Is it normal for my belly to look worse before it looks better?

[bandgeek]

I was 40 lbs overweight at my highest, a size 16 at 5' 2". I carried a lot of that around my middle. Well I've lost 12 lbs and I've gone down a pant size (woo-hoo!) but I'm all saggy now! I know it's good to lose it, but I look WORSE now! Please tell me it gets better. I'm doing ab exercises and everything so it's not like I'm neglecting the area. I'm really hoping I don't just end up with a bunch of loose skin.

[lyterae]

It will take time for things to "adjust" and firm up. I'm 5'2 and started at a size 16, I'm currently in a 12 (stalled for the past 2 years..). I lost 20 lbs and then maintained and I'm slimmer now than I was after the initial weight loss due to things shifting/adjusting,etc..

Congratulations on the 12 lbs! Focus on feeling great and let your body catch up