Are there any maintainers that have had a C-section that found their flat stomach again? I have two children and my second child was a C-section. I feel that I am losing inches, but I dread to look at myself in the mirror without clothes on. It seems the fat is just there and it looks like it is never going to move. Especially the lower abdominals. I know my stomach muscles are strong because I do a lot of ab exercising, but what good is it if I will never see them.

oh bumma...looks like there not. i've had 3 c sections too so was wondering the same thing.

Ive had 2 c sections and even when driving a friend to a plastic surgeon appt went and talked to him about gettin rid of it. He told me it was about $4500, and the scar goes all the way across from hip to hip (which being fair skinned Id be risking a huge red mark if it doesnt heal right) soooooo... I decided to just live with the tummy!!

here is something interesting tho....this is hard to find, but i used to have a bikini that had kind of a V shape in the front of the pants and a wider waist band that kind of crossed over at the front. Anyway, I found that used to hide my tummy pretty well. It wore out on me and i bought another one since that was too small because I was so happy to find it mainly. Im hoping if i get down another few pounds I can actually wear it in public but not too sure yet. Anyway, if you ever find a bathing suit like that, try it on, it just may hide that tummy and make you feel flat tummied again!!

ive had 2 csections and even tho i still have a long way to go, im convinced i will never have "abs" no matter what. it doesnt really bother me too much, tho because due to the stretchmarks, i'll never be able to wear a bikini anyways, i'll be happy to be able just to wear a tight lil pair of jeans that makes me look like i have a flat tummy.

Im in the same boat as you....stretchmark wise....thats why I mentioned those types of bottoms...they dip in the middle but come up high on the sides....hides it all.

cept they are still too small all around for me to wear lol.

I have a different experience. I never had a really flat stomach, no matter how much or how little I weighed until I started doing three things: walk/run four or five days a week, Pilates three days a week, and Atkins every day of the week. I think it was the Pilates thrown in there that made the difference, because I've dieted and exercised before, but this is the first time I've done Pilates.

Yes, I've had a c-section.

I use the Gaiam Pilates kit (available at Target for $30) that has a video tape and resistance bands. Then just get yourself a yoga mat and you're in business.

I swear it works. I've never, never, not even when I was young, had a stomach like this. Just be sure to follow instructions and keep your stomach pulled in when you do the exercises.

Good luck!

Isa

One more thing...even with this flat, muscular tummy I can't wear bikinis because of the dreaded stretch marks. Can't do anything about them! Grrrrr!

Isa

I have had two c-sections and my stomach is still a problem area. I have started going to the gym mainly to work on the ab machines. With clothes on, my stomach looks pretty good, but without, lets just say it ain't pretty.

The ab machines have helped it a bit. Just started a month ago with those so hopefully I will get better results as time passes.

Tummy tucks will most likely be needed, but don't be afraid of the $4500 price. The money you're saving in health problems in the long run will pay for that tummy tuck in probably 2 to 3 years. Many overweight people find themselves on more medications, eating a lot more food (expensive junk food at that), and don't perform as efficiently at their jobs, meaning same pay for more work.

If you're getting close to your goal weight, you might be surprised that the tummy tuck is closer than you think. Of course, only do the surgery for yourself if it helps your self image and you want to show off your new body!