Diastatis recti in men - already feeling the benefits of my surgery

I was diagnosed with Diastatis Recti just over 2years ago and a CT scan showed a muscle separation of over 5cm. As a result, I was referred by the NHS for surgery. However, with the pandemic and a problem with administration, I discovered in September last year that my referral had not been made and that the process of referral and the expected waiting time would have to start all over again. During the intervening period, I had seen my belly grow dramatically, despite my weight remaining fairly static. I had to agree with my wife that I did in fact look like that I was in the later stages of pregnancy. Although I was not happy with how I looked, my primary concern was my lack of core strength. My daily work is quite physical and I’d noticed that tasks were becoming increasingly difficult and leaving me exhausted and breathless even the simple things like tying my shoe laces. I was suffering with daily back pain due to my posture and my gait had become affected and I could only descend our steep stairs at home one stair at a time for fear of falling. When lifting or carrying heavy items, I could feel and see my belly pulling apart and protruding even further. My situation was affecting me mentally and my self confidence was low. Given my situation I felt that I could not wait any longer so decided to investigate private treatment. Having undertaken a lot of research, I came up with a very short list of local plastic surgeons and contacted them all. However, I was instantly impressed with Jacquie from Mr.Ragoowansi’s office who knew what Diastatis Recti was (without me having to explain!) and confirmed that Mr. Ragoowansi does carry out the repair of same. I therefore made an appointment and met with Mr Ragoowansi for a consultation in September 2021. I found Mr.Ragoowansi to exude a very warm and personable personality and he instantly put me at ease. Having examined me, Mr Ragoowansi confirmed that since my CT scan , my Diastatis recti separation had almost doubled to around 10cm. He was however concerned that my bowel may have been affected (as it would poke out on exertion) and therefore suggested that I should have a consultation with a general surgeon to clarify if I would need both general and plastic surgery. Thankfully, having followed this advice, it was confirmed that no further intervention was required. Having felt completely satisfied that Mr.Ragoowansi had answered all of my questions and explained the procedure fully, I booked a date for Surgery (Diastatis Repair, Abdominoplasty and Lipo suction) for the 29th of November at the Sloane hospital in Beckenham. After having all of my pre op assessments a few days before, on admission I was shown to my room where I met with the anaesthetist and later Mr. Ragoowansi who ran through the procedure again and marked my body ready for the operation. Some hours later, I came round and felt surprisingly comfortable. Thankfully, I had been fitted with a catheter which meant there was no reason for me to have to get out of bed! The next day, I had the catheter removed and was encouraged to get up and walk for a bit and as all was well, I was allowed home that evening with a corset which I had to wear 24/7 apart from when I was showering which I could do straight away! I would admit that once home and after I finally managed to get into my bed (which wasn’t easy!) I was very uncomfortable and could barely move. I felt that the pain relief I had been given was not sufficient and became increasingly concerned how I was ever going to recover! However, I needn’t have worried as the next day, the pain subsided a bit and was manageable and it continued to get better day by day. I was up and about in no time but continued to follow the advice given. 10 days after surgery, I met with Mr.Ragoowansi again and had my stitches removed. At this point I was walking normally and standing upright. Having seen my Scar for the first time , I was very impressed with not only the neatness and positioning but also with my healing. Unexpectedly, I loved my repositioned navel! It had been effaced for over 40 years and now looked like it did when I was in my early teens!! I had purchased a number of high waisted compression shorts (as advised) and once Mr.Ragoowansi had confirmed the fit, was told to continue to wear them 24/7 for the next 6 weeks. Unfortunately, I developed a small infection in my Navel over the Christmas/bank holiday period. I contacted Mr.Ragoowansi’s office in this regard (explaining I didn’t expect a reply until the office was back open) and was amazed and delighted to have an immediate response from Jacquie which was then followed up by a phone call from Mr.Ragoowansi. Having looked at photo’s of my infection, he gave me advice and then arranged for me to see him within a few days at the Sloane. A course of Anti biotic was prescribed and the infection cleared quickly. I had a follow up appointment with Mr.Ragoowansi earlier this week. My recovery is going well and in a few weeks, I will be able to resume some light lifting. I am not due to see Mr. Ragoowansi again until April at which point, I hope to be back to normal activities. I can not believe how youthful my torso now looks. As a bald 57 year old with failing eyesight and hearing, I didn’t think I was particularly bothered about such things! However, I am now looking forward to being able to do some weight training and maybe even working on getting a 6 pack!! I am already feeling the benefits of my surgery, my back ache has gone, my balance and posture are greatly improved and as you can no doubt tell, my self confidence has bounced right back! I can’t thank Mr.Ragoowansi and his amazing team enough for their professionalism and expertise but equally as important, making me feel that I really matter. It would appear that Diastatis Recti in men is actually more common than you would think. If you are a man and reading this or if you have a man in your life who is fit and healthy but has an unexplained beer belly that bothers them, I would have no hesitation in recommending Mr.Ragoowansi for diastatis recti repair. It is quite simply life changing.