I recently had my 2nd (and last) baby. I have a diastasis recti and am also about 90 lbs overweight. I'm working on loosing the excess weight, but am concerned that the diastasis recti is causing my abdominals to be weak and may cause back injury. Is that a concern, and would it be better to wait until I've lost the weight to get the diastasis fixed, or get it done now?
October 8, 2012
Answer: Post-pregnancy Diastasis Recti and Overweight
It is much better to lose the weight before surgery. If someone tightened you abdominal muscles today, and you went and lost 90 pounds, you may need it done again. As far as excess skin, you most certainly would need more skin removed after further weight loss.
The general risks of the surgery, including wound complications, blood loss, blood clots will be significantly lower at a more favorable weight.
Thanks you for your question, best wishes.
Helpful
October 8, 2012
Answer: Post-pregnancy Diastasis Recti and Overweight
It is much better to lose the weight before surgery. If someone tightened you abdominal muscles today, and you went and lost 90 pounds, you may need it done again. As far as excess skin, you most certainly would need more skin removed after further weight loss.
The general risks of the surgery, including wound complications, blood loss, blood clots will be significantly lower at a more favorable weight.
Thanks you for your question, best wishes.
Helpful
October 9, 2012
Answer: Tummy Tuck, Diastasis, and Obesity
For the best outcome in appearance,symptoms and function, I always recommend losing the extra weight before a tummy tuck. If your abdomen is protuberant because of loose rectus abdominis muscles and too much visceral (internal) fat, then a repair of the diastasis is more likely to fail. And, despite repairing and tightening your rectus muscles, you may still have a protuberant abdomen because of excess visceral fat. Back pain can certainly be caused by weak core muscles, but the extra weight around the middle can contribute to back pain, as well. This is another good reason to lose the extra weight prior to surgery.
Thank you for your question and best of luck!
Gregory C. Park, M.D.
Helpful
October 9, 2012
Answer: Tummy Tuck, Diastasis, and Obesity
For the best outcome in appearance,symptoms and function, I always recommend losing the extra weight before a tummy tuck. If your abdomen is protuberant because of loose rectus abdominis muscles and too much visceral (internal) fat, then a repair of the diastasis is more likely to fail. And, despite repairing and tightening your rectus muscles, you may still have a protuberant abdomen because of excess visceral fat. Back pain can certainly be caused by weak core muscles, but the extra weight around the middle can contribute to back pain, as well. This is another good reason to lose the extra weight prior to surgery.
Thank you for your question and best of luck!
Gregory C. Park, M.D.
Helpful