Not entirely sure about what to do...

So I am pretty much set on the fact that I will need to have the skin from my abdomen removed. It's giving me a complex and lowering my self-esteem. I would like to have it removed but the problem is is that I have yet to get pregnant. I'm single, not dating and I really don't foresee myself having kids anytime soon.

So would it matter if I got the tummy tuck now? And is there a way the surgeon cannot suture the muscles tightly together? And if did get a tummy tuck now then got pregnant in a couple of years, how jacked up with my abdomen look? I have read varying opinions about it.

Your best bet is to talk to the surgeon you eventually choose.  It will be his/her track record/experience that will play a factor into all of this as well.

Here's something else to consider - is it the excess skin causing your self esteem issues or is it what you think others think of you?  Either clothed or naked?  If you know for an absolute fact that you are going to have kids, perhaps consider therapy to address the self esteem issues.  There is the possibilty that once you have surgery, your self-esteem won't change.  It might - but just as WLS is not a magic cure for obesity, plastic surgery is not a magic cure for body image issues.

Either way, therapy is usually a good step for people going through major changes.  I was resistent to the whole therapy thing until I had a major revalation as to where I was in my journey.  Once I started therapy - it helped immensely with the body image issues.

Good luck.

Personally I just went ahead and did it. I'm single and never had kids and do want them.The catch, when is that going to happen. Don't know. Did I want to wait around for 1-2 year being unhappy w/ this excess skin or 5-7. There is also the possiblity that I am unable to have kids or don't find the right person to have them with. Now I'm completely happy w/ how I look. I feel more confident and I believe it shows when out w/ other people and even dating.

Other on here have posted that they have had kids after their TT and been fine. I believe one even had twins. Again it's up to you. I know I spent a lot of money to get this done but for me if it comes undone a little w/ having kids that's one battle wound I'm willing to have. There are quite a few women out there that have a little pooch or exess skin with having a kid. For me that is worth it since I will have something I love so much out of it. I was not OK w/ having the excess skin from being fat and didn't want that reminder to follow me around.

Definately discuss this w/ your surgeon but it really comes down to a very personal decision on your part.

Sonya

You might want to cross-post your question to the pregnancy board.  I know there are women over there that have had TTs; some had pre- and post WLS/TT babies and can share the differences in their bellies with you.  I think you'd get some informed answers from people that have BTDT.

I have seen people on this board that have had babies after the TT and some bounced back fine. It may not be perfect but it will never be as bad as what you started with. I don't know how old you are, but if you are still young and have no near terms plans to have kids, then I would do it. I would be willing to risk a little stretch after my TT to experience the boost in confidence and self esteem over years of hating how I look. Besides I know there have been some women who have had a tummy tuck and went back and had it redone slightly 15 or 20 years later.

I would also advise to discuss this with with some surgeons. I know Dr Lomonaco has posted on here about this and he said for those women who still plan to have children, he doesn't tighten them as much as those who will never have more children.

I have no knowledge to share...only my opinion.  I say do it!  Just consult with an experienced PS as others have said.  I know my body will always have the scars & flaws from obesity, but I want to start a new chapter in my life & for me that includes PS. 

After reading your post, I tried to put myself in your shoes (mentally).  I would want to be my best for my own self image & so I could attract a partner both physically & emotionally.  I think if you meet the right guy & decide to have children, you can take steps to keep yourself in the best health through out the pregnancy for you & your baby.  Your body may not bounce back completely, but most women have that issue after pregnancy.  My guess is that if you want you could have a little nip tuck to tighten things up after you are finished having children. ;-)

Again, just an opinion.  I understand your delima, but if PS is something you want you should do it for you now, not wait.

Why don't you have a pannectomy - skin removal without muscle tightening? It won't look as good as a tummy tuck, but might make you feel better.

You really should discuss your options with a plastic surgeon.  If you are unhappy that will effect you every single day and that has to be weighed against "the what if" of having children in the future.  A panniculectomy might be a perfect solution.  You would get rid of the excess skin but there would be nothing done to the muscles.

Red