Advice needed--tummy tuck
I am interviewing surgeons regarding a needed tummy tuck. I have no medical issues so it will be out of pocket and cosmetic..smile.. I am scared to have them cutting and sticking in the belly area---would love to hear on the board or thru email what each of you have learned from your tummy tuck experience. I'd hoped for a lift--but the upper tummy skin is loose and first doc I saw said I need the whole banana---could you share what kind of cut, recovery time, recovery experience, what you would do different with what u know now, and cost? did u have any other procedures along with the tummy tuck? The first doc I saw said he could do mons, thigh lift and bit of butt (which is one big sag) at the same time? what do u experienced folks think? I wonder about having front and back done at the same time--how do u sit and lay down?
What about lower body lift? anyone do that instead? I am in Michigan and would also appreciate ay doctor recommendations...
I started out at 229, have been 125 since September and other than loose skin (arms, breast tummy) I look great with clothes...thanks so much for your emails and advice...
Terry Ann
I started out at 229, have been 125 since September and other than loose skin (arms, breast tummy) I look great with clothes...thanks so much for your emails and advice...
Terry Ann 
Hi Terry Ann, you're doing the right thing by researching and gathering as much information as you can in order to make the best fully informed decision. I had a rough time of this surgery -- an abdominoplasty with tummy tuck (they are two different procedures). However, I also had a very large hernia that was replaced at the same time, so that may be a contributing factor to my level of pain and length of convelescence post-surgery. I was in the hospital for 4 days. My surgery was about 7 months ago and I am still very tender in the abdomenon region when I am doing crunches and sit-ups. In terms of satisfaction with the results, on a scale of 1-10, I rate it a 7. Best of luck and please let us know what you decide to do and when. Take care, Maureen
Terry Ann,
I don't have much time, but I will share that Dennis Hammond (East Paris and Lake) is an absolutely WONDERFUL plastic surgeon. Before my WLS he was my surgeon for a breast reduction. Wonderful job.... although they've shrunk immensely since. And, he recently completed a tummy tuck for me. I had to have an incision around my whole waist. My insurance did cover it, except for a portion I have yet to be told. He may be on the pricey side, but makes up for it with a caring staff and a perfectionist attitude. Like I've mentioned, I have the world's cutest belly button. I was in the hospital for 3 nights. And I was back to work in three weeks. There was muscle work done too. Because I had SO much skin taken off, I was unable to have thighs done at the same time.
PS, are you going to any support groups?
K
Finally a bit more time. My surgery was called a panniculectomy. It is the removal of the "apron" of skin hanging around the waist. I also had a tightening of the abdominal muscles.
I am 3 weeks out. Scarring nicely. I still have a drain in
I did not have my breasts, thighs or arms done. My arms have neglible hanging. I can handle them. My breasts I have issues with. After getting a reduction, I can hardly justify paying to have some put back. I am young and still have much living ahead of me. I'm going to wait until I am older if I ever have the girls done.
My thighs, I hate. But, with the extensiveness of my skin removal it was recommended I not do those at the same time. (The surgery took 6 hours under aneasthesia).
My surgeon did recommend I have the thighs and boobs done eventually. But, I'm poor and I can wait.
Any questions I didn't answer, feel free to ask.
K
Most Active
Recent Topics
