Unfortunately, my lower abdomen is the part of my body I have found challenging to love and accept. Before two C-Sections, two hysterectomies, and a maximum weight of 240 pounds, I had cardboard flat abs, 36/24/36, were my measurements. If you view me from the front, the hourglass is still there. Howbeit, with a side view, my mother‘s purse is more like an inner tube, an industrial inner-tube explicitly made for skid steers, backhoes, and tractors. The thing is, it’s only difficult to love this area of my body when I dress it. 

Nonetheless, when I stand in the mirror, face forward, butt booty naked, my inner-tube fits me. It makes my upper abs look slim and proportionate, especially after dropping 45 pounds through weight training and Water Aerobics. I have worked hard to eliminate it, but according to one doctor, the pooch, purse, or tube will only disappear with Surgery. 

Albeit, with my congenital heart defect, a tummy tuck is out of the question. Therefore, I purchase pantie girdles, and I refuse to wear fitted clothing as not to draw attention to that area. At times, I find myself blaming the doctors. Because I have met several women over the years with more C-sections and abdominal surgeries than I, and although heavier than I, they were not left with an industrial-size innertube hanging below their waistline and flapping over their pelvis.

Yes, it is a challenge to love this area of my body, yet I love myself as a whole, and a good panty girdle helps.