It’s a regular Thursday afternoon. I’m peeling off my drenched gym clothes after a grueling hour of circuit training, running, and weightlifting. My trusty Polar FT4 watch claims I’ve torched 654 calories, and I’ll take its word for it. I’m exhausted, sore, and honestly, over it.
As I step into the shower, I glance at myself in the full-length mirror. There’s no denying my hard work is paying off: my arms and legs are looking toned, my backside is perkier, and, miraculously (thank goodness), my breasts have managed to hold their own post-breastfeeding and the test of time. I try to focus on the positives, but then there’s my battered postpartum belly staring back at me, reminding me of my struggles, and before I know it, the tears start flowing.
Little Jack is just a few months away from his 2nd birthday (pass the tissues, please), and I’ve realized I can’t keep facing defeat in the mirror. All the sweat and tears haven’t brought about the change I yearn for. It’s time to admit it: I want a tummy tuck.
I’m not alone in this desire. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that 123,003 women underwent tummy tuck procedures in 2015 alone—hardly surprising given society’s relentless pressure to bounce back to our pre-baby bodies at breakneck speed.
I’m lucky to have a supportive husband and some friends who cheer me on, but I’ve also encountered a few naysayers who think it’s superficial and are eager to share their reasons why I shouldn’t go through with it:
1. “You’ll get rid of the pooch with more exercise.”
Let’s break this down: Along with a healthy diet, I hit the gym at least four times a week, burning over 600 calories each session. I’ve tried every workout under the sun, from cardio to strength training, Pilates to HIIT. No matter how much I sweat, the battlefield that housed a 22-inch, 8-pound baby remains stubbornly unchanged. Clearly, my petite 5-foot frame wasn’t built to carry a linebacker without some aftermath, and even Jillian Michaels couldn’t tackle this issue.
2. “It’s too expensive.”
Really? Not according to my math. The average cost of a full tummy tuck in the U.S. is around $5,493. Yes, it’s a hefty sum my family has to plan for, but it’s a better investment than replacing a wardrobe full of clothes that don’t fit, endless personal training sessions, and countless bottles of “firming” lotion that did nothing. Plus, think of the therapy I’ll need if I dwell on this ridiculous topic any longer! You can’t put a price on peace of mind, and in the grand scheme, a tummy tuck doesn’t seem outrageous.
3. “Surgery is dangerous.”
True, but it’s no more dangerous than the mandatory C-section I had for baby number two, and nobody seems overly concerned about that. In fact, I’ve been called selfish for contemplating stopping at one child, despite a surgeon warning that another pregnancy could pose serious risks. “But the risk is worth it!” they say. Okay then. Tummy tuck or not, I think I’ll heed my doctor’s advice and stick around for the little one I already have.
4. “You’ll lose time with your family.”
Recovery for a tummy tuck typically takes four to six weeks, but gaining time is actually a big reason behind my decision. Right now, I struggle to chase my son at the playground without feeling discomfort from my jeans. I’d love to enroll in baby swim classes, but I can’t bring myself to shop for a new swimsuit. You won’t find me in many candid family photos, and I’m tired of feeling like a ghost. I want to be fully present for Jack; I want to throw on a T-shirt and jeans and just go. I don’t want him looking back and wondering why Mom always seemed uncomfortable. If a tummy tuck can change that, count me in.
5. “You should learn to love yourself.”
Absolutely! Self-esteem is crucial for being a good parent and a well-rounded person. But let me ask you this: Do you think athletic women don’t love themselves? What about smart women who care about their looks? And men who feel the same? These individuals love themselves because they make choices that reflect their values, and a healthy self-image often blends personality, confidence, and physical appearance. My Type-A nature seeks solutions as a form of self-care, and loving myself means understanding what I need to feel secure and focused.
Motherhood is the most rewarding experience of my life, and I don’t want to miss out by suffering in silence. I may not be able to crunch my way back to comfort, but I’m strong enough to recognize it’s time for a change. I could keep pushing through my workouts, hoping for a miracle. Or maybe I’ll just schedule the surgery tomorrow.
Whatever choice I make, I refuse to be a target of judgment along the way. And neither should you. If you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t feel guilty if someone calls you frivolous or lazy. Maybe pregnancy altered your body. Maybe you’re simply tired of fighting a battle you can’t win. Or perhaps, like me, you just want to wear a T-shirt and live your life.
For more insights on similar topics, check out this post on intracervical insemination. If you’re navigating your own fertility journey, you can find excellent resources at American Pregnancy, or discover helpful tips at Make a Mom.
Summary:
Emma Thompson shares her journey towards opting for a tummy tuck, despite the voices of doubt around her. She emphasizes the importance of self-love and the desire to feel comfortable in her own skin. Through her experiences, she challenges societal norms and encourages others to make choices that best suit their needs.