C-section Belly! Help!

It's called diastasis recti. I had the same thing after 3 c-secs. It was so embarrasing. A pouch is one thing--looking 4-6 months pregnant is another. Anyway, it is a separation of the abdominal muscles. Because the muscles are actually separated, doctors say they can't be brought back together via exercise or anything else other than surgery (although I did find a couple of resources online that said there were exercises that would work--they did not for me and many other people I read about. Most resources said that exercising may actually make it WORSE if you do the wrong exercises). There is a test you can do yourself to see if yours is diastasis or not (involves laying on your back and feeling for a space between your abdominal muscles). Let me know if you can't find it and I can find it again for you, if you like.

Google it and you'll find a ton of info. And check with your OB--she can give you info also. Best wishes!

I work for a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael Bogdan in Southlake. (www.DrMichaelBogdan.com). Once you are done having children, the surgery to address the lax skin, or pooch, is a tummy tuck.

For more info and an educational video on a tummy tuck procedure, go to: http://www.drmichaelbogdan.com/plastic-surgery/tummy-tuck...

Dr. Bogdan also has some helpful tummy tuck FAQ: http://www.drmichaelbogdan.com/plastic-surgery/tummy-tuck...

You may also want to see real patients' results in the Photo Gallery: http://www.drmichaelbogdan.com/photo-gallery/results.cfm?...

Bogdan's credentials are remarkable, and his integrity, professionalism, and caring manner are just a few reasons why he receives countless referrals from other patients.

Congrats on losing the baby weight! If you decide on a tummy tuck procedure, make sure that you are totally comfortable with the surgeon that you choose and get all of your questions answered.

Monta's response below is exactly what came to mind for me too. Your description of what's going on in your body sounds spot on for diastasis. The specific exercises to heal a diastasis CAN work (I've seen it done), especially if you are still breastfeeding your 8 month old. The split in your abdominal wall can result in back pain later because the abs are not able to support you. Definitely look into it. Good luck!

there is a thing called a c-tuck....they do a tuumy tuck with the c-section at the same time...i too have had 2 sections and am thinking of c-tuck with 3rd and prob last child

Hi J.- I have had two C sections as well and it takes several months for the swelling to completely go away. Don't worry, your tummy will eventually tighten up, but probably not look the same as pre baby. Remember your muscles have been severed and may not go back to as tight as they were.

Also, you may experience some scar tissue from the incision. I thought my doctor left gauze or something in my tummy until she reminded me of scar tissue. I have completely healed but have a "war wound" as a reminder.

Good luck with your babies!

Sometimes when people loose weight too fast the skin does not have time to pull back in. Not sure how much access skin you have but, surgery may be your answer.

Hi J.,
I hate my pooch and I also had 2 c-sections. I hate the way I always will have the scar pulled so tight and the shelf just there. I am very active(I'm 5'2" and 115 lbs) and work out 5-6 times a week and the only thing that has reduced my pooch is Pilates. The whole system is to strenghten your core and transverse abdominals. My pooch is still there only smaller, I think surgery probably is the only way to be perfectly flat again.
Give yourself time and good luck,

Cut yourself some slack! Your youngest is under a year! It took you 18 months of combined pregnancy to get streteched out.

I lost all my baby weight right away, too, but it was at least 13 months before I had something resembling a figure back.

Everyone's body is different...sometimes all you need is time.

When you find out, let me know also?

I have the same problem and have come to the realization that I will have to have a tummy tuck done as well after we are done with our last baby. I exercise regularly and still have the stretched skin and pooch (which can be depressing). The only thing that works for me right now is spanx and shirts that hide my pooch. The sacrifices of motherhood! But it's all worth it for our little ones. ;-) Just know you are not the only one out there with this problem!

That is the most troublesome spot for a woman...even if she has never had a baby. I ran college track and have been around the ab routine department some. I didnt have a c-section but i still have a pooch from my son...and hes 15 months. And you have lost all of your baby weight! Wow! I lost mine too but like I said there is a small pooch. IM afraid that because of the possibility of the way your surgery went it could be like that for a while. But if you are proactive in exercising I know some great ab workouts that I did while running track that you could try. If you want some tips let me know and i will go more in depth. If not then just exercise regulary and eat healthy and you might be surprised and it might go away. Good luck!