Question:
Why is the fear not as common with plastic surgery? Aren't the

risks the same as with WLS? Seems like everyone is so happy to get plastic surgery and do not appear to have as much fear. I am scheduled to see a plastic surgeon next week and hope to have a tummy tuck and double hernia repair. Please if anyone has some reassurance to give me about this surgery being easier and less risk, let me hear it because after having two open rny's I am really scared! I get butterflies in my pouch just thinking of another surgery. But I must have the hernia repaired and I don't think having a tummy tuck will increase the risk. Am I right?    — Mylou52 (posted on September 2, 2003)

September 2, 2003
I don't know about anybody else, but I was MORE nervous for my PS and I was pretty nervous for my WLS! Probably because I KNEW what pain is now since I had nothing to base my WLS on. I've never had kids, broken a bone or anything. It was also ALOT longer being under anesthetic (9.5 hours compared to the 2.5 for my WLS. I had 3 things done at once). Once I had it done though, I was sure glad I did. I didn't have that much pain but I also didn't have a hernia repair either. Its okay to be nerous!! Your going to LOVE the results!!
   — Kris T.

September 2, 2003
Well there is always risks with ANY surgery but just think. They won't be messing with your "plumbing". You don't have the risks of leaks or developing blockages in your intestines. Just check out your surgeon really well and feel comfortable with him. I think sometimes its harder to do something you feel is "optional" so if you're nervous that may be some part of it.
   — Shelly S.

September 2, 2003
There are definitely risks with any surgery, but I think the fear factor is higher for the WLS since patients are mobidly obese whereas with plastic surgery (tummy tucks etc), the patient has lost LOTS of weight and is much better physically than with WLS. Wishing you the best of luck with your surgeries.
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 2, 2003
As obese people the strain on our heart, lungs, immune system, everything is already under tremendous strain, and the additional trauma of surgery in that condition is why WLS is much more risky than when we are no longer obese. I agree, the tummy tuck shouldn't really increase your risks - the only other risk I could think of would be wound healing - you'll have more tissue involved with the TT - but otherwise the anesthesia and surgery overall is the risk - which is really very small.
   — bethybb

September 2, 2003
Thanks to you all for your responses. You guys are the best people in the world! God bless you all! I am researching as much as I can and trying to find the questions I should ask my surgeon. I really know very little about him. Anyone have a list of ????? to ask the plastic surgeon? Much appreciation for your support,
   — Mylou52

September 3, 2003
I agree with the others that the risk is not usually as great with the PS because you're not morbidly obese any more. I had one doctor who wouldn't do surgery on me for a female problem because I was over 200 pounds, and he thought the risk to me was greater because of my weight. But I also think part of the reason is that you've been through surgery before at that point, and survived. I had an abdominal hysterectomy in February, and now I have far less fear about the WLS, because I sailed through the hysterectomy with no problems. It also helps to have all these wonderful people pulling for us!
   — lfmusc75

September 5, 2003
By the time your having PS, your body is in MUCH better shape then when you had your RNY. You don't have the added risk of being morbidly obese when you go under anesthesia. Even after 2 PS, I still get nervous but am more excited by the prospect of how much better my body will look after the surgery. That's the added bonus that you get with PS.
   — Patty H.