 18:29

I’m headed towards this too after my second baby. As far as I know the only thing that can properly get rid of it is a tummy tuck. Things like weights may help a bit as they will build muscle that will then reduce the appearance of the loose skin but I doubt you’d get rid of it.

TheWordmeister · 20/04/2020 18:29

I think there's little you can do about saggy skin, sorry.

Fred578 · 20/04/2020 18:30

That’s not a graphic photo - don’t be so hard on yourself

chutneypig · 20/04/2020 18:31

I would love to know too. I’m very similar height and weight to you, but I’m still carrying fat around my middle. I had twins, 15lb between them, so skin elasticity isn’t what it was!

I’ve been losing weight steadily for the last 18 months (ignoring the last few weeks) but this last bit is very stubborn and looks disproportionate now to boot. I’m concerned about the health side and visceral fat as well.

Fred578 · 20/04/2020 18:31

I think if I were you I would go and see a personal trainer for a few sessions and get some proper advice. At least then you will know if it can be resolved. You look like you’ve got a great waist so that’s a good start

HoneysuckIejasmine · 20/04/2020 18:31

No, you'd need a tummy tuck. But it's not graphic at all - it's what most women look like if they've had a very large baby. Completely normal.

Redcrayons · 20/04/2020 18:36

I want to know this too as That’s what mine looks like after 3 stone weight gain with twins.

I’m about 10lbs over my target weight at the moment and it looks better than when I’m skinnier. The fat pushes out the wrinkles.

OneHippoOnThePhone · 20/04/2020 18:40

I’m 5ft 6” too and my stomach goes like this if I get to about 9 stone. I lost a lot of weight in the first few weeks of lockdown so down to 8.7. My stomach shrunk. I do a bit of pilates and that does seem to help.

Luckystar1 · 20/04/2020 18:42

Oh that’s not a graphic photo! I was actually really tentative about opening this!!! It looks fine.

I’ve always been a size 6 with a flat tummy but I had 2 big babies, and mine is a bit like this now too. When I’ve been really toned it’s slightly less noticeable but it’s the belly button that’s always most obvious with me.

Please be kinder to yourself!

Original poster
Confusedchocoholic · 20/04/2020 18:44

Thanks so much for all your kind comments! Reassuring to know that it’s not just me. I don’t think I’d go down the surgery route so need to learn to love it I guess!

OP posts:
ChicChicChicChiclana · 20/04/2020 18:45

I'm 5'2" and had 2 very large babies 19 and 16 years ago (9lb2oz and 8lb15oz). My stomach looks a lot smoother than yours because I have more fat! (a lot more!).

Maybe try and be more realistic about what you are aiming for?

Beansandcoffee · 20/04/2020 18:47

Perfectly normal after big babies or just babies. To have a perfectly tight flat stomach I think you would need a stomach tuck, like I do and most women. It isn’t a graphic picture.

OhHolyJesus · 20/04/2020 18:52

Oh my god no you don't 'need' a tummy tuck! Ab workouts, Pilates and it will go in time. I'm surprised at some of the advice here.

managedmis · 20/04/2020 18:53

Good for you being such a healthy weight

Original poster
Confusedchocoholic · 20/04/2020 18:57

Thanks again for the further comments. My second child was 9lb 6oz so pretty big for my frame! Wouldn’t change him for the world obviously but need to come to terms with my tummy! It’s lovely of you all to be so kind.

OP posts:
Spanielmadness · 20/04/2020 18:58

I’m a PT and you can’t do anything about the loose skin.
Do you know if your abdominals have knitted back together? Sometimes they remain separate and an op is needed to bring them back together. If you do tummy trimming exercises with a big gap between the muscles, your intestines can push out if the gap, making it worse. If not, focus on gaining the strength back with your lower abs and work upwards. Tiny, tiny crunches and taking deep, abdominal breaths while contracting and pressing your lower back into the floor (lying down, knees bent).

OneHippoOnThePhone · 20/04/2020 19:00

Oh, and I lost too much weight and look ill! Your stomach is lovely and Pilates is the perfect exercise to tone up. You look very lithe to me!

MrsDoylesTeaBags · 20/04/2020 19:34

Like pop have said it's not nearly as bad as you think it is and you have a lovely slim waist.

I think the best option is a mix of cardio and weight training will tone you up all over but you can't really target areas and your stomach is the most difficult areas, my tummy is much saggier than yours but cutting back on carbs, cutting out snacks and Pilate's has made a huge difference.

Jigglyjugs · 20/04/2020 19:40

You probably have diastasis recti, it's a condition where the thin muscle holding the abdominal walls stretches to accommodate pregnancy, and is left slack and saggy. It is possible to tighten it back up, I've done it my self after my 11lb 8oz son, who is not 14 months. Still got a bit of fat to lose around my waist, but I've closed the gap from 4 fingers wide to just over 1.

Jigglyjugs · 20/04/2020 19:41

Oh, and it really doesn't look terrible at all!

mynameiscalypso · 20/04/2020 19:43

I agree that you may have a diastasis but honestly, your stomach looks amazing!

Abreadsandwich · 20/04/2020 19:44

I have what I refer to as chicken skin above my belly. I was quite strict about cutting down on carbs a couple of years ago and doing abs exercises about 5 days a week as well as cardio for about 3-4 months. I did tone my stomach very slightly but it was a lot of effort for fairly unremarkable results. I didnt lose any weight either. (Although my BMI is 21 so not overweight)

damnthatanxiety · 20/04/2020 19:48

OhHolyJesus the OP had her l;arge baby 6 years ago so time is not going to fix anything. OP, you appear to be fit and not carrying a lot of excess body fat. The issue appears to be saggy skin. Unfortunately, whilst diet and exercise can help enormously, your skin will not shrink back to the firm pre-baby skin. Different people have different levels of elasticity in their skin. Some have massive babies/twins and are flat and smooth 3 months after. Others are left with sagging that would make you weep. You are somewhere in between. Keep fit, moisturise and if it really bothers you, talk to a surgeon about a tummy tuck.

rhowton · 20/04/2020 19:50

I had a tummy tuck and it was the best decision I've ever made! I also had a lift and breast reduction! I love my new body!