Question:
I'm 23 365lbs and will I have to have a tummy tuck?

Hi. I'm 23 and I weight 365lbs and I'm having the surgery on 2-19-03. I was told that I will have to have surgery for my "skirt" to be taken off. But I have also heard stories of people my age having there skin go back to shape on it's own. Does anyone out there know what I should expect? How much is it? I live in Michigan... if that makes a difference. Does insurance cover it?? I have 2 insurances. Blue care network and Blue Cross Blue Sheild. Is there anyone with the same type insurance that covered there "skirt"??    — Carrie C. (posted on February 12, 2003)

February 12, 2003
Only time will tell if you need one. You just never know. If it's medically necessary, your insurance should cover it. Your age is in your favor though, so keep up the exercize and good luck!
   — mom2jtx3

February 12, 2003
Haven't had my surgery yet but from what my Dr tells me and what I read here ..... Your age is a big plus. Your skin should have lots of elasticity and if you excercise as you go you should do well. But as the other post says...time will tell. Jamie
   — Jamie M.

February 12, 2003
Hi Carrie - I'm 23 and started out at 294, currently at 227, 4 months post. I have noticed my stomach is flattening out big time. But what's not flattening out is you know the indentation over your belly button that's a ring all the way around your waist? That's still there at this point but it's starting to flatten out. my rolls on my side are flattening out too. (LOL I like the terminology i'm using here!!) Basically things should flatten out, but i think the bottom "skirt" or "apron" will be the last to go. It is MUCH smaller and feels really squishy, like not firm at all anymore, just a spongy pillow it's kinda cool feeling but anyway i think that will be the last to go. because with my clothes on, that's the part of me that looks the biggest which is kinda disgusting but anyway!! What can we do?!? I really really hope i won't need a tummy tuck, like it doesnt have to be flat and perfect but at least not look all hangy and stuff that's gross. However I know i will need the boobs done and I certainly plan on having that as soon as possible. I also have gigantic arms so i probably will need to have my arms done. which really really sucks. Okay wellllll, email me if you have any more questions ok? Good luck on your surgery, my sister's having her's the day before you!! :)
   — Iris B.

February 12, 2003
Hi I am 23 also. I weighed 292 at the time of surgery. I will be 5 months out on the 18th. I have only lost 90 pounds and already know I will need a tummy tuck. I carry all my weight in the tummy and it just hangs there. gross
   — nicole79

February 12, 2003
Hi, I am 21 and have lost 112 pounds. I don't *think* I'll need a tummy tuck, but I do have SOME loose skin. But I think it really depends on where you carry your weight the most. Like if you carry the majority of your weight in your stomach or waist area, then you may need one later on.
   — fropunka

February 12, 2003
Oh yeah...i forgot to say I started at 365 lbs.
   — fropunka

February 12, 2003
I am 6 months post op. I was 23 when I had surgery, and I am 24 now. I have lost 120 lbs and I know I am going to need a TT because I carry a lot of my weight in my tummy area. I can imagine what size I would be in if I didnt have all this belly. grrrrr.
   — Shavonne P.