Help!! - Redding, CA

Let me know if you find something that works.

Last night I was perusing "What to Expect the First Year" from the "What to Expect When You're Expecting" series. In the back of the book there was a section on post-baby care for the mom.

It says you may lose the weight, but the extra skin and sagginess will not go away unless you do something about it. *sigh* They have a series of simple exercises in there. I haven't tried them. I don't know if it will work. It seems a bit too easy and simple to work, but I have an exercise mat and thought I'd give it a shot (since things aren't going to improve by simply waiting). My issue is with my stomach.

Hello H.,
Hats off to you for losing all the baby weight. That is a huge step as many don't get that far after having children and at our ages of 40+. The way I look at it, be happy with the skin your in. If you lost all your extra pounds be thankful for that. I have been on the fence about having my boobs done but on the flip side going under the knife is so not worth it to me in the end. Your body goes though so much to have a baby and that is the price we sometimes have to pay to have that bundle of joy. I agree with some of the other responses. pilaties (sp?) is great. It really helps in many ways. Be ready for a workout. HA! I look at pictures in my 30's and say wow those were the days but I also remind myself how much I wanted children. I lost all my weight and then some so easy with my first (36yrs old) my second not so easy had him at 39. But Im half way there and yes lots of areas still jiggle ugh. If you feel surgery is what you want to get to make yourself feel better, then go for it. I ask myself one question every time about doing surgery. What kind of lesssons an I teaching my children if that is the path we need to take to feel good/accepted.

Good luck to you and go enjoy your skinny jeans.

SAHM 40yrs old, 2 amazing funny little boys. 3.5 & 11 months walking since 7.5 months. Super busy with boys and loving every minute of it. Wine helps.

Anything that builds your muscles will help strengthen the connective tissues that stick your skin to your body and help with the sagging. I would try weight lifting, but the yoga and pilates suggestions should work too. It may not fix everything, but i'd sure see how much it could fix before i resorted to surgury. Tummy tucks dont always look beautiful and natural. There can be funny pulls and folds in your skin afterwards.

Kudos for losing the baby weight!

Hi,

Have you tried Pilates? It really works for some people. I feel your pain.

H.,

I too am experiencing the after baby-flabby yet not fat body. I use cocoa butter for the stretch marks and Nivea Q-10 lotion to firm and tigthen by skin. I also use cocoa butter/ Palmer's tummy butter. I use all these products 2x's daily, in the morning and before bed. I believe there is some improvement but with my 3 year old and baby nearly one years old, I am still not swimsuit ready.
- T.

If you find anything that works, can you let me know too. I am in the process of pulling off my baby weight and things are already starting to sag a lot.

Wow!! Lost all your baby fat. Congrats!!! You are heading the right direction. Newly divorce. Have fun!!!

Unfortunately with our age. Gravity takes place and the extra skin is hard to get fid off. If surgery is out of mind. Try yoga or Pilate. It works!!!!!

If all else fails. A little surgery will not hurt. It is all about getting your sexy back!!!

Good luck!!!

Try Bikram Yoga. It is hot, and increases oxygenated blood flow. Most important there is a lot of natural core work and also detoxing of the body. If you like working out, then you will love Bikram Yoga. The best one in the area is Bikram Yoga Elk Grove, because it is a great culture. But no matter where you go you are going to get an extreme work out and your body will return (over time) to your natural form.
Good luck

M. S

I totally feel your pain! It feels like such an accomplishment to lose the weight and it's a bit overshadowed by all the extra skin. My mom says Vitamin C works well to restore your skins elasticity but I it hasn't repaired my skin yet and I've been trying for over a year. I think the unfortunate truth is we have 2 choices - accept it or get the surgery. I'm saving up and will have the surgery after my 2nd baby. I long to raise my arms and not be terrified that my stomach might be seen - the boobs don't bother me as much.

Let me know if you find anything that works for you!!

Sorry, it's surgery, esp. at 43. But surgery isn't so bad. Just painful and expensive.