Question:
I have a hernia and want to know if a tummy tuck at the same time is advisable

I am 6 months post op and have a hernia just above the belly button. I will be having surgery in about 3 months to fix the hernia and wondered how to go about getting a tummy tuck at the same time. Insurance??? If not does anyone know about how much extra the tuck would cost. I have Blue Cross PPO of Calif. Thx    — debbie11092002 (posted on May 5, 2003)

May 5, 2003
Actually if your hernia can 'wait' its good to have the 'hernia' repaired at the same time you get the tummy tuck. Mine waited until I was ready; in fact; some people say its 'easier' to get a TT approved with a hernia than without... tho I cant say if 'that matters'. So... instead of asking about getting the TT at the same time as your hernia; you might ask if your hernia can wait until your ready for your TT which in most cases is about 1 year out - or until you have stabled your weight loss
   — star .

May 6, 2003
My surgeon wouldn't do my hernia repair til I was ready for my panniculectomy (tummy tuck). He said it is much more difficult to do the tummy tuck after the hernia repair and since the hernia wasn't strangulated we waited about 8 months til he was sure I was pretty much through losing. My insurance paid for both procedures (Empire Blue Cross).
   — Patty_Butler