Tummy tuck - was it worth it?

Geez, I really want to do this.  I just am curious for those of you that have had this - was it worth the pain, time off work, recovery, etc? (and the money...lol)

I am 50 years old - been heavy for many years prior to gastric bypass, and have lost 100 lbs and kept it off for 4 years.  I really want to do this, but feel kind of silly being I am 50.  I don't feel 50 though.....

It isn't as if I want to wear a bikini or anything - but there are so many types of clothes I just won't wear because of my rolls/skin - ick.

Was it worth it - would you do it again?

Thanks for the responses - I am getting serious about it now!

Why feel silly about it based on your age? You don't stop living your life once you hit a certain age. Are older people not allowed to care about their bodies and appearance? (And I don't consider 50 to be 'old', FYI. You're only as old as you feel. And if you don't feel 50, then...)

You'd be cheating yourself, in my opinion, if you talked yourself out of it solely on the basis of "well my body doesn't matter because (insert excuse here)".

I just had my breasts done. But I look basically the same when I'm clothed. The implants I had put in are approximately the same size as the amount of skin removed when the lift was done. They're totally different breasts naked, but when I shoved all of that skin into a good bra, it looked very similar to how my new breasts look, when I'm fully dressed. So why get it done, if I'm not gonna be walking around topless?

Because I know. And I feel better about it. It reflects in my attitude and behavior. It makes me feel more confident. More comfortable in my own skin. THAT is something that will be noticeable to others.

So even if they can't see your bare stomach, they'll pick up on your increased satisfaction and confidence. Those traits alone are more attractive than any lipstick or cute dress.

And like you said, it will give you greater freedom in choosing clothing.

If you are healthy enough for it and can swing it financially, do it. Do it for yourself, because you're worth it.

I'm having it done in exactly 1 week. The recovery is gonna suck. But that's a blip, I've got years of having a body I LOVE ahead of me. You've got a lot of years left in you too. Why spend the next 30+ years with a crappy stomach when you could be happier with it? That's a long time. You could instead have 29.5+ years of having a good stomach.

Just my two cents :)

Even with all the crap i have had happen the last 4 weeks, they could roll me into tomorrow and i would say let's go cause i'm so happy to be rid of the that ugly gut that was hanging off of me the last couple years from losing 270 lbs.

I say go for it and don't look back.

 I am 56 years old and yes it is worth it.  i had it done 7 weeks ago and I feel wonderful.  Not looking to wear a bikini but getting rid of all that skin has been liberating. Go for it.

I will be 61 when I have my Lower Body Lift in December.  I can't wait!

Lori,

I had it done along with breast reduction TWO weeks ago, and I am SO very happy.  Pain and discomfort have been minimal, some swell, two days of legs edema (perfectly normal) and even so early, the comfort of relief from back pain for starters is worth the surgery. and I can see how even my stay at home clothes are looking and fitting better.   Yes, it was worth every penny, every effort, everthing, and this is just the first round.  I am so happy I did it. 
Just be VERY careful at the moment of choosing your doctor; other than that, take care of yourself, prepare yourself well, and go for it!

Best wishes for you.

Oh, by the way, I am over 50 years old, and neither me nor my husband thought about the age.  It was important, necesary and worth.

YES!!!!  I will never look good naked, wear a bikini etc, but it is WONDERFUL to have the hanging skin gone.  It's also helped a lot with hygiene, skin care, etc.  I have pictures on my profile if you want to see them.

I waited 9 years to have my plastic surgery.  I always thought I'd wait until my kids were grown.  I decided to do it when I turned 40 and I'm so glad I didn't wait any longer. 

Best of luck to you!!! 

Thanks to all!  I am scared and excited to go down this path; one I thought I could never pay for.  I think I found a way to do it, and I am probably going to schedule for February - we have 2 vacations scheduled (December and February) and the nurse felt it was best to wait until those were behind me so I wouldn't be limited as to what I could do on vacation.

Again - thanks so much!

Was it worth it - YES.  Would I do it again - YES.  I had mine when I was 58.  Without all the extra skin I moved up to the next level of exercise, my clothes fit better, and no more rashes/infections.