Is it possible to firm up postpartum tummy without a tummy tuck?

[kimbw]

Hi, I had a baby 16 months ago and have also lost 65 lbs since then. I'm at my ideal weight now (5'7" 145 lbs) and have begun to really develop muscular definition everywhere except my lower abs. I think there may be loose skin from losing weight and having the baby. I was overweight when I got pregnant by 50 lbs and gained 15 lbs during the pregancy, but developed congestive heart failure during late pregnancy which put me to 100 lbs more than I weigh today (245lbs) because of all the water + baby weight!

Will I ever be able to firm up my lower abs -- or at least see those muscles again? I'm almost convinced that the only thing that will work is a tummy tuck (but I'm not willing to do that!). I really only see the loose skin when I'm bending over -- like in the Downward Facing Dog yoga pose. I can't stand it! Thanks for any advice in advance.

 

[amy_b]

Hi,
Skin takes a LONG time to shrink, in some people. It depends on your general elasticity of your skin, but it is not terribly uncommon for it to take 1.5 years AFTER the weight loss is complete for your skin to shrink as much as it is going to shrink.
Then there is the issue of muscle tissue separation. AND the issue of fat deposits in that area. Next time you visit your OB, you could ask them to help you determine the state of your insides and your Dr. could most likely tell you if its possible to flatten your tummy w/o a tuck.
You might pre-order Cathe's core workout DVD from Hardcore and give your abs a really focused routine to help it firm up as much as you can.
If you are opposed to a tummy tuck, but not opposed to cosmetic surgery in general, a lipo of the lower abs might possibly work if the problem is a little fat deposit but good skin elasticity.
Good luck!
Amy

 

[doctorjany]

RE: Is it possible to firm up postpartum tummy without ...

I used to work in gyms in a metropolitan area were the cosmetic surgery was very common. Always after a lipo or a tummy tuck the women had to use a gridle that you would only take off to take a shower. Since you leave the surgery room, even with the stitches, you have to wear it, you don't take it off when you used the bathroom because it opens at the bottom. In addition to this an elastic band with velcro goes around the mid section to "tell" your body the shape that he should take.
I had spoken with women that used it after giving birth, as soon as they come out from the hospital, even when they sleep and their bellys are flat. They said it works wonders, but you have to be consistant. I don't know how "late" it can be for you in terms of the skin not being able to shrink anymore, (you gave birth 16 months ago) but you can try it.
This is my first pregnancy and this is the one I bought WWW.contourbodyshaping .com - Postpartum gridle. Has little belts that you adjust as your belly gets smaller.
My friends also used tummy firming creams, there is one popular in the drugstores. You should try this first to see how much it does for you.
Good luck to you. I understand how frustarting it can be.