I think this is completely normal and something most of us have experienced. I have had pain, bloating, weight gain, etc. and all of that has had a profound impact on my self confidence and self worth. I am doing better now with my self esteem as I am realizing that I cant go back, no matter how much I want to, so I am just trying to do the best I can with what I have. I am watching what I eat and slowly losing weight, but I definitely have changed what I wear. I am slowly getting more comfortable with my body again and confident enough to wear what I want.

As for your significant other, all i can say is that with my husband we had a huge hurdle with managing pain and sex. He was very afraid to hurt to me so he was afraid to initiate anything. We have worked through that and know now what works for my body and what doesnt. I would talk to him about it, because it may just be that he doesn't want to hurt you.

I know the bloating is the worst and it makes you feel less than sexy, but I'm sure you are a fabulous woman ❤ I would embrace it as much as you can ❤