Question:
Need Help - I need a tummy tuck early post-op

My start weight was almost 500 and I have lost about 120 in the past 4 months. I have a very large pendulous abdomen and now my skin has less fat but is hanging more. Any time I do a lot of walking (like on the treadmill) I get a rash on my legs. I've always gotten rashes under my belly, but now its primarily on my upper thighs. This weekend was so bad I could barely move at times - the rash even bleeds! My question is: Should I look into getting some of this removed now? And what are my chances? I know I'll need a tummy tuck when I'm down to the 200's but I am in such agony - I don't know what I should do....your help...PLEASE!!    — Pamela P. (posted on May 13, 2002)

May 13, 2002
Hi Pam,Get an appointment ASAP. Don't let this go on without medical attention. I too had the hanging apron and suffered with the pain,rash and bleeding that goes with it. I was too embarrased to tell my doc about it because I tried everything and couldn't keep it dry and it had a very bad odor.Powders didn't work,I even put gauze under the fold so it would absorb all the moisture,nothing worked ointments made it worse and my doc said the powder actually helped bacteria to grow under there. The only answer was to get it removed.Mine hung to my knees.The more I lost the farther down it hung. This is definitly a medical issue that needs to be cared for right away.
   — Connie Z.

May 13, 2002
I know a man whose insurance will pay for a TT at every 150 pounds because of the large amount of tissue that will need to be removed. Check out what you insurance's policy on that.
   — livnliter

May 13, 2002
Hi Pam! I am pre-op so I don't know what you're going through, but I would definitely tell you to call up your doctor and document every single rash. From what I've heard on this site, it is much easier to prove that it is medically necessary to move the skin if you have documentation of the problems that the skin causes. Good luck! *hugs*
   — Maggie C.

July 3, 2003
I am very new at WLS, just having mine June 25, 2003, but my doctor told me to not even think about any kind of tummy tuck or lift surgery until I was at least 18 months post-op. My cousin was over 500 pounds when she had her WLS, and he instructed her to wait 2 years before having a tummy tuck. I know every doctor is different in how they treat their patients, but I'd call your doctor and discuss this with him/her. Any kind of problems with rashes or bleeding needs to be discussed with your doctor. He/she is there to help you suceed and that includes making sure you are comfortable and well.
   — Tonya P.

July 3, 2003
That sounds terrible. I'm so sorry this is happening to you. I agree with others to call right away about this. There is no reason to be in this kind of agony. My plastic surgeon told me that sometimes people want TTs earlier than he would like and he always warns them that they still might have sagging skin or need a revision later on but it sounds like you definitely need to have something done. Best of luck and congrats on such an astounding weight loss.
   — susanje