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...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/good-times-ason-id

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

In this episode, we tackle one of the most confusing pieces of advice given to tummy tuck patients when they're cleared to exercise: “Listen to your body.” While it sounds simple, it often leaves you feeling more lost than confident. Why? Because after major abdominal surgery, your body is healing in unfamiliar ways — swelling, numbness, and strange sensations can all cloud your ability to interpret what’s truly happening beneath the surface.

We’re breaking down why “listening to your body” falls short and what you should do instead. This episode is packed with practical strategies to help you safely ease back into exercise, recognize what’s normal (and what’s not), and build a clear plan that moves you forward — without second-guessing every sensation.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
✨ Why “listen to your body” can be misleading — and how it often adds confusion instead of clarity.
✨ The surprising ways your body responds post-op — from swelling that comes and goes without reason to nerve sensations that feel alarming but are often normal.
✨ How to track and interpret what you’re feeling — so you can confidently tell the difference between typical healing sensations and signs you need to slow down.
✨ The importance of progressive exercise — using step-by-step movements (like burpee progressions!) to rebuild strength safely.
✨ Why a clear recovery plan matters — and how it bridges the gap between “do nothing” and “do everything” once you’re cleared to work out.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction to Tummy Tuck Talk
[00:13] The Challenge of Post-Op Exercise Clearance
[02:02] Meet Your Hosts: Munira and Lisa
[03:37] The Reality of Post-Tummy Tuck Exercise
[06:24] Understanding Your Body's Signals
[12:20] Practical Tips for Safe Exercise Progression
[15:54] The Importance of Gradual Recovery
[17:42] Final Thoughts and Program Introduction
[28:39] Key Takeaways and Conclusion

Remember, recovery isn’t about pushing through pain or holding back out of fear — it’s about learning to move forward with intention. Each small step you take builds the foundation for greater strength and confidence. Be patient with yourself, trust the process, and know that every bit of progress, no matter how small, is still progress.

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! Recovery is a process, and we’re here to guide you — every step of the way.

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

Episode 1: The Most Important Thing You Can Do After Your Tummy Tuck

In this episode, we dive into the single most important thing you can do for your recovery after a tummy tuck: core rehab. Whether you're freshly post-op, feeling strong but unsure how to safely return to exercise, or somewhere in between, this episode breaks down why rebuilding your core intentionally is key. We’ll walk you through what happens to your core during surgery, the mental and physical hurdles you might face afterward, and the exact steps you need to take to reconnect, rebuild, and strengthen your core for lasting results.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why core rehab is the most important thing you can do after a tummy tuck — and why it’s not just about the first few weeks of recovery.
• The mental and physical challenges post-op — from feeling disconnected from your core to being either too afraid to move or too eager to jump back into workouts.
• The risks of avoiding core rehab — how fear of “ruining” your surgery can actually lead to poor movement patterns, muscle compensations, and even injury.

Resources Mentioned:

Our Tummy Tuck Core Rehab program — Your step-by-step guide to core recovery!
https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/tummy-tuck-core-rehab

PDF Guides:
Top Questions to Ask Your Surgeon During Consultations:
https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/narrowing-down-surgeons

Top Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Pre-Op:
https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/getting-a-tummy-tuck

Top Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Post-Op:
https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/had-a-tummy-tuck

Video: How to Return to Exercise:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWKuykieAk4&t=334s

Thanks for tuning in! Recovery is a process, and we're here to guide you — one step at a time.

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