jelly belly

I am wondering if anyone can tell me something encouraging about where the jelly belly goes when one loses weight.  Especially in women over 50.  I was slim until my 30's ... then had 2 c-sections and a hectic life.  During the next few decades I found it very hard to lose weight but once did get down to a size 10.

Now I'm focusing on finally losing the weight - but am being held back mentally by wondering if the jelly belly with a little overhang can actually shrink, tone and look somewhat ok again.  Not expecting perfection but would like to think reasonable is possible.  No tummy tuck is happening. 

Any stories of success would be much needed inspiration.  Thank you.

I am still trying to loose weight but I do know if you lose slowing and have a good over all exercise program ..you will loose all over..muscle burns fat..so if you have strong stomach muscles it seems likely that will will loose it through the tummy,  too!  I'm going to keep going..I just know loosing the weight will make me feel better!   Wishing you luck for health and happiness..;-)

My experience:
I've always had a fairly small waist and flat stomach, tended to carry my weight in my butt and thighs. I had my kids late, (37 - 40) and put on some weight with each, including a big tummy. I started running seriously in my 40's, including lots of miles, speedwork and weights and got down to a very low body fat percentage. Though I was muscular, so my weight stayed fairly high, 5'5", 135, but I had an underwater body test and my body fat was something like 19%.

There was no jelly anymore but I did have some loose skin in my lower belly that I think will always be there. Also my waist and rib cage are bigger now, and my bust is smaller, that again I think is a permanent change with age and pregancy, my waist didn't have any fat, it was just bigger. Because of the extra skin, I never ran in just a jog bra like some of my younger teammates, but I felt fine in skin-tight sport tops, the jelly was all gone.

I've had some health issues and had to back off on sports and have put some fat on and lost some muscle, my stomach is softer than it was, I notice I'm reaching for my looser shirts, not the form fitting ones as much, but the big belly isn't back. I think it does get harder as we get older though, weight is more likely to settle there.

Thanks for your reply.  It's helpful to know that improvement is possible.  It's also the loose skin in the lower belly that is daunting.  It sure doesn't look good at my current weight so I would think that some improvement will happen and don't want to discourage myself from starting.  I had my kids later too ... at 32 and 36. 

I often start a diet with enthuriasm and after a week or so lose focus or get tired of cooking and making lunches for work, etc.  I have to be more consistent and focused. 

Thanks for your reply cherrim.  I know losing the weight will make me feel better too and looking better would be another great benefit.  

I was am really concerned over that too. I've been fat all my life, that's like 40+ years and my belly is/was large and jelly like you said. I've lost 40 pounds and I still have my belly, not so big, not so jelly. I don't think it will disappear once I hit my goal weight but the one thing I have found that made a HUGE differnce was weight lifting, and running. It didn't make the belly go away, but it sure did trim it and firm it up. So at least there isn't so much jiggle. I'm thinking tummy tuck is a definate thing once I hit my goal. That's a very scarey thought for me. I just know that reguardless of what happens along the way, once I loose the weight, I can figure out what to do with the extra skin.

Good luck