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Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

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Original poster

Has anyone successfully beaten the post c section belly flop?

40 replies

puds11 · 15/12/2019 18:20

I’m wondering how realistic it is to be able to get rid of the belly overhang from my c section and what the best exercise is to do this.

I was about 1.5 stone overweight before I had baby, I have now lost 2.5 stone, have about 0.5 to go, but overhang doesn’t seem to be tightening up yet. I’m 5 months post section.

Any advice or words of wisdom?

OP posts:

Northernsoullover · 21/12/2019 16:11

If it makes you feel better OP I have an overhang and I didn't have a CS. I'm a size 10 and I have a flat stomach from Pilates, well I say flat apart from that annoying protrusion.

Original poster

puds11 · 31/01/2020 02:39

Thank you for your responses. I think I need to give it a bit more time and hope for the best!

OP posts:

PatricksRum · 31/01/2020 03:03

Yes. As soon as I gave birth my stomach was practically flat. Weirdly

wanilamorty · 31/01/2020 08:15

Those that have done massage on your scars, can I ask what you do? Is it literally just rubbing the skin, or is there anything more specific? And how long/often do you do it? I’m 12 months post c sec and although I healed well my scar is super tight. I hate touching that area because it reminds me of what was a really grim birth (crash c sec, GA, baby in NICU, the lot), but I also wonder if I can loosen the scar a bit I might feel better about it.

Sorry to hijack! And just to join the club, I too have the belly flop!

Original poster

puds11 · 31/01/2020 09:08

That’s fine @wanilamorty, ask away! I’ve been doing wound massage since about 6 weeks after but I have stopped doing it every day. Do intend to start doing every day again! I put a large amount of moisturiser on and massage in small circles across, above and below the scar. I apply quite a firm pressure as it’s to help break up scar tissue within as well as surface scar tissue. I believe there are some YouTube videos on it as well.

OP posts:

BackToBackTheyFaced · 31/01/2020 09:11

So quite a lot of these people didn’t have an overhang I do think it’s down to how they stitch you up they didn’t do a very good job of mine! I have found that as I have lost weight although the overhang is still there it is much less noticeable.

wanilamorty · 31/01/2020 10:01

Thanks, that's really helpful. I'm impressed you started at 6 weeks! Got some catching up to do....

@BackToBackTheyFaced I'm sure it's to do with how they stitch you up. I was in good shape before pregnancy, didn't put on much weight during, and lost it all v quickly after. I weigh less now than I did before getting pregnant. Still have an overhang! I'm learning to wear it with pride tho, esp since so many women are in the same club.

MummyOfBoyAndGirl · 31/01/2020 10:09

Watching

rhowton · 31/01/2020 10:11

I have my tummy tuck in 3 weeks time. Also, getting my boobs lifted and reduced. It is costing serious money so I'm getting a loan! Second kids make it so much worse!

Lucked · 31/01/2020 10:22

I think this means different things to different people, some people genuinely have flabby skin which can’t be improved with diet or exercise. Some people have a combination of increased belly fat and poor core and can probably expect some improvement by tackling these issues.

I have damaged very wrinkly skin from stretch marks but my aim is to get my BMI down to around 21 (currently 23 and I should state BMI works for me) and work on my core to basically improve the appearance as much as possible but the skin is never going to look pretty.

EyeDrops · 31/01/2020 10:24

I'm going to agree with it must be how they stitch you up. I'm a size 10 with a wobbly tum and wrinkly skin (can't do clingy clothes at all!!) but I don't have a noticeable overhang. 12m post partum now, but there's never been much overhang, and that's certainly not down to me doing anything much about it!

Original poster

puds11 · 31/01/2020 11:04

It’s almost as if they stitch you up too tight so it pulls in. I think it’ll be a long process before I can see for sure how it looks, whether it’s loose skin or just fat. This is my second baby and I was a bit chubby when I got pregnant so I am expecting some loose skin.

I have no idea how my boobs will be after two lots of breast feeding!

OP posts:

BackToBackTheyFaced · 31/01/2020 21:49

Yes my scar is very low compared to other people’s and it was pulled very tight.

managedmis · 01/02/2020 02:18

The two people who posted pics, how much do you weigh? You obviously have really low body fat.

ShinyGiratina · 02/02/2020 20:42

I gained 4.5 stones while pregnant after a low of 8.5st by the end of the nausea phase. Much of that was a gigantic bump. I had an EMCS after two hours of pushing, and neither baby nor I were in great condition at that point. From the state of my abdomen, fine stitching probably wasn't high on the surgeon's list of priorities, not helped by an excess of crinkly, saggy skin from the ridiculous amount of stretching my skin went through.

I lost all the baby weight after both pregnancies, but I always have been bigger on the waist since, and the less weight I have, the sadder and more droopy it looks. It seems to gain weight easily too.

I suspect surgery would be the only solution for me. I've just never been fully convinced that I can be bothered with the cost, risk and recovery.

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