To PLASTIC or not to PLASTIC that IS the question....

Hi Sleeve Sister!

I had a tummy tuck 6 weeks ago, and I am SOOOO HAPPY that I did.  I also had quite a belly hanging down, and I just didn't like it.  It wasn't that terrible, but I just wanted to have a flat belly for once in my life.  I haven't had a flat belly since I was 14, and I endured obesity for decades and I just wanted it for myself. 

I also worried about an elective surgery and taking the risks for something non-essential.  But I decided to do it for myself. 

The surgery was so easy.  I was in my hospital room two hours after surgery.  I wasn't even groggy.  no headache, no nausea.  I was up and walking 2 hours after getting to my room.  The next morning when the doctor walked in, I was up and knitting, watching Netflix and he couldn't believe it.  He told everyone in his office about it and now I'm known in his office as "the knitter".  Hehehe

All this to say: you deserve to have the surgery and have your body be trim and fit.  And if my experience is any signal, then don't let the fear of the surgery stop you. 

Take a peek at my photos.  I have before and after pictures of my tummy, and you'll see what a difference the plastic surgery can make.  It is so worth it.

best wishes,

Carol

Document, document, document!

Most insurances WILL cover this surgery if it is causing medical issues. They wont cover it if you just say " this flap of skin is making me look fat" LOL.

I am in the process of getting this approved through my insurance. I had it approved 2 years ago, but I decided I wanted to have a child first. ( and I did, he is 8 months old! :))

I had a Panni removal a year out from Lap Band in 2008.  Best thing I ever did.  Here are some things I learned in getting it approved by insurance.  (Yes, mine was approved)

1.  You are at risk for infection with any surgery.  You have an increased risk of infection with not having it removed.  Both infections can be fought with antibiotics.  Surgery option presents the most likely scenario of a possible infection then done.  No surgery option presents with an infection that can get fixed, but come back multiple times.  If this occurs in 10 to 15 years it can be very difficult to stay healthy while fixing it and result in poor health or death.

2.  Blood does not flow well in the low lying skin.  This presents opportunities for many issues inside and outside of the pannis.  

3.  Insurance will only cover removal of the skin.  You are not left pretty.  However, you can speak to your plastics guy and discuss what his costs will be to make it pretty after insurance pays him their portion to just take off the skin.  See if he is willing to kill 2 birds with one stone.  It might bring your costs down.

You need to do it.  There are health reasons, especially if it is coming that low where it covers the pubis.  Insurance should cover that easily.  There are emotional benefits, but there are so many health benefits too!  Its the best thing I have ever done.  I was able to workout, move, feel better.

It's totally okay to be selfish and you deserve to have a body that you love after all of your hard work.  

(I also look of it as sort of encouragement to keep the weight off.  I won't want to compromise my plastics or waste the money I spent on them with regain!)

My opinion is to do what you feel is right for yourself.  You should try to disconnect your mother's recording in your head.  It is not easy! No matter our age, we still try to live up to their expectations, even if we don't agee with them.   This is all part of the healing for you.  Good luck in your journey. 

Nancy

Tummy tuck is totally worth it. Not only will it get rid of rash issues, but you will feel fantastic about the end results. Document the rash and work hard to get it covered. Start the process now-