Question:
How long after WLS did your plastic surgery take place?

What kinds of plastic surgery people have had as a result of WLS and when it was done (months after WLS)? Thank you.    — Thomas M. (posted on July 15, 2002)

July 15, 2002
I had my RNY on June 11, 2001 and I had my tummy tuck/lipo on January 28th, 2002, so I guess that about 6.5 months after my surgery. I started out at 297, I had my tummy done at about 190-200 pounds. My plastic surgeon likes to do his tummy tucks with a bit more weight on his partients than some, he says they look more natural when you grow into them so to speak. I have to agree, I look great and so does all of the other WLS patients that he has done.
   — Jeanese N.

July 15, 2002
I had open VBG in June 2001 and in May of 2002, after a 140 lb weight loss, I had my tummy Plastic surgery.
   — Cathy J.

July 15, 2002
Our surgeon standardly recommends that his patients wait 18 months post-op before having any plastic surgery. He states that that generally allows the patient to achieve their optimal weight loss and nutritional stability before having another major surgery. If you have your plastic surgery done when you still have 50 or more pounds to lose, you could find yourself "saggy" again once you reach goal, and consequently wanting/needing another "tuck". Insurance providers would almost certainly see a secondary tummy tuck as "cosmetic", rather than "reconstructive" and would deny coverage. As anxious as I became to shed all my wrinkled, sagging skin, I tried to remind myself that I did not become morbidly obese overnight, so it was only logical to wait until just the right time to take the next step. I had my panniculectomy and armlift in November, and the results are wonderful! I didn't have this tummy and these arms when I was 16! Best wishes...
   — Diana T.

July 16, 2002
I had my WLS on 11/5/01. I'm having my plastic surgery on 8/7/02. So I gave myself 9 months. My plastic surgeon said as long as your within 20 pounds of your goal weight, it was ok to do the surgeries I'm having done (tummy tuck and arm lift).
   — Patty H.