Question:
Would like to hear from anyone who had a tummy tuck while still morbidly obese

Because my panni is so large and is causing me LOTS of back and hip pain plus all those rashes I'm considering having it removed now. I'm self pay for WLS and so its a ways off for me still. I'd really like to hear from others who have gone through a TT to remove their panni while still morbidly obese. I weigh 324.    — Shelly S. (posted on April 18, 2002)

April 17, 2002
When I went for my tummy tuck, the surgeon said he wouldn't do it unless I was within 20 pounds of my goal weight. The reason for this is because you will have a lot of sagging skin after you lose that much weight and will need to have it done again. I am glad that I waited because I don't want to have that done again. Although I didn't really have any pain (more like a little discomfort) I still wouldn't want to have that big incision to heal again. If you are self pay for WLS, won't you be self pay for the tummy tuck?
   — livnliter

April 18, 2002
I hear of a lot of people who have the panni removed when they have wls. I know a lady who did. Just because your insurance didn not cover WLS does not mean they won't cover a pannilectomy (sp?). Have you already had your WLS surgery? if not you could do it at the same time. This does not mean you would not need a tummy tuck later to achieve the flat tummy you get with a tummy tuck at goal.
   — cindy Q.

April 18, 2002
At a support group meeting the other night, my surgeon said that they have to remove the apron on some people before WLS because their apron is too big to work around. So I do know that you can have a tummy tuck before your WLS, but I'm not sure if you will have to have (or want to have) another one later. And, like the previous poster said, some people opt to have their tummy tuck at the same time as their WLS. Good luck!
   — Kristie B.

April 18, 2002
I DID have a panniculectomy at the same time as my WLS. On my surgeons apron-size scale of 1 to 5 I was about a 1 & a half. I did not want to have any further abdominal surgery and had severe back pain so I requested it at the same time. My surgeon will usually do this if you are grade 2 or less OR 5 or more & need it just for basic functioning. I am close to goal & still have a nice flat tummy. (The legs, however, are a whole 'nother story!) HTH
   — Lori_B

April 18, 2002
i weighed 321 the morning of my wls and i am 5 ft 2. The dr removed my panni during my wls. It made a big difference in my ability to care for myself, walk and breathe better.
   — paula B.

April 18, 2002
I spoke to a plastic surgeon and a friend who weighed over 400 asked me to ask him about her. He said that it's typical to have 2 surgeries, one before all the weight loss is done,to get rid of the skin that gets in the way for exercising and comfort. The other is when all the weight is off to "sculpt" the body and get rid of the remaining skin from the rest of the weight loss.
   — ZZ S.

April 18, 2002
I had my TT done at the same time as my RNY. It was mostly due to financial reasons. I was self pay for my RNY and wouldn't be able to afford another surgery later. This way I had already paid for anesthesia and hospital fees, I just had to come up with the 3500 surgeon's fee. I am very happy with it thus far. I've lost 136 pounds and have very little loose skin on my stomach.
   — Brenda H.