The shelf... how to get rid of post C-section tummy

[expatnow]

Not sure if I am posting in the right place, but I am desperate! I had my second C-section 3 months ago and am struggling with my flabby belly and the shelf/ overhang of flesh. I know it is relatively early days, but are there any specific exercises I can do? I am going to the gym 2-3 times a week (when I can) but really interested in advice about sit ups/ abdominal exercises.

It's not gym/sit ups you really need. It's more pilates or Physio exercises for your core muscles. Sit ups just work the upper layer of muscles, not your core ones. Good luck!

I really struggled after my 2nd c section. it took ages and ages and it's still not 100% but much better. DC is 15months. I started doing boxercise which was great and really worked the abs. I have a bit of a back issue so i ma going to start to pilates as the physio said it was the best thing for posture etc.

my other advise is once your DC2 is mobile you do a hell of a lot more running around and in the past month i have found that i have lost quite a bit of weight as i very rarely sit down in the day chasing after 2 toddlers!

I've had 2 cs, the last one 4 years ago, and for ages I had a flabby tummy and looked about 4 months pregnant so I sympathise.

It can go, but it does take time and effort I'm afraid. I lost mine through a combination of dieting (some of it will just be fat, and you can't spot-reduce fat) and going to the gym 3 times a week. I do a mixture of cardio and weights. I think you need the cardio for weight loss but the weights really help to tone up. Sit-ups are not the best for abs - have you tried the plank?

Is it just a case of losing weight and doing lots of toning exercise, then? I don't mean 'just' in that it's easy to do, only that it sounds like you can shift it with hard work and dedication.

Thanks for the thoughts. Agree it will be a combination of things- but feel I've done everything right and it still sits there! Supposedly it is called a "mother's apron"! I only gained 23 lbs, was a good weight before and exercised regularly, ate well and exercised during my pregnancy (mildly) right up until the end. I am breastfeeding etc etc and yet still have this flabby tummy! I am 37 though...

I guess I will just have to keep at it and see if I can shift it eventually.

I had my 2nd section 7 months ago and am back to normal. It's gradual, but when my DS was about 2 months old I was sick of my belly so I bought a latex girdle and wore that for about a month and it really helped.

This is the one I got....
www.classicshapewear.com/ann-chery-clasica-latex-waist-cincher-2025-p-2385.html

I saw someone post on here once that getting your body fat percentage down to 20% was the key. My body fat % is about 21/22% and still a little bit shelf like ( more of a 'lip' ) but when I can be bothered I get it down to 20% and it all but vanishes.

That's after three c sections on the last four years! I don't go the gym but in just ran around like crazy after my three babes.

Thanks! Very good advice. Raven- do you have a copy of exercises or know where I could get them? I am abroad and so wouldn't have access to anything like that!