Each pregnancy I gained 40+ pounds and only lost some of that pregnancy weight. Each pregnancy I was another pant-size larger after delivery. I reached my highest weight ever with this last pregnancy.
At 5'3'' tall, I weighed in at 207 just before my baby was born. My body was massively swollen and every movement was uncomfortable. I couldn't do a complete shopping trip or even walk around the house without swelling to the point of my skin feeling like it might burst if I bent my limbs too sharply.
I've since lost over 60 pounds of that baby weight. I haven't been this light since before my second child was born! While I love to see the numbers on the scale, looking into the mirror is a different story. I don't look like I did when I was younger. Yes, I am thinner, but my body sags. I still have a mushy-gushy belly that my daughter tells me makes me look pregnant...even after losing 60 pounds. I have zero muscle tone and my body shows it.
The body is a curious thing. It doesn't matter who you are or how you look to others. Each person has their own struggles with their physical self. I am glad to be where I am and I know full well that I have only lost this much weight because of the extreme diet I am on...nursing my son also probably plays a role as well. So I am thankful for the weight loss and admit that while content with who I am, it would be nice to be in better shape physically.
Yet, I cautiously share about my thoughts about my body-image. In the past others have rolled their eyes and told me that they only wished they had my problems when I have shared my desire to lose some weight. Don't say that. You don't want my problems or my diet. Appreciate your body for what it is, we are all living in broken vessels, awaiting Christ's soon return and to receive our eternal bodies.
