I've been talking for years about having a tummy tuck. I want a flat stomach, and no matter how much weight I lose, a flat stomach will require surgical intervention. With perhaps a bit of pixie dust added for good luck.
I saw a plastic surgeon last week for a tummy tuck consultation. I got this surgeon's name and number from a girlfriend who had four kids in quick succession and was in otherwise excellent shape but had a pooch that wouldn't go away. She loves him and was really happy with the way her tummy tuck went.
My main question was, how much more weight do I need to lose before I can have the surgery? Because while I haven't completely given up, there's a part of me that suspects I may never get all the way to goal. My surgery was 20 months ago. I've lost exactly 50 percent of my excess weight, which is what Allergan's studies say is typical for band patients. My weight has essentially been the same, give or take eight pounds, for the last year.
My tummy is floopy and floppy, and in addition to being a pain with clothes, it creates some awkward moments when I'm exercising and in other, similarly physical, situations. If you catch my drift. I usually wear fitted yoga pants with a long t-shirt to work out, but even then sometimes I can hear it flap-flap-flapping around in there and it's awkward.
The surgeon said he could do the surgery anytime, but that the more weight I lose, the easier the surgery is for him. He also suggested that I check with my band doc to get his go-ahead first. I see the band doc in another 10 days so I'll get his input and also ask for a couple more names so I can meet other surgeons. I'm not sure this guy has a lot of experience with lap-band patients, which I guess isn't a big deal but I'm not sure. He didn't seem worried about the port, which I assume is one of the practical issues.
I know a couple people in blog world who've had tummy tucks (Draz and Angie), and I've followed their posts on this. I know the recovery is no picnic. I know I'll have two grenade-sized drains for a whole week, and it'll take several weeks, maybe a few months, before I feel back to normal. I've heard about the binder garments that have to be worn during healing. I'm trying to figure out how I can fit this in with minimal disruption to my kids' and family's schedules. It's all a little daunting.
If you have any advice, I'd love to hear it.
