Experience with Tummy-Tuck anyone?

Hi Old Friends! It feels like ages since I've been here. Life has been really hectic which has kept me away from the computer (and unfortunately less biking time too--but I still try and sneak in a ride once a week).

To the point:
I am seriously considering having a tummy-tuck done in the near future. 12-13 years ago I lost over 150 pounds. I have managed to maintain that weight loss for the most part, the only exceptions being my two pregnancies. I have always wanted a tummy-tuck but have not focused on that as I was more concerned with starting a family, having babies, taking care of my children, my career, and living a healthy lifestyle.

Now my kids are old enough to brush their own teeth and wipe their own bums. I am at a place where, while it will obviously be an inconvenience financially (and not to mention the recovery time), I feel like this is something I can do. My family is very supportive of me pursuing this.

I consulted my doctor, a naturopath, and she is also supportive and thinks it will be a good thing for me. Her only suggestion was to talk to some others that have had a tummy tuck that live athletic lifestyle.

So . . . are there any TE'ers that are willing to share their experience with me? If you are more comfortable, please PM me.

I am looking at a vertical and horizontal incision, they will also be stitching my abdominal muscles back together. My doctor said that will help strengthen them . . .

Thanks!

I'm interested in more info. on this topic, as well. After pregnancy, c-section, weight loss...I have a flap. And the thinner I am, the more flap I have. I sweat under the flap and it's really uncomfortable.

I know in some cases of significant weight loss that insurance will cover this procedure, in much the same way that breast reductions are often covered (mine was). If the primary goal of the procedure is function and not aesthetics, then it's deemed reconstructive, not cosmetic.

I don't know anything about it ... just, good to see you Limewave!!

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Originally Posted by OakLeaf

I don't know anything about it ... just, good to see you Limewave!!

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+1. Good luck with the surgery!

My only experience is with breast reduction surgery, all in all a wonderful improvement on my quality of life... but not without it's issues afterward. I would ask you, how do you scar? That can impact the success (athletically speaking) of the surgery. If you scar badly and are prone to adhesion (as I do) I could see where it might be rough.

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Originally Posted by Pax

My only experience is with breast reduction surgery, all in all a wonderful improvement on my quality of life... but not without it's issues afterward. I would ask you, how do you scar? That can impact the success (athletically speaking) of the surgery. If you scar badly and are prone to adhesion (as I do) I could see where it might be rough.

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I can't speak for LW, but my scars are invisible. Even when I look for them they're really tough to find. A large part of that is my surgeon's work, though. One of the things he's known for is his skill in minimizing scars. The same cannot be said for my c-section scar. That thing is ugly.

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Originally Posted by zoom-zoom

I can't speak for LW, but my scars are invisible. Even when I look for them they're really tough to find. A large part of that is my surgeon's work, though. One of the things he's known for is his skill in minimizing scars. The same cannot be said for my c-section scar. That thing is ugly.

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Mine are bad because they are hypertrophic. My surgeon knew but never in her wildest dreams did she expect see the scarring I was left with. I'd do it again in a heartbeat though, because breathing and lack neck pain are more important. :D

Good to see you, Limewave.
I would interview as many surgeons as you can and speak to references. While I know several people who have had gastric by-pass type stuff, none of them had plastic surgery afterwards. There must be an athletic person somewhere who has had this done!

I know a few that have had gastric bypass stuff as well. And, most of them seem to be malnourished . . . Thankfully I don't have that issue! I am concerned about having my abdominal muscles sewn together, but my doctor (not the surgeon) said that it should actually make my core stronger. I just kept picturing myself trying to do a sit-up and the stitches all popping down the middle!

I have been overweight my entire life, starting at age 4. And then I lost weight and have a saggy body. I don't know anything else. But from those I've talked to, no one has had any regrets . . .

If you have diastasis recti, I can see where surgically reducing the fascia between the halves of the rectus muscle would make it easier for them to do their job?

English?

Oh wow! Yes, I have that crazy diastis recti thingy! No wonder I can't do ab stuff! Doing some reading on it now. Having that stitched together could actually really help with low back pain maybe?
http://inspiredrd.com/2012/06/dear-d...-over-you.html

Lime, when you start doing consults, I highly encourage you to have an appt. with Dennis Hammond in GR. He's the guy who did my reduction. Amazing work. Almost a decade later and I am still so pleased with the results.

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Originally Posted by Pax

Mine are bad because they are hypertrophic. My surgeon knew but never in her wildest dreams did she expect see the scarring I was left with. I'd do it again in a heartbeat though, because breathing and lack neck pain are more important. :D

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Yeah, even if I had noticeable scars I'd have done it. No way would I have ever been able to run and bike with the 34DDDs I was hauling around, especially with my tiny shoulders.

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Originally Posted by limewave

Oh wow! Yes, I have that crazy diastis recti thingy! No wonder I can't do ab stuff! Doing some reading on it now. Having that stitched together could actually really help with low back pain maybe?
http://inspiredrd.com/2012/06/dear-d...-over-you.html

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I got diastasis recti when I was pregnant with my first child. I went from very skinny to huge. I still have it and it's never stopped me from ab work, but I had a co-worker who had to have hers surgically repaired. There are exercises you can do to help it.

If I were in your shoes I'd definitely go for the the tummy tuck. I think it will help you and make you feel better.