Mummy Tummy Queen
Too many pancakes?
Finding unflattering pictures of yourself isn’t the most exhilerating thing in the entire world. However, in my quest to make my Mummy Tummy Begone, I had to find something to start with. The first picture is from Little Miss’ first birthday week (taken on June 5, 2009) and the second picture is from 14 January, 2010 at the Lyle’s Syrup Pancake Day event in London. It was at said event that something happened that I had been waiting for. Someone asked me “And when’s your next one due?” I replied, “Uh…oh, no, I’m not pregnant, I’m just fat!” and laughed a bit to make the person feel better. I’m good at that…making people feel better. I didn’t feel very happy, however.
I shall back-track a bit for those of you who don’t know me or my tummy very well. When I was pregnant with Little Miss, I put on a good 3-4 stone on a frame that was already overweight. Fish and chips had taken their toll long before Little Miss was implanted and I took full advantage of every craving, every extra muffin and every indulgence possible while she was growing. Rude people Co-Workers asked if I was sure there weren’t twins in there and “WHEN are you due?” So helpful and kind.
Little Miss was born by emergency c-section on 3 June, 2008 and thus began my struggle with my maladjusted mid-section. I was amazed at how, every day after delivery, my middle shrank bit by bit…sort of like a balloon gradually deflating. However, not long after coming home, the deflating stopped. And that’s just about where I have stayed ever since. Approaching 2 years is a long time to be carrying about far too much weight and having no shape. I’ve had a bit working against me though. My expanding middle couldn’t quite expand enough and I ended up with an umbilical hernia as well as, in my humble opinion, VERY distended abdominal muscles (diastis recti anyone?). In my concern over my now-permanent “outie” belly button, I was referred to a consultant to see about a possible hernia operation. I was told by said consultant, that I could have the hernia operation but it wouldn’t do anything for my abdominal muscles, if I was considering having another child there was no point in having the op and that I should lose weight. Helpful, that consultant! Of course, he was right I guess. I also was referred to a physiotherapist to learn exercises to “knit” back together my abdominal muscles. (That sounds icky doesn’t it??)
Now, here’s where the problem lies. I was told to lose weight and do specific exercises. Did I do it? No. Well, I did do the exercises for a while but then I stopped. Did I lose weight? Well, maybe a pound or two but then there was Christmas and then New Year’s and then Valentine’s Day and then St. David’s Day (any excuse…) and here I am. Hopelessly out of shape, wrecked abdominals, pain, a stomach (the internal organ) that sloshes about (will it actually fall out? I wonder!) and thoroughly deflated opinion of myself. I must do SOMETHING. We don’t have money for a gym or a piece of exercise equipment and time is a factor as I’m home alone with Little Miss from 8am-7pm most nights of the week so I will share with you my plan. It’s not ideal but it will have to do. If I share it with my blogging community, I am therefore forced to follow through on it. Unless I delete this all! (HA)
I have approximately 12 weeks until Little Miss’ second birthday. I have to make a dent in the me I that I am today.
- Stop eating RUBBISH! I have a pretty carbohydate-centered diet. Toast, Rice Krispies for breakfast, Rich Tea bisquit for snack, pasta/chips/sandwich for lunch (not all of them, either/or), Rich Tea bisquit for snack, finishing Little Miss’ dinner for her (waste not…), Dinner with hubby at 9pm or later consisting of: jacket potatoes, beans, pasta, quiche…very little veg/protein.
- Stop clearing Little Miss’ plate!
- Eat MY dinner with Little Miss and aim for a lean protein, low-GI carb & veg
- Alternate the following for exercise: get up in the morning (6am) and go for a walk/run BEFORE the day begins and while hubby is at home for Little Miss or when hubby comes home at night go for a walk/run at the END of the day while hubby is at home for Little Miss
- Walk/RUN! I have been inspired by Rachael at Marathon Mummy to start a bit of running. Rachael is not a runner but she very well may be now after just completing her personal Half-Marathon training over the weekend. I am going to start with a very simple walk 1 min/run 1 min and see what I can work myself up to in the next 12 weeks. I have to state for the record that I HATE RUNNING and really wouldn’t consider it unless CHASED but, my tummy is about to start chasing me and I don’t want to see that! Also, according to many who’ve done it, it’s a great fat burner and perhaps the kick in the pants that I need. I guarantee you will not find me running any marathons or even a half-marathon any time in the near or distant future but we all need to start somewhere, don’t we?
- Find time during Little Miss’ naps to peel my ass away from the computer and do the EA Sports Active Personal Trainer programme and/or abdominal exercises. My ass is taking on a decidedly flat appearance so I must do this.
- Get thee to a FEMALE doctor who may be able to help with my midsection and tell me, point blank, if it’s just my laziness and excess weight that is causing my abdominal pain and discomfort or something that can possibly be fixed with medical intervention in addition to proper eating, exercise and weight loss.
If I could manage to lose a pound a week over the next twelve weeks, I could make a good dent in my mummy tummy and feel a bit better about the way I look. Then maybe, just maybe, Claire at The Good, The Bad & The Ugly could give me some fashion tips to help disguise what’s left. I will be blogging about my progress in this category (Mummy Tummy Begone) and will keep you posted. I’d love to feel confident enough to share my weight with you BUT I don’t know that I’m ready to share those numbers with the world. They’re embarassing! However, suffice it to say that if I lose 1 pound a week for the next 12 weeks, I will lose nearly a stone which will be a massive accomplishment. A very sensible time line, for sure.
I would appreciate any tips and/or encouragement that you might want to offer as this will be an uphill battle for me. I used to be fit and healthy and worked out all the time…of course, I worked in a fitness centre so that makes a bit of a difference! If you’d like to join me, I’ll be making a badge to use…you can do it too! I’d love to have a little bit of support if you’re willing.
First of all-start exercise 20 minutes at a time. Make yourself stop after that in the beginning or you may not stick with it. You can do anything for 20 minutes.
Write down every bit of food-even a nibble that goes into your mouth. You will be surprised at how much you eat but it will also stop you from nibbling cause it is a pain to go and write it down.
Drink loads of water. 10-12 glasses.
Do not eat after 7:30 pm.
try those and if you need more ask, will send loads more tips.
Oh I sooo need to join you! I can’t see any man ever wanting to get to know this body any time soon and am starting work in a fortnight so need all the confidence I can get – oh and then there is the 1st family holiday since H was born in the summer. I’m off to work out my plan of action to join you on this quest, 1lb a week sounds good to me!!!
Hmm I am afraid I turned from hugely overweight to stupendously overweight after two pregnancies very close to each other. I am working on getting back down to at least hugely and it isn’t easy for sure.
Mummy tummy is definitely a problem. I have done some time on the treadmill too but need some appropriate exercise for the tummy – even better if I can do them in my office. Wish I could get the motivation to go swimming after the little one is in bed but struggling with motivation on anything right now.
Defo go and see Dr about pain though – that can’t be right?
I’m with you hon. I’ve been having problems with my stomach on and off now for 7 years since the emergency CSection – it’s gotten to the point that I can’t walk the dog because it hurts
Brilliant tips Susie…thanks so much! All stuff we know but when push comes to shove…we are shoved into the biscuit tin! Will really try the water…I’m horrible about that!
You go girl! There just comes a point, doesn’t there? Good luck to us both!
It is a struggle isn’t it? Sometimes it just seems easier to hide in that new you…but it’s so not who we are, is it? Sigh…must kick myself into touch.
C-section was a big issue and still is…for so many other things as well! Thanks for sharing Liz!
OH I so understand!! My mid-drift is ruined all to heck too and currently sporting baby number 4 underneath it’s fat pockets. Recently I’ve noticed some of that pregnancy weight going to other places…oh dear.
However I will say that right before I fell pregnant I was on the Slimming World plan and totally loved it! I was losing weight regularly and was SUPPOSED to keep it going while I was pregnant but did not. Guess I used my pregnancy as an excuse to have some time off. Not a good idea. I will be getting straight back to the plan asap and will still be allowed to be on it while breast feeding.
Good luck to you, you CAN do this!! It’s hard work but once you’re on the path you’ll love yourself. xxx
I should first admit that I don’t suffer from a slow metabolism so the post pregnancy body issues haven’t been so bad for me. I was a 6 before kids, 12 in between, and prob an 8-10 now. BUT what I’ve found is that 18 mo after having E, I am just now (literally over the past month or two) starting to shift back to my original shape. Ish. My ribcage, hips, etc are still readjusting even now, and my core muscles are just beginning to feel like they’re supporting me in the way they should. My metabolism is still v slow compared to how it was Pre babies but maybe that’s just me getting older. That extra saggy bit of tummy will maybe be like that forever.
Don’t be unrealistic about how much your body changes through pregnancy and how long it takes to get back into shape. I think the most importants thing you can do are:
eat sensibly (I like your low GI plan), walk everywhere & do it briskly – really get your arms going, & be conscious of tightening your core muscles while you walk. It’ll feel weird at first but will soon become 2nd nature. Play with the kids rather than watching them play – I mean tag, hopscotch, throw them up in the air, etc – you’d be surprised how many calories you burn just by being silly. Try a buggy fitness class (email ideas at reallykidfriendly.com & I’ll tell you about some good ones) or organise some mummy walks w friends outdoors & on rough terrain – your bum will really benefit from uphill walks pushing the buggy! Make sure your house is fully stocked (to bursting) w healthy snacks. Eat something v little (& healthy) EVERY HOUR – it’ll keep your metabolism going v fast. Never ever ever skip meals or your body will think there is no food nearby & will conserve energy as fat. Make sure that the carbs at each meal fit into your hand – more than that & you’re just going to store it up. Good luck! Keep us posted!!
Good luck
I’m like you in that I just can’t seem to put down the fork or get off the sofa! I know I need to get dieting and start exercising but there’s always an excuse not to!
Looking forward to following your story! You can do it
Also, if you don’t want to do a run but want an incentive you could always do race for life for cancer research. you can walk it (like I did), it gives you a reason to keep going and it’s great fun!
Hi there!
Like you, I was a total carbohydrate junkie. However, I bought Marisa Peer’s book and hypnotherapy CD “You Can Be Thin” (half price on Amazon at the minute) and it changed my whole attitude to food almost instantly.
As advised in the book, I stopped eating junk on day one, cut down drastically on bad carbs, cut portion sizes and ate unprocessed food as often as I could.
The cd is fantastic at keeping you on track if you slip and the best part for me was that I lost one and a half stone within a few weeks without really trying very hard at all.
The cd also motivates you to exercise and I was walking regularly until a spell of bad weather and sick children stopped me in my tracks! Just got back to the walking today!
I’m amazed at how easy it is to shift weight when you eat properly and don’t clog up your system with hidden sugars and processed food. Please give the book a go – I’m sure you could get it in your local library if you requested it. Just the testimonials alone on Amazon made me buy it but her blog is also full of praise and great recipes if you feel so inclined.
(PS, I don’t work for her or have any affiliation to her. I’m just a very happy mummy of three children who found the mummy tummy was also getting in the way!)
Oh I’m so with you here. In fact, I have a pic from my daughter’s last birthday that shows my immense tummy and her next birthday is about 11 weeks away. Care to have a little challenge, my dear?
That’s one thing I always found that helped, having others with you for support, but also that little competitive edge.
C-sections definitely do not help tummies get back into shape. My first two were vag deliveries and although I didn’t lose all the weight I wanted, at least my tummy sort of sprang back to it’s pre-pregnancy shape, if not a bit bigger of a shape. But now it’s completely changed.
I agree with Susie about writing it down. Last time I lost weight I had an Excel spreadsheet open on my desktop and every time I ate something I had to write it in, say exactly how much and then – just to go that extra step – look up the calories, fat, and sugar! It was such a pain in the butt that like Susie says I sometimes didn’t eat just so I could not have to do that. The other incentive was that I had it programmed so it would total up all the amounts (calories, fat, sugar) as I put it in so if I did want something to eat I could take a look at that and see if it would make me go overboard on any of those or not.
It was a great system while I did it. Lost about 2 lbs a week. But after 6 weeks I got lazy.
As for Susie’s other suggestions: for the water just buy a big bottle (or use a 2 Litre bottle from your recycling), cut up some lemon or lime slices and full it with water and try to empty it each day. Getting to bed earlier will help with not eating in the evenings and also give you enough sleep which you need in order to lose wieght. Also designating the kitchen or dining room as the only room in the house in which you’re allowed to eat will cut down on mindless evening snacking and muching in front of the computer or TV.
A jogging stroller could help with the running, on the morning when you’re too tired and have a lay-in instead you could just take your daughter with you. Do it at her nap-time and she’ll likely sleep in the stroller.
Funny that I have all these suggestions and yet I’m still a fat slob!
I’m into this idea of a little wieght-loss club for us, though. Wonder if we could get other bloggers into it. Post a pic from your child’s last birthday and set a goal for their next birthday is a really neat idea!
I had a c section too in july 09 and am still carrying around extra weight from my twin pg.
However, I echo Mumversuskids and Susie’s tips.
Loads of water, means lots of wee trips but it does work.
write down everything you eat
Buggy fitness class
Core muscles, startign when you’re at teh pc and pulling your tummy in and your pelvic floor up. hold and breath normally and you’re already starting to tighten up the pelvic girdle.
best of luck, I’ll shall be watching you like Big Brother
You’ve inspired me Karin! So this morning I whipped up a nice high protein, low fat and sugar breakfast and then sat on my fat arse to coompose this post.
http://www.readilyaparent.com/2010/03/mummy-tummy-challenge.html
Maybe we can go it together and hopefully get some other tubby mummies to join in.
Brilliant post, and I can understand. Delivering two 11lbs babies in less than two years DESTROYED my stomach muscles. I started shredding, which lead to Wii-ing (anything that got me up out the chair) and drinking more. Thankfully I eat loads of fruit and veg anyway, but I’ve found it’s the exercise that makes a diff for me. But, I’ve lost 6-7lbs in Feb alone.
I REALLY hope you have some success soon, can’t wait to hear how you get on!! Please shout if you want someone cheering from the sidelines…
I’m working on it Dara…after a start to the day involving WHITE ENGLISH MUFFINS, I have eaten a salad w/ other veg for lunch accompanied by 2 Ryvita with hummous (a light spread of it) + water and handful of green grapes. I splurged on the “Glee” soundtrack and will attempt to get it burned to my iPod by the time hubby comes home so I have inspirational walk/run music. Am also looking into a Baby Jogging stroller.
Baby steps! 
I did spend a fair bit of time this morning composing this post as well. 
Thanks so much Jay…I appreciate that you took the time to stop on over and comment. I’m doing pretty well on Day 1…we’ll see how day 21 goes. I know I’ll need support…I’ll come to you!
It’s what’s inside that counts. And there ‘aint nothing wrong there.
I don’t remember losing my baby weight probably because I never did. I’m very overweight for my height but I’m past caring. Unless it ever posing medical problems then I’m just fine the way I am.
CJ xx
You can do it Karin! I was in the same situation right after having Cole. (C-section #2!) Fed up, I finally committed to losing weight. With working FT, there was not much time to exercise and run a household, so I took up walking – then running at night after the boys were in bed. I also did exercises on an exercise ball. I did this three times a week and kept my calorie intake at 1600 or below. I’m carb junkie as well, and found the 100 calorie snack packs of cookies, crackers, etc, helped to satisfy the cravings. I lost 20lbs in 12 weeks. Unfortunately, that was two years ago and I’ve fallen off the wagon and gained 12 of it back – but – I am finally motivated once again to kick in to gear. How about a friendly competition?
Cole’s birthday is in June as well. Would love to have the 12 lbs gone by then!
You’re on my dear!
Thanks for sharing my pain! Now…I don’t have snow to deal with but you might so it’s going to be trickier to get your bum outside. I bought the “Glee” soundtrack today for inspiration…I’ll let you know how I get on with it! 
You are far healthier than I am lovely! I just can’t stand the way I FEEL in addition to the way I LOOK. It’s not totally about the PHYSICAL but I’m uncomfortable and I don’t like that feeling! Thanks for your comment though my dear!
Hi Karin
if you’re serious about starting to run/jog in the evening, I would be happy to run with you. Like you, I’m definately not a runner but I do like to challenge myself sometimes, so I’m doing the Bupa Great North Run (half marathon) again this year to raise money for Cancer Research UK…!!!
Let me know what you think.
x
Another neat exercise you can do with Little Miss in tow is dancing! That’s how I kept from gaining a lot on my second pregnancy, each afternoon before his nap I danced with my firstborn for 15-20 minutes. He was about 22 lbs at the time and I often danced with him in my arms which gave me a good upper arm workout too – I tried to incorporate squats and lunges into my dance routine as well.
The glee soundtrack could serve double purpose!
Yay Karin! You can do it! This time last year I couldn’t even run for 20 seconds without dying of exhaustion. I’m still super slow, I still have to walk all the time, but I’ve managed to lose 21lb and tone up. Wish the other 3 stone would just miraculously fall off, but maybe it will eventually. The most important thing is remembering that regular exercise is the best thing you can do for your heart.
This is such a inspiring post Karin! good luck with it all, I shall be cheering you on from the sidelines living in denial about my own need to join in.
Hi Karin, you poor old thing I completely relate. I had three very large babies (my first was 9 1/2 stone) for my 5 1 frame and three c-sections. Once I was told that my baby-making days were over and that it could be fatal if I fell pregnant again I sort medical help.
I lost over 25kg through sheer bloody mindedness, and because the surgeon said he wouldn’t operate until I was a healthy weight. Great motivation!
I went in to hospital to have a hysterectomy, scar revision (for scars hip to hip that had ‘sunk’ and pulled apart to point of bleeding), a tummy tuck to deal with all the broken muscles, and a large hernia repair.
It was major reconstructive surgery.
It was successful in that I can now physically achieve at least 20 situps (previously couldn’t do one) and feel better about my poor scarred body. On the downside I still have extreme scarring, and I am currently overweight (again!).
I would recommend the operation to any woman who has had similar problems, but after the baby making years are over. My only word of advice would be…. it’s a major deal, not a quick mummy tummy job…
Good luck with your wellness/exercise plan. I’m working on it too at the moment (though hindered by not being able to run in the cold!)and I’ve played around with gluten free diet which has helped heaps!
Wow! What a debacle…your poor little belly! Mine’s not in quite that state yet but I do have concerns and am going to seek more medical evaluation in addition to the new eating/fitness regime. Thanks for the advice, lovely!
As is evident from the comments already here, You are absolutely not alone! – I run Mummy Tummy Masterclasses in women’s homes every week & I hear the same stories over & over again.
You will never get a flat tummy again after babies UNLESS you tackle the muscular issues first – ie the diastasis recti & weakened core muscles. This simply has to be the first stage – if you exercise without correcting these first, you will get injuries &/or back ache very quickly because your core is not supporting your body & the gap at the front de-stabalises you even more.
You ALSO need to tackle the fat layer on top with intensive interval training (this is not as scary as it sounds – see my website) & eating clean. No diets – just clean, unprocessed food & no refined carbs (anything white) or sugar.
There is also a huge & very important element called self-love… it is ironic that a thing as initimate as childbirth can leave us so disconnected & unsatisfied with our bodies. We need to understand & reconnect with the muscles that enabled us to have babies in the first place.
Mummies’ tummies is what i do – please let me know how else I can help!
I posted not so long ago about my ‘Mummy Tummy Demons’ but I still haven’t done anything about it. I know that I need to get motivated so can I join you – maybe it’s the motivation I need
Yes! Join us!
Feel free to grab the “Mummy Tummy Begone” badge on my sidebar, in fact. I’m going to be partnering with Wendy Powell of No More Excuses to bring some great education to everyone and I’ve got some more exciting things coming as well. WE CAN DO IT!!! Spread the word! 
Hi – I love the mummy tummy photos – it’s just such a shock to the system isn’t it!? ‘Surely that woman can’t be me?’ Sorry love, yes it is. Please visit me and my blog on http://pregnancyfitnessinsurrey.com/no-more-mummy-tummy-the-challenge.html
I will be adding some more photos soon – not just the full frontal horror that is my current state of affairs. Yes, Wendy of No More Excuses is going to be working her magic over the next 8 weeks, to prove that if I can do it, quite frankly, anyone can!
Good on you love!
I’m moved by your pictures…took my own the other day and sent them to Wendy for her professional opinion! Not ready to share them with the world until there’s a marked difference! 
Thanks for stopping by- good luck in your mummy tummy begone challenge! 