Tummy Tuck/working out after?

[DawnA]

I'm having a tummy tuck after losing 111 lbs. I have excess skin due to the weight loss, and the doctor believes that he'll remove approx. 6-8 lbs. of skin from my stomach.

As contradictory as it may seem, many doctors don't seem to know a lot about exercise.

Have any of you had a tummy tuck, and if so, when did you resume your work-outs? When you did resume them, what did you do?

Thanks!

 

[Fit_mommy]

I would say you would need to wait 4-6 weeks atleast...I have never had a tummy tuck but I had a BA and I was told 4-6 weeks for that.

HTH some.

 

[merrybaker]

Wow I just wanted to say good job on the weight loss !!! I would ask Cathe this question . I had 3 C-sections and was told to NOT vacumm for 6 weeks !! I lasted about 3 or 4 LOL !!!Good luck

 

[Kit_]

Hi Dawn A,

I'd weight at least 6 weeks before any workout or doing anything that works those stomach muscles. As you can pull out the stitchs, that was the one thing I was always warned about by the doctor. No ab exercises, no heavy dumbbelss doing chest work. And this is after the six weeks of rest. To get back to heavy chest work/ab exercises really depends on how you heal as well as the doctor. Some make you wait 4-5 months others, not so long. I wouldn't be doing any ab work until I get told the person is completely healed and can slowly build up the abs again.

HTH,

Kit

 

[NicoleP]

Hi Dawn,
Congrats on your weight loss!! My neighbor had a tummy tuck after her 4th C-section and her plastic surgeon would not let her work her abs. for like a year! I remember her walking I think it was like 3 months after the procedure. When you go to your plastic surgeon go with a list of questions and have the dr. answer it at the time so you have a idea what you can do. Good luck

~Nicole

 

[hedygs]

Congrats Dawn! I know that a couple ladies at the Yas have recently had tummy tucks so you could ask there.

What is the date of your surgery?

 

[Imafitnessfreak]

I never had a TT but did have a BA and had to wait 4 weeks. I have always heard 4-6 weeks, depending on the doctor, then resume light activity.

I say you ask your doctor and do EXACTLY what he/she says, regardless of what you have heard other patients say. I am a firm believer in following the doctors instructions to the letter! Don't worry about what everyone else was told...however, expect 4-6 weeks.

 

[NurseLRT]

Dawn, congrats on your awesome weight loss. That is such a wonderful accomplishment. As you know a TT is major surgery. I would follow IMA's advice and do exactly what your surgeon instructs. If you can't work your abs, you sure can work other areas. Your tummy is going to be flat as a board anyway. Good luck with your surgery, and for more info. I highly reccommend this site. www.scalewhore.com
She lost a lot of weight and got a TT. There are photos, links, and lots of great information.

Lori

 

[ukcharlatans]

Hi!

First I wanted to say congratulations on the weight loss-- that is so incredible!

Second good luck on the TT and please keep me informed-- you are welcomed to email me!

Third-- I just had a BA/BL on Thursday and I saw my doctor for the first time since, today. Evreything is healing very well but he's saying 3 weeks.. it is KILLING me.. but I will behave and listen. Ask your PS... they are all different. They use different techniques that require different ways a recopuing-- but whatever he tells you, follow it to the T!

Good luck!
Susan

 

[amy_b]

I had a mini tummy tuck and I agree, follow those directions!!! Do not listen to "folklore" about it because your DR. will know what he/she did in there and how fragile your procedure is. My dr. stressed to me....you CAN mess it up. My problem started as a hernia and the mini tuck was an add-on, so the repair was more delicate in some areas. Partly it will depend on how much of the procedure is just skin removal, (not so fragile) vs. internal tightening of muscles and tissue (more fragile.) Anyway, messing it up would be SUCH a bummer!!
My dr okayed walking after all the swelling was down and she okayed ab work after she felt my abs during a contraction. I think it was:
3 weeks okay for light exercise like walking at an easy pace,
4 weeks for walking a bit quicker,
6 weeks for moderate exercise wearing a compression garment and being careful, no ab work
3 months for the "give it all you've got" workouts.
Good luck and congrats!

 

[DawnA]

Everyone, thanks so much for the great replies.

Susan - I know you lost, what? 130 lbs? way to go for you too!

Lori - that's a GREAT website. Thanks so much for posting it. I saved it to my favorites, and I'll continue reading about her recovery.