Somebody help

[aahill83]

Hi guys

Newbie here, looking for advice.

Around a year ago I made the decision to get more in shape with the aim of obtaining a "good body". I've made some progress but now feeling like I've hit some sort of wall and I'm unable to break through it, no matter what I try.

A year ago I was massively out of shape and unfit. I had a BMI of 33, weighed around 248lbs (17st 10lbs) and got out of breath thinking about running. Nowadays I'm weighing 172 (12st 4lbs), have a BMI of 23 and have no problem with running for endurance; I recently ran my first 10km in just over an hour.

However, I have a couple of nagging issues I feel the need to discuss, and just to preface I'm not currently training for size, I'm currently aiming for definition with a bulking period planned post-holiday.

Whilst I know I've lost a lot of weight, I still view myself as the fat boy. I find comfort looking at my reflection and can see that I'm not that same fat boy, yet when I look down I still see my old beer belly.

I know that fat burning comes down to calories in vs calories out. I am living in a deficit at around 1600-1800 cals per day, yet each morning I weigh in at the same or even higher; 172 - 175, although 5 out of 7 is 172.

I have a planned holiday coming up in approx 7 weeks, and would ideally like to shed the last layer that is rolling up when I sit down and my biggest fear is, after a year of work that someone will see me at the beach or pool and say "keep dreaming fatty", or something to that effect, which if I'm honest would crush me and I'd likely lose motivation.

My question is, what am I doing wrong? Should I just keep doing what I'm doing? I'm training 3-4 times per week, I'm eating a calorie deficit without fail, I'm only eating eggs, chicken, veggies, salads, tuna and drinking around 3-4 litres of water daily. i finish every gym session with a 3-4 km run so I must be burning 350-400 cals, yet my weight stays the same. I've shown some images dating back from a few years ago up until recently to show examples - including the belly roll!

I have this little, annoying flap of skin that comes over my shorts/bottoms when I sit down and I'm disgusted by it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, although I understand this question may have already been asked hundreds of times.

Apologies for the essay.

Andy

[Tommy W.]

I have this little, annoying flap of skin that comes over my shorts/bottoms when I sit down and I'm disgusted by it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, although I understand this question may have already been asked hundreds of times.

Apologies for the essay.

Andy

You're joking, right?

[smokinal]

I still view myself as the fat boy

I'm really not trying to sound rude or a d!ck but you need to talk to a therapist. You're probably 9% and most guys on this board would be thrilled to look as good as you.
In fact, can't decide if srs thread or over attempted troll/sarcasm/subtle brag thread.

[aahill83]

Hi

This is genuinely how I felt, there's no bragging - I was just simply seeking advice.

Thanks for the help.

[smokinal]

Hi

This is genuinely how I felt, there's no bragging - I was just simply seeking advice.

Thanks for the help.

Look at the progress you've made!

You have a great midsection; I wish mine were as symetrical as yours.

And anyone who calls you fat either needs their head examined or a new optometrist.

Don't be so hard on yourself; you look great man. I wouldn't want you in my class at my next show.

[sunsean]

Hi

This is genuinely how I felt, there's no bragging - I was just simply seeking advice.

Thanks for the help.

You need to get the idea of "perfection" out of your head. You're going to be alive for a long time, and I promise you even if you were able to drop body fat further and get rid of that TIIIIIINNNNNNY bit of excess skin, it would come back the next week. If you always seek "perfection" you're setting yourself up for a lifetime of unnecessary stress and disappointment. Be happy with all you've accomplished and enjoy your new body. Lots for you to celebrate - don't minimize your success by zeroing in on something so trivial.

[katya422]

You look great.

I don't think this is a "need to lose fat" issue.

If the skin bothers you that much then find a good surgeon and get it fixed. Very small amount of skin with no need to cut any muscle...more of a mini tuck...wouldn't be surprised to find you could have this done for $3K or so, maybe less.

Or just maintain your healthy habits and give it a year to see if it snaps back some on its own. Because it might improve. And if it doesn't you could still see a surgeon then if it still bugs you.

[EjnarKolinkar]

You don't need to lose anymore weight.

Your self image seems distorted. Nobody else notices the things you are obsessing about. Why don't you take a break from looking at your stomach? When you notice it, don't dwell on it. Shift your mind to another topic. Perhaps think about how great it is to be fit, that you feel good, and just endorse yourself for losing that 75 pounds?

Be happy with all you've accomplished and enjoy your new body. Lots for you to celebrate - don't minimize your success by zeroing in on something so trivial.

Yep, you can waste your whole life focussing on trivial nonsense. You are as miserable as you want to be OP. We could make thus into a brag thread any time, it's not too late.


Way to crush the fat loss and awesome end result OP.

[Luclin999]

You aren't "fat". You literally have loose skin.

Unfortunately it can take a long time for it to tighten back up (if it ever does) especially when you are past 40.

So you can learn to be happy with what you have accomplished or else see either a therapist or plastic surgeon (or both) about it.

[aahill83]

Hi

Just back from a couple of days away and caught up. Thanks to all for the kind comments, it helped me realise that maybe I am obsessing on the wrong things. I will continue the regime and aim for as high a standard as possible but do feel a bit better for having aired some feelings of insecurity.

Thanks again.