Broken Belly Needs Tummy Tuck - YUCKY PICTURES!!!

JLArispe

I went throught the same thing as you. After my first child, I was hitting the gym hard and going to weight watchers because I could not loose the weight and with in 5 months I lost about 50lbs and was exactly where I wanted to be, then I found out I was pregnant with my second child. I continued to go to the gym and eat healthy, because I did not want to be where I was was with my first. After having my second child I was back to intense workouts, but my stomach would never change. I could feel that it was strong, but I still looked pregnant and I was very discouraged and thought what am I doing wrong. I finally went and talked to the plastic surgeon and he told me I had a hernia in my belly button and also the diasta (which not all women get), some women go right back to where they were before kids and some women get this condition and there is nothing they can do, but go in and fix it. After a few weeks talking about this with my husband, we decided to go ahead with the tummy tuck, becasue I wanted to feel good about myself (he loved me no matter what), but it was all about how I felt and what I wanted to see when I looked in the mirror. I was sore for 6 weeks, no gym NOTHING. Five years later, I am still thankful that I did it. I have a very strong core and tons of definition, but it is something I continue to work on. Your core is the most important muscle in your body, you use it more then you think you do and you should want to show that off. It is by far the best investment I made. You need to remember, that if you are unhappy about the way that you feel about yourself, its going to show in so many different ways without you realizing it. It could even start affecting your marriage and how your kids see you. You need to do what makes you happy and dont feel guilty about something like that. In the end "Happy wife, maked a happy life". Best of luck to you and your decisions!

mattschwartz01

I admire you for the courage it took to post the pictures! You have more than I do as I don't want a picture taken with my shirt off just yet. I have a lot of respect for you and not an unkind word will come out of my mouth.

cherie515

Good for you for going forward with the tummy tuck. I've also had one and believe me your life will change so much for the better, you won't even care who paid for it. ha! If it comes to you having to pay for it, don't feel a bit bad. It is so so so worth it. I paid for mine as well as felt it was worth every cent. Recovery is a buggar but an instant flat stomach is priceless. Good Luck and congratulations!!

caligulala

I'd suggest reading this:

http://www.alignedandwell.com/katysays/under-pressure-part-1/

to help understand the underlying causes of diastasis recti. The way we move our bodies plays a huge role in whether or not we develop DR during pregnancy. If you change your movement habits, you should be able to improve your DR.

Good luck! So many women struggle with diastasis recti. You are definitely not alone.

KenosFeoh

Look into having this done out of country. You can often save money even with the trip and the hotel stay.

I had to have about $16,000.00 to $24,000.00 of dental work done about a decade ago. I had it done in Mexico for about $8,000, plus the flight was about $450.00, and we belong to a vacation club so the stay was about $800.00 for two weeks (maintenance fee we pay every year whether we travel or not).

If I need a tummy tuck or anything like that, I will definitely look into medical tourism again.

Innerautumn

Wow! I have been a slacker but am thankful for so many responses! I worked out SUPER hard and was making my hernias MUCH worse. I have seen several doctors and will definitely be getting the surgery this fall. To all those who suggest that this is something that may get better in time, it will not. I literally cannot suck my stomach in. My muscles don't work right. When I do a sit-up, my stomach forms a strong peak shape. It is not right and that is because the muscles are separated. My stomach has been this way since I had my first baby 15 years ago. It's not about vanity. It's about health. Doctors told me that as I get older, these muscles will continue to weaken and separate. Because I have not inner core, I will likely develop bladder problems. It really is not a vanity thing. I am a size 4. In clothes, you would never know my stomach looks like this. I have been married 16 years and I think my husband would actually prefer the extra skin to the scar I will have, but it's not about him. It's about me!
All of my doctors told me that doing any kind of ab work was going to make the hernias worse and they were right, I NEED to have it fixed so that I can workout the way I want to. I made myself a priority and found a way to pay for it myself! I am so proud of me!

witchy_wife

I think there was someone on the success stories who took on their insurance company who wouldn't pay for similar kind of work after losing something like 150lbs. They were literally about to go to court and that day the insurers backed down and said they would pay.

Maybe chat to that person and see if they can offer any advise on what they did?

Good luck! From what your doctors say about your muscles it doesn't sound like exercise could ever get rid of the loose skin, so I hope they insurance pay out for you xx

122ish

I am 34 and 5'2 120 lbs and have 3 kids very similar to u. My stomach looks somewhat like yours when I do pushups, just a smaller version. My friend had a tummy tuck and her stomach is so very flat, she doesn't exercise so u can't see muscles just a very flat almost oddly flat stomach. But I wouldn't mind her stomach.
U r in no way selfish , this seems to be medically necessary but insurance will just see it as cosmetic. I don't know what else to say other than I hope u find a loophole to get this done right u deserve it with all your hard work.

kimbtaylor1

I was lucky enough not to get the streach marks but I have been there with the "loose belly" . Over time it has gotten better but I still have some left to work out. I would suggest you give yourself some time before considering going under the knife. However, if with time you are still self consious about it, do what you feel you need to do. If you do go that route your regular doctor may be able to help with insurance. I can't remember the name of it but there is something about women's abs being torn open in pregnacy that could cause issues later. I'm not a doctor but it may be something to look into

Innerautumn

I was lucky enough not to get the streach marks but I have been there with the "loose belly" . Over time it has gotten better but I still have some left to work out. I would suggest you give yourself some time before considering going under the knife. However, if with time you are still self consious about it, do what you feel you need to do. If you do go that route your regular doctor may be able to help with insurance. I can't remember the name of it but there is something about women's abs being torn open in pregnacy that could cause issues later. I'm not a doctor but it may be something to look into

I am not self consious about it. Like I said previously, nobody sees my stomach but me and my husband. I am a mother to a teeenager and in no way looking to sport a two-piece, I have two hernias. My muscles are separated INCHES in the center. There is something under your muscle called fascia. Mine is torn. I have had doctors PUSH my intestines back inside my stomach. My options are A) have mesh implanted to close this hole or have the muscles sewn back together in a tummy tuck. I would rather not have mesh. The name of the issue that could cause a problem is diastasis. This is what I have and why I need surgery. Not because of "loose belly".

delgadodelgado1120

Hi, I have lost about 200 pounds and I had the "skin" issue, the hernia issue and the broken abdominal wall also. I fought so hard NOT to do the tummy tuck. I was stubborn and swore that I could do it by myself. The truth is, that you can only do so much to by yourself. Sure, the skin is an organ but so are your lungs and smokers can't fix their lungs just because they stop smoking. Some damage is permanent, and where as we can make it better through hard work, we can't do it all. I opted to do the tummy tuck. I went to a reconstruction surgeon here in Miami at the University of Miami. He was amazing. I had never had surgery before and was terrified. I am also vegetarian and was worried about healing. Through movement and diet I was up and walking around day 3. I was actually sweeping lol. It has not been an easy recovery, but the pride I feel and felt for my progress made it all worth it. My suggestion to you before doing a tummy tuck is to make sure you can physically do at least 5 pull ups and 10 push ups lol. Work on your squats also. Everything you do for the next few days after your surgery is going to require upper and lower body strength. You can't use your core for anything. I actually refused to take pain medicine the day after my surgery. I requested to go off the morphine and only took one percocet every 12 hours as opposed to 2 every 4 hours. Research your surgeon. Mine was an associate clinical professor at the University as well as a practitioner. UM is a teaching hospital so I had fellows and students in my surgery. I also have the incision going down the abdomen. Request they sew it up from the inside. It becomes practically invisible. I literally had nurses coming into my room to look at my incisions because they are just absolutely flawless. I did a minimal thigh lift and the full tummy tuck (I did not need a body lift surprisingly) for about $9800. The surgeon fees were $7150 and the rest was for the hospital fees. If you want pictures or you have any questions please message me! Oh, I financed mine through an outside company because my doctor's office didn't accept financing and I am only paying $170 for a $6000 loan. I paid the rest out of pocket. For me, this is not just cosmetic. There is a psychological factor that goes into it. You really can't see your progress until you get the skin off. it makes everything so much easier, the workouts,walking running, lifting, everything is better. I really think you should do it. I am a huge advocate for it. When they fix your abdominal wall, it feels like heaven. Everything is so tight inside. Honestly, this has to be what dogs feel like with the thunder jacket they sell lol. It feels like you are constantly being hugged. You are going to love it. Good luck.

tsdaughe

Unfortuantely, I don't think many of the people telling you to give it time realize that your condition is medical and no amount of crunches, lifting a core strengthening will change it. Your muscles literally are seperated, not connected, therefore you cannot work your way into a flater stomach. The skin will continue to just hang and your muscles will not be able to grow, get stronger, etc. without the surgey. Maybe in a minor situation but not one that severe. I am glad you have gotten the money to get the surgery. It is what is best for you and after you get it, they sew it back up and your recover you will be able to strengthen your core. Much better then all those medical problems down the road if you didn't take care of it.

meg516

congrats on being able to get your surgery! I read your first post and then both of your updates and I'm happy that this is working out for you!

perk325

Hi, sorry I have never posted on here before, just a looker...but,
I had a tummy tuck 3 years ago. I got huge with all 3 kids, (just belly)my
Belly hung, I am 5'5" and weighed 183 when I had it done. Was
the best thing I ever done. They stiched my muscles for 3 hours.
They were completely separated. I live in Kentucky, I went to
University of Kentucky for a consult. They wanted 7400.00 for
Tummy tuck. They said I could have a resident do it for 1/2 the
Price. They said the main surgeon would be there to assist. So
I got a full tuck for 3700.00. Even got a new belly button
They marked my belly by my diaphragm, and right below
C-section/hysterectomy scar. They took all that off. Like a
Eye shape.. they took off all my old scar tissue from previous
Surgeries. My panties never rolled again! The worst part is
That you can not stand up straight for a week or so, but they
Gave me valume for spasms in my back. I'd have it again, over
And over. Now I am finally getting my but in shape.
Good Luck!

delgadodelgado1120

Hi, sorry I have never posted on here before, just a looker...but,
I had a tummy tuck 3 years ago. I got huge with all 3 kids, (just belly)my
Belly hung, I am 5'5" and weighed 183 when I had it done. Was
the best thing I ever done. They stiched my muscles for 3 hours.
They were completely separated. I live in Kentucky, I went to
University of Kentucky for a consult. They wanted 7400.00 for
Tummy tuck. They said I could have a resident do it for 1/2 the
Price. They said the main surgeon would be there to assist. So
I got a full tuck for 3700.00. Even got a new belly button
They marked my belly by my diaphragm, and right below
C-section/hysterectomy scar. They took all that off. Like a
Eye shape.. they took off all my old scar tissue from previous
Surgeries. My panties never rolled again! The worst part is
That you can not stand up straight for a week or so, but they
Gave me valume for spasms in my back. I'd have it again, over
And over. Now I am finally getting my but in shape.
Good Luck!

I completely agree with you. I just had mine done, I had never had surgery before and it was scary but I would absolutely do it over again. I am still waiting to heal completely, I just had it done about 12 days ago. Glad to hear from you!

MIM49

Wow! I have been a slacker but am thankful for so many responses! I worked out SUPER hard and was making my hernias MUCH worse. I have seen several doctors and will definitely be getting the surgery this fall. To all those who suggest that this is something that may get better in time, it will not. I literally cannot suck my stomach in. My muscles don't work right. When I do a sit-up, my stomach forms a strong peak shape. It is not right and that is because the muscles are separated. My stomach has been this way since I had my first baby 15 years ago. It's not about vanity. It's about health. Doctors told me that as I get older, these muscles will continue to weaken and separate. Because I have not inner core, I will likely develop bladder problems. It really is not a vanity thing. I am a size 4. In clothes, you would never know my stomach looks like this. I have been married 16 years and I think my husband would actually prefer the extra skin to the scar I will have, but it's not about him. It's about me!
All of my doctors told me that doing any kind of ab work was going to make the hernias worse and they were right, I NEED to have it fixed so that I can workout the way I want to. I made myself a priority and found a way to pay for it myself! I am so proud of me!

Since this is not cosmetic and due to medical problem (hernias) is your insurance covering the cost?

onwarddownward

Look into having this done out of country. You can often save money even with the trip and the hotel stay.

I had to have about $16,000.00 to $24,000.00 of dental work done about a decade ago. I had it done in Mexico for about $8,000, plus the flight was about $450.00, and we belong to a vacation club so the stay was about $800.00 for two weeks (maintenance fee we pay every year whether we travel or not).

If I need a tummy tuck or anything like that, I will definitely look into medical tourism again.

No. Not for me. If I do it, it's going to be near home with the best surgeon I can find and the best facilities. I won't cheap out on surgery. Get those hernias fixed!

HappyMeLovely

All I can say is that I hope you can eventually afford whatever surgeries you want. There is a girl in her 30s on Facebook, her FB name is ReshapingTanya,;she lifts weights and has lost about 130 pounds - 6 months ago she of a tummy tuck and her breasts augmented to fill in the empty space as well as a 4" TEAR in her abdominal wall (diastasis)- she has posted much of her progress before and after surgery an her result are quite encouraging.
I expect that my stomach will look similar to yours and only hope that I'll be able to afford the surgery eventually too. *hugs*

algebravoodoo

For my family, that is a TON of money. I feel really guilty spending that kind of money on myself. It seems so selfish. I would NEVER pay that to cut off the skin on my stomach.

That is a ton of money, but you are definitely not being selfish. This could cause you long term health problems if it is not fixed now and could end up costing you more money in the long run. I say fight your insurance company to get it to cover it. If that doesn't work, I would "shop around" for plastic surgeons to see if you could find a better price, but still good quality work.

Best of luck to you, and congrats on your success

As a mother of six now grown children, I can promise you that spending the money on the surgery is NOT SELFISH!!!! How many more years do you have left of raising your children? That is a condition that I can see degrading the quality of your life over time, which inherently degrades that of your children, even after they are grown. Taking care of yourself now is the one gift you can give your kids that keeps on giving!

alladream

For real, anyone hanging their stomach downward through posture is going to be much more disappointed in it than if you're standing upright (I certainly am about mine!)--I just read that article in Fitness where some girl went to naked yoga to write an article, and she said that EVERYONE, from the skinniest men to the fittest young women, had stomachs that hung down when they did certain poses. I hope you make peace with your body, the way we all have to--be healthy. and good luck to you!