I had a consultation with a plastic surgeon today about having a tummy tuck. I had one years ago and was very happy but then way before the lapband I had two abdominal surgeries that messed up the work. Now that I have lost the weight, my tummy is very misshapen because of the surgeries. My doctor is concerned about working around the port and tube leading to the band. Has anyone had a tummy tuck since being banded and has this been any sort of problem?

My surgeon and GP told me it's common to need plastic surgery when you get to your goal weight, especially tummy tucks. My GP doesn't think I'll need one cause I'm only 18 and my skin still has a lot of elasticity. And he also doesn't want me getting it done so young because i might need other surgeries or might have kids and it will just ruin it and i will end up needing another one.

But it's only been a week since surgery so i can't really help much.

There is a plastic surgery section in these forums somewhere, lots of ppl have had tummy tucks.

You may find some good info there if you can find it :rolleyes2:

My band doctor is also my plastic doc. He has some tummy tucks on other banded patients and there have never been any problems.

I am getting a tummy tuck next month and also getting my port moved so it doesn't stick out so much. Maybe talk to your band doc about the tummy tuck.

Hi:

I had a tummy tuck May 2010. My plastic surgeon had a discussion with my band surgeon right after my initial consultation. I felt totally at ease when I went for my preop and she told me she'd discussed the band with my surgeon and she was comfortable doing the tummy tuck. My port is high on my belly just below my rib cage. She didn't have to touch it!

Best wishes to you. I love my flat tummy and my tiny belly button. So worth it!

Sue

I would choose a plastic surgeon who is experienced with bariatric patients; mine routinely cares for patients with bands, and routinely switches ports to low-profile ports during lower body lifts and abdominoplasties. If my surgeon were at all uncomfortable working around the port/tubing, I would choose another surgeon.

I am not yet at goal, but have a consult scheduled for the spring.