Has anyone here had a C-Section?

[hoppity]

I've had three c-sections in 4 years, and I'm just wondering if after you lose weight, the gross tummy ever goes away?

I've heard that you usually never get back to your pre-section tummy, because they cut the muscles in your stomach in order to get the baby out, and that usually a tummy tuck is needed in order to completely get rid of it. So for those of you who have had a c-section, do ab exercises and weight loss really help it recover? (Please oh please tell me they do!)

Prior to my c-sections, even when I was heavy I had a waist. I didn't usually gain fat disproportionately in my stomach. I mean, it was there, but my fat was still in an hourglass shape, LOL.

Now I have total c-section gut. I have my scar, and then everything hangs over that (so gross!). I was trying on old pants today and put on a pair of size 16 capris and they fit great everywhere, were even a little loose in the legs, but were SO TIGHT in the abdomen.

Eeeeeek.

[tcw904]

I've had 2 but can't really answer your question yet. I still have the yucky tummy too. Good question though hopefully someone will reply..
Tammy

[crazeemom24]

Hi. I hope that I can answer your question. I have had 4 c-sections. I really really have a gross tummy. I think I would be down AT LEAST 1 more size if it wasnt for all the extra tire that I sport!!! Mine has NOT went anywhere with the lost weight, except for the skin falling more south!!! It is DISGUSTING!!! I did go for a tummy tuck appt and he also said that I needed to lose as much as I can before I do it, but that it wouldnt actually go anywhere and that I would always have the excess skin!!! GROSS!!!

[sanfranmichelle]

If you are referring to the "pouch", I got down to a size six and still had it

[ncgurl]

I also have the c-section tummy pooch. Mine is a little better since I lost a few pounds but it is still there. Kind of like a big handful (or handfuls!) of skin! LOL

My Dr. told me that some women have a really hard time getting that area to tone because during a c-section, muscles are cut that cannot be repaired and therefore, cannot return to normal. I think even if I do reach my weight loss goal, I will still have my pouch! My hubby says it is just a reminder of the h e ! ! I went through in labor with my son

[sanfranmichelle]

Yuck, being a woman is not pretty! I hate my pouch! I don't know I would say surgery, a tummy tuck, might help! To all of you that have more than one child did you get a 2nd c-section. I only have one little girl and I would like to have another eventually and I wonder if I will have to have another c-section... I actually had a scheduled one with my first, the little bugger stayed in there for an extra 2 weeeks

[hoppity]

Ahhhh! That is NOT what I wanted to hear, but I guess I should face reality, boo-hoo. Oh well, who know - maybe I'll be able to have a tummy tuck someday... Thanks for the replies everyone...

Oh, Michelle, my sister in law had a c-section, then a regular birth (called VBAC - Vaginal Birth After C-Section), and then another c-section. What I've heard is that you can usually try for a regular birth if you've had one c-section, but once you've had two sections, that's it, you're locked in. It also depends on what kind of c-section you had the first time, and how well you healed from it.

I never had a choice - had to have c-sections with all because I have some kind wierd shape to my pelvic opening - apparently it is far too small and they would never be able to pass through - my babies never dropped because they couldn't, even though one was two weeks overdue!

[Sonie B]

i had a c-section with my son 20 years ago, a hysterectomy 8 years ago and an abdominal surgery 9 years ago. I am down to a size 6 and still have my pooch. I guess that's just something we have to deal with.

[Educator]

Hi ladies, I believe this seems to be a question all of us go through from time to time...

I have a personal example that one of my college buddy gf's and I put to the test...

Two years ago, she and I were into this same discussion..how to see it disappear, the tummy pooch, that is.

She is a lot braver than I am, so she chose the tummy tuck route and we both began researching, fast and furiously!

We went for her consultation together and after I heard the surgeons explanation, I thought, ewwwwwwwwww and OUCH!

I have personally already sampled those types of surgical procedures...C-section 13 years ago, total hysterectomy a few years ago, and that went bad so 2 surgeries later, same cut...in 9 weeks, mind you, I had some serious healing to do, as well!

Anyway, the test, she opted for the tummy tuck, I opted naturally. Well last July she underwent her surgery, I began my exercise program...

Results:

Her belly is flat, she no longer has a belly button, she is constantly aching and is scared to death that she will gain an extra ounce...her back and sides still have really loose skin and she can't seem to get rid of it the surgeon now talks about a future of 3 to 4 additional surgeries, with no guarantee, of course, and touch ups throughout the rest of her life...

Me, well throughout our research, we discovered a specific way to exercise the abdominal muscles, upper and lower! I will paste them here for those interested.

I personally chose to follow these exercises, and let me tell you they are the most painful, uncomfortable, exercises I have ever endured, throughout my life! At first, I thought, yea right, and wanted to give up.

My hubby begin assisting me, as he knew it was really something that I felt was important, now to him, it really makes no difference in the world! When I couldn't lift on my own, he lifted for me and with me by pushing my legs up, or over or whichever the directions read.

If it were not for him, I would have truly given up the first night, but he pushed me to stick with it!

I am so happy that he did, my results are becoming quite obvious. Not only have I decreased the belly pooch, but it has really helped in the back fat areas, above the buttocks. To date I have discovered I have a rib cage, they are quite visible, and recently found the hip bones that have been buried far away, and as of now, I am seeing the "skin"/"pootch" work its way below the belly button. Each night, as I lie in the bath tub, I take both hands and push it down as far as it will go...that places a smile on my face.

I realize that I may never have it completely flat, as my gf, but I know in my heart, I did it through my own hard work and efforts

I do tease and suggest that hubby grab me a knife ever now and then, but I know that for me personally, it was just never gonna be an option!

I really recommend these to anyone of you out there. I am telling you from the beginning, it is not going to be easy! By NO means, am I exaggerating, either! They are tough as nails, but with lots of focus, strength, and determination, you too will begin seeing the same results.

Getting Flat Abs...

The key to that elusive flat belly? A regimen that works all your abdominal muscles. Try these moves from Leandro Carvahlo, creator of Equinox Fitness Clubs' Brazilian Tummy Tuck class, four times a week for results in a month.

The Exercises:

1. Belly Rolls
WORKS: vertical ab muscles

WHAT TO DO:
Sit with your legs bent, feet flat on the floor and arms straight in front of you. Exhale and roll back until your lower back touches the ground -- stop. Inhale and roll back up. Repeat 15 times. Now exhale and roll back until your shoulder blades touch the ground -- stop. Inhale and roll back up. Repeat 15 times.

2. Tummy Curls
WORKS: horizontal ab muscles

WHAT TO DO:
Lie on your back and bend your knees at an (almost) 90-degree angle with the floor, raising your feet slightly higher than your knees. Exhale, lift your butt and roll back to your shoulder blades. Inhale and roll to your tailbone -- stop (don't let your butt touch the ground). Repeat 20 times.

3. Cross Crunches
WORKS: waist

WHAT TO DO:
Grab a liter bottle of water and lie on your back with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle with the floor. Cradle your left hand behind your head. Now hold the water bottle in your right hand, lift your head and shoulders off the ground and reach across your body, so the bottle is outside your left knee. "Pulse" 20 times. Switch sides and repeat.

4. Tailbone Lifts
WORKS: lower ab muscles

WHAT TO DO:
Lie on your back, arms stretched straight over your head and legs fully extended and crossed in the air. Exhale and lift your tailbone, then slowly lower as you inhale (don't just drop -- resist on the way down). Repeat 30 times.

5. Inverted Crunches
WORKS: lower back

WHAT TO DO:
Lie on your stomach, arms in front of you as if flying. Exhale and lift just your right arm and left leg as high as you can. Inhale and lower. Then switch, lifting your left arm and right leg. Alternate, doing 20 lifts on each side. Finally, lift both arms and legs 20 times.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep me posted onyour results, for those of you that maybe chose this route, like me.

Tammy

[sanfranmichelle]

Hoppity, I wonder because my daughter never dropped either...oh well not having one right now anyway

[roogirl]

Hi there.
Just wanted to chime in....
I think you can work your body out as much as possible to get rid of the fat layers....but, I have seen on countless surgery shows and I have spoken to a couple of surgeons....that once you have seperated or cut those muscles during the C-section....all the crunches in the world will not get it completely flat.
Unfortunately, that is when you need to look into a tummy tuck. As well, the same goes for people who have lost a lot of weight....and have excess skin....no cruches are gonna get rid of it. Again, a tummy tuck can be the solution. Everyone is different....but, if you are at an ideal weight, and still have excess *pouch* you can go an have a consultation with a good surgeon and see what they have to say.
I have seen some friends who have had it done, and they look incredible, and you could bunce a quarter off their abs now.
But, it is still surgery, and there is still pain, recovery time, and of course risk.

[MRSGIFFORD]

I have a yucky tummy too and I never had a csection!


BTW Britney Spears had a C-section. How in the heck did she get a flat tummy so fast? I mean it was flat 3 mos after her son was born. What's up with that?

[roogirl]

I am with ya on that mystery....it is shocking how these stars can look so amazing, almost immediately after giving birth. Soooo not fair.

[MRSGIFFORD]

I know right. It isn't fair. But I guess when you got the big bucks anything is possible.

[roogirl]

Aint it the truth

[Laurie_Lou]

I've had two C-sections. My tummy was yucky after the first one, but it got much worse after the second one. I never had a flat tummy to begin with, but it was nothing like it is now!

My tummy is just gross after the second C-section. Huge belly hanging down over my scar. I would love to have my original tummy again, even though I used to think it was bad. I would even like to have my post-first-C-section tummy as opposed to the one I am now stuck with.

Educator, thanks so much for posting those exercises! I'm going to start doing them, and I'll let you know my results.

[Educator]

You're very welcome!

Now BE CAREFUL, they are really tough at first so don't be soooo hard on yourself!

And yes, do keep me posted!

Tammy

[pjzsnowangel]

Im not looking foward to when I have a baby(stomach wise), whoa boy! But at least my stomach isnt great in the first place...I know Ill be having to have a C Section because of my PCOS, thats what the doc said. But having a baby is so worth it, I cant wait till the day I do get pregnant, which will hopefully be this fall.

[tommys girl]

Oh, I am so glad you posted this. I have had 3 c-sections, and I have a huge pooch. I actually call it my fanny pack, it really looks like I am wearing a fanny pack. I will definately be trying these exercises. I agree with you PJ, wreaking my body to have my kiddos was well worth it.

[computergalmp]

I have had two c-sections and even though I wear a size 6 I still have a little bit of a pooch in my lower tummy that I cannot seem to get rid of. It is not visible too much to anyone else and I can even wear a bikini and hide it but naked, it's there and also I can't wear super low cut jeans or shorts and show any of my tummy or it all kinda bunches up and looks gross.

I think no one notices it but me. I probably will not get a tuck but I did look into it. Too expensive and a long recovery. Someday maybe but I'm only 39 right now. I think I'll be okay but it does bug me!