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Original poster

Abdominal separation

17 replies

Roobear23 · 24/01/2018 11:53

Hi I wanted to find out if anyone has had surgery for diastasis recti and if you would mind telling me about your experience. I am seeing a physio who said the next step is to see a doctor. I have no idea what the criteria are for surgery or if it's an option for me but I feel like I'm doing the exercises and the bulge is just getting worse. It's really getting me down.

OP posts:

Raindrop12 · 24/01/2018 12:32

I can't advise on surgery sorry, but I can sympathise. I have quite a large separation after two pregnancies.
Following for any advice too.
I do know that you have to be very careful to do the exercises correctly as you can make it worse otherwise.

theyoniwayisnorthwards · 25/01/2018 15:34

I’m probably going to have a tummy tuck this year as 5 years after my last child I still have a separation, although muscles are now stronger from Pilates and physio. The only surgical solution I know of is abdominoplasty, you can google realself for reviews from people who have done it.

theyoniwayisnorthwards · 25/01/2018 15:35

I also tried the tupler technique after my 1st pregnancy and mutu after my 2nd, had some success with both. At my worst I had a 7 or 8 finger separation, now it’s about 4

rightknockered · 25/01/2018 15:48

AFter my last child, 6 years ago, I have a four finger separation. I did the tupelo technique and later pilates, and now have a 1 finger gap. Didn't get rid of the loose skin though, but you can only see it if I sit down now. If it was worse I would seriously consider surgery. I've been quite lucky really.

rightknockered · 25/01/2018 15:48

Obviously I meant Tupler...

rightknockered · 25/01/2018 15:49

And I had a four finger separation, no longer have it.

Turnedacorner · 25/01/2018 16:30

I had a massive separation after 4 children (9 & 10 pounders!). I was told that my only hope was a tummy tuck, particularly as I had so much stretched skin which no amount of exercise was going to get rid of. I had it done 7 years ago, my muscles were repaired and 6lbs of skin removed.....best thing I ever did!

Original poster

Roobear23 · 25/01/2018 19:19

Thank you for the responses. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who this has happened to as I am constantly checking out stomachs I have heard of mutu and they keep emailing me but had not come across it before so was doubtful about spending that much money on it.

Was one technique more straightforward to follow/ more successful?

Presumably the tummy tuck was something you had to pay for yourself? The physio has said the gap isn't too big but my bulge (ugh) has always been so big so I don't understand. My bump was enormous though so my skin had to stretch a lot I guess.

OP posts:

madmomma · 25/01/2018 19:56

Mutu got mine down from 6cm to 1cm and was easy. I didn't want to spend the money either, but I can't recommend it highly enough.

Turnedacorner · 26/01/2018 08:42

Yes I paid for the tummy tuck privately.

JessiCake · 26/01/2018 11:12

OP I did tupler, I had aout a 9cm separation and now it's only 3cm ish

It was SO BORING but it did help a lot.

I was sceptical about the binding element (big velcro kind of belt you wear under your clothes) but actually i have to admit I think that helped a LOT. More even than the tedious exercises, though I'm surprised I'm saying that.

Avoid pilates, if you're not already!! Some pilates moves can make it worse.

Definitely invetigate the tupler technique and PM me if you want any more info/help

I was miserable with mine but it's so much better, I never even notice it now.

Dontbuymeroses · 26/01/2018 11:31

I had a year of physio after each pregnancy, at that time it was the case that you would be offered surgery if physio did not work. I also know someone that had it done, however this was a few years ago before when the NHS felt quite so strapped for cash.

Is your bulge from lose skin or a bulge down the centre of the gap?

I was quite keen to avoid surgery and luckily I had a good physio. Despite being fairly slim I still have the obligatory 'apron' but my core is strong so I'm not too worried.

onedogatoddlerandababy · 26/01/2018 15:40

Another mutu one here. Works well, I found it easy, not time consuming and can be done at home. My babies weren’t particularly big (7.10 and 8.5, although I’m 5’3 and just under 8 stone, did have them at 38 & 40 yrs, so I assume my muscle/skin recovery may have been better had I been 20 yrs younger 😉)
I still do it two years on, so well worth the money for me.

onedogatoddlerandababy · 26/01/2018 15:42

Should have said - I have no separation now.

Original poster

Roobear23 · 26/01/2018 19:15

I think I'm sold on the mutu after reading reviews online as well. Thanks for your tips and sharing your experiences. Just got to save up now!

OP posts:

madmomma · 26/01/2018 19:50

You won't regret it roo

Havingahorridtime · 27/01/2018 02:21

I had a 4cm gap after dc3 and a 6cm gap after dc4. Dc4 is 7 months old and the gap is now 1.5cm at its widest point. I’m not too bothered by the gap now but the skin is just terribly stretched and saggy. Would mutu help with skin toning or is surgery the only real option for the excess skin?

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