I felt I had to do a shout out to my Facebook friends who were very supportive when I had a sad moment this afternoon. I also talk a little about having “floppy parts” after being a very big person and losing weight..
I am down almost 100 lbs from my largest weight 5 or 6 years ago and have reduced from 299lbs to 248lbs in the last 5 months. Unfortunately, so far, I seem to have lost little from my lower abdomen which is just quite a freakish floppy mess. It makes me upset and I sooo want to see this disappear eventually…
I’ve posted the post and responses below in the comments section as I think the words spoken are very encouraging for anyone who reads them who is on their very own personal weight loss journey
C xxxxxxx
Bleh… I went to go and take a nekid before shot (just to remind me never to go back there again) thinking now I’ve lost 50 odd lbs it wouldn’t be quite so bad. WRONG! I took the photos and deleted them as I couldn’t bear to see them…I have such a LONG way to go……after 3 kids and being 345 lbs at my heaviest and now 248 lbs… it’s taken it’s toll. I so feel like crying… sorry for letting it all out on here
———————-
Lorna – But you’re going in the right direction! Love who you are and keep your chin up! X
5 hours ago · Unlike · 1
——————
Billie – Oh big hugs Carolyn, you’ve done SO amazingly well. You’ve inspired many, including myself, and I’ve never ate more veg in my life until I found your blog. x
5 hours ago · Unlike · 2
——————————–
Lesley – Oh please don’t be upset, your mountain is shrinking to a hill to climb. You are doing so so well :-))))))))
5 hours ago · Unlike · 1
——————————–
Ruby – Oh, its ok don’t worry losing weight and keeping it off is hard work. Sometimes your gonna break down and cry its ok. Just don’t let it stop you from your goal. Cry be mad and let it go and carry on. You’ve done a great job of inspiring others to eat better and lose weight. Besides we are here to support and listen. Just like I’m sure you would have kind words for us off the tables were turned.
XOXO
5 hours ago · Unlike · 1
————————————
Sharon ———-I have lost 15 pounds so only at the beginning but have found you so inspiring. You help keep me going. My husband has just come in and thrown a fit and I ate two yoghurts!
5 hours ago · Unlike · 1
———————————–
Zillah – hugs hun…you’re doing great..xxx
5 hours ago · Unlike · 1
————————–
Emma ———-Awww got a tear in my eye! How brave were you, I dunno if I could even look in a full length mirror naked! Can’t believe how much you have lost already you’re an inspiration. Keep up the fab work! I’m determined to start again after my holiday xxxxx
4 hours ago · Unlike · 1
—————-
Betty – We often beat ourselves up for imperfections but you must be proud of where you are today and how far you’ve come… For all the things the picture doesn’t reveal like your new strength and wisdom!
4 hours ago · Unlike · 1
—————
Karen- I know what you mean. Even though I look better in my clothes I cannot stand the way I look in the buff.
4 hours ago · Unlike · 1
————-
Stephany – Remember, too, that it is very difficult to take flattering naked pictures — even gorgeous models get all made-up and then photoshopped like crazy.
4 hours ago · Unlike · 2
—————–
Joy — Look how far you’ve come!
4 hours ago · Unlike · 1
————–
Sara -You’re headed in the right direction and you’re doing it the right way! Don’t get down on yourself and keep going, you’re doing really brilliantly!
4 hours ago · Like
————–
1940sExperiment Thank you everyone. It’s just hard looking in the mirror. With clothes on and head on and selecting the best photos from a bunch I can half convince myself that I’m looking better but the reality is that I have a very large floppy abdomen which is especially noticeable from the side. I know as the fat starts to disappear more from this area I can tone up to a degree but there is not getting away from the fact that its all such a mess down there at the moment and seeing the reality on camera was just rather shocking. I’m determined to get to 199 lbs to reach my 100 lb in one year target which will then make it 146 lbs lost from my heaviest and then I’ll probably lose another 30. Not sure yet- its all so far ahead.
4 hours ago · Like
1940sExperiment These past two weeks I’ve plateaued too and have lost nothing- its been hard persevering but I have!! THANK YOU all- am so glad you left some messages. I’ll read them all again several times this evening no doubt and stay motivated xxxxxx
4 hours ago · Like
1940sExperiment I’m gonna go right back and take an underwear shot and then go hide it on my computer somewhere so I can go take a look at it when I’m down to 199 lbs
4 hours ago · Like
1940sExperiment xxxxxxxxxx
4 hours ago · Like
——————-
Sara- You’re truly such and inspiration for what you’re doing and how you’re doing it. I understand it’s hard to look and go “I’ve still got so far to go” but you’ll be there in no time. You’ve done things that seemingly were impossible just a short time ago and you’ll continue to do so. Keep you chin up, keep calm and carry on (and do some cardio!) 🙂
4 hours ago · Like
————–
Justine – I can only echo all thats been said already, you are doing so incredibly well, and sharing it with us all is amazing 🙂 You have inspired me to finally take charge of my own eating habits, and I am finally starting to feel better and I know Im eating better than I have in years, and its all thanks to you! Keep going, and remember plateaus are part of the journey, stay strong and carry on, hugs 🙂 x
4 hours ago · Like
————-
Rosalyn – Hang in there! I love listening to the affirmations from this web site – really help me keep it all in perspective… Go to ‘weightloss’ and click on download – you can download the affirmations for free! I listen to them on my mp3 player. And keep your chin up, you’re doing GREAT!https://members.kaiserpermanente.org/redirects/listen/
3 hours ago · Like
—————–
Brenda -you have done so well,weightloss is a long journey and we all have up’s and down’s,don’t be to hard on yourself xx
3 hours ago · Like
———–
Jenn – No no no! You have come so far from where you started. It’s a journey for sure. I took pics yesterday in my undies and it was nothing I’d post but I want to REALLY be amazed when I reach goal. :)) You are taking steps to make your body healthy, that is what is most important. Gotta be patient, keep moving and trust the process. Proud of you, and you should be too!
3 hours ago · Like
———-
Katherine- You are so hard on yourself. Look at ALL that you HAVE achieved so far. You are one amazing lady. Not only have you motivated yourself but so many others too. I have bits that hang down from having children and then nursing sick family members (over eating at the hospice was all too easy). I too have days when I think I am doing okay. Until I had to be measured for a bridesmaids dress last weekend. I felt so low. I have picked myself up, just as you will, and we will both continue our path to inner happiness. Let’s face it – it’s not just the outside that we’re fixing. xx Keep going. Give yourself a mahoosive hug from all of us. You’ve touched our lives and all of us would love to see you back on form and ready to continue your journey. We’re here for the bad days, as well as the good ones. Sending you love and light from the Cornish Coast. xxx
3 hours ago · Like
—————–
Nancy – HUGS!!!!
2 hours ago · Like
————
Mary -When I went to the gym, the ladies’ locker room proved to me that no one looks good nekid. I think that’s why we invented clothes. You are doing wonderfully-keep it up!
2 hours ago · Like
———–
Manja – Omg. I understand. I too have had 3 children, one was 4.6kg! I was never the same again.
Also having weight issues.
Our bodies have run the gamut of experience in our lives. Be kind to it.
Your body created human beings and brought them
Into this world. Anything that can do that deserves respect.
It’s so hard to love something that society tells us must be ugly because it’s not young and slim.
Your body made miracles. That’s amazing. Be patient with it. Every minuscule bit of weight you lose is a victory.
2 hours ago · Like
Caroline, I admire you so much. To lose so much weight is amazing, and you are looking so good. So you have a floppy belly, but you are healthy and funny and enjoy your life so much more than you did when you were very overweight. I read every post you write and always leave your blog feeling a happier person. This time you will lose all the weight you want to – I know it!!!. Sorry I can’t give advice on floppy belly’s as I have a bit of a one myself. Lots of love .
Hi Caroline You have done incredibly well so keep up the good work. Now to floppy bellies…….I’m afraid all of us over the age of 40 and especially if we have had kids will have a belly – even our skinnie sisters. When you lose a great deal of weight it can lead to some excess flesh particularly in the belly, bum and underarm department. Not nice! If I can offer a little advice as a Pilates instructor and a big size one at that, I recommend you buy a resistance band that you can buy on the internet as they are mobile (can pop in your bag) and ‘cheap’. They are practically a little gym with all the exercises you can do with them. Great for toning up arms and floppy bellies and bits…Make sure you get a good extra long and wide one which is intermediate strength. This is what I supply to my clients to tone up baggy bits. I am putting some little videos together to explain how to use the bands and if you or anyone of your readers are interested I will get them to you. Incidently – regarding your wrinkles! You do not look older, in fact, you are growing younger and you have very pretty eyes. So dont do yourself down – keep going – and feel the love and support. Rosemary xxx
I agree with Rosemary Clarke – you’re a lovely lady with such beautiful eyes – and a true beauty inside. It’s easy to get discouraged but you’ve come so far and – even knowing you have a ways to go – you’re still on track. We all need encouragement sometimes, and your readers are quick to provide it. We do this because you’re such an inspiration to us. Due to you and your posts, I’ve become a “near vegetarian” and eat very little dairy now – just Greek yogurt. I used to eat all kinds of dairy, pork, beef – all the stuff that’s not good for us. I now eat mostly veg, fruit, fish and whole grains. Please understand and know in your heart – how much impact you’ve had on people like me. Just this morning I made a pact with a friend to walk after work three times a week. You’re an inspiration, Carolyn!
carolyn,, syvlia of hollywood came out with a book called “no more alibies”
its an old book, were going back to the 1920´s and 30´s here.
she was the one who took carole lombard from a size 16 to a size 12 in a month..anyway i digress, i have her book and she has one awsome exercise for the stomache and how to get it flat.
1. Lie on the floor on your side and stretch your hands up as far as they will go, same for your feet. now in this position, roll onto your tummy without moving your arms and legs and roll to the other side of your body (so if you started with lying on your left side, the movement takes you over so your lying on your right side)
she recommends doing this for about 15 minutes a day.
Ive been only doing it for a month and only do 15 of them instead of 15 minutes and i have noticed a change.
anyway, try to get her book if you can, i scored mine from ebay.
its worth it.
luv kitty.