How to tame a huge stomach in a swimsuit

[caffelattetogo]

I have severe disistalsis recti and my belly is enormous. I've lost most of my baby weight but I still look six months pregnant. Standard 'hold you in' swimsuits can't cope. Is there anything industrial strength I could maybe wear underneath a swimsuit? I am dreading being seen. Thank you.

I've switched to 3 piece tankinis with boyleg shorts. It's like a long bikini and then a loose swim shirt over the top. Boyleg also means I don't have to deal with razor rash all holiday (i have pcos so even if I was the hair is back I under a week)

This sounds great. Does it hold you in please?

@Hairbrushhandle where did you get this from please?

Have a look at curvyshe- they do all sorts, including swim dresses

Amazon have loads of you search boyleg tankinis.

Thanks. Do any hold you in please? I need to make up for my lack of stomach muscles.

I think if I were you I'd wear shapewear underneath a flowy tankini

That's a great idea - just regular shapewear? I have 'hold it in' type postnatal support shorts still from after my c section.

That should work fine as long as its not too thick or it will hold a lot of water.

Can I hijack this thread a little- wondering about swim dresses. Do they have a pants/knickers bit built in or do you need to source your own bikini bottoms?

I’ve just been in Matalan and I saw these Tummy Control bikini bottoms - sorry can’t do a clicky link. They had matching tops etc too

I feel a bit sad for you reading this post. I too have severe DR and I am also suffering from lupus and other conditions which means I’ve put on a lot of weight due to steroids - I’m a size 20 and 5ft 6ish. I’m not at all toned, I’m very wobbly and also very pale! I’m going on holiday to Spain (Ibiza) in a few weeks and it hasn’t even occurred to me to be self conscious about my stomach or wobbly bits. I’ve got a decent swimsuit - Asda one surprisingly (!) which was only £18 and has some tummy control but I wouldn’t dream of wearing shapewear under it 😳 you’ll be so uncomfortable! I have been all sorts of shapes and sizes in my life and I know that when I was a size 8, 20 years ago, that I was more self conscious of my body than I am now. I promise you not one person will give a flying f about how your stomach looks in a swimsuit; everyone will be too busy tied up in their own insecurities and worries. Of course wear something to give you some confidence if that’s what you need but don’t wear shapewear under a swimsuit, you’ll spend the entire time being so uncomfortable.

@caffelattetogo please don’t be insulted by the fat lady shop link.

Yours do swim shorts of varying length that hold you in and floaty takini’s. https://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/yours-curve-navy-blue-animal-print-tankini-p?currency=GBP&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqpy_zfKG_wIVBPntCh0cDwoQEAQYASABEgIKyfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

@sammylady37 a true swim dress has knickers built in.

Thanks @Xrays - you are right. I feel a bit sad for me too, and I need to own the body that brought me my babies after a long run of surgery and IVF. I just need to get my swagger back! You sound fabulous.

You will get there ❤️ Are you on instagram? Lauren Smith and Laura Adlington are really worth a follow, they’ve helped me change the way I feel about myself. They do a podcast together called the “Go love yourself” pod, it’s won tons of awards and is really fun and positive to listen to. I’m not saying you shouldn’t change your body if you want to or cover bits if it makes you feel more confident- we all do that; but the way you look shouldn’t stop you from enjoying life. I hope you have a wonderful time swimming.

@Xrays brilliant, thank you. I'll check them out. Feeling a lot better, thank you.

I bought one of those shapewear swimsuits once. Hugely expensive. It was so tight I still felt chubby in it and it was damn near impossible to get off once it was all wet. Had me in tears of frustration. Find yourself something comfy instead.

Thanks @Premiumbondbaby l will investigate further!

Miraclesuit all the way

@caffelattetogo - I have similar issues as I have a hernia following fibroid surgery. I understand just how hard it is to accept a new body that doesn’t feel like it’s you if that makes sense.

im on holiday next week and have tried lots of swim suits. Tbh I don’t think any except the very expensive miraclesuit made a difference - and even that wasn’t amazing. I’d agree also that you will be booking wearing shape wear under swim wear.

I’ve ended up going for comfort and just trying to accept it. One thing I have found though is that having a pattern on the swim suit seems to ‘hide’ the stomach a bit more. High waist bikini bottoms can also look OK - don’t be tempted to go too tight though otherwise the loose skin/fat spreads out.

*boiling not booking!

I have always been happy with the Boden swimsuits. I have a large stomach and they do a good job of holding it in. They have a 'tummy control' selection.

Everything is 30% at the moment. I only buy when I have a discount as they are quite expensive

Not what you asked but I just wanted to
add that the MUTU system is good for healing DR and getting some core strength back. It’s really quick simple exercises that you can do at home and it works. I saw and felt some improvement within 10 days. It’s not just about how you look but having a really weak core will hurt your back and your whole body really, so it’s worth investing a bit of time to try strengthen it.

@Premiumbondbaby thanks I've ordered one from Yours,👌

Thanks so much @Sotired22 I'll have a look. Im doing physio at the moment but she told me the other day I'll likely need surgery.