My wedding is October 7th of this year. I bought ym dress back in January, when I weighed about 118. I'm now apparently 130 <sob>, but according to my fiance', this is due to muscle-building in kung fu, strength training, and running. I no longer starve myself (it's about time!), so I guess I'm not in the unhealthy weight zone. I just know that my dress is unreturnable (part of the sale-- we got a DEAL on such a gorgeous dress), and I've gained some muscle for my medium, 5'4" frame. Is there a way to loose more fat around the rib cage area to at least make my time fitting my middle into my dress in time for the wedding? Make more running? Ugh, I suck at running...

I don't think trying to lose weight to fit into a dress is a very good idea, especially for someone who has a history of starving themselves.

Maybe you should sell your dress on Ebay and start shopping for a new one.

Thank you for your concern, but there's no way in hell I am going to starve myself again... my point to the post was to ask for ideas to slim down. Food is just fine and dandy, but I want to streamline my exercise routine to get rid of this layer around my rib cage (the potentially tight spot on the dress... the rest *should* be ok. I wanted to get feedback on cardio (different types) versus strength training like pilates and such-- trying to see what you guys may recommend.

something else to consider is an alteration.

i gained about 40 pounds (not a good idea to combine starting birth control with quitting smoking and having a foot surgery) from the time i ordered my dress to the time i got married. i absolutely was not going to lose the weight in time. i ended up having the zipper taken out of the back and have a modesty panel and a lace up back put in. it made the dress so much more beautiful and it fit comfortably. i don't know if this is an option, but maybe it's something to think about. you're much more guaranteed a good fit than tyring to lose weight and getting all stressed out about it.

Spot reduction is a myth. General cardio is your only hope. Hit the bricks.

I'd suggest selling the dress too, and getting another one. Trying to lose weight to fit into clothing is a particularly unhealthy idea.

I think that perhaps it's not something to worry about too much anyway. If you've gained 12 pounds but mostly as muscle, you're probably not really much bigger - just more toned. How do your other clothes fit, are they too small now too? And when will you a chance to try the dress on again - are you having any fittings this summer?

I think that perhaps it's not something to worry about too much anyway. If you've gained 12 pounds but mostly as muscle, you're probably not really much bigger - just more toned. How do your other clothes fit, are they too small now too? And when will you a chance to try the dress on again - are you having any fittings this summer?

Hmmm... good point. My jeans are more snug, for sure, and my shirts are a little more int he shoulders. You;re probably right. I don't look "larger" yet, but I just got worried when I weighed myself at the doctor's office. I'll try on the dress in a few weeks (my mom has it) and see what the deal is.

Yes, I know spot reduction is a myth. Just didn't know what form of cardio would be most benefitial. That's cool, I'll hit the trails int he meantime =) Thanks for all the feedback, everyone!

You are at a healthy weight now. Do not sell your dress.:stinkeye: Kick up the cardio(run or speed walk 45 minutes) and Oct. is still a long time away. Many brides deal with this. Get it altered if you have too. Good luck and I do not think it will be a big deal.

I hate running too, but when I'm looking to lose a pound or two, nothing else works better. But that's just me.

Don't sell it. Find a good dress maker who can alter it discreetly.