In this episode of Tummy Tuck Talk, we’re tackling a BIG and very common question we hear all the time:
“Will a tummy tuck fix my back pain?”

If you’re dealing with persistent low back pain postpartum, especially if you have diastasis rectus abdominis, this episode is a must-listen.

Munira and Lisa break down why the relationship between diastasis, back pain, and tummy tuck surgery is far more complex than most people are led to believe. We explore what the science actually says, why pain doesn’t always come from damaged tissue, and why narrowing a muscle gap isn’t the magic fix many assume it is.

This conversation will help you understand your pain, feel validated in your experience, and approach recovery with more clarity and confidence.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

✨ Why diastasis does not automatically cause back pain, and what research really shows
✨ The difference between nociceptive pain and nociplastic pain, and why chronic back pain often persists even when tissues have healed
✨ How postpartum stress, sleep deprivation, fear of movement, and nervous system sensitivity can amplify pain
✨ Why the “weak core = back pain” narrative is outdated, and how this belief can actually hold you back
✨ How overprotecting your core and avoiding movement can increase pain instead of reducing it
✨ Why some people experience back pain relief after a tummy tuck, and why it’s not always due to muscle repair alone
✨ How rebuilding strength, confidence, and trust in your body plays a major role in pain improvement
✨ What to consider before choosing surgery as a solution for back pain
✨ Why a biopsychosocial, whole-person approach matters for long-term healing

If you’ve ever felt confused, discouraged, or stuck in fear about moving your body because of diastasis or back pain, this episode is here to remind you: your body is not broken, and there is more than one path to healing.

Resources Mentioned:

✨ Tummy Tuck Core Rehab Program, a structured rehab program designed to rebuild strength, confidence, and function after surgery:
https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/tummy-tuck-core-rehab

Love Tummy Tuck Talk!? Help us reach more listeners by rating and reviewing the show! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Your support means the world — and helps others like you get the guidance they need post-tummy tuck.

You can also follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes packed with practical tips and real talk about recovery and returning to fitness.

Check out more free tummy tuck recovery tips here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tummytuckrehab/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tummytuckrehab

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tummytuckrehab

For all of our post-op programs and resources, head on over to www.tummytuckrehab.com

Audio Track:
Track: Good Times — Ason ID [Audio Library Release]
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Watch: • Good Times — Ason ID | Free Backgroun...
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In this episode, we’re unpacking one of the MOST common — and most confusing — concerns after a tummy tuck: “Why am I not flat?” If you’re weeks or even months post-op and wondering why your stomach still looks rounded, bloated, or not as tight as you hoped, you’re absolutely not alone.

Munira and Lisa break down the TOP reasons you may not look or feel flat yet — from normal swelling patterns to deeper issues. This episode will help you understand what’s normal, what’s expected, and what might need more attention.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

✨ The 10 most common reasons your stomach may not look as flat as you expected after a tummy tuck — including weak muscles, bloating, swelling, visceral fat, fascia quality, and more.
✨ Why weak or deconditioned abdominal muscles (and the natural loss of tone after surgery) can contribute to a softer or more relaxed look — and what rebuilding strength actually requires.
✨ How bloating and digestive distension throughout the day can temporarily change your abdominal shape — and why stress, hormones, food choices, and gut health all play a role.
✨ Why unpredictable swelling — even many months post-op — can create a rounder appearance, and how factors like activity, salt intake, travel, and time of day influence it.
✨ The role of visceral fat, what surgery can and cannot remove, and why some roundness may remain even after a technically successful procedure.
✨ How natural variations in fascia quality, skin laxity, aging, and genetics impact your long-term results.
✨ When it might be worth checking in with your surgeon — and what questions to ask if you’re considering revision.

It’s completely normal to feel disappointed or confused when your stomach doesn’t look the way you imagined.

Resources Mentioned:

✨ Tummy Tuck Core Rehab Program — build strength, regain mobility, and support flatter abdominal appearance through structured rehab: https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/tummy-tuck-core-rehab

✨ PDF Resource Guide: Am I Ready for a Tummy Tuck? https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/am-i-ready-for-a-tummy-tuck

✨ PDF Resource Guide: Questions to Ask in Your Consultations to Find the Right Surgeon for You: https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/narrowing-down-surgeons

✨ YouTube Video: What to Ask Your Surgeon During Consults — including expectations around flatness

✨ Follow @sulinu.nutrition for gut, bloating, and digestion support during recovery

Love Tummy Tuck Talk!? Help us reach more listeners by rating and reviewing the show! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Your support means the world — and helps others like you get the guidance they need post-tummy tuck.

You can also follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes packed with practical tips and real talk about recovery and returning to fitness.

Check out more free tummy tuck recovery tips here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tummytuckrehab/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tummytuckrehab

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tummytuckrehab

For all of our post-op programs and resources, head on over to www.tummytuckrehab.com

Audio Track:
Track: Good Times — Ason ID [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Good Times — Ason ID | Free Backgroun...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/good-times-ason-id

In this episode, we’re asking one of the most important — and often overlooked — questions before surgery: Are you really ready for a tummy tuck? Readiness isn’t just about picking a surgeon or saving up money. It’s about being mentally, physically, logistically, and emotionally prepared for what’s ahead.

We break down the four key areas of readiness to help you make an informed, confident decision about when the timing is truly right. This conversation will help you slow down, self-assess, and make choices that set you up for a smoother recovery and more satisfying results.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

✨ The difference between wanting to feel better vs. expecting perfection — and why that distinction matters.

✨ How to assess your mental readiness — identifying motivations, expectations, and potential emotional triggers.

✨ What physical readiness looks like — from general strength to core strength to overall health and recovery capacity.

✨ The logistical realities you need to plan for — support systems, childcare, work time off, and realistic healing time.

✨ How to manage the emotional side of recovery — when comparison, regret, or impatience show up.

Readiness is about more than checking boxes — it’s about setting yourself up to thrive before, during, and after surgery. With reflection, preparation, and support, you can walk into this experience feeling grounded and confident in your decision.

Resources Mentioned:

✨ Free Readiness Checklist — your complete guide to assessing mental, physical, emotional, and logistical readiness. Click here to download.

✨ Tummy Tuck Core Rehab Program — rebuild strength and mobility safely post-op: https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/tummy-tuck-core-rehab

✨ YouTube Video: What to Ask During Consultations — how to spot red flags and find the right surgeon: [Watch Here]

✨ Follow @sulinu.nutrition for nutrition strategies to support your recovery.

Thanks for listening!

— Munira & Lisa

Love Tummy Tuck Talk!? Help us reach more listeners by rating and reviewing the show! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Your support means the world — and helps others like you get the guidance they need post-tummy tuck.

You can also follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes packed with practical tips and real talk about recovery and returning to fitness.

Check out more free tummy tuck recovery tips here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tummytuckrehab/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tummytuckrehab

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tummytuckrehab

For all of our post-op programs and resources, head on over to www.tummytuckrehab.com

Audio Track:
Track: Good Times — Ason ID [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Good Times — Ason ID | Free Backgroun...
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In this episode, we’re diving into a common — and often misunderstood — belief: that a tummy tuck automatically makes your core stronger. It’s a tempting thought, especially when the surgery gives you a flatter midsection and a tighter abdominal wall. But does that actually equal strength?

We’re breaking down what the tummy tuck truly does for your core, what it doesn’t do, and what’s up to you post-op to restore true function, stability, and strength. This episode is essential for anyone who wants to move beyond the aesthetics and really understand how to train smart after surgery.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
✨ What the muscle repair in a tummy tuck actually does — and how it impacts your core structure, not just appearance.
✨ Why feeling more stable isn’t the same as being physically stronger — and how to tell the difference.
✨ How changes in pressure and tension post-op can give the illusion of strength — and why that matters.
✨ Why skipping core training after surgery can backfire — and how to rebuild strength the right way.
✨ A step-by-step approach to reconnecting with your core and progressing safely to real-world strength.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction: Does a Tummy Tuck Make You Stronger?
[02:00] Meet Your Hosts + Why This Topic Matters
[03:30] What the Surgery Does — and What It Doesn’t
[07:45] Why You Might Feel Weaker After Surgery (and That’s Okay)
[11:15] The Danger of Thinking Your Core is “Fixed”
[13:00] What Creates the Feeling of Stability Post-Op?
[16:00] Lisa’s Lifting Experience: Before vs. After Surgery
[20:00] Why You May Feel Stronger — Even if You’re Not (Yet)
[22:00] Structure vs. Function: What Surgery Can and Can’t Do
[24:00] Reconnecting with Your Core: The First Step
[26:00] What Strength Training After Surgery Should Actually Look Like
[28:30] Why Recovery Timelines Vary — and How to Stay Patient
[30:00] Final Takeaways: Surgery Creates Structure, You Build Strength

Resources Mentioned:
✨ Tummy Tuck Core Rehab Program — a step-by-step guide to rebuilding core function, stability, and strength: https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/tummy-tuck-core-rehab
✨ Episode 4: When Recovery Doesn’t Go As Expected and What to Do About It — for more on managing expectations and the mental side of healing: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2414621/episodes/16693068

Thanks for tuning in! If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

— Munira & Lisa

Love Tummy Tuck Talk!? Help us reach more listeners by rating and reviewing the show! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Your support means the world — and helps others like you get the guidance they need post-tummy tuck.

You can also follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes packed with practical tips and real talk about recovery and returning to fitness.

Check out more free tummy tuck recovery tips here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tummytuckrehab/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tummytuckrehab

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tummytuckrehab

For all of our post-op programs and resources, head on over to www.tummytuckrehab.com

Audio Track:
Track: Good Times — Ason ID [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Good Times — Ason ID | Free Backgroun...
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In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most overwhelming parts of tummy tuck recovery: the first two weeks. Whether you’ve just had surgery or are preparing for it, these early days can feel like a blur — filled with pain, uncertainty, and the question, “What can I actually do right now?”

We’re breaking down the four key things you can focus on during those crucial first weeks to support your recovery both physically and mentally. You don’t have to just lie there feeling helpless — there are safe, meaningful ways to take an active role in your healing, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
✨ Why breathing exercises are so much more than just deep breaths — and how they help prevent complications, improve oxygen flow, and support early core reconnection.
✨ How to approach walking in the early days — even if you’re hunched over or feel like a shuffle is all you’ve got.
✨ Why gentle stretches (yes, even in the first two weeks!) can ease tension and reduce discomfort in your hips, back, and shoulders.
✨ How to support your mindset — with mantras and reminders to keep you grounded when emotions run high and progress feels slow.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Welcome to Tummy Tuck Talk
[03:00] Why the First Two Weeks Feel So Hard
[04:30] What You Can Do Right Away — Not Just What You Can’t
[05:00] Focus #1: Breathing Exercises and Core Reconnection
[12:51] Focus #2: Walking — Why, How, and What to Expect
[22:00] Focus #3: Gentle Stretching and Movement
[31:42] Focus #4: The Mental Game — Supporting Your Mindset
[36:00] Final Thoughts and Practical Encouragement

Recovery is not a passive process — it’s active, even when movement is limited. Starting with these four things will set the tone for a more confident and empowered recovery.

Resources Mentioned:
✨ Tummy Tuck Core Rehab Program — a comprehensive guide to rebuilding strength and movement safely, step by step: https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/tummy-tuck-core-rehab

Thanks for tuning in. These early days are intense, but they’re also the foundation of everything to come. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

— Munira & Lisa

Love Tummy Tuck Talk!? Help us reach more listeners by rating and reviewing the show! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Your support means the world — and helps others like you get the guidance they need post-tummy tuck.

You can also follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes packed with practical tips and real talk about recovery and returning to fitness.

Check out more free tummy tuck recovery tips here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tummytuckrehab/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tummytuckrehab

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tummytuckrehab

For all of our post-op programs and resources, head on over to www.tummytuckrehab.com

Audio Track:
Track: Good Times — Ason ID [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Good Times — Ason ID | Free Backgroun...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/good-times-ason-id

In this episode, we’re talking all things tummy tucks and fitness — specifically how to make sure your surgery supports your active lifestyle. Whether you’re a CrossFitter, a yogi, a weightlifter, or simply someone who values freedom of movement, this conversation is a must-listen.

We’re sharing our top 5 tips to help you align your tummy tuck with your fitness goals — from choosing the right surgeon to returning to movement safely and confidently. This is all about advocating for yourself, asking the right questions, and setting yourself up for long-term strength and function, not just aesthetics.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

✨ Why choosing the right surgeon matters — and how multiple consultations can help you find the best fit for your goals.

✨ Key questions to ask — about return-to-exercise timelines, suture materials, and which movements (if any) might be off-limits post-op.

✨ How surgical techniques like suture type, layer repairs, and even mesh may affect your recovery and strength.

Timestamps:

[01:06] Meet Your Hosts: Lisa & Munira

[03:00] Fitness + Function: Why This Episode Matters

[05:42] Tip #1: The Crucial Step to Take Before Choosing a Surgeon

[11:00] Tip #2: A Common Communication Mistake — and How to Avoid It

[16:21] Tip #3: The Question Most People Forget to Ask

[23:30] Tip #4: What You Need to Know About the Surgery Itself

[33:06] Tip #5: The Most Overlooked Phase of Recovery

Remember, your tummy tuck isn’t just about how you look — it’s about how you move and feel.

Resources Mentioned:

✨ Tummy Tuck Core Rehab Program — your step-by-step guide to core rebuilding, strength, and mobility: https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/tummy-tuck-core-rehab

✨ Free Consultation Checklist — the essential questions to ask during pre-op consults: [Download Here]

✨ YouTube Video: What to Ask During Consultations — a detailed walk-through of the most important questions to bring to your pre-op visits: [Watch Here]

✨ Podcast Episode 3 on core restrictions and what to do when told "no direct core work": [Listen to Episode #3]

✨ Podcast Episode 2: Cleared to Work Out Again, Why Listening to Your Body Isn't Enough and Can do More Harm than Good [Listen to Episode 2 Here]

— Munira & Lisa

Love Tummy Tuck Talk!? Help us reach more listeners by rating and reviewing the show! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Your support means the world — and helps others like you get the guidance they need post-tummy tuck.

You can also follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes packed with practical tips and real talk about recovery and returning to fitness.

Check out more free tummy tuck recovery tips here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tummytuckrehab/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tummytuckrehab

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tummytuckrehab

For all of our post-op programs and resources, head on over to www.tummytuckrehab.com

Audio Track:
Track: Good Times — Ason ID [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Good Times — Ason ID | Free Backgroun...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/good-times-ason-id

In this episode, we dive into one of the most challenging parts of tummy tuck recovery: when things don’t go as planned. It’s a tough reality — sometimes the physical or aesthetic results aren’t what you expected, and the road to healing feels longer and harder than you imagined.

We’re here to break the silence on this often-overlooked side of recovery. Whether you’re struggling with prolonged swelling, unexpected belly distention, or feeling emotionally drained by your results, this episode is for you. We’ll not only unpack why these challenges happen but also what you can do to take back control of your recovery.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
✨ Why your belly might not be as flat as you expected — and how the surgery's focus on the midline doesn’t always address all areas of tissue laxity.
✨ How to approach scar revisions and what questions to ask your surgeon about their policies.
✨ Why standing up straight after surgery can take longer than you think — and practical tips to gradually lengthen your torso.
✨ The emotional side of recovery — how to navigate the disappointment, fear, and frustration that can accompany unexpected outcomes.

Timestamps:
[01:10] The Reality of Post-Op Recovery — It’s Not Always a Straight Line
[04:50] Common Aesthetic Concerns: Belly Buttons, Scars, and 'Why Isn't My Stomach Flat?'
[10:00] Understanding Swelling vs. Bloating vs. Distention
[15:30] The Mental Toll of Recovery: Coping with Unexpected Results
[22:40] Scar Revision: What to Know and Ask Your Surgeon
[27:00] Getting Comfortable Standing Up Straight Again — A Step-by-Step Guide
[34:10] Key Takeaways

Your recovery journey is deeply personal, and setbacks don’t mean failure. With the right strategies and support, you can move forward, feel stronger, and regain confidence in your body.

Resources Mentioned:
✨ Our free Post-Op Consultation Checklist — the must-ask questions for your surgeon about recovery, revisions, and more. https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/had-a-tummy-tuck

✨ How to Stand Up Straight After Your Tummy Tuck (Part 1): https://www.instagram.com/p/CbwCOYtr7vl/

✨ How to Stand Up Straight After Your Tummy Tuck (Part 2): https://www.instagram.com/p/CbyXelPpGum/

✨ How to Stand Up Straight After Your Tummy Tuck (Part 3): https://www.instagram.com/p/Cdrk5hkvKg-/

✨ Follow @sulinu.nutrition on Instagram for expert advice on post-op nutrition and managing bloating.

See you next time!
— Munira & Lisa

Love Tummy Tuck Talk!? Help us reach more listeners by rating and reviewing the show! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Your support means the world — and helps others like you get the guidance they need post-tummy tuck.

You can also follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes packed with practical tips and real talk about recovery and returning to fitness.

Check out more free tummy tuck recovery tips here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tummytuckrehab/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tummytuckrehab

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tummytuckrehab

For all of our post-op programs and resources, head on over to www.tummytuckrehab.com

Audio Track:
Track: Good Times — Ason ID [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Good Times — Ason ID | Free Backgroun...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/good-times-ason-id

In this episode, we tackle a question that so many tummy tuck patients face once they're cleared for exercise: "What does 'no direct core work' actually mean?" If you’ve ever been told by your surgeon that you can exercise but must avoid direct core work, you're not alone — and you're probably left wondering, what can I actually do then?

We’re breaking down the confusion around this vague advice, unpacking why the definition of 'direct core work' varies so much from one surgeon to the next, and — most importantly — giving you practical strategies to safely build core strength without crossing any post-op boundaries.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

✨ Why 'no direct core work' is often misleading — and how to clarify exactly what your surgeon means.

✨ The difference between direct and indirect core exercises — and why some indirect core work can be even more intense than what’s considered direct core work.

✨ How to use progressions — scaling exercises up or down — so you can safely strengthen your core without risking your recovery.

✨ The importance of pressure management — learning how to control intra-abdominal pressure so your core works with you, not against you.

✨ How to advocate for yourself — bringing exercise examples or pictures to your surgeon to get clear guidance.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Welcome to Tummy Tuck Talk: Introducing Munira and Lisa
[00:01:15] The Confusion Around 'No Direct Core Work'
[00:03:20] Why Core Work Matters — Even When You're Told to Avoid It
[00:05:50] Direct vs. Indirect Core Exercises: What’s the Difference?
[00:11:40] Why Planks Might Be More Strenuous Than Crunches Post-Op
[00:17:05] How to Safely Progress Your Core Exercises
[00:24:10] Tips for Managing Intra-Abdominal Pressure
[00:27:05] Breaking Down Complex Movements: Squats, Deadlifts, and More
[00:35:00] The Mental and Emotional Side of Core Recovery
[00:39:10] Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Your recovery doesn’t have to feel like a guessing game. With the right plan, clear communication with your surgeon, and step-by-step progressions, you can rebuild your core strength safely and confidently.

Resources Mentioned:

Our Tummy Tuck Core Rehab program — guiding you from the first post-op days through advanced core exercises: https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/tummy-tuck-core-rehab

Thanks for tuning in! We're here to support you through every step of your recovery journey.

See you next time!

— Munira & Lisa

Love Tummy Tuck Talk!? Help us reach more listeners by rating and reviewing the show! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Your support means the world — and helps others like you get the guidance they need post-tummy tuck.

You can also follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes packed with practical tips and real talk about recovery and returning to fitness.

Check out more free tummy tuck recovery tips here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tummytuckrehab/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tummytuckrehab

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tummytuckrehab

For all of our post-op programs and resources, head on over to www.tummytuckrehab.com

Audio Track:
Track: Good Times — Ason ID [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Good Times — Ason ID | Free Backgroun...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/good-times-ason-id