<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Decision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n In 2015, on the advice of my doctor, I consulted with plastic surgeons and decided to get a full abdominoplasty (aka Tummy Tuck). This cosmetic procedure removes extra fat and skin and tightens the rectus muscles. Because of the hernia I chose to have a new SERI silk scaffolding mesh added to reinforce the connective tissue. This safe mesh will dissolve within 18-24 months.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nBoth of my boys were delivered by c-section, so I wondered if the scar would be in the same place and if the recovery would be similar. My doctor was able to create an incision lower than my c-section scar, however the location goal should be discussed with the surgeon beforehand, as everyone\u2019s scar\/skin situation is different. The recovery pain is also different than a c-section. Some feel the abdominoplasty is worse, others easier! Everyone has a different pain tolerance, of course. This surgery is definitely much more intense than a c-section, and while the pain is controlled with medication, I never felt horrific pain \u2013 I was just very sore and uncomfortable for the first few days. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nDiastasis Recti Surgery Recovery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n The recovery is MUCH longer than a c-section! I was hunched over for a few weeks and told not to lift anything over 20lbs for 3 months. (Each surgeon has his\/her own post-surgery recommendations regarding compression garments, when to resume exercise, how much you can lift and when, etc.). <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nI think it is important to clarify that I NEVER wanted to have Diastasis Recti Surgery, and I know it isn\u2019t for everyone. It is expensive, uncomfortable\/painful, comes with potential post-operative complications, requires much time off and assistance with child care, plus the long recovery time. Swelling of the abdominal area can last up to 6 months to a year! <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nI can assure you that you will need someone to watch the kids for the first week at least. You will also need someone to help you get in and out of bed, to the bathroom, to your post-op appointments, keep up with your medication, etc. You won\u2019t be able to drive for at least a week (some doctors advise you to wait closer to 3 weeks). Or lift the kids into car seats for a few months (if they can climb in, you\u2019ll be able to tighten them after a few weeks). I could go on and on! My kids\u2019 ages 6 & 4 made it a little easier. They can be independent when needed and also understood not to hurt me!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nExercising again<\/h2>\n\n\n\n As I write this, I am currently 3 months post-op and I can confidently say that choosing Diastasis Recti Surgery was the right decision for me. I am standing up straight (properly aligned, of course!), have no back pain, my hernia is fixed, and my tummy is flat! Well, I do still have a little swelling below the incision, but I\u2019m okay with that, knowing I still have many months of recovery ahead. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nOverall, I\u2019m grateful that MUTU System got me to a healthy place before surgery, which has undoubtedly helped to make my recovery easier. And\u2026I was just cleared to start gentle abdominal exercises, so thanks to Wendy and MUTU, I have my fitness plan all ready to go!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nAbove you can see photos of Samantha\u2019s journey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who to consult<\/h2>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re considering diastasis recti surgery for functional or aesthetic reasons or both, I urge you to consult and work in the first instance with a specialist Women’s Health Physiotherapist as well as following a dedicated postnatal core restoration program. By educating yourself and retraining your core muscles to work naturally and functionally, you will very likely not need surgery. Your Physio will be able to tell you for sure if your body is simply not responding to the process, but it is without doubt worth pursing the non-intervention route first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If surgery is still recommended or desired, then the work you have done will put your body in the best possible place to recover and strengthen afterwards. Continue with gentle core restoration work post-surgery to increase circulation, aid healing, regain sensitivity and get truly strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember if you only consult a surgeon in the first instance, they will recommend surgery! So get as informed and empowered as possible. Pregnancy and birth already feels \u2018handed over\u2019, and out of control for many women. So don\u2019t simply pass your care and healing over to a Consultant or surgeon without really understanding and knowing your own body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whatever your own healing and strengthening journey looks like, please don\u2019t feel guilty about any of it. Women have come to MUTU feeling \u2018like a fraud\u2019 for getting surgery\u2026 this is crazy. Your choices about what is best for your own body are for no one to judge. Get informed, make empowered, considered and mindful choices. You gave life, and every woman deserves a body that works, looks and feels vibrant and strong to reflect that.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I know from personal experience and from working with thousands of mums, that our postnatal body can come as a shock. You may be considering Diastasis Recti surgery. It’s hard when our body doesn\u2019t look or feel the way it used to. It maybe doesn\u2019t work or respond the way it used to. Past strategies […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2447,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"blog-single.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2406","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diastasis-recti","category-post-birth-recovery"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Diastasis Recti Surgery - Information to help you decide and case study<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n