Question for ladies that have had a C-Section

running_mum
running_mum Posts: 59 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi ladies

Simple and to the point:

HOW DO I GET RID OF MY POST C-SECTION TUMMY?

It's so ugly - is there any exercises to help get rid of it?

Replies

  • AliJelliBelli
    AliJelliBelli Posts: 39
    Oo, bump, me too
  • Effpcos
    Effpcos Posts: 350 Member
    I've had 5 c-sects & would love to know as well!
    Tummy tuck once at goal weight sounding like the best option at the moment. Though expensive!
  • AnahitaCanDoIt
    AnahitaCanDoIt Posts: 448
    I went to a plastic surgeon when I was at my goal weight about getting a boob lift. After 3 pregnancies, gaining and losing 70lbs prob 5x in my life plus breastfeeding my two kids for 20mos, the girls are double hitchhiking when I'm on my back and very very saggy.

    He told me (and this was for a consultation I paid for with a family friend who knew that I wasn't having surgery in the States so wasn't trying to 'oversell' me)....

    The tummy overhang from a section (and I had an abdominal hysterectomy through the same scar) will lessen with exercise and general weight loss but the muscles may never be fully strong enough to make you have a strong core where you'll comfortably and effectively do abs work. This was specific to my case after a few abdominal surgeries. He said I could have a mini-tummy tuck and it might work but if I gained weight back, it would come back. A full tummy tuck w/ a replacement of the bellybutton and the bringing out of the abs muscles was way more intrusive but had longer lasting effects. If you have only a pouch there and the rest of your abdomen is fairly flat, then liposuction might be an option.

    As far as the boobs, he said no matter how much exercise, healthy eating, weight loss, muscle building behind the breasts, the skin on the breasts would never go back to being firm (I'm 43) so the only option was a boob lift w/ implants. I'm currently a 34DD and if he took away all the excess skin and flabby matter, I'd go down to a 34B. (I was a 34DD before kids)...so in order to get back to the size that suits my body., I'd have to get implants, too. I might even consider some lipo on the hips, thighs and bum which have very stubborn fat pockets which do not shift not matter what form of exercise AND the texture is lumpy like oatmeal! Yuck!

    So, I'm considering my options re: the rest of the body but I'm definitely getting the boobs done. He also said it's best to do the tummy tuck or any other work at the same time as the boobs as it's one recovery and one admission/anaesthetic.

    Just pricing and figuring out options but I will not proceed until I've maintained my weight and fitness for six months. I was at goal weight for 18mos and just recently gained some weight which I want to lose. I would suggest that unless you are at or under a healthy BMI and maintaining it, you shouldn't consider any surgery.

    Google tummy tuck before and after and you will see there are direputable doctors who will do tummy tucks on people who are grossly overweight. It's silly to take such a risk and spend so much money on a surgery that you will undo when you back to your sedentary/overeating habits.

    Hope this helps.
  • wannabeafitmum
    wannabeafitmum Posts: 29
    I'd love to lose my verandah from 2 c-sections..
    But I'm not keen - or able to afford - on surgery for this.
    I'm happier to keep toning up and hopefully lose more weight and this will help me.

    I am sick of it looking like I have two butts lol when I have jeans on!!
  • pinkyleigh83
    pinkyleigh83 Posts: 148 Member
    I'm 5' tall & have had 2 c-sections, the most recent being 12/5/11. I got up to 211lbs (started at 164). With my 1st baby my stomach measured 49cm from the top of my belly to my public bone-My belly was HUGE & my son was 8lbs 2oz. I never thought my pooch would go away but it has for the most part after I lost all my weight (now at 110lbs). Everyone is different & genetics does play a part overall but I noticed a big difference once I started running. That really helped shed the fat. And typical ab exercises-leg raises, bicycle crunches etc-helped tone. Just remember to keep your tailbone pressed into the floor so your abs are engaged the whole exercise. I have some loose skin still but my pooch is gone & I thought that would NEVER go away after my pregnancies.

    So I'd do cardio to shed the fat, where it sheds fat first depends on the person though, and just work on strengthening your core. Pilates really focuses on that too, the core is constantly engaged.
  • smccb
    smccb Posts: 99 Member
    I had a c-section for my first. I was told it was impossible to lose the c-section belly without a tummy tuck, especially the little "shelf" that hangs over the belly button.

    But I didn't want to go the surgery route, so I just really increased my cardio workouts. I did Turbo Fire (great cardio and great ab workout), I ran, and eventually as the extra baby weight came off, the belly went away - even the shelf.

    I have a small bit of extra skin from my (many) pregnancies, but my abs are well defined and my tummy is flat. And no tummy tuck!

    So it is possible! Good luck!
  • ABrideToBE
    ABrideToBE Posts: 94 Member
    I had a C Section and even at my lowest weight (126lbs) it was still hanging :( I really don't know how to lose it except maybe surgery?
  • Janet9906
    Janet9906 Posts: 546 Member
    I would love to read the answers as well...my c-section was almost 6 years ago...I have lost weight on my tummy but I don't like the way I look at all.
  • BioShocked89
    BioShocked89 Posts: 330 Member
    I've been doing an exercise in the 30DS that Jillian Micheals specifically says is for that little pooch. You lay on the floor with your arms to the sides, make a 90 degree angle with your legs in the air, then lift the legs straight up by using the muscles under that pooch area. Seems to be working for me. :D
  • michellekicks
    michellekicks Posts: 3,624 Member
    I'm about 10 lbs away from my ideal weight now and I can see some hope of it disappearing... I did once go for a consultation re: tummy tuck and breast lift with implants. I'll still do the girls, but the tummy tuck is way too invasive for me... I think I'd rather just work hard to lose the last 10.

    FWIW, at the surgeon I saw, a full tummy tuck with breast lift and implants (for me - they are individual quotes depending on the extent of the work etc.) would have been $15,500 plus taxes in case anyone is curious.
  • SueMizZou
    SueMizZou Posts: 146 Member
    About a million years ago i had 2 c-sections. It looked like I had panty lines in my birthday suit. I exercised like crazy but I still had my pooch. Eventually, I had surgery. My ab muscles and skin were tightened and rebuilt. It still looks great and was worth it. I had it done at a plastic surgery clinic which cut the price significantly.
  • gingerjen7
    gingerjen7 Posts: 821 Member
    My c-section was almost ten years ago, so maybe things have changed, because I have no idea what you ladies are talking about!
  • wheezybreezy
    wheezybreezy Posts: 313 Member
    I have a hard time justifying doing such an invasive surgery and risking my life, but I don't think that any amount of exercise will help. At this point, I'll just be happy to be at a healthy weight, pouch and all with sad boobs. My recovery after the c-section was really rough and I don't wanna go through that again.
  • daumj123
    daumj123 Posts: 2 Member
    cesarean sections have no post rehab. Something that is very bad and create dysfunction in their entire motor ability of the human body. Every transverse movement comes from the core. A weak core is a major culprit in lower back pain that can stem into even further mobility issues. The cut that is placed is right through the abdominal erectors. Training with a knowledgeable fitness expert will allow for stabilization and then eventually strength. Aesthetics will arrive when an achieved body fat percentage is reached.
  • msmissylowe
    msmissylowe Posts: 51
    I'm 5' tall & have had 2 c-sections, the most recent being 12/5/11. I got up to 211lbs (started at 164). With my 1st baby my stomach measured 49cm from the top of my belly to my public bone-My belly was HUGE & my son was 8lbs 2oz. I never thought my pooch would go away but it has for the most part after I lost all my weight (now at 110lbs). Everyone is different & genetics does play a part overall but I noticed a big difference once I started running. That really helped shed the fat. And typical ab exercises-leg raises, bicycle crunches etc-helped tone. Just remember to keep your tailbone pressed into the floor so your abs are engaged the whole exercise. I have some loose skin still but my pooch is gone & I thought that would NEVER go away after my pregnancies.

    So I'd do cardio to shed the fat, where it sheds fat first depends on the person though, and just work on strengthening your core. Pilates really focuses on that too, the core is constantly engaged.

    Thank you for that! You have given me hope! Great job on your weight loss. WOW!
  • vmekash
    vmekash Posts: 422 Member
    Two c-sections here. Never got back to my fighting weight (figuratively speaking), so I don't know what my tummy will look like once I get there. So, I just consider it taking one for the team. I'll live w/ the jelly roll; no surgery. However, if all my exercise does cause the roll to shrink, I'll call it a BONUS. :bigsmile:

    The real question, in my opinion, is WHY do drs. having us believing at the time, that the scar will be nice and low so that "you can get back into a bikini"? LOL!!!
  • Cassie8877
    Cassie8877 Posts: 177
    My c-section was almost ten years ago, so maybe things have changed, because I have no idea what you ladies are talking about!

    I had 2 c section and yeah idk what tummy you all are talking about.. but then again my first one is up n down n my second is below my pant line.. my stomach is not.flat but its doesnt hang over..
    But then again.i only gained 20 pounds with each kid..
  • lovelyrose11
    lovelyrose11 Posts: 609 Member
    I'm getting ready to have my 2nd c-section in a few months and I haven't lost my tummy from before...it did go way down though and all I did was keep a clean diet and a lot of walking!
  • CincinnatiDEIFan
    CincinnatiDEIFan Posts: 188 Member
    I must have had the worlds best OB/GYN. I have had two Csections (10 and 9 years ago)....neither time did my body go into labor on it's own. My first was born at 37 weeks, and my second was born at 39 weeks.

    I cannot find the scar unless I LOOK for it...and I mean really look for it. Once I get to an acceptable level of weight I could easily wear a bikini and no one would know I had a c section....

    And as for the pooch around the belly button? I have no clue what that is. Even at 30 pounds overweight I don't see anything hanging down.

    I guess I should thank my lucky stars?
  • apriltrainer
    apriltrainer Posts: 732 Member
    I had two c-sections. Both emergency c-sections. My 2nd scar keloided...but I am still able to get into my bikini. It will always be slighlty raised( there is a difference between SCAR tissue and fat underneath.) ...but am able to get (USUALLY If I am good!) into a size 2! You can take a look at my pics. C-section belly and all.
  • dixoncrew
    dixoncrew Posts: 186 Member
    I had a c-section after a twin pregnancy and exercise and a healthy diet really helped flatten my belly and get rid of the dreaded *shelf* that a c-section can leave. My skin is very soft and stretchy but my stomach is pretty flat and my ab muscles are a lot stronger than they were even before it.

    I did 30 day shred, Ripped in 30, and am now doing Body Revolution. Ha, I should be a JM spokesperson ;)
  • kimosabe1
    kimosabe1 Posts: 2,467 Member
    My C-section scar is right on top of my coochie area so that's not bad but I still have a tummy prob....
  • kitkatwag
    kitkatwag Posts: 82 Member
    I have a double pooch, one below the incision mark and one below. Yes the fat my leave as I exercise more but the skin that is there will never leave without a surgical option. I have some money earmarked to use for that when I can get where I need to be. In the meantime. I am working and working and not getting much of anywhere. I agree that genetics plays a part in what your body is able to do. I have female family members that have the same issue
  • gingerjen7
    gingerjen7 Posts: 821 Member
    My c-section was almost ten years ago, so maybe things have changed, because I have no idea what you ladies are talking about!

    I had 2 c section and yeah idk what tummy you all are talking about.. but then again my first one is up n down n my second is below my pant line.. my stomach is not.flat but its doesnt hang over..
    But then again.i only gained 20 pounds with each kid..
    Yeah, I'd have to shave to see my scar and I have a little pouch that I don't particularly care for, but every woman I know over the age of 17 has that, kids, no kids, natural, c-section, whatever. It's just a regular woman's stomach as far as I'm concerned. But yeah, I didn't gain that much weight either (not in a good way), so maybe that's part of it. I remember when I was in recovery, the nurse came in to message my belly and said, "Where's your tummy?" I said, "Uh...he's in the NICU...?"
  • kanittaj
    kanittaj Posts: 36 Member
    I was actually wondering the same thing. My twins are 4 and I was wondering if I will ever lose that tummy without having surgery. I'm not gonna have surgery so I will have to work my butt off and continue on my weight loss process to get it down. Lord I hope it works.
  • Effpcos
    Effpcos Posts: 350 Member
    I think a straight-forward c-section is completely different in nature to an emergency c-sect, and so the effect on your stomach will be different. With my first two c-sects it took well over two hours in surgery (they were both "crash" surgeries, baby's heart had stopped and they went straight through everything) , and the babies were out within the first 5-10mins, the rest of the time was spent stitching, repairing, stapling, my scar from those surgeries extend right from one hip bone to the other, and I can fell the lumps of scar tissue in the muscle beneath my skin.
    My next three c-sects were electives, entire surgeries took no longer than 45mins, including one that was a bit more complicated due to placenta accreta. I had large healthy babies, so no complaints there, but the more weight I lose the more the skin hangs down, you can feel my abs through the skin, I don't really carry fat on my belly. You can also feel where my abs separate above my bellybutton for a good two inches, that definitely needs surgery! From my c-sect scar to my pubic bone is flat, no pooch below that.
    I will wait til I've been at goal for a year, then I will get surgery- tummy tuck and a breast lift/reduction. I recovered from my c-sects with no problems whatsoever, though my scars are very thick.
    Everybody's different.
  • nathanellamom
    nathanellamom Posts: 20
    baby one emergency c section cut hip bone to hip bone carried him high a few strech marks not bad, really sick. he was 10 lbs 4.5 oz. and did not have an easy recovery. my scar is horrific. and the dr has to make anther incision for baby #2 to come out. now baby #2 sceduled csection. carried her very low if i sneesed she would have come out. perfect deliverly. but after there was skin where i never had skin before and a massive. 10 inch hurina. Because of this skin it looks like my lower belly is bigger than it is and it touches my thighs. I do not think you can spot reduce and if there is skin it does need to be surgucally removed. ladies i have another question for you to ponder do u think having ur tubes tied makes you gain weight ??
  • Effpcos
    Effpcos Posts: 350 Member
    ladies i have another question for you to ponder do u think having ur tubes tied makes you gain weight ??

    No, it has no effect on your hormones whatsoever.
  • pinkyleigh83
    pinkyleigh83 Posts: 148 Member
    I hope this comes out right....

    Night before I delivered 12/11, was 211lbs. Started at 164 at 5' tall

    [img]http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m148/mpollak83/Weight Loss Journey/4dd99cc064d00a7b3f6b6e4a80ee3edb.jpg[/img]

    Towards the end of my weight loss, 117lbs & still have some belly flab

    [img]http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m148/mpollak83/Weight Loss Journey/c9211d21c6d2abf898911994e06c7bdb.jpg[/img]

    [img]http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m148/mpollak83/Weight Loss Journey/2128e56a1258e1515807d4e757c6e1c4.jpg[/img]




    Now, 110lbs, less belly fat. Those last 7lbs made a big difference. I still have some loose skin but it's more toned overall now. Please excuse the underwear. My bathing suits don't fit.

    [img]http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m148/mpollak83/Weight Loss Journey/04a416cc50f4023dafa95219c51d6a6a.jpg[/img]

    [img]http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m148/mpollak83/Weight Loss Journey/188c0d62d9541edcfbb37f70c0bb1243.jpg[/img]


    Ugh! It didn't work. I'll try to fix it later tonight....

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