I have a little secret I decided to share. Why? Because this blog is the real deal.
And because I want to help someone else.
And for support of course!!
Oh friends, I have been battling this issue since Landon was born. I have posted before about my permanently pregnant stomach or "PPS" as I call it. It's very frustrating when I good day is only one person asking when I am due. (A bad day is five people asking).
It's been five months since Coco was born, but I have had this problem for three years. My tummy never went down after having Landon and now it has no intention of going anywhere after Coco.
To say that this has been depressing for me only mildly describes the situation. Poor hubby has to hear about it day and night. I hate getting dressed, because even with a Yummy Tummy Tank Top, it looks like I am 6 months pregnant. I have taken to wearing black a lot, and I love color. Give me pink and green any day vs black. I refuse to buy anything but clothes from Target, because I will not spend anymore money looking like this.
We've come to an impasse, pregnant tummy and me, and I am taking drastic action. I headed over to Dr. Andrew Ordon (From the show The Doctors), to get his professional opinion on the PPS. I told him to give it to me straight.
Dr. Ordon said there is no amount of sit ups I can do to get my muscles back. They are so far apart, there is a hole there! He basically needs to sew me back together and pull the muscles tight again like a corset!
Truth is my bellybutton is GONE. Flat. Also it is herniated. So I have a little lump there. Pretty huh? My stomach is measuring at 40 inches. That is a size 20 girls. If you know a cute J crew outfit in a size 20 let me know cause I haven't seen it.
Up until now I have been very anti-surgery, but now, seeing that this may be my only option, I am thinking I am going to have a tummy tuck. Gulp. I am scared, worried about the pain, but cannot live like this anymore. I have back pain all the time, can't exercise without hurting myself etc.
So there it is. My secret is I am going to have a tummy tuck. The real question is, will I post a picture of my tummy, before and after. Not sure if I'm brave enugh for that. Do you want to see it? Really?
PS Feel free to post anonymously if you have this issue and don't want anyone to know!!!
PPS I know it's only been 5 months, but Dr, Ordon said I am back to baseline. This is as good as it will get for me.
xo The Mrs.
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64 comments:
Girl, if you don't do it you will be miserable for the rest of your life and Coco will see you like that....getthe surgery so you can be happy with yourself. Coco will see that and learn to be happy with her body as well.
Good Luck!
I say go for it! My stomach looks like a MAC truck rolled over it, then parked there... then reversed back over it. Seriously - I know where you are coming from.
2 of my girlfriends have had this surgery. I do believe having a hernia like that really reduces any hope of getting back to your old self without surgical intervention. They were both very pleased with the results and I have to say they look fabulous! The surgery was a long one and not pain free - they found it hard having the little ones and needed lots of help for at least 1-2 weeks. They were also both encouraged to come to the decision to have the surgery when they were certain they were done adding to their family. I wish you lots of luck with your decision!!! Sounds like you are making an informed one which is good xo
Yowza! First, I'm so in awe of you that you admit it, even here on a blog. And second, no one can judge what is right for another person. I think you're so brave and I love that you tell it to us straight. Keep us informed and take us on the journey with you. Good luck with everything!
You do whatever you feel like you need to do...just don't let Kate Gosselin's surgeon do it or you might have Jon on your doorstep wanting to live w/ you :) I hope you can make a decision and be happy! Life's too short, right??
You are brave and I have my support on this! I have been putting off loosing weight from baby #1 (3 years ago, yikes) because I am trying to have baby #2. I have a terrible upper belly. ugh. I hardly ever shop for clothes because of how my body looks. Good Luck and thanks for sharing!!!
i think you got to do whats best for you. I've always said I will try my hardest with old fashion exercise to get back to pre-baby. Once i truely know I've tried everything I would be all about it. The fact is your muscles are not back together and that needs to be fixed. dont think you can spend your whole life like that? i hear this is a fairly common problem. Good luck and PLEASE post before and afters if you feel up for it? You will be a new woman! oh I'm excited for you :)
If you uncomfortable there is absolutely nothing wrong with having the surgery! My bambino was giant and has left some very stretched out skin. After we're done with the kiddos it's tummy tuck city. Good luck!!
Good for you!!
I say go for it too! We would like to try for one more but I will be doing it as soon as I can after that! Good luck. My friend have had it done and they are soo happy with the results. They say they feel like they are back to normal.
I say YES! When it is all done, you will have no regrets! It will be hard, it will be painful and it will be worth it!
My sister in law was on our NH trip and she had a herniated belly button after 4 children and had a tummy tuck when it was fixed - she has a fabulous tummy now!
I also say yes to photos...you can post when the before when it's all done and you are happy with the results. We'll be patient!
You should do whatever makes you happy. I'm sure it won't be an easy or speedy recovery but as long as you have help I'm sure you'll get through it & you'll have a great looking stomach in the end :)
I haven't had kids yet but I'm almost positive I'll be having a tummy tuck after I have them because I already have a pudgy upper belly. I dont even want to imagine what my stomach will look like after kids. And, if you do get the courage to post pictures I'd love to see the before & after. I'm sure you'll look fabulous!
Thanks for sharing. I was just talking about this exact thing this morning with a friend. I am very anxious to hear about your recovery as I have been thinking about it (and some new boobs while they are in there). Having children really did a number on my body.
Good luck!
I'm completely jealous. I need one badly. I am trying to save up my time at work. Good luck!
Go for it Mrs.
You are brave for posting! I'm glad that you're going for it! Good luck and please let us know when you have your surgery so I can keep you in my prayers!
Yes go for it! It's worth it to look wonderful and most importantly feel better about yourself.
Just last night I got out of the shower and was poking and pulling and wishing for lipo...
Go for it! As I've told you before, I've been doing private Pilates 2x a week since February. I can tell I'm stronger and my stomach has gotten better but it's still not pretty. I'm still considering going under the knife.
I have the same issue. I have this yuck flab from my 1st that no amount of situps or ab exercises will cure. I do plan on more children (and currently am 7 weeks along w/ my newest) so this option will be considered when we are finished having children.
I say go for it...if it makes you happy!
It sounds like you have done a lot of research which is always good and should help with the fear. I think it's a great thing if it will make you feel better. You need to be happy for your kids. And your husband. :)
I would like to read about your experience with this and see the pics. I had always thought that the idea of surgery was just crazy but now that I have PPS it is something I would seriously consider once our family is complete.
A good friend of mine had a tummy tuck and was very happy with the results - BUT the recovery time was difficult. Everyone is different, but I guess if it were me - I would talk to many people who had been through it so you know what you are getting into.
I had a diastasis after Finn was born (not as much as yours - but I feel your pain!) There are some exercises that are helpful
http://www.amazon.com/Lose-Mummy-Tummy-Julie-Tupler/dp/0738209813
but traditional situps - and even sitting straight up in bed quickly - can make it worse. Good luck either way & know that you are gorgeous even with the PPS:)
Good for you! It sounds like this is something you thought about for a while. I don't think surgery should be done for anyone other than the "patient". If it makes a person feel better about him/herself, go for it!! That's my opinion.
My husband and I have talked about me having a boob job.... he's all for it if that's what I want. (When we're finished having kids that is.) I want my body to be proportionate...cause girl got a booty! :) and a chest of a 12 yr old. LOL
My daughter had PPS and had a tummy tuck approximately 5 months after having her second child and looks fabulous.. But there was pain.. be prepared. And she couldn't pick up the baby for 2 weeks. She says it was totally worth it.
I think it is terrific. Keep us posted. xoxo
I am all for women getting surgery to help get their bodies back after babies if exercise won't work! I think what you're doing is awesome and I will definitely do the same thing one day if needed after I have kids! You deserve to feel good about yourself!
Yikes, I'm scared for you!!
But I also haven't had kids and I know this is a major compliant after pregnancy. Ugh.
Seriously you go girl for sharing this! I don't have kids yet, but worry about the same things for some day, and your honesty is refreshing! Although I think surgery is kind of scary, I also think it is so important to feel good about yourself, and if this will help, go of it! Let us know when, you will be in our prayers!
Thank you for sharing and being honest! I never understood plastic surgery, until I had kids! I know how alien my body feels and looks now, four years after having twins. Having kids changes everything in such dramatic ways! After 13 lbs+ of baby in there, there is no magic cream to make my skin snap back. My OB was very up front right away and said the only option is a tummy tuck. After we are done with kids, I'm going to seriously look into it.
If it makes you feel better about your self-- for the rest of your life-- then I say do it! Be proud of it! Good for you! We give so much of ourselves to our children, I think it's Ok to ask for you old body back.
(and yes, I would love to see before and after pics, because if you do want to share).
Honestly? Of course the doctor is going to tell you that this is as good as it gets, he'll be making a lot of money off you. And from what I've heard, the recovery from a tummy tuck is really rough.
I had a sizeable diastasis after my first was born and with the help of the Tupler book that a previous commenter mentioned, was able to completely close it without surgery. Between that and some kick ass cardio, my stomach looks better than it did prekids. Now the boobs, those are another story.
Good luck if you have the surgery and keep u sposted!
You absolutely have to do for you what is right for you! Don't worry what anyone else thinks about surgery...it is your body! It is obviously not an easy choice, and I am sure you have given this a lot of thought, and worry!
Keep us posted, whatever you decide!
You get major points for being real! I think you should go for it, you will feel like a new woman and it sounds like you're really making an informed decision.
Good for you!!
First thanks for your honesty.
GO FOR IT Mrs! You have a whole support system here in blog land to cheer you on!
Make your self happy and do something for yourself. Don't wait until the kids are off in college before you put your well being first. Good luck, keep us posted!!
Yep go for it. And I agree - kudos to you for, as always, keepin' it real. Share as little or a lot as you like but yes I'm interested.
Good on you for being straightforward about this. I say go for it; I'm all for plastic surgery that is well thought out & serves a restorative purpose like this. You're a hot mom either way, but may as well be a flat-tummied one too!
No judgement here! Muffy says: Do what will make you happy!!!!
Good for you - go for it!
I had a very similar situation, a diastasis after 3 c-sections, plus 3 other stomach surgeries (one vertical, 8 inches long!). I could NOT get rid of the big tummy, pouch, what ever you want to call it. I consulted with a few plastic surgeons about surgery .... then, I happened to find out about my pre-diabetic stage (this past October), went through a huge life style change (no processed carbs or refined sugars) and lost 25lbs ... and my stomach is pretty much flat and tight!(I am also much older than you, so I had the pre-menopause muffin top going on too)!! NEVER in a million years would I imagine having a flat stomach again. Even when I lost weight in the past, my stomach was still fat (huge).
That being said, I completely understand having the surgery, as I was so close to doing it. I was fortunate that through diet and a major exercise program I was able to solve my issues, both weight & health.
Keep us posted - wishing you the best!! :)
I am SO jealous! I had twins 4 years ago and my stomach is HORRID! Want a tummy tuck so badly, but can't afford it. PLEASE post before and afters! :)
We don't need to see anything more than you want to share...just do whatever makes you feel good! Go for it, good luck, and we only hope the best for you.
Hey stranger! :)
I say go for it! I'm not exactly pro-surgery either, but if I were in the same situation, weighed the pros and cons, became informed, and felt comfortable with the idea, I'd do the same thing. Good luck!
~is Dr. Ordon as tan in person? :)
OMG! I was just complaining about my tummy in the car moments ago. This time my tummy is just a mess and I have a wedding in two months! Go for it honey. I totally would. A family friend did years ago and never regretted it. If I could I totally would. I heard its a bitch of a surgery, but when its all over and you are healed you will be so glad you did it!!
I say go for it. It will be good for your mental health!
If it will make you happy and confident...DO IT! You might have some pain, but it would probably be nothing compared to years of psychological pain associated with poor confidence due to your pps.
Do we want to see pictures? I think you are asking the wrong crowd. Aren't we de facto voyeurs simply by being in blogland?
Go for it! It will be worth it in the long run.
I say do what you've gotta do. If you are comfortable with the tummy tuck, go for. I will be here to support you, I am sure many others will be here too!
Let me say I am JEALOUS!!! I just chickened out to have my utters put back where they belong! Yup, I had the scheduled date and everything. I have to say, if you do this....I will do that!!! UTTERS/UDDERS???? You know what I am saying.
XOXOX
Go for it! I was always "anti" plastic surgery until I had to have a c-section with my last pregnancy. My daughter is almost 2 and I keep getting asked when my baby is due! Now I would love to have a tummy tuck so that I can actually like the way I look again.
If you are brave enough to post about the procedure then I will be reading every word that you post even more eagerly than usual.
It is SO up to you and I hope it goes fantastically and I hope you love the way it looks and am sending nothing but good strong Norcal woo-woo vibes your way.
You know I think you should do what is best for you, no one should judge, post a picture if you want. I'm getting some work done in April...I'll post after pics then!!
Love you!!
Good for you.. I have thought about it lots since having my two sons but have decided to wait until I have my third baby although not sure though when that will be.
Look forward to hearing about your journey....
Good for you, I wish you lots of luck. Please let us know when it will happen so we can be thinking of you!
Man oh Man-did you strike a nerve!!! 48 comments!
No question here on what I'd do?? Good Luck Fabulous!!
I am SOOOOO Jealous! I would do it in a heartbeat... and maybe one day I will!
I have a medical problem too... I am GREEN with envy! Go for it. I completely get your desire to do it. I haven't really shopped for clothing since my son was born.
Girl go for it!!I don't even have kids yet, but you best believe I will have a tummy tuck fund stashed somewhere. I am serious! If you have tried everything in the book and you are still having problems, that is what the Dr. is for!! Do not spend one more day feeling miserable. Ppl lose weight, dye their hair, change their wardrobe, etc., everyday!
Do what makes you happy! I can't wait to hear your report! I am excited for you!!!
I think if you have the money...do it. I want a breast lift myself! I don't see anything wrong with it!
I alway enjoy your honest and candid posts. You do what is best for you. Nothing but encouragment here. Let us know how it goes!
First off, I have to say how much I admire your openess! Sometimes as ladies we try and hide the bad stuff when really we need to be real and learn from each other. I think if you will feel better about yourself you should go for it!
Karen
Another voice saying go for it! But having survived lots of surgery (different kind) be sure you have LOTS of child care help (like around the clock) during your recovery.
You're the best! You do what makes you feel good! Good luck with your decision!
I am 36 and had a tummy tuck, hysterectomy and boob lift last year, and had I known how wonderful it was, I would have done it earlier. The tummy tuck was a little difficult to recover from, but it is sooooo worth it. They removed 10 1/2 inches of skin from my belly. I went down 4 sizes. It is amazing. If you have any questions, you can email me at shugasgirlatyahoo.com
It is a big decision, but I think you would be happier in the long term if you do it!
The recovery will be hard for a few weeks. No picking up Coco for a while afterwards. My sister had it done after 5 children, and was begging her MD to let her exercise 2 weeks later. She is VERY happy that she did it.
I was researching this last night!! I think I am going for it!! Just need to make sure a get a plastic surgeon that is good. Have one that has done my botox.... however he is really cute and don't think I can get naked in front of him!!! Am I crazy!!!!! I just would prefer someone more nerdy looking!!! xxxxx me
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