Question:
Anyone with a pre-op weight of 280lbs that didn't need a TT???

I'll soon have surgery but I'm concerned about the need of future surgeries to remove skin.    — Debra L. (posted on November 8, 2003)

November 8, 2003
I don't know if it is starting weight (unless you are SMO) as much as it is age, heredity, exercise, water, protein, etc.
   — mrsmyranow

November 8, 2003
Hey. I started around that weight. I'm now 229, one month out. So far, my skin has bounced back surprisingly well. I'm 22 and 5'8. I drink my protein, I drink 2 tons of water :), and feel great. -Jenn 278/229/140
   — jenn_jenn

November 8, 2003
I am 23 I weighed 298 at the time of surgery. I carried it all in my belly. I am having a Tummy Tuck on Jan 7. I didnt want one. I can take the skin and pull it up to my chin. Everywhere else bounced back nicely. Nicole
   — nicole79

November 9, 2003
My pre-op weight was 268 (but all-time high was 282, so close enuff). I'm 5'7 1/2", now weigh 130. I wouldn't say that I "need" a TT, in the sense that it's not medically necessary (no hanging skin or rashes). But, there's a heckuva lotta extra skin there, so I may choose to have one, if I can get past the fact that it's *surgery* ... again ...!
   — Suzy C.

November 15, 2003
I'm 43, had an open BPD/DS on 4-11-01. Had a double hernia repair last Nov. My BMI was 40 for surgery, 5'10 and weighed 279 lbs. I didn't need and I don't need a TT. Now, bat wings yes! I believe it's because I walked alot. I don't have an apron or excess skin. Go figure.
   — Linda M.

December 7, 2005
My starting weight was something like 340...I have lost about 130 pounds...my stomach really isn't too bad. The lower part is sort of wrinkly, and it hangs a little bit. But believe me, I've seen much worse. I'm sure a surgeon could fix it for me, but it is not totally offensive to look at. In fact, I met with a plastic surgeon earlier this week (my arms are hideous) and she took a look at my belly, she was surprised it wasn't too bad. Before surgery, I really didn't carry a whole lot of fat in my abdomen & I've always had muscle tone (buried, but you could feel it). I'd say then it would depend on your shape and how you carry your fat.
   — dbmbrown

December 7, 2005
I am 3 years post-op. I was 29 when I had surgery and weighed 305 lbs. I have never had any children. With all that said, I have lost over 140 lbs. and while my stomach will never be super flat, it looks fine "tucked" into a two-piece bikini. I work out a lot doing weight training and abdominal workouts so that has helped a lot. The only thing that "hangs" is at the very bottom, but I have even noticed since I purchased new work out equipment at home and started a whole new workout, that it is greatly improving even 3 years later! So, it's not always necessary to have a tummy tuck... unless you plan on being a nude model or something. hahahaha
   — MichiganWLS

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