Lost all this weight and feel I look bigger than ever. Photo included

[MissAdvantage]

I know I probably need to get outside of my head and I also know that precisely nobody is giving me a second glance but my husband took this photo of me earlier on holiday and I recoiled a bit.

I’ve lost over 5 and a half stone and I’ve maintained at this weight ever since. I’m 9 and a half stone

maybe it’s because it’s the first time I’ve seen a photo of myself in a swimming costume but I was really quite shocked at how flabby I look. I can’t expect miracles as I’m in my 50s but ugh - I think I expected 9 and a half stone to somehow look slim? I look fine fully clothed. I’m a size 10. I just wanted to look better!

anyone else struggling a bit with a newer body and still seeing a lot of faults or just me?

Did you read the OP?
I did: OP talks about feeling quite shocked, saying ugh, plus the title saying “looking bigger than ever”.

I've been waiting for two new hips for three years been on sticks for over a year. Lost two stone. Was shocked at the muscle mass loss when the weight came off in my legs. Once I'm recovered from the second surgery which is next month I will need to build them up again.

@Comtesse. Too far down the maintenance road now to let a photo undermine me.

I can see it’s a case of ‘scaffolding’ now (love that!) but I was definitely a bit ’ wow!’ - and not in a good way - at looking at myself in a swimming costume.

Absolutely, I thought I’d be bulky too but actually look slimmer and smaller, yet held up and filled out better by muscle, it’s weird.
i have a big ribcage too, how come it’s better for exercise?

Yes, but that doesn’t equate to letting it undermine her,

Losing a lot of weight without any toning exercise is always going to give that 'skinny fat' vibe. Slimmer but in no way toned.

You don't need to start with weights initially. You can just start with body weight core exercises. It will soon make a difference.

As others said, you have a lovely figure. I’d kill for those legs!

Also, take a look at some red carpet pics and see how many women pose with elbows out, bent or with hands on hips, and leaning slightly forward. They all have normal arms too, they just know how to disguise them in a flattering pose.

You look great! I would say you are slim, and in good shape for your age. Definitely you'll feel so much better as you get stronger though. Kettle bells have been great for me.

Basically, more room for the heart and lungs (oxygen) = greater cardiovascular efficiency.

It looks like the photo has possibly been taken from down low/sitting down? Plus being in the shade the light can also contort your appearance massively too! However I still think you look fab. Enjoy your hols :)

Is this posted so everyone can say how great you look

That's quite a jump!

Hey op you look fab! I'm your age and think you look brilliant. Enjoy yourself and don't worry about one photo that has surprised you. You look really good and healthy 💪

I would be more concerned that something appears to be eating your hand...

You look great!

@SnowFrogJelly. I really love you posted this! Because it indicates that I think I look incredible and I’m fishing when I think we can all see that I’m probably not on the peak of physical fitness here 😀

You look great. People on holiday will have subconsciously registered you as "slim" or "great legs". However you deserve to feel great too!

I massively recommend pilates. It's a brilliant way to build muscle while supervised by a teacher who is focussed on your posture, alignment and technique. It feels amazing to know your body is strong.

Also, because you mentioned big ribcage and 10k steps, have you tried running? The best runners I know also have big ribs (lung capacity). Not for especially changing your shape but for making you love your body for what it's capable of.

@theemmadilemma I’ll look into body weight exercises . And kettlebells!

Hey. I think you look absolutely amazing. I wish my body looked slimmer. I’m a size 16.
Dont believe these airbrushed pics of people online. Everyone has something they dislike about their body, but that’s what makes us human.
Since you said it’s not a problem when you are in jeans and other clothes, then just try wearing a sarong around your waist. It will look classy and help with any insecurities.
But seriously, you look so good.

Thanks, good to know!

You look great, it's an unflattering angle, and as PP said a more structured swimsuit would help, but I have lost over 5 stone and look bloody awful, saggy wrinkly skin, I've lost too much really that's my problem, but I can't bring myself to put any back on, it goes against the grain, I look fab in clothes but we're coming to summer now and it's going to be a problem. I took all the supplements and walked but I can't do gyms so nothing structured. So saggy and wrinkly it will have to be 😂

I also have trouble seeing my weightloss when unclothed. Dressed I can see I look fab, but naked I just see the wobbles. I really don’t perceive much difference, though I’ve lost a third of my weight and done loads of exercise on the way. I told DH this and he looked at me like he thought he should call a psychiatrist.

To all of us you really do look like a healthy woman in her 50s, despite ghastly camera angle and suboptimal swimming costume! Jolly well settle down and enjoy your holiday.

Do weights and other exercise for the longterm, for your strength as you age, not for appearance. Looking more toned will be a bonus, though.

Oh @Busterbelly i can really relate to your post! I’ve also lost a bit too much weight but can’t bring myself to put some back on, it’s hard! I too look great with clothes on, it’s in swimwear that you can see I’ve a bit underweight and scrawny but saggy, not a great combination. Also pale as chalk which never helps😂

I'm glad it’s not just me!

You look great - it’s less than a year since you lost weight. Well done you!
Can you join the local sports centre gym, even a few 30 minute sessions a week will help tone up. The fitness instructors can help to find exercises to work on the areas you want to tone.
Also agree on swimming costume.
Next have a great range which is more supportive on the bust and has tummy control which is basically a ruching across the tummy that disguises any wobbly bits!
Good range of colours, patterned or plain
https://www.next.co.uk/style/st450791/aj4593

Nice one - don’t get derailed, it’s just the next phase of your health journey. Onwards!!

Really? Come on now, you’re better than that.