Question:
Body Piercings & WLS- Will I have to remove them?

Anyone have the surgery and have to remove their piercings?    — Apryl W. (posted on August 4, 2003)

August 4, 2003
heya hun..yepp.. i had to remove my piercings.. i was able to put all back in after surgery..cept the belly button..it..got cut in half..oh well..lol.. small loss i suppose..lol..but..still made me mad..huggles n bb..
   — johanna F.

August 4, 2003
yes we will have to remove them. I have my tongue pierced and it heals quick so I'm going to have my husband put it back in as soon as hes able to see me lol...dont want to have to get it done again but if push comes to shove I'll do it...losing this weight is more important to me.Good Luck!!
   — cinamoni

August 4, 2003
as others have said, yes.. but have someone there when you get into your room... get some hospital lube (comes in little packets) and have someone put them back in for you.. WITH the sterile lube.. it will make it that much easier...
   — Lisa C.

August 5, 2003
hiya~ yes you need to remove them for surgery and most likely will not be able to put them back in while in the hospital (especially the tongue) reason for that is in case you need to be intubated, they don't want the piercing in your tongue to be in the way AND you don't get to put them ALL back in because if your heart stops and you need to be "shocked", the metal conducts electricity. makes sense... i had a double eyebrow, nose, tongue, nipple, bellybutton and "discreet" piercing (in addition to 14 ear-holes) and they all went back in no problem (except the "discreet" one) and that was after having them out for 6 days! i think that having the surgery and following doctors orders (for YOUR safety) is more important than keeping a piercing. you can always get it redone if you want... good luck, kate
   — jkb

August 7, 2003
Pretty sure there are plastic alternatives to any metal accessory out there; that you can use during surgery/recovery....
   — Karen R.

August 7, 2003
hey there! I have a couple semi-related answers to questions you didn't ask! you also have to take your polish and/or your artificial nails off, and if you have tattoos, get ready for a relocation. I have a ladybug on my back that inches it's way up my back with each pound I lose, also the one on my ankle stayed the same shape, but is shrinking slightly! good luck and happy losing!!!-shiloh
   — SHILOH S.