Question:
Would you have a Tummy Tuck again?

I thought I had made up my mind not to have a tummy tuck. I know how they cut you and the chances of an infection is like 95 %. I decided I could live with my stomach as it is. I have lost 150 lbs. I have about 20 more to go. Today I saw a friend who had it. She had 2 major infections that required getting them packed 3 times a day. It took 2 months before the last of the packing came out. She said with all that, she would do it again in a minute. She said it has made that much difference. I am rethinking my decision. I know how much I went through with the gastric by-pass and I would do it again. My insurance will pay, so that isn't the problem. Is the tummy tuck similar in how much difference it will make in your life? If you have had a tummy tuck, did you have complications and/or infections? How long were you out of work? Any advice good or bad will be appreciated.    — june22 (posted on October 6, 2003)

October 6, 2003
I was 20 pounds from goal when I had my TT. I also had a complication of a huge hematoma adn had to have emergency surgery on day 8 of the original procedure. Even with 2 surgeries 6 drains and well over 300 staples between the two incisions 3 units of blood and a month of feeling like garbage due to teh bleeding postop I would most definitly do it again in fact I am awaiting approval for the final procedures. I was a tight 14/16 prior and today 7 months later am at goal and wear a 10 with a few 8's thrown in. Its not for everyone and you need to weigh the risks and how they apply to you. Best wishes to you, Lesley
   — Lesley T.

October 6, 2003
YESSSSSSSSSSSS! It made me look normal for the first time in my life. Mine's a lil different than a plastic surgeon tuck, so I was out of it for about 4 weeks. I mean, not doing much. Had no problems with it, but they completely rebuild the abdominal wall, and I think pulled the skin so tight my eyes bugged out for 4 months. However, 8 yrs later, it is still looking good, esp for an old bat. A plastic surgeon tuck is a different thing than the one I had. BUt I literally HAD no figure, so they built me one. I thought I'd have been satisfied just to get that bag off the front of me and certainly questioned my sanity for the first 2 weeks, but every time I made it to a mirror, I couldn't take my eyes off the swollen but flat tummy I have never, EVER had. If you only have a handful of jelly, then it might not be worth it. If you have a crease, and continuous yeast infections, then yeah, it's worth it. When I had my TT, my hips were 33, waist was 31. Can we say BOX?
   — vitalady

October 6, 2003
The tt MADE my self esteem SOAR for the first time in 20 years!! It made the world of difference in how I looked and felt about myself. I lost 2 pants sizes - went from a very tight size 8 to a comfortable size 4. I also don't know where you got your statistics about infection happening 95% of the time because I can tell you that's incorrect. Your PS will start you on antibiotics the day BEFORE surgery, plus you will also get an IV of antibiotics in the hospital during surgery. You will continue your 10 course of antibiotics when your released from the hospital. I had 2 - 10 day courses of antibiotics when I had my tt. I never even got red or had any type of infection. My doctor said it only happened about 10 to 15% of the time. I missed 3 weeks of work but could have went back to work at 2 weeks. It was one of the easiest surgeries I've ever had done and I now have a 26 inch waist with a small 6 pack abs!!
   — Patty H.

October 6, 2003
I don't know who told you the chance of infection is 95%, but I would run so fast from any doctor or hospital with odds like that. That's absolutely not true! I had a full abdominoplasty 11/02, no complications or infection, and would certainly do it again. I was out of work about 6 weeks (not just a desk job), but could have gone back at 4 weeks. I also had a breast reduction on 7/03, and no infections or complications there, either.
   — Leslie F.

October 7, 2003
Those 7 1/2 pounds made almost as much difference in my self esteem as the first 150 pounds lost. I'm thrilled.
   — mom2jtx3

October 7, 2003
I had my panniculectomy in February of this year. I developed a minor abcess (dead tissue cells, not infection) along the incision and had to have it opened. That required packing for about 10 days but it was no big deal. It healed beautifully and I would do it again in a minute. I love being able to wear short, fitted shirts and having a flat tummy.
   — Patty_Butler