Tummy Tuck????

I have had three kids and have a lot of excess skin. I also have diastasis (ab muscles are torn apart) and two hernias. I need a tummy tuck to repair all of this. I have read that you can have kids after, but I have seen three doctors who told me I must be done having babies to get this done.

The more I lose weight and try to "tone up" the more I want one. But I am far too scared. You have to be in compression garments for like 2 or 3 weeks, you'll have tubes draining fluids out of your wounds and stuff, you'll be in pain for weeks as well and pretty much unable to do anything for the first week... You have to really want to have a flat tum so the pain will be worth it. I'm still questioning whether I want it that badly.

wow that's great you have done a wonderful job. how long did it take you total to lost this weight? wow that gives me hope i'm 312lbs right now i never dreamed of getting to one anything. i'm trying to get to 250lbs

I wouldn't bother with a tummy tuck until AFTER pregnancy. Then I'd totally be into it.

I have had a tummy tuck. My kangaroo pouch hung over my belt when I sat down and I couldn't stand it anymore. I would say please just make sure you're at a steady weight that you intend on maintaining for at least a year before going forward with surgery. Also, have realistic expectations. The scar will be very large and unnatural looking. You will have strange sensations or lack of feeling around your waist for maybe forever as far as I know. Make sure that all this is worth it in relation to the extra skin. The surgery was pretty tough to recover from and was very painful but that's peanuts in relation to the results you think you can get. I guess I am happy that I got it. It's been a tough realization that I'll never realize the goal I originally had in mind but at least I can be semi-proud to take my shirt off now...

I had a modified tuck. I had little diastasis, so I only needed sutures in the bottom couple of inches and I had the "apron" lopped off. Recovery wasn't bad. No worse than my c-section was. The worst part was the 6 months of swelling. I also have some numbness on the lower part of my abdomen that is likely permanent (surgery was almost 5 years ago).

Most surgeons recommend waiting until after you have kids, but it's not absolutely necessary. You just need to be prepared for the possibility that you could need another tuck if your skin and muscles don't properly retract.

I had one 7 years ago, and don't regret it. I would not have one until done having kids though, it would be a waste of money.

My scar runs hip to hip but you can't see it unless I'm naked, I have some numb spots still, probably always will, its weird, sometimes I get an itch that I can't scratch and it drives me crazy.

My recovery was pretty typical I think....the first 3 days were tough, then once I started forcing myself to walk around the house I started to heal more quickly. Had the drains removed after 9 days I think? Ran a half marathon 6 months later

I had a mini tummy tuck after my kids were born, about 15 yrs ago. I was at my goal weight, but had "the belly". It was expensive and I felt like I'd been hit by a mack truck. It worked, but it was really rough to recover (and I was in great shape at the time) and I have a pretty big scar. Would I do it again? I don't know. Oh, and it will not repair a hernia.

I had three babies and consistently incorporated exercise into my life for three years prior to surgery. I was not at my goal weight but within 20-25 pounds and I decided I was not getting any younger. I had the surgery last December and the recovery is about a year. First three months were tough and devoted to recovering. I worked out hard to be in good shape prior to surgery to help with an optimal recovery. I have lost about 18 pounds since the day I went in for surgery and want to lose up to another 10-15 pounds. It is hard to tell since I cannot tell my body where to take it from. Looks and feels like I could lose another ten in each thigh. Losing the additional weight has not affected my results and I do not regret any part of the process. I would do it again ten times over. I was never going to be able to pull my muscles back together with exercise and the skin flap over my hip bones was there even at a lower weight than I am now.

I would recommend waiting until after you have had babies. I waited til my oldest was 20 years old to take the time for myself and recover without having little ones or the worry of caring and carpooling etc. I did not drive for three weeks and even then it was not the most comfortable. Some women are better at sucking it up I guess. I was glad I did not have the additional stress added to my recovery. But in life everyone does what they have to do and it would not be impossible as evidence by so many who made the choice to do it with short time off work or little ones etc.

I am back to working out full board and the swell hell months... are finally behind me. I still swell occasionally, but not to the size and shape of a barrel, but more of a feeling of tightness without the increased size.

I did not fit into my pre-op clothes for months although my shape was much better.

I can say I knew for years I would do it, but it just had to be the right time. Do not be impatient and do what is best for you and your family.

I do recommend the time just after the Christmas holiday. I went into hibernation as so many families do and for six weeks while I was at my worst, no one missed me and by the time spring came around I was able to be active and outside with my kids and exercise. I would not want to wear compression all summer long. But everyone has time available when they have so you take the opportunity. The first three months are slow moving. I finally enjoy not thinking about my procedure and recovery everyday.

I do have a scar... So.... It is low and getting pretty light. I can hide the scar or hide the gut... I choose hiding the scar which will be less and less visible with time. Hiding my flabby belly was and would never get easy.

I went on vacation a month ago and realized I took 7 bathing suits for four days. I only owned maybe two bathing suits over the twenty years I hated my belly. It was a fun moment and smile when I realized this while unpacking.

Research and if you do not already know about the website makemeheal.com, it is a great resource to ask questions and read about those that have gone before you.