Thursday, September 29, 2011

There's a hole in my stomach where my muscle should be

After 20 months of wondering, I've finally learned the truth.  I have diastasis.
Which basically means that my stomach muscles separated during pregnancy because I was so freaking huge.  And that without a whole lotta specific ab type of work, I will never get my body "back" to the way it used to be.
I'd brought up my concerns to a couple of pilate instructors in the past about this, but (without examining me) they declared that I probably didn't have it because I'm fairly thin.  And I am.  But, no matter what, there's this poochy, jiggly, sticky outy belly thing going on.
Even the trainer who examined me on Tuesday initially said I didn't have it.
And then she stuck two fingers straight into my stomach.  It's so freaky.

Where I live, there's a stroller fit class once a week (for free) and I did it for the first time on Tuesday (after 20 months!  Go me! Haha.)  She's trained in the Julie Tupler technique and I don't know....maybe I'll see about some sessions with her to try to get rid of it and strengthen my core.
I admit there's 1/2 of me that says "You're 42, you had twins, who cares?"  And the other less self-assured 1/2 that says "You're only 42, why not look your best and get rid of the mummy tummy?"

Anyone else get this and have you done any work on it--like the Tupler technique?

Here's a link to some great before and after photos.  If I do this, I'm aiming for #12!


6 comments:

Heather said...

I haven't personally, but check out Moosh at mooshinindy.com.

Anonymous said...

It was SOP at my hospital (in Aus) to be assessed for separation a few days after birth. The physio took a session on tummy exercises to do, then measured each of us - everyone except me (the only twin mum!) only had minor separation. I think I had 5-6 'fingers' so was given a tube of tight stretchy material to wear for the next few months. Worked like a charm. I still have a bit of separation, less than 1 finger, but it doesn't bother me. Also, I never really did the exercises I was supposed to do. Oops. I'd probably be even better if I had!

Good luck! Kim

Hanen said...

I have this! But despite living in Aus, I didn't get assessed for it, probably due to the traumatic circumstances. I wish I had, because people kept asking me if I was pregnant... Yoga has helped narrow the gap from about 5 fingers to about 2-3 but I wish I'd gotten a binder. Not sure if it is too late now as I'm now pregnant again...? But thanks for prompting me to investigate.

Anonymous said...

first off there are pics of you in a bikini and you look fabulous! but i get it. i'm in the same boat. something just doesn't feel right. i have read most of Julie Tupler's book and I believe it probably would help. For me i just don't know how i could not do some of the things she suggests or only get up certain ways. might be worth a shot though. will be interested to hear your experiences if you try it!

K said...

Oh my, I totally have this, and had no idea. I'm sure you didn't intend this post to be a PSA, but thank you! I went home last night and soaked up a bunch of information online before doing the checks it recommended. It was like all these post-partum weirdnesses that have lingered on suddenly made sense! Unfortunately, I'm not in a position to do anything about it now (!!!) but I will not let 2.5 years go by again without giving this some focus. Thanks again for the links, and I hope you'll share more about anything you try!

Gayby Rabies said...

Yeah, I totally have it too! Didn't know that it was anything that could possibly be fixable. You'll have to let us know if this thing works!