anyone else have a post-c-section pooch belly??

[erinmattsmom88]

I hate it. I am almost two years since my last c-section (had first 12/2007) and still have a belly. I look 5 months pregnant, AND have hanging skin underneath that, that folds over the c-section scars. I know that sounds gross. A few months ago, a nice old lady started talking to me, DH, and kids at the park, and she asked me when I was due!!! I was embarrassed, but I guess I deserved it. She really felt bad when she realized I wasn't pregnant. I felt bad for her because she didn't know. I weigh less than I did before both my pregnancies, but still have 20-25 lbs to go... 2 years later. Before kids I barely weighed 120 lbs and was in great shape. Anyway, is there anyone else out there c-section or not, that still has a belly like mine?? I haven't really tried to lose weight (problem # 1), but I know that once I start I will see results. My worry is that hanging skin. Will it go away when I start losing weight, or am I stuck with it unless I get surgery to get rid of it? I hope there are others out there like me. I am moving back down south in two months and warmer weather= less clothes. I don't want to hide in the house or behind big clothes. Need encouragement!!!!

[Amanda_Reyasmom]

It goes away.  You have to lost A LOT of weight really fast to need surgery to remove excess skin.  

[erinmattsmom88]

I hope that's the case. Honestly, my belly looks like a smaller version of what Kate Gosselin's looked like on the episode where she revealed her belly to the world... after having her six kids. Remember that one? My body is weird though. I am short and have no torso at all. When I was pregnant with my kids, they had nowhere to go but out front... far out. My babies were good size (8'8 and 8'6), but still, my bellies were HUGE. I suppose that is a factor as well.

[andisunshine]

I just thought I'd mention diastasis recti, a vertical separation of muscles in the abdomen.  I have it and it's common in women after pregnancy, especially after a c-section when your body might have trouble re-engaging those muscles that have been sliced after healing. 

Here's a link:

http://diastasisrehab.com/

[blessedwithboys]

Ummm, no, it doesn't go away.  It's called a panniculus.  It's skin and no amount of working out will get rid of it.  Only surgery.  Sorry, I truly feel your pain!

[erinmattsmom88]

OMG!!!! Thanks for the info. Panniculus and diastasis recti are ME. I looked at those before and after pictures on the diastasis rehab site... it was like looking in the mirror. I am going to look into this further. Thanks!!!