Questions about stomach sag

Body: 

I have several dear friends that are on the heavy side. They range in age from 35 to 55. In all three, their stomachs fold down over their pelvic area like a very large, full pouch. Is this a form of prolapse? Or is this just the skin and fascia not being able to support all the weight? What causes this to happen? Does it appear slowly over time or progress quickly? A younger friend of mine fears she has the same thing happening to her. Is there a way to prevent it, other than losing weight?

I love these people and I would never ask them these questions directly. But one in particular, the younger of the older ones wants to adopt and she is being refused by the agencies because of her weight. I have considered that very unfair, as she would be a wonderful, nurturing mother. She is vital and beautiful and full of life. Learning so much about prolapse has caused me to wonder, though, if she is dealing with more than I realize. If she has no other health problems, and is only being refused because of a reading on a scale, I think she should be allowed to give a child a home. Kit

It is called a panniculus and it is just fatty tissue. It's not really a prolapse. Losing weight and then a body lift to get rid of the loose skin is the only way to get rid of it.

Glad to know it's not more serious, although I'd imagine it to be uncomfortable. So much to watch out for...

If you have kids really close together you can also get this 'empty bag' thing - I have it to a degree (Not to the floor or anythig roflmao)

Losing weight makes it smaller - But the skin is stretched out and makes it look worse when you are overweight etc

I hate it but i also hate surgery so I will hafta live with it (lucky its not to my knees or anything lol)

Some women have great stretchy skin and it goes back fast - Others dont and get saddled with this
Sue

Look into the eyes - They hold the key!
http://www.bringmadeleinehome.com/img/maddy544x150Banner.jpg

I never knew that big belly thing had a name - laugh. I've got one so now I know what to call it - a panniculus (plural panniculi??). I'm a bit overweight but not greatly so, but this panniculus is a jolly nuisance - I wish the fat would go elsewhere, like to my arms or something. I've seen worse though, so I guess I can live with it. Reminds me of a stone age sculpture of a fertility goddess - she definitely had a panniculus. Anyway, I'm feeling a little elated with my prolapse at the moment. For about 2 weeks I have had no symptoms at all. I don't know whether it's my new lifestyle - I started a fulltime job two weeks ago, which is mostly sedentary, but I do walk to and from the train station to work, and I usually have a stroll at lunchtime. Working in the big city so there's lots to see and do (and spend money on). So I'm hoping that it's going to be a permanent feature (ie, no prolapse symptoms). I'll keep you posted.
Cheers,
Wendy

Wendy and Sue, love, love, your light-heartedness. Thanks for making me laugh.

One of my sweet sisters had an emergency appendectomy while 7 months pregnant. They had to hurriedly cut through her abdomen muscles and it left her with very stretched skin, lack of muscle tone, etc. Hers is just extra skin sagging. Her attitude is much the same as both of yours. She takes it in stride.

I think the people who have very heavy ones do struggle with them more though. I feel for them. Kit