What can I do for all the loose skin around my stomach after child birth when a tummy tuck is not an option?

Hi! my name is Jodi and I was wondering if there is any good advice about  losing the stretched post pregnancy skin around my stomach area? I am over weight at 255 pounds and I know that even when I lose weight the skin will still hang over my pubic bone and I can never really get the area toned. When I did lose weight with exercise. I could actually see the muscles forming under the loose skin.

Does anyone have any advice about how to lose this extra skin. Right now a tummy tuck is not an option because I have weight to lose and could never afford it?

Please help thanks Jodi:)

Ultimately, the tummy tuck is the only option.  But your skin is somewhat elastic, depending on your age.  As you lose weight some of it will shrink back, and I do believe that massaging and moisturizing help -- at least it won't hurt! 

I have heard that for people who have lost a lot of weight it can take a year or two for the skin to adjust.  I believe plastic surgeons have those people wait until the skin has adjusted before they will do a tuck. 

So give it time, but in end, there is really nothing much you can do. 

I'm pretty much in the same boat. I have three kids, the last two by c-section. Anytime I exercise and work my abs, the muscles would form under my "fat" and protrude my stomach even more. I lost some weight bringing me down to 103 lbs and although I work out everything (cardio, weights, pilates, ballet, circuit training, etc) I still have that extra skin. I also can't afford a tummy tuck and that was what I was told I needed. I wish I had some advice for you. I did notice that when I started losing the weight my layer of fat did shrink some.

I wish you well.

Thanks ladies for your replies...I am going to keep at it and hope I win the lottery after I lose my weight...lol

I have a bit of an overhang too, being 50 pounds overweight after 2 kids and one c-section, and I am also worried about the skin sagging when I lose the weight.  However, the important thing I keep telling myself is that I EARNED this.  I carried two children in my body, and I will never look like I didn't, but honestly, I look at my girls and know that it doesn't really matter except to my vanity.  Don't let the world tell you you have to look a certain way.  (My oldest looked at my stretch marks on my tummy while I was carrying the second and said, "ooh, pretty, you have a rainbow on your tummy!")

I have heard, though, that massage and moisturizing, combined with strengthening those muscles can help readhere the skin to the muscles.  Good luck on the lottery!  :)

It's funny what kids say. My kids ask me if I am going to look like the ladies in my workout videos. I just say Mommy is trying to be healthy for you and that makes them happy.

Kids are funny. My 5 year old would say "Mom, you're not fat. You're just short." LOL!!!

Oh, there are some stories I could tell.  My grandmother, being overweight, used to chuckle over what my cousin said when she was little.  She laid her head on my grandmother's lap and said "I like you because you're fluffy."

But, we're digressing from the point of the post...

Lol!!! Yes we are, but it's so much fun talking about our little stretch mark..loose skin..skin folde makers...lol

I'm in the same boat! How to get rid of the mummy tummy? I realize after weight gain/loss and 2 pregancies it may not be doable and surgery is the only option. I have amazing abs...they just have a little insulation. :)

I can afford the surgery and have chosen not to do it. Why? I had a bit of a tummy before kids, no matter how skinny I was. The only one that sees me without clothes, is my husband and he thinks I look great, regardless of my weight. I have lost weight, managed to maintain and keep eating healthy. (I gained a lot during each pregnancy and know it can be harder to lose.)

My husband has been supportive and has pointed out that I look good in my clothes and that's how others see me, even if I don't see myself that way. I have chosen to feel great every day when I look in the mirror and clothes fit well...and if it doesn't fit, then it no longer has a place in my closet. That also means if the item is too big! ;-)

Exactly!  I mean, I'd love to look like any number of these stars who disappear when they turn sideways, but first of all, I'm just not built that way, and second, I'm really focused on feeling healthy and strong and able to do the things throughout the day that need to be done, including playing with my kids.  And you know, that ain't bad. 

And my husband, too, looks at me and thinks I'm sexy, and I'm 50 pounds overweight right now (though sometimes I think all he really sees is my boobs ).  Ah, love colored glasses are wonderful!

Original Post by puh8suwrux:

Exactly!  I mean, I'd love to look like any number of these stars who disappear when they turn sideways, but first of all, I'm just not built that way, and second, I'm really focused on feeling healthy and strong and able to do the things throughout the day that need to be done, including playing with my kids.  And you know, that ain't bad. 

And my husband, too, looks at me and thinks I'm sexy, and I'm 50 pounds overweight right now (though sometimes I think all he really sees is my boobs ).  Ah, love colored glasses are wonderful!

 Lol! That is hilarious...I see what you mean actually they say that men don't really see extra skin or stretch marks..as long as they are in love with you they are happy.

Actually, there have been studies done that show that when a man looks at you, he first identifies you by your hair.  That is why so many men hate it when women cut their hair - they don't recognize you!  (Well, that and the whole Eve and Lady Godiva long hair fantasy.)

Anyway, I have really enjoyed this thread!  Keep up the good work, everyone.

Original Post by puh8suwrux:

Actually, there have been studies done that show that when a man looks at you, he first identifies you by your hair.  That is why so many men hate it when women cut their hair - they don't recognize you!  (Well, that and the whole Eve and Lady Godiva long hair fantasy.)

Anyway, I have really enjoyed this thread!  Keep up the good work, everyone.

 Ahh!! I cut my hair a month ago...I was wondering why I wasn't getting as much action...lol.

Thanks for all the support everyone:)

If anyone is interested I am also doing a June 10 pound weightloss Challenge..you can find the post on my page. All are welcome....we are a team:)