“Abdominolplasty- Tummy Tuck”

I had tummy tuck on 11/6/08.  I am a 47 year old female and lost 125 lbs three years ago which left a lot of loose skin on my stomach area and I had two BIG babies (both over 12 lbs) so I had the umbilical hernia and muscle damage.  I work out 6 days per week either running, ellipitical, bike along with weights four days per week so I am very active and I eat healthy.

I don't believe I was prepared for the pain of this procedure.  I had two c-sections and other various surgery in my lifetime to date and this by far was the most painful I have ever endured.  Perhaps because you are expected to leave the hospital hours after the procedure but I suffered great pain. 

I am now six weeks post op and am still in pain.  My muscles do not want to heal very quickly.  My doctor said I could do the bike at four weeks so I did and then tried to introduce the ellipitical but suffered great pain in my upper stomach muscle...(under my right breast was the worst).  I told my doctor and she now advises NO ab workouts for SIX months...I was stunned!!!  It is killing me that I can not workout...I am forcing myself to stay off any equipment for two weeks and then I am going to start slowly AGAIN to see if it still cause pain and discomfort.  Is this normal?  Are there any other persons who actively worked out prior to surgery and had this problem?  Help!