Question:
Some people have had tummy tucks during RNY surgery is this a good idea?
It's suppose to save money but I was wondering how successful it would be. I don't know if my surgeon would do it or if it's even two late my surgery is in 8 days. — Candace F. (posted on January 9, 2002)
January 8, 2002
Bad idea, wit till the weight is off and and the excess skin will be easily
removed. Havibng a TT now is a major operation, why have 2 at once? Besides
if you do it now you will likely have to do it again in a year. This was my
surgeons advice to a question at our last support group meeting.
— bob-haller
January 8, 2002
Most doctors only do a pannilectomy (removal of the fat apron) at the same
time as WLS, though I suppose some do an actual abdominoplasty (TT). I just
can't imagine a TT done at the time of surgery would be as good, or as
tight, as one done when you are pretty close to goal weight. We lose weight
all over after WLS, including on the inside, and so I just don't think that
an early TT could be even close to as tight as one done at goal. That said,
if you have a big pannis, I could see having that taken off during surgery
as a way to make you MUCH more comfortable. I have a good friend who has a
pretty big apron who has had a lot of post-op pain from the weight of the
apron pulling on the incision. Ultimately, the thing to do is to call your
surgeon and ASK. And maybe consult with the plastic surgeon you hope to
eventually use as well, if you know who that is. BTW, it's probably too
late now anyway as you probably don't have enough time to get surgical
pre-approval for the second procedure from your insurance. Good luck with
your WLS!! Once you're on the other side, you'll be able to decide what to
do about a TT.<p>I had 170 lbs to lose at the start, and I'm going to
wait until I'm within 30 pounds of that goal (surgeon says he'll remove
about 15 pounds during the TT) to have my abdominoplasty.
— Julia M.
January 9, 2002
I had my apron removed at the same time I had my open RNY. I mostly did it
due to financial reasons. I was self pay and would not be able to afford a
TT at a later date. This way I only had to pay once for the hospital stay
and anesthesia. The only fee I had to pay was $3000 for the surgeon. My
recovery period seemed the same as other RNY patients. I was in the
hospital 3 days and returned to work part time after three weeks. I have
to have a hernia repair next month and the surgeon is going to take off
some loose skin when he does that. All in all, I am very happy with having
the TT done with surgery.
— Brenda H.
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