Question:
Why do people have tummy tucks when not at goal

Hi there. I have noticed that a lot of people get approved for plastic surgery when not at their goal weight. I've seen people 20# away and high from goal getting plastic surgery. My question is this: What benefit does having plastic sugery before goal weigh acheive? Thanks in advance, Kim    — kim C. (posted on July 25, 2002)

July 25, 2002
some people will lose 5 pounds of weight from a tummy tuck,,just because of the skin,,,maybe thats it
   — amy T.

July 25, 2002
I had mine ahead of when I would have preferred, but I had "use it or lose it" insurance.
   — vitalady

July 25, 2002
I've always heard that it's because that added weight from the extra skin weighs a good 10, 15, 20lbs. for some people. I'm sure there are others who have done it for other reasons like Michelle stated- insurance change and maybe because the skin was causing irritation with pain. I do know of someone who had their TT when they were still about 50lbs. from their goal. I thought that was odd. Never found out why they had it done so early..Same goes for breast reductions. I have heard of women having them prior to surgery and then wishing that hadn't because they then had no boobs! I need one now, but I will wait until I get to where I want to be with my weight and then will see what needs to be tucked, shrunk, nipped or pinched off! *LOL*
   — karmiausnic

July 25, 2002
I'm 15 pounds away from my goal weight and I was told by the plastic surgeon that as long as your within 20 pounds of your goal weight your an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck. I'm having mine in a week and a half. The reason?? I'm sick of the excess skin and hate the way it looks. The doctor said I will probably lose 5 pounds of skin and fat. Some people lose more but they have to have a LOT of excess skin to have 15 or 20 pounds removed. So if I lose 5 pounds after surgery, I'll be 10 pounds from my goal and if I lose 10 pounds it's not like I'm still going to have hanging skin. How many normal people do after losing 10 pounds?? None. Hope this helps.
   — Patty H.

July 26, 2002
I had my TT done after just 115 of loss because I had such a large apron, which was hindering my walking and I also have lymphedema, not related to the surgery. They removed 25 lbs of skin and flab. I was also getting lots of irritation from rubbing. Carol
   — Carol M.

July 26, 2002
I had my tummy tuck the same time I had a hernia repaired. You could say I killed 2 birds with 1 stone. I was at least 30 pounds from my goal but the hernia was causing major problems.
   — susan V.