All things post c/s and feeling yuck....*A bit of a vent*

[suse]

Oh hon, I too can empathise with you on this one I've only had the one c/s but have the same issues (except for the multiple scar thing)

I know how you feel about the clothes thing - I am not used to things not fitting properly. It's not so much that none of my old clothes fit me any more, if that was the case I could just size up. But it's really annoying not being able to wear anything fitted around the stomach, I feel really limited in the styles I can wear. And my chest is one size bigger than the rest of me (oh boy was I surprised to find that this is a 'problem' lol) so nothing really fits properly anyway, it's too big in some places and too small in others. My issues aren't so much body issues (I'm quite happy with my body when it's naked, luckily it's hot up here ), but clothes issues.

And funnily enough, breastfeeding seems to have had the opposite effect on me to what most women have, instead of losing weight, I've put it on. I'm sure my previously fast metabolism has gone completely kookoo-gaggah on me. *sigh*. (But perhaps the chocolate isn't helping, who would have thunk it, eh?)

I do know what you mean about not really being in a position to do much about it right now, and having to re-evaluate your idea of your own body image. I was one of those annoying people who could eat as much as I wanted (I've always been a healthy eater in general but have never worried about what I eat), never exercised and stayed a size 8 without any effort, and always swore that if that ever changed I wouldn't deny myself the things I enjoy to change. Very easy to say when you are happy with what you have. So now it's causing me to evaluate whether I do actually care enough to do stuff that I don't particularly enjoy (like go to the gym) in order to change it.

Sorry, this wasn't meant to be a 'my turn to vent' post, but I hope that it helps to know that you're not alone. Hugs to you gorgeous one, we'll just have to find a way to make tummy-verandas uber-sexy. Perhaps Kate Moss (or whoever the current it-girl is) will get one and they'll become really trendy.

[Beach Mama]

we'll just have to find a way to make tummy-verandas uber-sexy.

Thanks for the giggle Suse!!! I really do know it is early days but I do wonder how much will change over time and it really sucks. Poor DH I hide for cover as soon as he looks at me once Im out of the shower and thats with a towel around me - poor man hasn't seen any of my belly yet.... It just sucks. I can't wait to go back to the physio after 6 weeks and get some tummy exercises to do because one midwife said that once my DRAM gets better then I can work on getting rid of the verandah... Seems a looong way away and with summer coming up I doubt I will even get in bathers let alone a bikini ever again... Booh hoo I love my bikinis.
Off to cuddle my little guy and focus on what is important but I have to say that having struggled with body image issues for years this will take some getting used to.

[Kristin27]

Tan I have one word for you - SHAPERS! Those undies that come up to under your bra and suck it all in are a God send to us ladies who have had c-sections! I'm even going to wear them under my bathers, he he! Gotta wear a one piece though, no bikini ever again for me!

I know how horrible you feel, I felt awful up until about three months after DD was born. I haven't lost weight BFing which I'm devestated over, ALL of my girlfriends did. I tried dieting and my milk supply really suffered so I'm resigned to the fact my body isn't mine until DD is weaned at about 1 yo.

Get your hair coloured and buy yourself a summer dress. You are a beautiful woman, give yourself time your body will be yours again soon...

[Peach]

Hey Tan
I am going through some huge emtional and body issues at the moment aswell and also have the hang.

I have been researching this and I was reading about how this woman rubbed vitamin E Cream / oil into her belly after using a light loofah on the area, <as she lost the weight. I am going to give it a go .. I have about 45 kilos to lose .. perhaps as you lose the last 10 kilos you could give it a try ??

The only thing you have to lose is a bit of money and time putting it on each day.

I am going to try and do it twice a day... Apparently Vitamin E has something in it that helps your skin gain elasticity, and as your skin loses the dead skin cells from the loofah it sucks up the good skin tightening stuff and eventually over time your skin adapts to its new shape.

Hope you are feeling better today ..