Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN? Tummy Tuck - Body Lift



Recommended Posts

Hi All, Well the time is getting closer for my Body Lift and I am of course freaking out a bit. Weight has been fairly stable but would like to loose a bit more before the Nov 1st date. I am scheduled for a body lift and I know it will be hard, I am concerned about the risk and if it is worth the money $12K etc.

My wife is also scared and concerned. I look OK but their are areas that no amount of weight loss will help with that. IE Hanging skin. love handles etc. I have been heavy virtually all of my life and for once would like to be relatively thin but part of me is thinking that an old fart like me (53) should even bother! Am I being selfish?

I would like to hear from anyone who has gone through this and if you would do it again?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, I just had a Tummy Tuck and breast lift on Thursday (Sept 1st) and I would do it again. I'm pretty sure anyways. I mean, I'm only 5 days out, the pain was not nearly as bad as I expected. I haven't had any pain meds since Sunday. Since my posture is rather hunched right now and I'm swollen like the dickens, I can't really comment on my results. He did remove 10 inches vertically of skin, so, I can't wait to see how that all looks. LOL.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, I just had a Tummy Tuck and breast lift on Thursday (Sept 1st) and I would do it again. I'm pretty sure anyways. I mean, I'm only 5 days out, the pain was not nearly as bad as I expected. I haven't had any pain meds since Sunday. Since my posture is rather hunched right now and I'm swollen like the dickens, I can't really comment on my results. He did remove 10 inches vertically of skin, so, I can't wait to see how that all looks. LOL.

That is good to hear! I'm not sure what to expect in reference to the pain but hearing you say it's not as bad as you thought is awesome!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had a TT in May and I would definately do it again. The first week I had thoughts of "what have I done" but those quickly faded. I am 54 and I do not think we are too old. Yes, we should bother! I am so happy with the results that I am going to have my arms done in Jan. Before the TT I had never even thought of having my arms done. But I am looking forward to it now that I know what kind of results are possible.

"

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I just had my TT 8/26 and yes I would do it again - I am a 42 yr old wife and mother of 3 - and even after losing 98 lbs I felt bad about me: tbh I felt I looked worse than before surgery

Even now with done swelling and still wearing the binder I feel better

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I can add I was never in a yon of pain - on the 1-10 pain scale I was never higher than a 4.5. The worst was getting out of bed the next day. Was hunched for 2 days.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I can add I was never in a yon of pain - on the 1-10 pain scale I was never higher than a 4.5. The worst was getting out of bed the next day. Was hunched for 2 days.

Only a 4.5 huh? Not too bad at all:)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I just had a full, extended Tummy Tuck on 9/2/11, so I'm 2 weeks out and would definitely do it again. The only problem I had was a severe allergic reaction to a surgical adhesive they use to hold the tape down (over the incision). It's called Mastisol. I recommend that you find out if your surgeon will be using it. If so, see if he'll help you find out if you're allergic to it by doing a "test" on part of your body prior to surgery. I'm healing very nicely and the incision is healing so nicely that it looks like a little scratch around most of my body. I'm very pleased with the results and am down 2 sizes. I'm "somewhere in my 40s" ;-) and thought I was being selfish too, but now that I have the results and a FLAT TUMMY for the first time in my life, I know I did the right thing.

I hope you're comfortable with your surgeon. Mine was/is excellent and even called me from an airport while on vacation to talk to me about the allergic reaction and to reassure me that I'd be fine. I was very impressed. Most doctors just have their assistants call patients back. He's the greatest and I'd recommend him to anyone. He's creating a niche for himself in the St. Louis area as being "the guy" for body lifts, so if you're around here, I would recommend you talk to him!

Best of luck in your upcoming surgery. Keep us posted!

Be well.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Who was your surgeon in st. louis? were they helpful with insurance coverage?

I just had a full, extended Tummy Tuck on 9/2/11, so I'm 2 weeks out and would definitely do it again. The only problem I had was a severe allergic reaction to a surgical adhesive they use to hold the tape down (over the incision). It's called Mastisol. I recommend that you find out if your surgeon will be using it. If so, see if he'll help you find out if you're allergic to it by doing a "test" on part of your body prior to surgery. I'm healing very nicely and the incision is healing so nicely that it looks like a little scratch around most of my body. I'm very pleased with the results and am down 2 sizes. I'm "somewhere in my 40s" ;-) and thought I was being selfish too, but now that I have the results and a FLAT TUMMY for the first time in my life, I know I did the right thing.

I hope you're comfortable with your surgeon. Mine was/is excellent and even called me from an airport while on vacation to talk to me about the allergic reaction and to reassure me that I'd be fine. I was very impressed. Most doctors just have their assistants call patients back. He's the greatest and I'd recommend him to anyone. He's creating a niche for himself in the St. Louis area as being "the guy" for body lifts, so if you're around here, I would recommend you talk to him!

Best of luck in your upcoming surgery. Keep us posted!

Be well.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Who was your surgeon in st. louis? were they helpful with insurance coverage?

My insurance company explicitely excludes cosmetic surgery, so I didn't even ask them about it. I'm not even sure if they take insurance. The surgeon was Dr. Christian Prada with St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery. Best of luck to you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had a lower body lift January 2010 after losing 150+ pounds. I was 47 at the time. Yes, it was a lot of money but for me..emotionally, I can't imagine not having done it. I absolutely hated my flapping skin and it constantly got in the way during exercise. I would have a few other things done if I could afford it but the lower body lift gave me very dramatic results and I am really happy with my decision. The pain is manageable and short lived. The hardest part was no exercise for 6 weeks while healing. You have worked hard ..if this is what you want then do it!! Congratulations on your success!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

absolutely not. My LBL was the WORST decision I have EVER made. I have said so many times that I wish I could go back in time.

I am seven years out. The scar is horrifying. All weight gain went to upper body and I feel like a linebacker.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I say GO FOR IT !!!!!! im not even close to the point where i might be thinking of your type of surgery, but the part that got me was that you and i are the same age and both married , but you didnt think you should be even concerned with doing something like a body lift ,etc. Um........... well, why not ??? If you think you need it i dont think age or marital status should have any thing to do with it. How you feel about your body is very personal and if you're not comfy with it , well thats whats most important ! Your self esteem ! After my weight loss is done i will probably see a Dr to get rid of the spider veins etc that came with the weight gain. Do i think its neccesary ?? Damn right i do ! I want to look nice in a pair of just above the knees shorts and not have to hide my legs because of ugly veins . So i think you should do it ! Good luck and congrats on your weight loss !

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Overall, yes i would. But thats not an emphatic yes.

My Tummy Tuck was reconstructive, done to fix hernias and damage from bowel surgery and to rvise a keloid scar. My stomach was already flat, so i dont really have that WOW factor, it looks pretty great mow, but you know, with the 45 year old hips, thighs and breasts its actually a little TOO good, lol. My taut front doesnt match the saggy back.

I gained a bit of weight after, from not exercising, and i definitely have even more of a thigh problem thn i did, becase the weight doesnt go to my stomach any more.

And twelve weeks later i still have some pain and swelling, lthough i ran 13kms the other day, so its not debilitating.

But it is a BIG surgery and an expensive one. I think it hives you an awesome result, but it doesnt fix your body image issues or change your life - my sneaking thoughts about Lipo and breastwork have evaporated now that i have a realistic view of wht good results look like and that no matter what i will always be too much of a perfectionist to be satisfied with my body.

I think its fantastic if youre not expecting miracles!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Having my TT done was the second best thing I did. Banding being the first. The results are amazing far better than I could have imagined!! Yes the scar is big, but as someone else once said, It is a smile on my tummy. With my knickers on or a bikini, yes I said bikini!! The scar is totally covered and at 49 I have a beautiful flat tummy and a belly button. My only regret is that it was not done 20 years ago.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×