girlfriend wants a "tummy-tuck!"

[Max-Machine]

I really need some female input --pleeeeze!!!

My girlfriend(withwhom I love to pieces!) want to spend $5ooo Can. to get a tummy tuck. The doc told her after 3 children, the ab muscles are "shot" and that no amount of dieting and exercize will get rid of that "loose skin"! I said that is b.s and the doc is looking for the 5 grand.

Am I wrong? Does having 3 children ruin you? I've always believed in working out and eating properly will cure just about anything. I told her I love her just the way she is. The workout thing is my thing and does not have to be her thing. I did tell her she would feel a lot better if she followed my advice. She is muscular from years of figure skating and is atheletic. But, a tummy tuck? She's convinced that the fat around her waste is "loose skin"! I said until you have tried bodybuilding for a least one year, don't tell me surgery is the only way to get rid of that "loose skin"--(it's nothing that regular training & eating could'n't get rid of--I think)

Ladies, am I wrong? Are there cases out there where surgery is the only way out? Why is that the women who are eating and training right look good and the one's who don't train and eat right complain about the way they look?

I think she wants the easy way out. Anyone been thru this? I would appreciate any input, as I will be letting her read this

Thanx a whole bunch in advance!

[ChocoChick]

Well, I don't know what your gf looks like but I don't believe that a tummy tuck is the only answer or even the best answer.

What does your gf weigh? What does her diet look like? What kind of weight training and cardio does she currently engage in?

As for whether 3 children ruins you... well, I have more gray hairs than I used to, but my abs -- while not the abs of my 20's or even my 30's -- are pretty good.

I said until you have tried bodybuilding for a least one year, don't tell me surgery is the only way to get rid of that "loose skin"

I agree!

[Max-Machine]

Originally posted by dbflgirl
Well, I don't know what your gf looks like but I don't believe that a tummy tuck is the only answer or even the best answer.

What does your gf weigh? What does her diet look like? What kind of weight training and cardio does she currently engage in?

Thanx for the input! Don't know what she weighs(afraid to ask!)--she looks good tho. Nice legs--fairly muscular for a non-trained person. Her diet sucks! Trying to convince her of the 6 meal-a-day plan. She does the treadmill once in a while. Her main problem ( if you can call it a "problem"--it doesn't bother me!) is the fat around her waist she insists is "loose skin". I said, "no-no!"

I told her my abs are there 'cause I worked the hell out 'em! She has not done the hard thing yet so she does not know how it could be. Or could it be? I'm trying to be non-judgemental 'cause women have different issues than men. But it does seem to me that a good diet with weight training and cardio should cure anyone's fat problem within time....

I was kinda of hoping to hear from a lady or two that was considering surgery but opted for bodybuilding instead and got good results. It really does not help my case that the doctor told her all the dieting & exercising in the world won't help her!

He's off his stick, isn't he?

[Emoore]

I think that the Doc is off his rocker. A tummy tuck (correct me if I'm wrong here) is removing fat from the ab area. She can do that through dieting and exercise. After she gets rid of the fat, she MIGHT have a bit of lose skin that can be removed if she wants to, but then again her skin might be elastic enough to snap back.

[clc0303]

An aquaintance of mine just got her "back fat" removed through surgery. She has to be extra careful about diet and exercise now because that is the first place she'll gain fat back.
I say, why not just start a good diet and workout program to begin with and save your $$ and physical pain?

[Jonny1nut]

Originally posted by Emoore
I think that the Doc is off his rocker. A tummy tuck (correct me if I'm wrong here) is removing fat from the ab area. She can do that through dieting and exercise.

No, a tummy tuck/abdominoplasty isnt about removing fat(liposuction). In the tummy tuck they tighten the abdominal wall and cut away the excess skin from loss of elasticity most of the time from excessive weight reduction. If she isnt certain about it I'd say not to get it because i had it done and it was the most painful thing in my life and i couldnt stand up straight for over 5 months. oh yeah there is a huge ass scar to boot.

[imperfectly_lou]

If it really is "loose skin", and there is a lot of it, then the only way to get rid of it may well be surgery. But I dont think removing loose skin is the same thing as a tummy tuck. Generally, the people who need to have that sort of surgery are those that have lost a lot of weight (like over 50lbs) very quickly.

[Max-Machine]

Originally posted by imperfectly_lou
If it really is "loose skin", and there is a lot of it, then the only way to get rid of it may well be surgery. But I dont think removing loose skin is the same thing as a tummy tuck. Generally, the people who need to have that sort of surgery are those that have lost a lot of weight (like over 50lbs) very quickly.

I don't even know what loose skin is! It looks like fat to me. And no, she has not lost a lot of weight quickly! The doc said her "muscles were shot"---whatever that means. I told her she has no ab muscle whatsoever. She can't even sit and do a leg raise without dying! I'd still like to see her try one of my routines and eating habits for about 6 months or so first. Then let's see what we've got.

Is that too unreasonable? For the amount of money and pain it will cost, I mean 5 grand would buy a whole lot supplements for long time!

What the hell is a tummy tuck anyway? I always thought that was what Raquel Welch did to stay in shape!....

[moody_weasel]

Originally posted by Max-Machine
I don't even know what loose skin is! It looks like fat to me. And no, she has not lost a lot of weight quickly! The doc said her "muscles were shot"---whatever that means.
Is that too unreasonable? For the amount of money and pain it will cost, I mean 5 grand would buy a whole lot supplements for long time!

Really overweight people who lost a lot of weight too fast usually have loose skin. It's really just skin hanging down.

You are probably right and all your girlfriend needs is to lose a bit of weight. 5 grand will buy a whole lot of healthy food for a long time!

[V5RED]

my mom has had 4 children and she is in better shape than almost every girl in my grade shes like size 2

[imperfectly_lou]

Pregnancy can cause a lot of damage to the abodminals. During pregnancy, the ab muscles actually separate, and in some women, particularly those that don't work out, it is very difficult to get the muscles to go back together

I think you would know loose skin if you saw it... When it is loose skin, that is all it is when you grab it. If it is fat, you will FEEL the fat underneath the skin.

[Max-Machine]

Originally posted by imperfectly_lou
Pregnancy can cause a lot of damage to the abodminals. During pregnancy, the ab muscles actually separate, and in some women, particularly those that don't work out, it is very difficult to get the muscles to go back together

I think you would know loose skin if you saw it... When it is loose skin, that is all it is when you grab it. If it is fat, you will FEEL the fat underneath the skin.

So then, the Doc was right. If the abs are damaged, no amount of situps,crunches & leg raises will help?

Somehow, I still can't see it. A muscle will always improve when overloaded. She does not have a disease! But I don't know too much about this issue. That's why I'm asking......

If the abs are separated, what are the consequences? Is surgery then the only option? Could they not be nursed back into shape with a good routine?.......start slow & build-up?

What would be a good routine to start her off ?

[ChocoChick]

Originally posted by Max-Machine
So then, the Doc was right. If the abs are damaged, no amount of situps,crunches & leg raises will help?

Not true. There are exercises that can be done to reduce the amount of separation (which is very common after childbirth). It won't necessarily go away completely but that doesn't mean that anyone but her will know it's there, either. In other words, it's not visible.

First things first. Here are links with more information about abdominal separation, including information on the specific exercises to help reduce it:

http://sheknows.com/about/look/302.htm
http://www.ovarianconnection.ca/exer...ration0803.pdf

Second... A tummy tuck won't address this muscle separation. So if she doesn't take steps to minimise it, she will always have it, tuck or no tuck.

What are your gf's stats? Is it possible she's just a little overweight?

[imperfectly_lou]

Yes thats right... just because the separation has occurred does not mean it can't be improved upon.

[Max-Machine]

Originally posted by dbflgirl
Not true. There are exercises that can be done to reduce the amount of separation (which is very common after childbirth). It won't necessarily go away completely but that doesn't mean that anyone but her will know it's there, either. In other words, it's not visible.

.. A tummy tuck won't address this muscle separation. So if she doesn't take steps to minimise it, she will always have it, tuck or no tuck.

What are your gf's stats? Is it possible she's just a little overweight?

Thank-you so very much! This is what I was hoping to hear! I'm not sure what her stats are. She is naturally muscular & athetic. I'm guessing about 5'4 and perhaps 140 or 145---maybe 150 given how good her legs look for someone who doesn't lift weights. She's pretty cool about all this and will probably give it a good shot. I wanted to get her some female input on this.

She just needs to trim up the waist. It'll be better for her health as well. It's all a matter of changing the eating habits, and I do not push it! I told her a lifestyle change takes time, and she will gradually grow into it.......especially when she see's me getting bigger & better as I get older.....

Thanx again for your time!

[kelleyk_8]

Hi There! I just had to post my thoughts on this thread because it hits so close to home!! I had twins about 3 years ago and went from 120lbs to 220lbs. I dropped the weight incredibly fast but am still struggling with the loose skin around my abdomen. I went to the plastic surgeon earlier this year. Without even examining he told me that he was yet to see a patient who carried twins that did not need muscle repair and the tummy tuck. I told him that I had been training with personal trainer for just under a year and he just smirked and was like 'yeah, like I said I've never seen anyone not need muscle repair" Well he examined me and asked me to do a few exercises while he felt my abs. To his amazement he was like 'oh my gosh, you have tighter abs than I do'--trust me, the man didn't give out many compliments either! However, even though he didn't have to do muscle repair with the surgery(which is the part that leaves you hurting the most) he still had to remove the skin that was just hanging, it had been stretched to much. I'm really really cut on top but I still have a bit of the loose skin, the smaller I get the more I have. I scheduled for May but my sister ended up starting her MBA classes and couldn't come take care of my kids so I cancelled. Like I said I've only been working out for a year and there are lots of improvements, but I still think I need to get rid of the excess skin and will probably have it done sometime early next year as it is already paid for. If I was your girlfriend I tell her too wait, because her skin may bounce back with a good diet and excercise etc. A lot of people who carry a little extra weight around the mid section think it is just loose skin and don't try to do anything about it. I'd give it a year or so because it might just be fat and not overstretched skin. Sorry if this doesn't make sense. Also, it does leave a BIG scar if she has the full tummy tuck. So you are trading a BIG scar that might heal thick for a little bit of loose skin.
If you have any questions just ask--I've seen the plastic surgeon a lot and might could help you.

[Thunder_Bunny]

Why not have her follow your advice and spend the year trying to really work hard. After 1 year if she still has a problem with the loose skin she can get the tummy tuck?

Plus 1 year is a good amount of time to research doctors, risks, and various other issues surrounding plastic surgery.

[runninggirl]

well, i'm hoping that your girlfriend will try working out and cleaning up her eating habits a bit before opting for the surgery. it's sad to think that a doctor would recommend that before suggesting a fitness route!!! all medical procedures involve risks. that is something to consider as well. the risks might seem minor or the odds might not be that great, but i wouldn't want to be the 1/1,000,000 to find out that surgery isn't so great!!! suggest that your gf check out the site www.angelfitness.com. Rebecca Lee is a fitness competitor and she's had a child. i think you'll agree that she looks amazing. she tells her story and is open to helping others get started. now, i'm not saying your gf has to become competitive to look great, i'm just saying it's possible to get the results she wants without going under the knife.
RG

[Max-Machine]

To all the ladies who have graciously replied to my post:

THANK-YOU ALL A MILLION TIMES OVER!

Your comments and advice have been wonderfully accepted. She does want to give the workout thing a good shot. She does not know much about bodybuilding, but like I said is atheletic (well, used to be!) and is anxious to get started.

She does the treadmill fairly faithfully. I told her to watch the results once I get her on a good weight program. The combo of cardio, weght training & good eating habits will alter her life.

runninggirl, I completely agree with your comment about how sad it is a medical doctor would not advise a diet & bodybuilding program FIRST---and then let's see what we've got.....

There is nothing wrong with her health. The medical community still needs a lot to learn about health. You would think that after all the years and all the bodybuilding that has been done these people would have noticed how much better a quality of life us fitness buffs have? I'm 50 years old and keeping up with the 25 year olds at work! Not because I'm special, but because of weight training and at least keeping a minimum of conditioning year round. In fact, some of these young guys would die trying to keep up with this ol' man in the gym!

Is it just me, or have any of you noticed the type of folks sitting in the doctor's office all the time? They are usually fat, unconditioned people following the doc's advice!--like my girlfriend's doc----'tis a sad thing indeed...

Hopefully, all this dialogue will inspire some other newbie into getting fit first before following the "doctor's advice"!

Maximum thanx!

[Max-Machine]

Originally posted by kelleyk_8
If I was your girlfriend I tell her too wait, because her skin may bounce back with a good diet and excercise etc. A lot of people who carry a little extra weight around the mid section think it is just loose skin and don't try to do anything about it. I'd give it a year or so because it might just be fat and not overstretched skin. Sorry if this doesn't make sense. Also, it does leave a BIG scar if she has the full tummy tuck. So you are trading a BIG scar that might heal thick for a little bit of loose skin.
If you have any questions just ask--I've seen the plastic surgeon a lot and might could help you.

Thank-you so much for your valuable input! .....Yes indeed, it does make perfectly good sense to me!

[kelleyk_8]

No Problem! I just also wanted to add that my surgeon is incredibly fit and health concious, which made me feel better and that is how he expects his clients to be. If I had gone in there overweight, never had exercised etc. I don't think he would've wanted to do the surgery. He's just like that. He expects you to put forth effort. I don't know if most surgeons are like that but I found it refreshing. Ya know what I mean? I'm sure he'd tell your girlfriend the same thing--to wait at least a year and follow a good regimen and then we'll talk about it. Because there are sometimes when surgury is the only option (to get rid of the excess skin), you just don't know until you give it time. Good luck with it all! Your GF sounds like she is in good hands!!

[Max-Machine]

Originally posted by kelleyk_8
No Problem! I just also wanted to add that my surgeon is incredibly fit and health concious, which made me feel better and that is how he expects his clients to be. If I had gone in there overweight, never had exercised etc. I don't think he would've wanted to do the surgery. He's just like that. He expects you to put forth effort. I don't know if most surgeons are like that but I found it refreshing. Ya know what I mean? I'm sure he'd tell your girlfriend the same thing--to wait at least a year and follow a good regimen and then we'll talk about it. Because there are sometimes when surgury is the only option (to get rid of the excess skin), you just don't know until you give it time. Good luck with it all! Your GF sounds like she is in good hands!!

I wish every doctor was like yours. You are indeed very fortunate! Your input has been very valuable....good luck with all your future fitness endeavours!