The Truth About Tummy Tuck Recovery: Rehab, Surgery, and Returning to Strength | Lisa Marie Ryan

Tummy tuck recovery is widely misunderstood. Some people are told surgery is a “quick fix,” while others are told they should never need surgery at all. The reality is far more nuanced.In this episode of Sage Connections, I’m joined by Lisa Marie Ryan, co-creator of Tummy Tuck Rehab. Lisa is a former competitive CrossFit athlete, coach, and pregnancy and postpartum athleticism specialist—and she also brings the lived experience of navigating diastasis recti and ultimately choosing to have a tummy tuck herself.We have an honest, grounded conversation about what real tummy tuck recovery looks like—beyond the incision. We discuss physical rehabilitation, the mental and emotional layers of healing, common mistakes during recovery, and what it truly means to rebuild strength and confidence after surgery. Lisa also shares insight on decision-making, the balance between conservative rehab and surgical intervention, and why collaboration between surgeons, physical therapists, and fitness professionals matters so much.Tummy Tuck Rehab offers extensive free educational resources, including downloadable PDFs to help guide clients through the decision-making process around surgery. They are also launching a comprehensive return-to-fitness guide in January. In addition, Lisa is launching her own return-to-functional-fitness post–tummy tuck program in January and works one-on-one with pregnancy, postpartum, and tummy tuck clients.Whether you’re considering a tummy tuck, currently recovering, or a clinician wanting to better support your patients, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a more realistic framework for recovery.Connect with Lisa Marie Ryan Website: https://www.lisa-ryan.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa.marie.ryanTo learn more about Tummy Tuck RehabWebsite: https://www.tummytuckrehab.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tummytuckrehabPodcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2414621Connect with Sage Physical Therapy & WellnessWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: [email protected]#TummyTuckRecovery#CoreRehab#WomensHealth#PelvicFloorPT#SageConnections