Re: Wondering

[Guest guest]

No, they don't all get tummy tucks. Thats what people say because they don't

want to bust their butt to get a flat stomach. its HARD work and they think

getting cut open and sewed back together is easier. I've seen women who got

a tummy tuck who just gained it all back because they didn't take care of

themselves. Pam Brown is my favorite example of this.

> Ever notice fitness competitors who have children seem to have no loose

> skin or bumpy fat pockets?

>

> My sister-in-law has had 4 babies by C-section and once in a while she will

> exercise with me but not regularly. She made a statement the other day that

> she can never lose the fat in her abdomen b/c she's been stretched out too

> much and her abdominal muscles " will never be the same " . I wanted to argue

> but I've only had 1 baby so I can't really say what happens after having 4.

>

> BUT...I also read a lot of fitness comp. blogs and visit a lot of websites

> where women who have had 4 children, some by C-section who have no lumpy fat

> pockets or hangy skin, they are leaner than most teenagers and compete in

> figure. So can it be done? Just by looking at some of these competitors who

> have had children, where is their " baby " fat? I just wish I had some

> argument b/c it bugged me a little bit that my sister in law just assumed

> she " can never " get rid of it.

>

> So I guess my question is, do ALL these fitness competitors all get tummy

> tucks? or can someone really work off " baby weight " to get so lean. (yes...I

> know...I wonder too much)

>

>

[Guest guest]

Just struck me as odd to make that statement. I have a " pouch " which who knows

if I can attribute it to my having been pregnant once (6 years ago lol). I

would like to think there's hope for us who can't afford to get it sucked out or

cut out. If I knew for sure those fitness competitors didn't all have surgery,

I would like to use those women as an example to some who think they can't get a

flat tummy ever again after having babies or even being overweight in general.

Sheila wrote: No, they don't all get tummy

tucks. Thats what people say because they don't

want to bust their butt to get a flat stomach. its HARD work and they think

getting cut open and sewed back together is easier. I've seen women who got

a tummy tuck who just gained it all back because they didn't take care of

themselves. Pam Brown is my favorite example of this.

> Ever notice fitness competitors who have children seem to have no loose

> skin or bumpy fat pockets?

>

> My sister-in-law has had 4 babies by C-section and once in a while she will

> exercise with me but not regularly. She made a statement the other day that

> she can never lose the fat in her abdomen b/c she's been stretched out too

> much and her abdominal muscles " will never be the same " . I wanted to argue

> but I've only had 1 baby so I can't really say what happens after having 4.

>

> BUT...I also read a lot of fitness comp. blogs and visit a lot of websites

> where women who have had 4 children, some by C-section who have no lumpy fat

> pockets or hangy skin, they are leaner than most teenagers and compete in

> figure. So can it be done? Just by looking at some of these competitors who

> have had children, where is their " baby " fat? I just wish I had some

> argument b/c it bugged me a little bit that my sister in law just assumed

> she " can never " get rid of it.

>

> So I guess my question is, do ALL these fitness competitors all get tummy

> tucks? or can someone really work off " baby weight " to get so lean. (yes...I

> know...I wonder too much)

>

>

[Guest guest]

You know I've lost 60 pounds so far and have another 20 to go and I have

some bumpy yucky lower abs but I would argue this.... Now I could say

that it was due to my 2 wonderful children (and some days I'm for sure it

is them LOL!) but in reality I would say if my abs don't bounce back I

would say it is more likely due to the many years of neglect to my body.

I have to honestly say I haven't had a flat stomach since I was 24 and I

was 210 when I started my journey 4 1/2 years ago. My guess is many of

these fitness models eat phenominal while they are pregnant and then they

start getting off any post baby weight right afterward. I never did that

was a bit heavy when I had my first gained more after she was born and

cycled my way up to 210 pounds. So after 15 years of my abs being

stretched and carrying a bunch of fat it is no wonder they aren't going

to look model perfect when I am at my new goal.

Michele T.

[Guest guest]

This is a very interesting thread for sure! I also neglected my body for

years and got up to 265 lbs. In the last 3 years I've lost over 100 lbs but

I still have saggy skin in my stomach. It has firmed up quite a bit but I

would never want to show my stomach off on a beach. I will always keep it

covered up. I'm working as hard as I can and notice improvements but don't

know for sure if it will ever be perfect. I'd rather not go the surgery

route to remove excess skin but I'm wondering how long is a practical time

frame to wait? It's been 3 years on my journey.

Kim

On Thu, May 22, 2008 at 11:18 AM, Michele Templeman

wrote:

> You know I've lost 60 pounds so far and have another 20 to go and I have

> some bumpy yucky lower abs but I would argue this.... Now I could say

> that it was due to my 2 wonderful children (and some days I'm for sure it

> is them LOL!) but in reality I would say if my abs don't bounce back I

> would say it is more likely due to the many years of neglect to my body.

> I have to honestly say I haven't had a flat stomach since I was 24 and I

> was 210 when I started my journey 4 1/2 years ago. My guess is many of

> these fitness models eat phenominal while they are pregnant and then they

> start getting off any post baby weight right afterward. I never did that

> was a bit heavy when I had my first gained more after she was born and

> cycled my way up to 210 pounds. So after 15 years of my abs being

> stretched and carrying a bunch of fat it is no wonder they aren't going

> to look model perfect when I am at my new goal.

> Michele T.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In cases were there is quick weight loss, like stomach stapling, etc, the

fast weight loss can lead to excess skin. I've read a lot of commentary that

say that a lot of times, when people have lost a lot of weight slowly. Its

still excess fat, just collected in that area, and the standard eat clean

and do cardio and weights will help it go away.

btw, here is the link to pam brown, http://www.pam-brown.com/ She didn't

have a tummy tuck, just worked hard. I'm sure there is a genetic component

as well.

> This is a very interesting thread for sure! I also neglected my body for

> years and got up to 265 lbs. In the last 3 years I've lost over 100 lbs but

> I still have saggy skin in my stomach. It has firmed up quite a bit but I

> would never want to show my stomach off on a beach. I will always keep it

> covered up. I'm working as hard as I can and notice improvements but don't

> know for sure if it will ever be perfect. I'd rather not go the surgery

> route to remove excess skin but I'm wondering how long is a practical time

> frame to wait? It's been 3 years on my journey.

>

> Kim

>

> On Thu, May 22, 2008 at 11:18 AM, Michele Templeman

<mbtempleman@...<mbtempleman%40juno.com>

> >

> wrote:

>

>

> > You know I've lost 60 pounds so far and have another 20 to go and I have

> > some bumpy yucky lower abs but I would argue this.... Now I could say

> > that it was due to my 2 wonderful children (and some days I'm for sure it

> > is them LOL!) but in reality I would say if my abs don't bounce back I

> > would say it is more likely due to the many years of neglect to my body.

> > I have to honestly say I haven't had a flat stomach since I was 24 and I

> > was 210 when I started my journey 4 1/2 years ago. My guess is many of

> > these fitness models eat phenominal while they are pregnant and then they

> > start getting off any post baby weight right afterward. I never did that

> > was a bit heavy when I had my first gained more after she was born and

> > cycled my way up to 210 pounds. So after 15 years of my abs being

> > stretched and carrying a bunch of fat it is no wonder they aren't going

> > to look model perfect when I am at my new goal.

> > Michele T.

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I can agree with that. I would assume that most of these women have been fit

for most of their lives and through pregnancy and never let themselves

go...ever. I guess after years of damage to your body, it may not go back the

way you think it might.

Michele Templeman wrote: You know I've lost 60

pounds so far and have another 20 to go and I have

some bumpy yucky lower abs but I would argue this.... Now I could say

that it was due to my 2 wonderful children (and some days I'm for sure it

is them LOL!) but in reality I would say if my abs don't bounce back I

would say it is more likely due to the many years of neglect to my body.

I have to honestly say I haven't had a flat stomach since I was 24 and I

was 210 when I started my journey 4 1/2 years ago. My guess is many of

these fitness models eat phenominal while they are pregnant and then they

start getting off any post baby weight right afterward. I never did that

was a bit heavy when I had my first gained more after she was born and

cycled my way up to 210 pounds. So after 15 years of my abs being

stretched and carrying a bunch of fat it is no wonder they aren't going

to look model perfect when I am at my new goal.

Michele T.

[Guest guest]

I look at pictures of Mina Hobbi and it seems like she didn't have a skin

problem. I've also read that sometimes the skin hangs b/c there are still fat

pockets in them sort of dragging it down. I read another article that gave an

example of the back of your hand, why when losing weight there's no excess skin

hanging off of your hands or face. I guess I'll find out what happens to my

pouch a few challenges from now..lol

Kimmy B wrote: This is a very interesting thread

for sure! I also neglected my body for

years and got up to 265 lbs. In the last 3 years I've lost over 100 lbs but

I still have saggy skin in my stomach. It has firmed up quite a bit but I

would never want to show my stomach off on a beach. I will always keep it

covered up. I'm working as hard as I can and notice improvements but don't

know for sure if it will ever be perfect. I'd rather not go the surgery

route to remove excess skin but I'm wondering how long is a practical time

frame to wait? It's been 3 years on my journey.

Kim

On Thu, May 22, 2008 at 11:18 AM, Michele Templeman

wrote:

> You know I've lost 60 pounds so far and have another 20 to go and I have

> some bumpy yucky lower abs but I would argue this.... Now I could say

> that it was due to my 2 wonderful children (and some days I'm for sure it

> is them LOL!) but in reality I would say if my abs don't bounce back I

> would say it is more likely due to the many years of neglect to my body.

> I have to honestly say I haven't had a flat stomach since I was 24 and I

> was 210 when I started my journey 4 1/2 years ago. My guess is many of

> these fitness models eat phenominal while they are pregnant and then they

> start getting off any post baby weight right afterward. I never did that

> was a bit heavy when I had my first gained more after she was born and

> cycled my way up to 210 pounds. So after 15 years of my abs being

> stretched and carrying a bunch of fat it is no wonder they aren't going

> to look model perfect when I am at my new goal.

> Michele T.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Chicana Peach on the tracker site has had four kids and was just in her

first figure competition. Her results are due to a lot of hard work and

dedication. She has fake boobs, but she had those before she started BfL.

> I can agree with that. I would assume that most of these women have been

> fit for most of their lives and through pregnancy and never let themselves

> go...ever. I guess after years of damage to your body, it may not go back

> the way you think it might.

>

> Michele Templeman <mbtempleman@... <mbtempleman%40juno.com>> wrote:

> You know I've lost 60 pounds so far and have another 20 to go and I have

> some bumpy yucky lower abs but I would argue this.... Now I could say

> that it was due to my 2 wonderful children (and some days I'm for sure it

> is them LOL!) but in reality I would say if my abs don't bounce back I

> would say it is more likely due to the many years of neglect to my body.

> I have to honestly say I haven't had a flat stomach since I was 24 and I

> was 210 when I started my journey 4 1/2 years ago. My guess is many of

> these fitness models eat phenominal while they are pregnant and then they

> start getting off any post baby weight right afterward. I never did that

> was a bit heavy when I had my first gained more after she was born and

> cycled my way up to 210 pounds. So after 15 years of my abs being

> stretched and carrying a bunch of fat it is no wonder they aren't going

> to look model perfect when I am at my new goal.

> Michele T.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have seen Chicana's pictures - she is a true inspiration!! I have a lot

of stretch marks on my stomach like she does as well but she is definitely

looking fabulous.

> Chicana Peach on the tracker site has had four kids and was just in her

> first figure competition. Her results are due to a lot of hard work and

> dedication. She has fake boobs, but she had those before she started BfL.

>

>

> On Thu, May 22, 2008 at 8:39 AM, Liza Wood

<lizawd3@...<lizawd3%40yahoo.com>>

> wrote:

>

> > I can agree with that. I would assume that most of these women have been

> > fit for most of their lives and through pregnancy and never let

> themselves

> > go...ever. I guess after years of damage to your body, it may not go back

> > the way you think it might.

> >

> > Michele Templeman <mbtempleman@...

<mbtempleman%40juno.com><mbtempleman%

> 40juno.com>> wrote:

> > You know I've lost 60 pounds so far and have another 20 to go and I have

> > some bumpy yucky lower abs but I would argue this.... Now I could say

> > that it was due to my 2 wonderful children (and some days I'm for sure it

> > is them LOL!) but in reality I would say if my abs don't bounce back I

> > would say it is more likely due to the many years of neglect to my body.

> > I have to honestly say I haven't had a flat stomach since I was 24 and I

> > was 210 when I started my journey 4 1/2 years ago. My guess is many of

> > these fitness models eat phenominal while they are pregnant and then they

> > start getting off any post baby weight right afterward. I never did that

> > was a bit heavy when I had my first gained more after she was born and

> > cycled my way up to 210 pounds. So after 15 years of my abs being

> > stretched and carrying a bunch of fat it is no wonder they aren't going

> > to look model perfect when I am at my new goal.

> > Michele T.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

This is one of the articles I read...I don't know anything about the guy or how

I " feel " about his opinion b/c I'd like to see some actual " fact " behind it but

interesting to read nonetheless.

http://www.bodyfatguide.com/LooseSkin.htm

Kimmy B wrote:

This is a very interesting thread for sure! I also neglected my body

for

years and got up to 265 lbs. In the last 3 years I've lost over 100 lbs but

I still have saggy skin in my stomach. It has firmed up quite a bit but I

would never want to show my stomach off on a beach. I will always keep it

covered up. I'm working as hard as I can and notice improvements but don't

know for sure if it will ever be perfect. I'd rather not go the surgery

route to remove excess skin but I'm wondering how long is a practical time

frame to wait? It's been 3 years on my journey.

Kim

On Thu, May 22, 2008 at 11:18 AM, Michele Templeman

wrote:

> You know I've lost 60 pounds so far and have another 20 to go and I have

> some bumpy yucky lower abs but I would argue this.... Now I could say

> that it was due to my 2 wonderful children (and some days I'm for sure it

> is them LOL!) but in reality I would say if my abs don't bounce back I

> would say it is more likely due to the many years of neglect to my body.

> I have to honestly say I haven't had a flat stomach since I was 24 and I

> was 210 when I started my journey 4 1/2 years ago. My guess is many of

> these fitness models eat phenominal while they are pregnant and then they

> start getting off any post baby weight right afterward. I never did that

> was a bit heavy when I had my first gained more after she was born and

> cycled my way up to 210 pounds. So after 15 years of my abs being

> stretched and carrying a bunch of fat it is no wonder they aren't going

> to look model perfect when I am at my new goal.

> Michele T.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Liza Wood wrote:

>

> This is one of the articles I read...I don't know anything about the

guy or how I " feel " about his opinion b/c I'd like to see some actual

" fact " behind it but interesting to read nonetheless.

>

> http://www.bodyfatguide.com/LooseSkin.htm

I think some of what he says is correct, but I just don't think that

it's realistic for everyone. If you have loose skin on your tummy, you

could tighten it up by losing enough bodyfat, but (depending upon how

much skin & fat is there) you'd most likely have to go down to single

digit bodyfat for that to happen. I personally don't think I'd look

very good being that low in bodyfat. I like having some girly curves

and personally don't want to have every muscle showing just to have no

loose skin & fat on my abdomen. Also, have you seen those photos of

morbidly obese people who've lost a ton of weight and had all of those

hanging skin folds? It doesn't look to me like they'd be able to lose

all of that hanging skin by losing even more fat. To me, those photos

illustrate (to an extreme) of what happens when skin loses its

elasticity. I've seen tiny little old women with seemingly very little

fat with hanging skin folds on their faces. The skin is hanging because

they don't have any fat left on their faces, not because they still have

fat. It's just that the skin has lost collagen and elasticity. So the

above article's premise, that everyone can get that loose skin to

spring back by eating right and changing body composition, may not be

absolutely accurate as there are other factors aside from bodyfat and

lean muscle composition.

I think that the people who have multiple babies and still have lean

tummies were probably those who ate & exercised decently before they got

pregnant, during the pregnancy, and afterwards---namely, those who took

care of themselves physically. And, of course, genetics plays a lot

into this too. Just like some people get stretchmarks and others

don't. I think that some people can gain a lot of weight and lose it

without having the excess skin & others won't be able to do that. For

those others, either they would have to reduce down to very low bodyfat

or they'll need plastic surgery to get rid of the excess. I think that

going down to really low bodyfat to lose the loose, wrinkled skin poses

other problems in that the " skinnier " parts of your body--namely, those

areas that lose fat before the " problem " areas, wouldn't those areas get

too thin & gaunt looking by the time the problem areas get down to where

your body is in single digit bodyfat? I'm not interested in getting

down to a really low percentage of fat just so my stomach can be smooth

if by then my face, neck, and shoulders look gaunt. I also don't want

the fitness competitor look with every muscle and sinew showing through

my skin, either. So there is a compromise if you have issues like

that....one piece bathing suits are getting cuter every year! And there

are always tankinis....

....what bugs me more than the loose skin is the cellulite on my thighs

(since one piece bathing suits do nothing to cover up the thighs!). But

I suppose that's the same thing as the tummy skin---it's just bodyfat.

Reduce the fat, increase the lean muscle, and the skin will tighten up

over the remaining fat; thereby reducing the dimpling & rippling.

Ta-da! Or, maybe I'll just take to wearing a diving suit at the pool

this summer since it covers ALL the problem areas, LOL.....

Diep

> <http://www.bodyfatguide.com/LooseSkin.htm>

>

>

[Guest guest]

The positives I got from the article were:

We are on the right track because we are eating a good diet. A lot of quick

weight loss or stomach stapling means people aren't getting good nutrition

and that makes a big difference in the quality and elasticity of your skin.

2. by working out with weights we are keeping or building lean body mass

which is also a positive thing.

I think it will just take time to see, I have a friend who has yoyo'ed

50-100 pounds off and one more than one time. She doesn't think her stomach

skin will go away because of up down dieting and stretching.

who knows?

On Thu, May 22, 2008 at 11:03 AM, Fancyboots

wrote:

> Liza Wood wrote:

> >

> > This is one of the articles I read...I don't know anything about the

> guy or how I " feel " about his opinion b/c I'd like to see some actual

> " fact " behind it but interesting to read nonetheless.

> >

> > http://www.bodyfatguide.com/LooseSkin.htm

>

> I think some of what he says is correct, but I just don't think that

> it's realistic for everyone. If you have loose skin on your tummy, you

> could tighten it up by losing enough bodyfat, but (depending upon how

> much skin & fat is there) you'd most likely have to go down to single

> digit bodyfat for that to happen. I personally don't think I'd look

> very good being that low in bodyfat. I like having some girly curves

> and personally don't want to have every muscle showing just to have no

> loose skin & fat on my abdomen. Also, have you seen those photos of

> morbidly obese people who've lost a ton of weight and had all of those

> hanging skin folds? It doesn't look to me like they'd be able to lose

> all of that hanging skin by losing even more fat. To me, those photos

> illustrate (to an extreme) of what happens when skin loses its

> elasticity. I've seen tiny little old women with seemingly very little

> fat with hanging skin folds on their faces. The skin is hanging because

> they don't have any fat left on their faces, not because they still have

> fat. It's just that the skin has lost collagen and elasticity. So the

> above article's premise, that everyone can get that loose skin to

> spring back by eating right and changing body composition, may not be

> absolutely accurate as there are other factors aside from bodyfat and

> lean muscle composition.

>

> I think that the people who have multiple babies and still have lean

> tummies were probably those who ate & exercised decently before they got

> pregnant, during the pregnancy, and afterwards---namely, those who took

> care of themselves physically. And, of course, genetics plays a lot

> into this too. Just like some people get stretchmarks and others

> don't. I think that some people can gain a lot of weight and lose it

> without having the excess skin & others won't be able to do that. For

> those others, either they would have to reduce down to very low bodyfat

> or they'll need plastic surgery to get rid of the excess. I think that

> going down to really low bodyfat to lose the loose, wrinkled skin poses

> other problems in that the " skinnier " parts of your body--namely, those

> areas that lose fat before the " problem " areas, wouldn't those areas get

> too thin & gaunt looking by the time the problem areas get down to where

> your body is in single digit bodyfat? I'm not interested in getting

> down to a really low percentage of fat just so my stomach can be smooth

> if by then my face, neck, and shoulders look gaunt. I also don't want

> the fitness competitor look with every muscle and sinew showing through

> my skin, either. So there is a compromise if you have issues like

> that....one piece bathing suits are getting cuter every year! And there

> are always tankinis....

>

> ...what bugs me more than the loose skin is the cellulite on my thighs

> (since one piece bathing suits do nothing to cover up the thighs!). But

> I suppose that's the same thing as the tummy skin---it's just bodyfat.

> Reduce the fat, increase the lean muscle, and the skin will tighten up

> over the remaining fat; thereby reducing the dimpling & rippling.

> Ta-da! Or, maybe I'll just take to wearing a diving suit at the pool

> this summer since it covers ALL the problem areas, LOL.....

>

> Diep

>

> > <http://www.bodyfatguide.com/LooseSkin.htm>

> >

> >

>

>

[Guest guest]

Here are some pics of Tina from the lean & strong board. I always thought it

was great and gutsy of her to post these.

She still has a little loose skin even with an ultra low body fat

percentage:

http://www.leanandstrong.com/cgi-bin/tg.pl?read=1002

<http://www.leanandstrong.com/cgi-bin/tg.pl?read=1002>

But she looks amazing in the right suit:

http://www.leanandstrong.com/cgi-bin/tg.pl?read=997

I think in some cases, the cut of the competition suit can camouflage loose

skin.

Also, check out Buff Mother for lots of moms with astounding abs:

http://www.buffmother.com/

> Ever notice fitness competitors who have children seem to have no loose

> skin or bumpy fat pockets?

>

> My sister-in-law has had 4 babies by C-section and once in a while she

> will exercise with me but not regularly. She made a statement the other day

> that she can never lose the fat in her abdomen b/c she's been stretched out

> too much and her abdominal muscles " will never be the same " . I wanted to

> argue but I've only had 1 baby so I can't really say what happens after

> having 4.

>

> BUT...I also read a lot of fitness comp. blogs and visit a lot of websites

> where women who have had 4 children, some by C-section who have no lumpy fat

> pockets or hangy skin, they are leaner than most teenagers and compete in

> figure. So can it be done? Just by looking at some of these competitors

> who have had children, where is their " baby " fat? I just wish I had some

> argument b/c it bugged me a little bit that my sister in law just assumed

> she " can never " get rid of it.

>

> So I guess my question is, do ALL these fitness competitors all get tummy

> tucks? or can someone really work off " baby weight " to get so lean.

> (yes...I know...I wonder too much)

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I just checked out Chicana Peach's pics. OMG!! .Those pics are really

inspirational. Not to mention it gave me a real reality check. 5 BFL

challenges! I'm sitting here thinking i probably needed maybe 1 or 2 challenges

after this one. She didn't seem to be that big to begin with and it took her 5

challenges. Helped me rethink the length of time it might take me. Funny to

see what happened to her stretch marks. I have mine in the same spot as hers

but at least they're mostly under my belly button. She looks awesome anyway

though!

Kimmy B wrote: I have seen Chicana's pictures -

she is a true inspiration!! I have a lot

of stretch marks on my stomach like she does as well but she is definitely

looking fabulous.

> Chicana Peach on the tracker site has had four kids and was just in her

> first figure competition. Her results are due to a lot of hard work and

> dedication. She has fake boobs, but she had those before she started BfL.

>

>

> On Thu, May 22, 2008 at 8:39 AM, Liza Wood

<lizawd3@...<lizawd3%40yahoo.com>>

> wrote:

>

> > I can agree with that. I would assume that most of these women have been

> > fit for most of their lives and through pregnancy and never let

> themselves

> > go...ever. I guess after years of damage to your body, it may not go back

> > the way you think it might.

> >

> > Michele Templeman <mbtempleman@...

<mbtempleman%40juno.com><mbtempleman%

> 40juno.com>> wrote:

> > You know I've lost 60 pounds so far and have another 20 to go and I have

> > some bumpy yucky lower abs but I would argue this.... Now I could say

> > that it was due to my 2 wonderful children (and some days I'm for sure it

> > is them LOL!) but in reality I would say if my abs don't bounce back I

> > would say it is more likely due to the many years of neglect to my body.

> > I have to honestly say I haven't had a flat stomach since I was 24 and I

> > was 210 when I started my journey 4 1/2 years ago. My guess is many of

> > these fitness models eat phenominal while they are pregnant and then they

> > start getting off any post baby weight right afterward. I never did that

> > was a bit heavy when I had my first gained more after she was born and

> > cycled my way up to 210 pounds. So after 15 years of my abs being

> > stretched and carrying a bunch of fat it is no wonder they aren't going

> > to look model perfect when I am at my new goal.

> > Michele T.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Now she's trying bulk up a little. The judges at the comp she just did said

she was too thin! I can't imagine how that must have felt, LOL!

Yeah, I guess even when you get to " goal " there is plenty of work to be

done.

I imagine I will be happy with my size after I complete this second

Challenge. It will be interesting to see what I can do with my body when my

focus off the damned scale.

> I just checked out Chicana Peach's pics. OMG!! .Those pics are really

> inspirational. Not to mention it gave me a real reality check. 5 BFL

> challenges! I'm sitting here thinking i probably needed maybe 1 or 2

> challenges after this one. She didn't seem to be that big to begin with and

> it took her 5 challenges. Helped me rethink the length of time it might take

> me. Funny to see what happened to her stretch marks. I have mine in the same

> spot as hers but at least they're mostly under my belly button. She looks

> awesome anyway though!

>

> Kimmy B <kimmy.beck@... <kimmy.beck%40gmail.com>> wrote: I have seen

> Chicana's pictures - she is a true inspiration!! I have a lot

> of stretch marks on my stomach like she does as well but she is definitely

> looking fabulous.

>

> On Thu, May 22, 2008 at 11:50 AM, Diane M.

<firmdieann@...<firmdieann%40gmail.com>>

> wrote:

>

> > Chicana Peach on the tracker site has had four kids and was just in her

> > first figure competition. Her results are due to a lot of hard work and

> > dedication. She has fake boobs, but she had those before she started BfL.

> >

> >

> > On Thu, May 22, 2008 at 8:39 AM, Liza Wood

<lizawd3@...<lizawd3%40yahoo.com>

> <lizawd3%40yahoo.com>>

> > wrote:

> >

> > > I can agree with that. I would assume that most of these women have

> been

> > > fit for most of their lives and through pregnancy and never let

> > themselves

> > > go...ever. I guess after years of damage to your body, it may not go

> back

> > > the way you think it might.

> > >

> > > Michele Templeman <mbtempleman@...

<mbtempleman%40juno.com><mbtempleman%

> 40juno.com><mbtempleman%

> > 40juno.com>> wrote:

> > > You know I've lost 60 pounds so far and have another 20 to go and I

> have

> > > some bumpy yucky lower abs but I would argue this.... Now I could say

> > > that it was due to my 2 wonderful children (and some days I'm for sure

> it

> > > is them LOL!) but in reality I would say if my abs don't bounce back I

> > > would say it is more likely due to the many years of neglect to my

> body.

> > > I have to honestly say I haven't had a flat stomach since I was 24 and

> I

> > > was 210 when I started my journey 4 1/2 years ago. My guess is many of

> > > these fitness models eat phenominal while they are pregnant and then

> they

> > > start getting off any post baby weight right afterward. I never did

> that

> > > was a bit heavy when I had my first gained more after she was born and

> > > cycled my way up to 210 pounds. So after 15 years of my abs being

> > > stretched and carrying a bunch of fat it is no wonder they aren't going

> > > to look model perfect when I am at my new goal.

> > > Michele T.

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Thank you! My SIL's statement that she " can never " get rid of her baby pouch

was completely wrong after looking at these pics. To me she can get rid of the

pouch or the fat in the pouch but may be left with some stretchy or stretch

marked skin but her abdomen overall can still be flat. It really irked me that

she said something out loud that I was pretty sure was not completely true but I

had nothing to back up my argument that she was wrong. It was actually the

buffmother website that made me want to argue with her in the first place but

was afraid she'd argue back that had better genes or something like

that.

BTW, those were gutsy pictures to post and I think she looks great. Did she

have kids or was she overweight?

My SIL probably has no idea that I've been obsessing about this since she said

it! LMAO!

Skwigg wrote:

Here are some pics of Tina from the lean & strong board. I always

thought it

was great and gutsy of her to post these.

She still has a little loose skin even with an ultra low body fat

percentage:

http://www.leanandstrong.com/cgi-bin/tg.pl?read=1002

<http://www.leanandstrong.com/cgi-bin/tg.pl?read=1002>

But she looks amazing in the right suit:

http://www.leanandstrong.com/cgi-bin/tg.pl?read=997

I think in some cases, the cut of the competition suit can camouflage loose

skin.

Also, check out Buff Mother for lots of moms with astounding abs:

http://www.buffmother.com/

> Ever notice fitness competitors who have children seem to have no loose

> skin or bumpy fat pockets?

>

> My sister-in-law has had 4 babies by C-section and once in a while she

> will exercise with me but not regularly. She made a statement the other day

> that she can never lose the fat in her abdomen b/c she's been stretched out

> too much and her abdominal muscles " will never be the same " . I wanted to

> argue but I've only had 1 baby so I can't really say what happens after

> having 4.

>

> BUT...I also read a lot of fitness comp. blogs and visit a lot of websites

> where women who have had 4 children, some by C-section who have no lumpy fat

> pockets or hangy skin, they are leaner than most teenagers and compete in

> figure. So can it be done? Just by looking at some of these competitors

> who have had children, where is their " baby " fat? I just wish I had some

> argument b/c it bugged me a little bit that my sister in law just assumed

> she " can never " get rid of it.

>

> So I guess my question is, do ALL these fitness competitors all get tummy

> tucks? or can someone really work off " baby weight " to get so lean.

> (yes...I know...I wonder too much)

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

LOL! Isn't it funny how irked you are and your SIL is probably completely

clueless!??

Well, you are right. Rest on your laurels. ;-)

> Thank you! My SIL's statement that she " can never " get rid of her baby

> pouch was completely wrong after looking at these pics. To me she can get

> rid of the pouch or the fat in the pouch but may be left with some stretchy

> or stretch marked skin but her abdomen overall can still be flat. It really

> irked me that she said something out loud that I was pretty sure was not

> completely true but I had nothing to back up my argument that she was wrong.

> It was actually the buffmother website that made me want to argue with her

> in the first place but was afraid she'd argue back that had better

> genes or something like that.

>

> BTW, those were gutsy pictures to post and I think she looks great. Did she

> have kids or was she overweight?

>

> My SIL probably has no idea that I've been obsessing about this since she

> said it! LMAO!

>

>

> Skwigg <skwigg@... <skwigg%40gmail.com>> wrote:

> Here are some pics of Tina from the lean & strong board. I always thought

> it

> was great and gutsy of her to post these.

> She still has a little loose skin even with an ultra low body fat

> percentage:

> http://www.leanandstrong.com/cgi-bin/tg.pl?read=1002

> <http://www.leanandstrong.com/cgi-bin/tg.pl?read=1002>

>

> But she looks amazing in the right suit:

> http://www.leanandstrong.com/cgi-bin/tg.pl?read=997

>

> I think in some cases, the cut of the competition suit can camouflage loose

> skin.

>

> Also, check out Buff Mother for lots of moms with astounding abs:

> http://www.buffmother.com/

>

>

>

> On Thu, May 22, 2008 at 8:59 AM, Liza Wood

<lizawd3@...<lizawd3%40yahoo.com>>

> wrote:

>

> > Ever notice fitness competitors who have children seem to have no loose

> > skin or bumpy fat pockets?

> >

> > My sister-in-law has had 4 babies by C-section and once in a while she

> > will exercise with me but not regularly. She made a statement the other

> day

> > that she can never lose the fat in her abdomen b/c she's been stretched

> out

> > too much and her abdominal muscles " will never be the same " . I wanted to

> > argue but I've only had 1 baby so I can't really say what happens after

> > having 4.

> >

> > BUT...I also read a lot of fitness comp. blogs and visit a lot of

> websites

> > where women who have had 4 children, some by C-section who have no lumpy

> fat

> > pockets or hangy skin, they are leaner than most teenagers and compete in

> > figure. So can it be done? Just by looking at some of these competitors

> > who have had children, where is their " baby " fat? I just wish I had some

> > argument b/c it bugged me a little bit that my sister in law just assumed

> > she " can never " get rid of it.

> >

> > So I guess my question is, do ALL these fitness competitors all get tummy

> > tucks? or can someone really work off " baby weight " to get so lean.

> > (yes...I know...I wonder too much)

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I had 2 c-sections and my tummy went right back to flat within 6

months of having them. That is my body type, though. I carry my

weight in my legs and butt. I have a friend that had 1 baby

vaginally and she has a stomach that hangs (her baby is 3 years

old). Her body type carries weight in the middle.

Miaja**

>

> Ever notice fitness competitors who have children seem to have no

loose skin or bumpy fat pockets?

>

> My sister-in-law has had 4 babies by C-section and once in a

while she will exercise with me but not regularly. She made a

statement the other day that she can never lose the fat in her

abdomen b/c she's been stretched out too much and her abdominal

muscles " will never be the same " . I wanted to argue but I've only

had 1 baby so I can't really say what happens after having 4.

>

> BUT...I also read a lot of fitness comp. blogs and visit a lot of

websites where women who have had 4 children, some by C-section who

have no lumpy fat pockets or hangy skin, they are leaner than most

teenagers and compete in figure. So can it be done? Just by looking

at some of these competitors who have had children, where is

their " baby " fat? I just wish I had some argument b/c it bugged me a

little bit that my sister in law just assumed she " can never " get rid

of it.

>

> So I guess my question is, do ALL these fitness competitors all

get tummy tucks? or can someone really work off " baby weight " to get

so lean. (yes...I know...I wonder too much)

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I think the article is excellent and my experience also supports it. I never

went over about 208 (during pregnancy) but as I improve my body composition, my

" loose skin " is tightening up and going away, even on my belly. I'm now at 28%

bodyfat and all kinds of muscles are popping out, ones that I've never even seen

before, even as a teenager! Now I'm rambling, but I think he is correct. Look

at that Latina peach or whatever her name is on the Tracker board. Perfect

example.

beth

Liza Wood wrote: This is one of

the articles I read...I don't know anything about the guy or how I " feel " about

his opinion b/c I'd like to see some actual " fact " behind it but interesting to

read nonetheless.

http://www.bodyfatguide.com/LooseSkin.htm

Kimmy B wrote:

This is a very interesting thread for sure! I also neglected my body

for

years and got up to 265 lbs. In the last 3 years I've lost over 100 lbs but

I still have saggy skin in my stomach. It has firmed up quite a bit but I

would never want to show my stomach off on a beach. I will always keep it

covered up. I'm working as hard as I can and notice improvements but don't

know for sure if it will ever be perfect. I'd rather not go the surgery

route to remove excess skin but I'm wondering how long is a practical time

frame to wait? It's been 3 years on my journey.

Kim

On Thu, May 22, 2008 at 11:18 AM, Michele Templeman

wrote:

> You know I've lost 60 pounds so far and have another 20 to go and I have

> some bumpy yucky lower abs but I would argue this.... Now I could say

> that it was due to my 2 wonderful children (and some days I'm for sure it

> is them LOL!) but in reality I would say if my abs don't bounce back I

> would say it is more likely due to the many years of neglect to my body.

> I have to honestly say I haven't had a flat stomach since I was 24 and I

> was 210 when I started my journey 4 1/2 years ago. My guess is many of

> these fitness models eat phenominal while they are pregnant and then they

> start getting off any post baby weight right afterward. I never did that

> was a bit heavy when I had my first gained more after she was born and

> cycled my way up to 210 pounds. So after 15 years of my abs being

> stretched and carrying a bunch of fat it is no wonder they aren't going

> to look model perfect when I am at my new goal.

> Michele T.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Kim,

What's your bodyfat percentage?

beth

Kimmy B wrote: This is a very

interesting thread for sure! I also neglected my body for

years and got up to 265 lbs. In the last 3 years I've lost over 100 lbs but

I still have saggy skin in my stomach. It has firmed up quite a bit but I

would never want to show my stomach off on a beach. I will always keep it

covered up. I'm working as hard as I can and notice improvements but don't

know for sure if it will ever be perfect. I'd rather not go the surgery

route to remove excess skin but I'm wondering how long is a practical time

frame to wait? It's been 3 years on my journey.

Kim

On Thu, May 22, 2008 at 11:18 AM, Michele Templeman

wrote:

> You know I've lost 60 pounds so far and have another 20 to go and I have

> some bumpy yucky lower abs but I would argue this.... Now I could say

> that it was due to my 2 wonderful children (and some days I'm for sure it

> is them LOL!) but in reality I would say if my abs don't bounce back I

> would say it is more likely due to the many years of neglect to my body.

> I have to honestly say I haven't had a flat stomach since I was 24 and I

> was 210 when I started my journey 4 1/2 years ago. My guess is many of

> these fitness models eat phenominal while they are pregnant and then they

> start getting off any post baby weight right afterward. I never did that

> was a bit heavy when I had my first gained more after she was born and

> cycled my way up to 210 pounds. So after 15 years of my abs being

> stretched and carrying a bunch of fat it is no wonder they aren't going

> to look model perfect when I am at my new goal.

> Michele T.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hey! I haven't checked but I really should. I have upper palate expansion

surgery on Tuesday so I have been busy preparing for that. Liquid diet and no

weight training for 10 to 12 weeks. This is stage 2 of my self improvement

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Re: Wondering

Kim,

What's your bodyfat percentage?

beth

Kimmy B <kimmy.beckgmail (DOT) <mailto:kimmy.beck%40gmail.com> com> wrote: This is

a very interesting thread for sure! I also neglected my body for

years and got up to 265 lbs. In the last 3 years I've lost over 100 lbs but

I still have saggy skin in my stomach. It has firmed up quite a bit but I

would never want to show my stomach off on a beach. I will always keep it

covered up. I'm working as hard as I can and notice improvements but don't

know for sure if it will ever be perfect. I'd rather not go the surgery

route to remove excess skin but I'm wondering how long is a practical time

frame to wait? It's been 3 years on my journey.

Kim

On Thu, May 22, 2008 at 11:18 AM, Michele Templeman <mbtempleman@

<mailto:mbtempleman%40juno.com> juno.com>

wrote:

> You know I've lost 60 pounds so far and have another 20 to go and I have

> some bumpy yucky lower abs but I would argue this.... Now I could say

> that it was due to my 2 wonderful children (and some days I'm for sure it

> is them LOL!) but in reality I would say if my abs don't bounce back I

> would say it is more likely due to the many years of neglect to my body.

> I have to honestly say I haven't had a flat stomach since I was 24 and I

> was 210 when I started my journey 4 1/2 years ago. My guess is many of

> these fitness models eat phenominal while they are pregnant and then they

> start getting off any post baby weight right afterward. I never did that

> was a bit heavy when I had my first gained more after she was born and

> cycled my way up to 210 pounds. So after 15 years of my abs being

> stretched and carrying a bunch of fat it is no wonder they aren't going

> to look model perfect when I am at my new goal.

> Michele T.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Holy cow! Why are your expanding your palate?

And, on the bodyfat...I wouldn't make any judgements about loose skin until you

are at the most 25%. I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel (or the abs

under the lard) at 28%.

beth

kimmy.beck@... wrote: Hey! I haven't checked but I really should. I have

upper palate expansion surgery on Tuesday so I have been busy preparing for

that. Liquid diet and no weight training for 10 to 12 weeks. This is stage 2

of my self improvement

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Re: Wondering

Kim,

What's your bodyfat percentage?

beth

Kimmy B com> wrote: This is a very interesting thread for sure! I also

neglected my body for

years and got up to 265 lbs. In the last 3 years I've lost over 100 lbs but

I still have saggy skin in my stomach. It has firmed up quite a bit but I

would never want to show my stomach off on a beach. I will always keep it

covered up. I'm working as hard as I can and notice improvements but don't

know for sure if it will ever be perfect. I'd rather not go the surgery

route to remove excess skin but I'm wondering how long is a practical time

frame to wait? It's been 3 years on my journey.

Kim

On Thu, May 22, 2008 at 11:18 AM, Michele Templeman juno.com>

wrote:

> You know I've lost 60 pounds so far and have another 20 to go and I have

> some bumpy yucky lower abs but I would argue this.... Now I could say

> that it was due to my 2 wonderful children (and some days I'm for sure it

> is them LOL!) but in reality I would say if my abs don't bounce back I

> would say it is more likely due to the many years of neglect to my body.

> I have to honestly say I haven't had a flat stomach since I was 24 and I

> was 210 when I started my journey 4 1/2 years ago. My guess is many of

> these fitness models eat phenominal while they are pregnant and then they

> start getting off any post baby weight right afterward. I never did that

> was a bit heavy when I had my first gained more after she was born and

> cycled my way up to 210 pounds. So after 15 years of my abs being

> stretched and carrying a bunch of fat it is no wonder they aren't going

> to look model perfect when I am at my new goal.

> Michele T.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am getting braces and my upper arch is too narrow. I smashed my mouth on

monkey bars when I was 5. I am so excited to have a beautiful smile!

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Re: Wondering

Kim,

What's your bodyfat percentage?

beth

Kimmy B com> wrote: This is a very interesting thread for sure! I also

neglected my body for

years and got up to 265 lbs. In the last 3 years I've lost over 100 lbs but

I still have saggy skin in my stomach. It has firmed up quite a bit but I

would never want to show my stomach off on a beach. I will always keep it

covered up. I'm working as hard as I can and notice improvements but don't

know for sure if it will ever be perfect. I'd rather not go the surgery

route to remove excess skin but I'm wondering how long is a practical time

frame to wait? It's been 3 years on my journey.

Kim

On Thu, May 22, 2008 at 11:18 AM, Michele Templeman juno.com>

wrote:

> You know I've lost 60 pounds so far and have another 20 to go and I have

> some bumpy yucky lower abs but I would argue this.... Now I could say

> that it was due to my 2 wonderful children (and some days I'm for sure it

> is them LOL!) but in reality I would say if my abs don't bounce back I

> would say it is more likely due to the many years of neglect to my body.

> I have to honestly say I haven't had a flat stomach since I was 24 and I

> was 210 when I started my journey 4 1/2 years ago. My guess is many of

> these fitness models eat phenominal while they are pregnant and then they

> start getting off any post baby weight right afterward. I never did that

> was a bit heavy when I had my first gained more after she was born and

> cycled my way up to 210 pounds. So after 15 years of my abs being

> stretched and carrying a bunch of fat it is no wonder they aren't going

> to look model perfect when I am at my new goal.

> Michele T.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Good luck with your surgery next week, Kim.

I did braces between ages 43 and 45.

Though I didn't need surgery prior to starting, every time they were

adjusted, I would be on a liquid diet for 2 days. It's easy if you

plan ahead and keep a blender and straw handy. Whatever your " normal

BFL meal " would have been becomes the liquid. Close your eyes, use

the straw...you'll be amazed.

Best wishes.

M.

>

> Hey! I haven't checked but I really should. I have upper palate

expansion surgery on Tuesday so I have been busy preparing for that.

Liquid diet and no weight training for 10 to 12 weeks. This is stage

2 of my self improvement

[Guest guest]

Thank you! I won't be able to use a straw for a few weeks but I get the idea

smiles. The hard part will be staying away from weights but it will be worth it

in the end!

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Re: Wondering

Good luck with your surgery next week, Kim.

I did braces between ages 43 and 45.

Though I didn't need surgery prior to starting, every time they were

adjusted, I would be on a liquid diet for 2 days. It's easy if you

plan ahead and keep a blender and straw handy. Whatever your " normal

BFL meal " would have been becomes the liquid. Close your eyes, use

the straw...you'll be amazed.

Best wishes.

M.

>

> Hey! I haven't checked but I really should. I have upper palate

expansion surgery on Tuesday so I have been busy preparing for that.

Liquid diet and no weight training for 10 to 12 weeks. This is stage

2 of my self improvement