Re: Some musings on Stomach Pooch

May 2, 2000

I am really enjoying the banter going to and fro this morning! I have been

subscribing to this eGroup since fall while seeking a remedy to my expansive

fibroids. After speaking with Dr. Spies at town about UAE,

researching the use of laser to zap fibroids, commiserating with my FDA

colleagues, and more, I have decided on the traditional route. So, I have

received a Lupron injection in mid-April to prepare for hysterectomy when

optimum shrinkage has been achieved. (I have had Lupron previously but

backed out of the surgery when the time came because by then I felt so

good!)

Meanwhile, after maintaining an exercise routine for five years and being in

the best shape of my 47 years, I, too, have recently gained 10 pounds. I

feel like my stomach must resemble Jackie Gleason's because of the constant

bloat. My favorite capri pants have been cast aside and I feel that those

years of dedication to diet and exercise have been for naught. However, I

have gotten a plastic surgeon to agree to be on the scene simultaneously

with my gynecologist whenever in June or July, the hysterectomy finally

occurs. The skin of my abdomen lost its elasticity after the birth of my

second baby 20 years ago so this is my chance to rectify everything.

I have heard that the trauma of hysterectomy combined with a tummy tuck is

horrendous but if I can come out of this looking decent, I can adjust better

to losing my uterus. I guess one's psychological state is worth everything!

If any ladies out there have any thoughts about my approach, I would love to

hear them!

Some musings on Stomach Pooch

I hear you, Robyn. My discomfort during the past four months has

led

me to slouch with my stomach out instead of sitting up straight,

sometimes I even strategize about ways to remain standing at

meetings

because it is just more comfortable. I've put on about ten pounds

since Thanksgiving, while the fibroids grew and I was so preoocupied

with the symptoms and treatment. Stress over it all made me start

overeating, so I know I have to deal with that first, then get back

to exercising. I tried to nordictrak yesterday less than a week

after my UAE and had a tiny bit of bleeding from my incision site.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that while it's not my biggest concern

(really want relief from the menorrhagia and fatigue it brings more

than anything) I would like to get this belly back under control.

To cope with it, I've experimented a bit with different

brands/designers/ and styles of clothing. I may still LOOK poochy,

but at least I'm not in pain from too-tight clothes. I've acquired

a

few items with partial elastic in the waistband that can still be

covered by a belt if need be.

Maybe the problem is the fashion industry ignoring the needs of the

forty-ish figure....and it's not us?

Good luck!

Joanne

------------------------------------------------------------------------

eGroups eLerts

It's Easy. It's Fun. Best of All, it's Free!

http://click./1/3863/5/_/4009/_/957281997/

------------------------------------------------------------------------

May 2, 2000

I'm tall (5'9 " ), and so I find my tastes to obscure the stomach pooch have

gone to the " long and flowy look. " I wear longish shirts/blouses over flowy

pants or skirts... I look at the few pairs of jeans left in my closet and

wonder if I'll ever, ever, ever be wearing them again...

M.

May 2, 2000

Carla,

Amen. Poochy People Unite!!

Marsh

May 2, 2000

I love all this discussion of poochy stomachs. I am 5'1 " and my ribs end

about 1/2 inch above my hip bone and I've never had much of a waist to

begin with. Now my tummy, even post UAE ( which has only been very

minimally successful...very little shrinkage, but at least no growth) is

round like a ball. Some of this is middle age. I am 44, and we all thicken

up as we age...hence the tummy tuck and liposuction business. As for

clothes, I find the empire style dress looks cute on me, but I look dowdy

in skirts and blouses. All pants are a problem, though I find that men's

pants work better because they don't go in at the waist...though they all

need to be shortened. I feel so pathetic with the elastic waists, but they

are alot more comfortable!

Darby

May 2, 2000