38 Years-2 Children by C Section-diastasis Recti: Tummy Tuck-No Lipo - Stony Brook, NY

After having 2 above average size babies in my mid 30's, both by c-section, my stomach was completely destroyed. Before children my stomach was completely flat and toned. I have a small frame and noticed after my second pregnancy my stomach had a strange separation and made a ridge when I did any abdominal training. My belly button was also completely saggy and I had lots of extra skin. I was really depressed about my body and found it very difficult to get dressed every day to the point where I barely wanted to leave the house. I was constantly sucking it in and always worried someone would ask me if I was expecting, which happened several times. I was told by a general surgeon I had a hernia and diastasis recti. I tried physical therapy to close the separation to no avail. Since I thought I had a hernia I decided I would go for a consultation for a tummy tuck to remove the extra skin and repair the separation as well ( I did not have any lipo). I figured if I was having a surgery already I may have everything done simultaneously. I found Dr. Epstein on RealSelf and was impressed with his numerous amazing ratings. I was definitely nervous about going through with the procedure but knew it was the only way to fix the problem. The day of the procedure I was beyond nervous but knew this was what I had to do. The first few days my stomach felt VERY tight and I had back pain. I wouldn't say I was in pain but I was very uncomfortable. I was back to work 6 days later. I am a teacher and it was the end of the school year so my job required lots of grading and computer work at that point. I think if I had students I would have waited longer just to be on the safe side and make sure I did not get bumped into etc. The first few weeks I was a little shocked by the swelling and almost regretted the surgery. It is difficult to follow the directions of not lifting for 8 weeks when you have two children ages 3 and 20 months. If I was able to just sit and recover I would imagine my swelling would have subsided sooner. I am now 9 weeks post op and am thrilled with my results. It is amazing what a difference my stomach is from week 4 to now. I now know I made the right choice and am looking forward to seeing my stomach improve even further as time goes by. I can now get dressed with out crying and can not describe how much better I feel about myself. I still have some swelling and tightness but my stomach improves every day. I am optimistic about the scar fading since my c sections scars faded really well. I am excited to see what my stomach will look like for next summer and cant wait to wear a bathing suit again.