Rectus Diastasis Repair After Hysterectomy?

After pregnancy it takes about 6-8 weeks before the uterus shrinks back to normal size. So theoretically you would have your tummy tuck when you are 2 months out from your c-section without any issues. In general though you probably have some more weight to shed off and it you wait you will likely have a better result than if you were to have your surgery done when you are 2 months out from surgery.
I would say move forth with surgery if you feel that you are at the weight you are going to be or if you think you will not be able to shed any more weight.
Good luck.

Hello, and thank you for your question about repairing rectus diastasis following a recent hysterectomy. I completely understand how frustrating and uncomfortable that bulging sensation can be — especially when you're trying to heal and regain control of your core again.

Rectus diastasis is a condition where the two vertical abdominal muscles (the rectus abdominis) have separated, commonly from pregnancy or significant abdominal stretching. Repairing it involves surgically bringing those muscles back together, usually through a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty with muscle plication.

Because you had a c-section hysterectomy just seven weeks ago, your body is still in the early stages of internal healing. Most plastic surgeons — myself included — recommend waiting at least 3 to 6 months after a major abdominal surgery like a hysterectomy before undergoing another procedure involving the abdominal wall. This timeframe allows:

Proper healing of internal sutures and scar tissue

Reduction of inflammation and swelling

Time to assess your new baseline anatomy, especially now that the uterus has been removed

A lower risk of complications like wound separation, infection, or prolonged recovery

Although you’re understandably eager to address the diastasis and improve both your comfort and appearance, rushing into surgery too soon could compromise your healing and lead to a more difficult recovery. That said, your discomfort — especially the sensation of bulging after eating — is very real, and it’s important to document your symptoms and track any functional impairments (like back pain or digestive difficulty). Some insurance companies may consider rectus diastasis repair medically necessary if there are functional limitations, although coverage varies widely.

In the meantime, consider wearing a medical-grade abdominal binder or compression garment to provide temporary support. Gentle core strengthening exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist (once cleared by your gynecologist) may also help reduce symptoms until you're ready for surgery.

Wishing you comfort and clarity as you heal, and when the time is right, a smooth path toward repair.

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, MBA, FASMBS, FICS
(Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons; Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery; Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame)

Once you are fully healed from your hysterectomy, please consult a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in abdominal wall reconstruction to discuss surgical options and determine the best timing for repair.

Agree with other posts about waiting 2-3 months.
Here's another suggestion: as soon as your Ob-Gyn releases you, start doing abdominal exercises. This strengthens your abdominal muscles, but more importantly, makes the muscle closure more secure, and the recovery faster.
Be sure to ask for a pain pump, it will make your recovery that much easier. I have attached below a link to a blogpost on pain pumps and how they improve recovery.