Question:
DOES ANYONE KNOW IF HAVING ABDOMINOPLASTY AT 50 POUNDS FROM GOAL IS O.K.?

I have been at a standstill for about 5 months. Just cannot budge any more weight. I hover between 207 and 212. Just can't get below 207. My surgeon's goal weight for me is 170(I started at 270) and am 5'4". My personal goal weight is 150-155.Does anyone know if it is a good idea to have the TT now since I am apparently permanently stuck in my weight loss effort? I am scheduled for mid September for abdominoplasty and breast reduction. Plastic surgeon thinks it is a good idea, but what do my experienced friends think? Will I lose weight with the surgery? My surgeon thinks my pannus weighs 20 pounds.    — beth N. (posted on August 21, 2002)

August 20, 2002
i am 5'2 and weigh 203 right now...i just had a hysterectomy and my dr did my abdominoplasty with it and it made a BIG difference..mine weighed about ten pounds but it sure looked larger than that
   — paula B.

August 20, 2002
That is pretty far from goal in my opinion.. You didn't say how long it has been since your surgery. I am 16 months out and have lost 125 pounds. I am 20 pounds from goal and am working very hard to get there. There was a LOOOONG time that I didn't loose any pounds but my body was still changing shape. I hope to have my TT in a few months. But I would go with the advice of your surgeon. My main fear would be going through another surgery..loosing more and then not being happy that you didn't wait.
   — Virginia N.

August 21, 2002
I had the surgery June 20,2002, I had lost 100 pounds at that time. I wasn't at goal yet. I have lost 125 pounds as of now. I went from 278 pounds 5'5'' and 155-158. I did it a little early, just because I needed it for myself so bad, I had a huge apron, and didn't feel like I had lost the weight until I had it removed. It is the best thing I could have done for myself. I know they like you to be at goal or closer, but each one has to decide for themselves, with there surgeon what is right for them. If is makes you feel good, and helps you to keep going it is worth it. I don't care if I lose anymore weight, and neither does my husband; I am in a 14 dress, and 12-14 tops, and 12 bathing suit,which is'nt bad for this 60 old yound grandma of almos 11; God Bless you hon, Susie
   — lostitall

August 21, 2002
Is your insurance paying for the TT? Then I would probably go ahead with it. I started at 266 and have lost down to 150 in 14 months and yes, it has been slow going since month 7 for me. I lost 100 lbs. in 7 months and then just a little with lots of plateaus. I worry that if you are only 10 months post-op that you will still lose more and might get dissatisfied later on with a growing pannus post-TT. I couldn't tell from your question and your page doesn't list the info as to when your surgery was. But I do wish you good luck with whatever your decision!
   — Molly S.

August 21, 2002
I had to have an abdominoplasty (& lipo) at over 300 lbs. I wish I'd had it done years ago, at somewhere near your weight! I love having a flattened tummy. I can move so much better, actually EXERCISE, and just feel so much better. Back to your question though, I found my surgeons estimate of weight to be removed very trustworthy. In fact, he underestimated how much would be removed. Hope that helps.
   — Shelly S.

August 21, 2002
My biggest fear would be that you have the surgery and then lose 50 pounds and you'll have to have it done again!! The insurance DEFINATELY wouldn't pay for that. I waited until I was 20 pounds within my goal weight and my surgeon still only removed 4 pounds of skin - no fat since I didn't have any to take off. Im still waiting to see the 4 pound weight loss and it's been 2 weeks since surgery.
   — Patty H.