stomach

trace034

hi,does anyone know what is the best thing to wear when you have stretched stomach muscles and cesarian scar and an overhang where scar is.i dont go out and make excuses when asked to go out because of this problem,i have just turned 40 .please help i am so desperate

16 years ago

Body Type

4 replies

Latest reply was from shiny

Maya

Veteran

Oh it's terrible that this has caused you so much distress. It would really help for you to post a picture so we can see exactly what the problem is. Don't feel self conscious or intimidated--everyone here is extremely kind and helpful and we can help you best if you give us a visual.

In the meantime, would wearing Spanx or other shapewear help? It sounds like you might benefit from following some of the rules for the adorable apple.

http://youlookfab.com/2006/05/.....ble-apple/

16 years ago

Melody

Active Member

I've had 2 C-sections and know what you're talking about! I think you should start with some nice dark mid-rise jeans with stretch to hold your mummy-tummy in.

Stay away from tee shirts that might be tight around the stomach. I like substantial button-downs with stretch that you can wear untucked. A nice jacket over that (depending on the weather) will help hide a pooch. Alot of time, people think that a flowy A-line top or top with empire waists are good because they aren't tight at the tummy, but I found that I could look a little pregnant in some. Actually, that spurred me to join a gym, diet, & lose 20 lbs. - the pooch never goes away but a small pooch is better than a big one. Since I started reading this site, I've come to agree that banded tops (flowy with a band at the bottom) are great for camoflauging the middle and look cool.

If you've got a nice chest or legs, maybe wear a pretty v-neck or A-line skirt to draw attentiont there instead of your middle.

You can always try a shaper but I wouldn't recommend on a daily basis, just for special occasions. Good luck!

16 years ago

shana

Veteran

Well, I am not sure how far past partum you are but for some people, it can take a LONG time for the skin to tighten and get back in shape. My stomach is not in the best condition after two babies and my belly baring days are most definitely over! Though I have lost weight and have been working out, the pouch of loose skin is not going anywhere without a tummy tuck! Since that's not something I want to do, the next best thing is to DISGUISE it! Make sure your underwear is fitted properly so that it doesn't squeeze somewhere in the middle and cause any unsightly bumps. Make sure your pants/jeans have the correct rise so you don't end up with a muffin top. Tanks & camisoles with a little spandex worn under shirts can help disguise bumps & skin texture (stretchmarks which I have in abundance!). Shirts & blouses that flow over the tummy work great. Layering with cardigans & jackets also work wonders. I have learned so much from Angie & other YLF forum members & I know for a fact that I can look and feel fab - post baby gut & all!

And on another note, when it comes to those loose stomach muscles, once you get permission from your doctor to work out, try pilates to strengthen your core. Traditional crunches/situps can make the situation worse - you need to tighten those transverse abs. Planks are the best for this!

16 years ago

shiny

Veteran

They call this the "Mother's Apron." If I am reading you correctly, the pooch is below the waist, right? I did not have a C-section but I do have a little pooch there too. Unfortunately, I have an even bigger pooch above the waist (around the belly button); it's loose skin and some fat too. That part I find more challenging to disguise, but it is possible.

At any rate, for lower tummy pooch, I think that the biggest challenge is not getting ... um, camel toe. (Sorry, I don't know what else to call this!!!). You may need to size up for pants and then get them altered to fit elsewhere. You're going to need a longer rise.

For pants that might work try:
- BR Martins
- Citizens of Humanity Ambers, Huttons, Elsons
- Ralph Lauren
- DNKY Soho
- Not Your Mother's Jeans (these have a tummy sucking panel in them)

Second the shapewear suggestion too.

If finding pants that fit properly is too much of a struggle, the go for skirts and dresses!!! Make these your signature. You may find skirts and dresses offer better disguise and easier fit.

But most importantly, be proud of your mother's apron!!! I have a friend who's 45 and she is very attractive and quite fit. She's had 4 kids and she has a big pooch that won't go away without surgery. The rest of her is fit and athletic and beautiful, but she has this pooch of loose skin. She doesn't believe in plastic surgery. She dresses nice but often still has this little pooch showing - unavoidably. She just stands tall and is confident and glowing. I really admire her for this. Life is just too darn short to lock yourself away over something like this. Whenever I get down about my belly, I think of her, throw my shoulders back, smile, and don't worry about it. We all have flaws.

16 years ago

Category