Full Tummy Tuck with M.R. From U.K. going to Belgium.

Well, finally got this started. So fed up with my flabby belly, stretch marks and lack of muscle strength that no amount of working out will ever resolve. I am 5ft 3 and now weigh 123lbs, after losing 18lbs in 4 months by eating healthier food, no sugar & doing squats, lunges and walking. Dropped a dress size! I had read it was a good idea to get to your optimum weight (also sustainable) for a better result from the op.
The cause of my diastasis; 1 x 10lb baby, followed by 2 8lbs. Carried all in my front lower area. No-one warned me about preventative measures, i.e. compression garments and care when getting up etc, back in the 90's.
I went to see my surgeon on 21 September, in London.
Good news; I can have my operation. Overjoyed, that I do not need the liposuction..so the healthy eating & exercise plan saves me a few £££ & possibly extra pain.
I was surprised, I thought the floppy belly was partly fat, but, my diastasis is quite bad..hence the need for muscle repair.
My surgeon even got my hubby to measure the separation, so he knows why I need this op. It was quite funny having what seemed like permanent pen markings on my abdomen..which took a while to scrub off!
I will have a scar from hip to hip, vertical scar and new belly button.
All these years of backaches and ocassionally irritated bowels could be due to the slack abs. I don't plan on getting a hernia, but, it is likely without the MR.
I am having my surgery in Belgium, as it is half the cost of the U.K. Got a quote of £9500
I stay in a private/NHS Belgium hospital with full staffing for 1 night, then transfer to a hotel for 6 more (I did not relish the idea of travelling back to the U.K. with drains in, or too soon when I can hardly walk, at Christmas).
I have read other ladies experiences on here and would like to thank you for allowing us to read your journeys, great information.
I am now sticking to my healthier lifestyle (although enjoying it) I am totally focused on being as prepped as I can be for my operation and hoping it will aid my recovery.
As time draws ever nearer, I have a few moments of anxiousness; scaredy cat phases. The usual 'What if?' questions. Will I make it? Will my recovery be smooth? Will I look at my new flatter belly in disbelief that it belongs to me? Will I be pleased with the result? Have I got all the equipment; binders,Spanx, vitamins, poop softeners I need?
I hope I stay focused, I have wanted this for so long. I am counting down the days now, praying I don't get a silly cold and have it postponed.
Good wishes to all those ladies who have been through it, or are about to.


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This is roughly where my incisions will be. These were done at my consultancy in September.
A low hip to hip incision, vertical incision for much needed muscle repair and a new belly button. Cannot wait to say good by to that wrinkly skin.
I have informed my boss I will be taking 6 weeks off work (I have a physical job and I am not rushing back to it for fear of overdoing it and tearing my stitches).
My meeting was very informative, my surgeon honest. He does not push you into anything just to obtain extra fees. Tells you what to realistically expect, what will happen if a review is needed (i.e. dog ears).
I am so glad I found him for my operation.

Okay, so I have been exercising everyday since June. I try ab crunchies, I can do them, but, they only work on the upper abs. It is my lower abs that hang creating the lower abdominal bulge. The lower ab exercise is called reverse crunchie. My problem? My lower abs are so separated the exercise feels useless! My back also aches from this. Pft.
To help with my surgery and recovery, it is recommended that I do 25 of each everyday :-(
I also jog for 1 mile, walk for 6. I find planks most useful, they have strengthened my core.I alternate days for weights and lunges/squats.
I watch what I eat. The thought of bad fat, added sugar and salt passing my lips gives me the willies! Totally focused on this op being a success and doing everything I can to maximise the chance of a good result. I have waited 17 years for this moment. Time is getting closer, but, I am just cannot wait to join the flat side.
I do not even mind that my op is 22nd December and I will be in a recovery state on Christmas day..a good present!!
I have ordered my walker & compression garments. I am stocking up on Tramadol, paracetamol, stool softeners, protein shakes, arnica and bromelain.
I am ready...