Tummy Tuck

Im very seriously looking into having a tummy tuck and breast life sometime in February, has anyone had one?? What was the recuperation like, I know it was worth it, but Im very concerned about the after-math of the surgery...How long were you back in action, how long did it take to be "normal"? Did you have to have help in the house?  Please let me know...Thanks

Hi, I had a tummy tuck on September 17th and I have to say it wasn't that bad. I had drains in for almost 2 weeks, that kind of stunk but once they were out I felt really great. I really never had bad pain, more discomfort. I took percocet for a few days after the surgery then found that I really didn't need that. I am going for the breast lift in Jan or Feb. and am not anticipating alot of problems with that either. I know that some people will tell you the pain was worse than the gastric bypass but I didn't find that at all. I couldn't lift anything that was over 10 pounds for 4 weeks or do any strenous activity. I can resume exercising at 6 weeks.  Good luck Amy

Amy,   Thanks for the reply, who did your surgery?? Im in Jersey as well, a bit north of you...You definitly reassured me, most reply's are horror stories and Im scared to even go for a consultation...Thanks again...

Hello, My surgeon was Dr. Danikas in Eatontown, NJ. He is with a group of surgeons and there is a web site to look at. It is www.doctorsofcosmeticsurgery.com . The phone number is listed on the web site if you should be interested in scheduling an appointment with him. Good luck and feel free to contact me with any other questions you may have. Amy

What a great web site, and it's not far from my home. Im going to make an appt for a consult, what made you pick Dr. Danikas instead of Lombardi or Thompson?? Im just wondering...

Hi  He was who my bariatric surgeons office recommended and he took my insurance. I am not sure that the other doctors take my insurance, which doesn't make sense because they are all in the same group but the bariatric surgeons office told me he took it so I just made it with him. Amy

Insurance covered your surgery??? WOW, that would be great if they cover mine, I wasen't anticipating them to cover it,,,What insurance do you have?? I have Aetna...Can you give me your screen name and I can add you to my buddy list, I would love to chat with you...

Hello Sharon, My screen name is [email protected] . My insurance is St. Barnabas System Health Plan and I had documented skin rashes. So if you get rashes take pictures. I know that if you have an abdominal herina they will cover the tummy tuck along with it (at least most insurances will). So do some investigating and check it out. Feel free to contact me at my email address. Amy

hi sharon make sure you go to your PCP and have them take notes on any rash or pimple on your belly or arms or boobs or legs or whatever -- the more documentation the better!!  and keep going back and keep going back to your  PCP and complain complain complain -- you need to prove to aetna that plastic surgery is the only way to fix your skin -- that creams don't work no matter what -- you need plastic surgery as a last course of action -- this has got to be a medical necessity -- is your PCP supportive?? we are very lucky that our  PCP is very supportive and has a book written about ross and all the rashes and stuff -- i lost my insurance so i haven't been back to the doc and i really don't think i need a tummy tuck yet -- it would be nice -- i have saggy skin issues -- but it doesnt' bother me and the clothes hide it all well :)  but  your PCP has got to be your best friend during all this  and your bariatric surgeon also has to clear you for plastic surgery  do you feel as though you are done losing weight?  no sense in doing surgery until you are done and that might not be until your 18 month mark or your 2 yr mark  but go to your PCP and get the documentation started  try as hard as you can to make this medically necessary and not just cosmetic reasons -- make aetna pay for it :) i used to have aetna good luck to you :)  roberta

Thanks Roberta, but no rashes here at all. Now I kinda wish I did, I think IM going to have to be self pay for this journey, but it might be worth it....