Are you worried about your belly fat being split in two? If you are, you’re not alone. Almost everyone has had a situation like this at some point, and it’s not always easy to know what to do. Here are some tips that can help you get your body back in shape.
Diastasis recti
If you’ve recently had a baby, you may have noticed your abdominal muscles are split in two. This is a condition called diastasis recti. The muscles in your stomach and intestines are known as the rectus abdominis, and these muscles have to work together to hold your uterus in place. It is possible to have this condition during pregnancy, and it is common after having a baby.
Women who have had multiple pregnancies or who are obese are more likely to develop diastasis recti. However, this condition can also happen to men. Diastasis recti causes softness or a bulge in the belly and can make it difficult to carry a baby.
Having diastasis recti can cause a number of medical problems, including urinary incontinence and constipation. These problems can be uncomfortable and painful. There are several ways to treat this condition.
One way is to perform physical therapy exercises. Depending on the severity of the problem, this can involve strengthening the abdominal muscles. A healthcare provider will also try to determine the extent of the separation. They may use a caliper, measuring tape, or ultrasound. Your doctor may also feel for muscle tone.
Another treatment option is surgery. If the gap is too large or severe, it can cause complications such as a hernia. Surgery can be done laparoscopically, using small incisions. Afterwards, you’ll need to go to follow-up visits to check on your progress. Usually, you’ll see results within three weeks.
It is also important to avoid activities that strain your abdominal muscles. Sit-ups, crunches, and lifting heavy objects can worsen the problem. Also, wearing a binding device can help you maintain proper posture and support your lower back.
While this condition can heal itself, it can take months to a year for it to fully heal. If you have diastasis recti, you may find it hard to exercise and may experience pain. Luckily, this condition is fairly easy to treat. So, if you think you might have this condition, visit your healthcare provider immediately.
To keep your abdominals healthy, eat a well-balanced diet. Avoid yo-yo dieting or engaging in exercises that press on your abdominals.
Post-pregnancy belly ‘pooch’
Post-baby bods are bound to have a few aches and pains. Luckily, there are many low-impact strategies to help you shed the excess without the hefty price tag. For starters, stick to a healthy diet and you’ll soon reap the benefits. You’ll also get plenty of sleep and feel great about yourself as you go about your daily routine. To top it off, you’ll have a cute baby on your hands to boot. Not to mention the countless friends and family members who’ll be glad to tattle on your new found self. The best part is, you can get back to the gym once the baby has gone to sleep. And with the right amount of encouragement, you’ll be able to reap the rewards of a healthy lifestyle in no time at all.
A healthy, happy family will mean your belly is less of a buffet and more of a dessert in no time. With the plethora of healthy eating options out there, you’ll soon be a happy mommy.
Tummy tuck or liposuction
If you are having problems with diastasis recti, you may want to get a tummy tuck. This surgery will help correct weakened muscles in your abdominal area. However, this procedure can’t cure your diastasis.
Diastasis recti is a condition that occurs when the linea alba, a muscle along the abdomen, gets stretched out over time. It can become weak and separate from the other muscles. The separation can affect how your stomach looks and even lead to back pain.
A tummy tuck can correct loose skin and excess fat around your abdomen. The skin can also be repositioned to give you a more toned look.
Before getting a tummy tuck, make sure you discuss with your doctor your goals. They will be able to determine whether the procedure is safe for you.
Typically, a tummy tuck is done in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility. Patients will be under general anesthesia, meaning they will not feel any pain. After the surgery, the incision will be covered with a surgical dressing.
During the procedure, doctors will cut through the fatty tissue, just under the skin, and remove it. Occasionally, a drain will be placed along the incision line. Some patients may also be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infections.
In some cases, a tummy tuck may be performed in conjunction with a breast surgery. You should not have a future pregnancy before undergoing the procedure. Also, you should only lose a moderate amount of weight before the operation. Significant weight loss after the surgery can lead to a less effective result.
Because of the risks involved with a tummy tuck, you should only consider the procedure if you are at a healthy weight. Additionally, you should not smoke. Smoking can slow the healing process and increase your risk of tissue damage.
When you are considering a tummy tuck, it is important to find a surgeon who is experienced in performing the procedure. Your obstetrician or primary care physician can refer you to a specialist plastic surgeon.
Depending on the amount of extra tissue you have, you might be able to achieve some results by exercising and dieting. You can still have a good result, though, by undergoing a tummy tuck.
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