Cathe, I have given birth to six children and of course, my stomach is all stretched out. I went to a Dr. regarding a "tummy tuck" and was told that I could not do enough sit-ups to help me because of the multiple births. He suggested that I have the surgery, but I wanted to ask what you thought. Is it possible to lose my stomach after having so many children and if so, what exercises do you suggest? I have done crunches and some lower stomach exercises, but with some discomfort due to a back problem. My weight loss seems futile because it makes no sense to lose legs, arms, hips, thighs, and still have a large, protruding stomach. Help!:-(
Situps vs. Abdominoplasty
- Thread starter lesher
- Start date
Sher,
I am not Cathe, but I have had ten children. All of them have been single births, all full term, weighing 8 to 10 pounds. So, I don't know who this doctor is to tell you that you could not lose your stomach size, because of giving birth to so many children. I think he just wants to make money on you.
I have flat abdominals after all of those children. It is eating clean, doing cardio and abdominal work. Abdominal fat is just that, fat. Sit ups do not do anything to get rid of the fat in that area. That would be like doing heavy weight training to your lower body even though you have lots of fat on them. Yes, you may add the muscle, but the fat will cover it up.
I hope this helps you out some.
Cheryl
I am not Cathe, but I have had ten children. All of them have been single births, all full term, weighing 8 to 10 pounds. So, I don't know who this doctor is to tell you that you could not lose your stomach size, because of giving birth to so many children. I think he just wants to make money on you.
I have flat abdominals after all of those children. It is eating clean, doing cardio and abdominal work. Abdominal fat is just that, fat. Sit ups do not do anything to get rid of the fat in that area. That would be like doing heavy weight training to your lower body even though you have lots of fat on them. Yes, you may add the muscle, but the fat will cover it up.
I hope this helps you out some.
Cheryl
LuckeeLaydee
Cathlete
Sher:
I have had four kids and it just takes a while. I did lots of cardio before I noticed really good results. I would say my youngest was about 4 years old when I really got back into shape.
I think as long as you're not expecting a perfectly flat stomache you will get good results. I do pilates and some Cathe ab work (the sections with other workouts) and I am pleased with the results. Also it is important to eat very well and drink lots of water. I also take CLA along with my vitamins which seems to help me with abdominal fat.
I would make sure you give it a good try before you have surgery.
Good luck.
I have had four kids and it just takes a while. I did lots of cardio before I noticed really good results. I would say my youngest was about 4 years old when I really got back into shape.
I think as long as you're not expecting a perfectly flat stomache you will get good results. I do pilates and some Cathe ab work (the sections with other workouts) and I am pleased with the results. Also it is important to eat very well and drink lots of water. I also take CLA along with my vitamins which seems to help me with abdominal fat.
I would make sure you give it a good try before you have surgery.
Good luck.
It also depends if your problem is excess skin vs. fat. There isn't much you can do if your skin is all stretched out, but you won't know that until after actually losing the fat. I would personally say you should eat clean and exercise regularly for at least a year before making any decisions about surgical solutions. It will be good to see what you can do on your own, you know what I mean?
That being said, there isn't anything inherently terrible about having a tummy tuck to get rid of loose skin. Several women on the boards have had this done, so you may want to post over on Open Discussion.
Good luck!
Marie
That being said, there isn't anything inherently terrible about having a tummy tuck to get rid of loose skin. Several women on the boards have had this done, so you may want to post over on Open Discussion.
Good luck!
Marie
bunny girl
Active Member
I don't have children but my sister has three. The last was a C section which left her mid section with about 5 inches of loose skin. Her doctor (who is not a plastic surgeon) told her the same thing about sit ups not helping and advised surgery if that would make her feel better about it. She is waiting until the baby is older and is doing it.
You could get a second opinion but remember some women just are genetically prone to not "bouncing back" after pregnancy and some look like they have never had children when they have had 10 - no matter what they eat or how hard they work out. Not fair, but that is the way it is. I think if it makes you feel better to have the surgery and you can afford it - why not? Life is short and you deserve to do something nice for yourself if it makes you feel good. Plastic surgery is not the negative stigma that it used to be. Do what feels good to you and don't let others critize you.
You could get a second opinion but remember some women just are genetically prone to not "bouncing back" after pregnancy and some look like they have never had children when they have had 10 - no matter what they eat or how hard they work out. Not fair, but that is the way it is. I think if it makes you feel better to have the surgery and you can afford it - why not? Life is short and you deserve to do something nice for yourself if it makes you feel good. Plastic surgery is not the negative stigma that it used to be. Do what feels good to you and don't let others critize you.
All the sit ups and cardio in the world can not make muscles that are separated go back together.
It depends on what the issue is; fat, sagging skin or the muscles.
I had a TT and the muscles were about 3 inches apart, when they should be right against each other. The surgeon sewed them back together, and now I have that nice line up the middle of my tummy.
It depends on what the issue is; fat, sagging skin or the muscles.
I had a TT and the muscles were about 3 inches apart, when they should be right against each other. The surgeon sewed them back together, and now I have that nice line up the middle of my tummy.
valenciascott
New Member
What is CLA? What does it do and how does it work?
Carmen829
Cathlete
I recently had an evaluation and doctor recommended a tummy tuck. About 22 yrs ago I had an emergency c-section. The scar is north/south probably about 6 inches long. I also have an appendectomy scar on the right side. Needless to say the skin and ab muscles are loose. I have pockets of fat trapped between the scars and unfortunately, because of the north/south incision my ab area looks like butt cheeks.
I have had two evaluations and both doctors believe I am a good candidate for the tummy tuck. The procedure will remove the scars, sew up the loose muscles inside. I should only have one scar low in pelvis area going east and west.
Its quite expensive $7500, but no amount of clean eating and exercise will get rid of my butt cheek abdomen. I hope to do it this fall. I've always felt embarrassed about my mid section. I've always wanted a chance to have it corrected. I'll update this forum on my results. Say a prayer....Thanks.
Carmen
I have had two evaluations and both doctors believe I am a good candidate for the tummy tuck. The procedure will remove the scars, sew up the loose muscles inside. I should only have one scar low in pelvis area going east and west.
Its quite expensive $7500, but no amount of clean eating and exercise will get rid of my butt cheek abdomen. I hope to do it this fall. I've always felt embarrassed about my mid section. I've always wanted a chance to have it corrected. I'll update this forum on my results. Say a prayer....Thanks.
Carmen
I think the issue is all three mentioned. I have fat, sagging skin, and probably muscles, too. When the Dr. sent my claim to the insurance company, he stated that I had back problems and that my stomach had a hernia (stomach muscles seperated in two). The insurance company has agreed to reimburse for the service, but I just wanted to make sure that I was making the right decision because afterall, I will responsible for what the insurance doesn't pay. I wanted to know what would be cheaper and what would bring the best results....exercising? operation?
Good Luck, Carmen. I pray that you will finally have the results that you so desire. I despise looking at my stomach! I feel so self-concious, to the point that I do not want my husband looking at me. I think that I will feel more confident once the stomach is out of the way. I know that I will feel better when I can shop without having to buy a larger sized pants to accomodate my stomach.