Tummy Tuck question

Hi everyone,

I have been away for awhile and I am planning a TT on July 30th but just ran into a question I needed input on from anyone who has had one and has a Lapband.

I heard you need to get a new port when you have it done and that an unfill is often necessary.

My questions are:
1) if you need a new port, can the low profile one go on the older (2.5 years ago vg band) band as well?
2) How did you obtain it?
3) most docs who do the gastric surgeries do not do their own TTs so how is it best approached by the doctor?

I work for a plastic surgeon who does great work whoo tightens the muscles, but I need to know now what else I need to do to get ready for surgery.

Any help/comments would be greatly apprieciated!

Kathy Vardoulir, RN

Hi there!  I had a LBL plus I have a VSG with a lap-band.  I had my port removed in October because it was protruding so much.  Also, because I have the VSG, I've never had to use my lab-band (if that makes sense).  The lap band is just there in case I need it.  So, I've never had a fill. 

Long and short, an answer to your question-- No, I do not think you need to do anything with your port nor your lapband when having a tummy tuck.  Yes, mention it to your PS.  He may want you to have a CT Scan (mine did), but I think you should be good to go.

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you so much for your help! I was so excited to get it approved (and since I work for him) he is going to make the panniculectomy become a full on TT but was surprised to hear that!

Thanks again!
Kathy

I guess it depends on the Dr. My ps said she stays away from the port. I've also heard some do unfills for surgeries and some do not. Sorry I'm not much help. Good luck, you will love it. makemeheal.com has a great tt message board.

Thanks for the help. I appreicate it.

Kathy

I've been for a consult and panni removal (waiting for insurance approval) and my PS said he would have to be 'very mindful of it' during surgery but he didn't mention anything at all about it being unfilled or removed. Thanks for the thought provoking question. I will make darn sure he knows what he is doing with it, and I think I'll email the NP to see if he or the lap band surgeon needs to give any pointers to the PS.  

edited to add ....panni removal and TT. (obvously my port is not down there in the panni area..LOL) 

Hi Phyllis,

I was surprised how quick the girls in the office got me approved. It took 60 minutes and they didn;t even want pictures! Heck if I knew that, I wouldn;t have stripped for the doctor I work for to snap those shots! He did say I hid it well. I think sometimes it helps to be a nurse.....they approved my band in a week and a half now this!!!

I am so glad he is going to do a TT (muscle tightening also) instead of just skin removal.

Good luck with your auth! I will keep my fingers crossed for you and will post what my band doc says about it in the future!

Kathy

i just had an extended tt one month ago. he didnt touch it. its been fine :)

good luck with your surgery!