Question:
I am 8 months post op and down 125 pounds
I have 50 more pounds to go. I was wondering when is a good time to start considering a tummy tuck and how do I get the ball rolling? The only problem I am having with the extra skin on my tummy is major back aches. Who do I contact first? Thank you. — Happy B. (posted on October 12, 2002)
October 12, 2002
Last month in our support group, our nurse praticione (SP?)
said we should weight 2 years.
— barbara A.
October 12, 2002
I am also 8 months post-op and down about 130 pounds from 314, with about
20lbs to go. My goal weight is 160, which will be just fine by me (I
honestly have no desire to be "skinny"). Although my surgeon
suggested waiting about 18 mos, until my weight stabalized, I have already
seen a few plastic surgeons for consultations. My naked body is a mess and
I am ready to move forward. HOWEVER, although I have started the process
by seeing a few docs, I am not actually planning on having any sort of
plastic surgery until February, which will put me at 1 year post op. I am
young and single and am having a real hard time coming to terms with my
mushy body. I don't feel that I will have *that* much more weight to lose
after February. I would not have any plastic surgery until I reach my
goal...so if you have fifty pounds to lose, I would say give it a little
more time. But, it's never to early to start researching. Start visiting
with some surgeons so you can get a feel for which one would be best for
you when the time comes. Congratulations on your success! Good luck in
the next step. ~Paula M. Open RNY 02/14/02, -131 lbs.
— PaulaM
October 12, 2002
I had my tt at 9 months post-op and was 10 pounds from my goal. You should
wait to have the surgery until you get within 20 pounds of your goal
weight. But I'd start interviewing plastic surgeons now to see who you
want to go to. When you lose about 25 pounds go back to the surgeon of
your choice and have them wirte a letter of medical necessity and put in it
all the problems you have (back pain, skin rubbing against skin, etc) and
have them take pictures of you. Get a view from the side and hold the
excess skin out as far as it will go. That REALLY shows the insurance
company you need to surgery. My WLS surgeon wanted me to wait a year
post-op but I couldn't. I hated the way I looked. I now look a million
times better and feel much better about myself. I've lost another 13
pounds since my surgery 2 months ago and am at my goal weight.
— Patty H.
Click Here to Return