Feel FATTER than ever after losing 30 lbs

[IvannaBFit]

I've lost about 30lbs and went from a size 18 to a size 11/12. You'd think this would make me feel prettier . . . and along the way I DID feel pretty . . . but I don't like my body very much right now.

I'm losing weight in various places, but I wanted so much to lose my tummy. Because I've lost weight in other places, my tummy looks LARGER than it did about ten pounds ago! It makes me so angry and sad and frustrated because I've been saving money for clothes for an upcoming trip and now I don't even want to go! (emotional response. . . logically of course I will still go on my trip)

I'm wondering whether anyone has been in a similar situation, where they have lost weight and yet feel FATTER? And if so, what did you do about it to make you feel better?

[kwikdriver]

I know exactly how you feel; this has been driving me bananas as well. I have a theory as to why this happens low carbing; you might want to read the two posts afterwards as well:

http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?p=5296693

[sfdebchat]

Hi!

First of all, congrats on losing over 30 pounds and going from size 18 to 11/12. That is a great accomplishment!

I sympathize with you as I have always had a full tummy, even way back when I did not have a weight problem per se. The problem I had back then was in my mind also, as I could never see myself as thin as I was.

I think after losing weight, it takes the mind time to catch up with the body. Many people lose alot of weight, but continue to see themselves as thier former, heavier selves. I would reccommend to you, as I remind myself all the time, to keep in perspective just how far you have come. A 30 pound weight loss is nothing to disregard. It is a great accomplishment. No matter how fat you "feel" right now, you are so much thinner and healthier now. When you feel fat, push it out of your mind and pat yourself on the back for all the great work you have put into your self.

Go out and buy those new clothes! There are such better styles in size 11/12 than in size 18! I know because I was an 18 once too! When you shop, concentrate on accenting your positive attributes, pick out your favorite colors, etc. Don't let your mind goad you into thinking you do not deserve this because you do! New flattering clothing is a great reward for your hard work.

Good luck!

[foxgluvs]

I have heard this a lot! And I am begining to experience this too. I was in the changing room trying on clothes only yesterday, and I am trying on clothes that are 4 dress size difference than at my highest weight, and yet I STILL feel I am that weight. I cannot look at myself and think, yeah you've lost weight!

I think the above poster is right, you need to give your brain time to catch up with yuor body!
I have read about this a LOT on this site though, it seems to be very very common.

[3shewolf8]

The sad news from me is, I don't think that the fat feeling ever goes away. I still, after all of this time, look in the mirror and see the fat me. I have people telling me that I look great. I have noticed that my stomach is getting flatter, (Finally), but my butt seems bigger. I too, am going through the depression of feeling fat again even though I haven't gained any weight.

[drina39]

Oh dont give up !!!!
It can go away....just not by lcing alone ! After two kids, I was left with a lot of 'baby fat ' in that area....and when I started lcing, it didnt budge. Just like all of you...it STRESSED ME OUT :lol: At 42, I figured I was just stuck with it. I started doing an ab workout religiously, and within 8 weeks, I noticed a huge difference. I have a flat stomach now....5 months later . It will NEVER be the way it was when I was 16...but its flat.
Seriously...dont give up...just dont rely on lc ing to get rid of it. It takes some very hard work, but it CAN be done. I used The Firm ab workout, as well as The Winsor plistes ab workout. :thup:

[galatia]

I took a look at your gallery pics-- you have made wonderful progress-- you look great-- IMO :). Here is something I like to do for my stomach-- you may hate it, but you can give it a try and see what you think. It does take some practice to get it right.

Perform a vacuum by exhaling all the air in your lungs, sticking your chest out, and trying to touch your belly button to your backbone (don’t worry, you will never accomplish this). Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, relax, and repeat. The simplest way to perform vacuums when starting out is from a kneeling position on all fours. As you begin to master the vacuum in this position, you can also perform it in an upright kneeling, seated, or standing position. Like anything else, the more you practice the easier it becomes and the more control you will have over flexing your abdominals.

[Cara73]

I have recently been to physical therapy for low back pain and they were trying to strengthen all of those muscles and my pelvic floor muscles. She told me all exercises you see like crunches are for your upper abs, and nobody works on lower abs. She tought me this starting out exercise then a more advanced. Lay on your back on the floor, and pull your knees to your chest, but don't tuck them, just hold them up bend at a 90 degree angle. Hold one leg there and lower the other leg down parallel to the floor (but don't rest it on the floor)and bring it back up again. And the trick is, make sure your lower back stays touching the floor and doesn't bridge up. She had me do 15 of those on each leg. Then, once that got easier (she liked to see me in pain :lol: , not really, but if it gets too easy, it's time to move on) she had me start in the same position, lower my right leg and hold it parallel to the floor, and touch your heel of your left leg to the floor, slide it on the floor until it's stretched out, and bring them both back up. I'm sorry if this sounds confusing, it's hard to explain it like this. She had me do 10 of those on each leg. They are very hard. But that will work out your lower abs and help strengthen your back. I have started exercising again and will continue to do those. Those exercises are the only ab exercises that actually hurt my stomach the next day. When I say hurt I mean I could feel I had worked those muscles out.

Ok, I'm done rambling. If you would like to do those and have any questions, feel free to visit my journal and ask away :)

Just give yourself some time. Your body is going through a lot and you'll see it when your mind catches up as they have stated above. :)

[Paleoanth]

Your gallery pictures are GORGEOUS! You are a beautiful girl.

I lost weight from the top down, so I lost my football player shoulders first. Looked pretty funny actually. I still have my stupid tummy, but I had one even when I weighed 107 pounds in college, so that is something I just have to deal with. I know that fat can redistribute from the bottom up, so just give yourself some time.

[LadyAtkinz]

Awww good for you IVANNA! gurl U should be happy,we are all SOO PROUD OF U HONESTLY.I would be so delighted to lose 30 pounds.Believe us,ur body will go to be the one that U truly want and deserve.It just takes time,don't GIVE UP! we are all ROOTIN' FOR YA! ----->*Laura*

[puddypark]

I understand! I feel as if I am still 245 pounds and even when I look in the mirror I see that same 245 pound woman. I went from a 22 to a 10 and I just don't see the difference except that the clothes are much smaller!
I can't reccommend anything that has made me feel better cuz I still feel that way--tho tight jeans make my hips feel narrow and I guess that is a good thing and when I lay flat on my back and can actually feel ribs --well that is just shocking because I have never been able to feel them before!

[5cats]

Yes, I can totally relate. I was just talking to a friend the other day about this and he even lost 80 lbs low carbing. But, I think you see yourself as many of you have said..as the bigger person. Personally for me...I think when I was 75.5 lbs heavier I was more fluffy and now...my body is really showing, but not in the right places. I do hope in time..this image will go away and I can enjoy having a smaller body and wearing fun clothes and taking my niece to the pool next summer. I guess it's the freedom I want more than ever and not to feel like the girl before.

Thanks,
Kristine

[5cats]

Also, one more point to this...I think alot of us may feel or think that if only I was skinny I wouldn't have the same problems. But, we all know that isn't the case...even thin people have issues. So, even when all of our weight is gone and we are at goal, we will still have to face the demons that each of us had before losing the extra fat. It's hard for me, to totally be happy about the weight loss, that sometimes I feel really down on myself. I think I feel down on myself more now, than before.

Kristine

[cs_carver]

Problem is, you changed fish ponds. May not have fully acknowledged that to yourself, and it takes time. And you will get to goal, in time.

I know when I was bigger, I tended a bit to look at women larger than me and think, "Whew, not there!" Now I'm looking at professional dancers and 26-yos and all these runners and thinking, "Holy smokes, I'm still carrying a load!" But it's a whole different end point.

I'd give a whole lot to fit into an 11/12, but I'm 6' tall so it's a whole different thing. Frankly, I'm happy when WalMart XL fits well enough, and I don't have to shop in the Women's department.

Good luck.

[puddypark]

5cats
I think that we get more down on ourselves now maybe because we have accomplished so much but yet (in our minds) have SSSOOOOO far to go.
I know that now I have to start toning exercises and I still have a ways to go with the weight loss. I think even when I get to 150 (my goal) that I will still be too fat to stop dieting. I am still pretty darn chunky and I know that 14 pounds is just not going to be enough so I am going to change my goal to 135 at least. At the most depressing part of all is I have been at a stall for just over a month now.
But we need to keep our chins (double, triple whatever) up and remember that we are alot skinnier than we were!!

[5cats]

Excellent point! The thought of having to still loose 45-55 lbs seems like it will never be here. But, also I am hoping by the end of winter/spring I will be where I am at.
Kris