Question:
I am 8 months post op and down 125 pounds

I have 50 more pounds to go. I was wondering when is a good time to start considering a tummy tuck and how do I get the ball rolling? The only problem I am having with the extra skin on my tummy is major back aches. Who do I contact first? Thank you.    — Happy B. (posted on October 12, 2002)

October 12, 2002
Last month in our support group, our nurse praticione (SP?) said we should weight 2 years.
   — barbara A.

October 12, 2002
I am also 8 months post-op and down about 130 pounds from 314, with about 20lbs to go. My goal weight is 160, which will be just fine by me (I honestly have no desire to be "skinny"). Although my surgeon suggested waiting about 18 mos, until my weight stabalized, I have already seen a few plastic surgeons for consultations. My naked body is a mess and I am ready to move forward. HOWEVER, although I have started the process by seeing a few docs, I am not actually planning on having any sort of plastic surgery until February, which will put me at 1 year post op. I am young and single and am having a real hard time coming to terms with my mushy body. I don't feel that I will have *that* much more weight to lose after February. I would not have any plastic surgery until I reach my goal...so if you have fifty pounds to lose, I would say give it a little more time. But, it's never to early to start researching. Start visiting with some surgeons so you can get a feel for which one would be best for you when the time comes. Congratulations on your success! Good luck in the next step. ~Paula M. Open RNY 02/14/02, -131 lbs.
   — PaulaM

October 12, 2002
I had my tt at 9 months post-op and was 10 pounds from my goal. You should wait to have the surgery until you get within 20 pounds of your goal weight. But I'd start interviewing plastic surgeons now to see who you want to go to. When you lose about 25 pounds go back to the surgeon of your choice and have them wirte a letter of medical necessity and put in it all the problems you have (back pain, skin rubbing against skin, etc) and have them take pictures of you. Get a view from the side and hold the excess skin out as far as it will go. That REALLY shows the insurance company you need to surgery. My WLS surgeon wanted me to wait a year post-op but I couldn't. I hated the way I looked. I now look a million times better and feel much better about myself. I've lost another 13 pounds since my surgery 2 months ago and am at my goal weight.
   — Patty H.