Who Said Anything About a Tummy Tuck?!

[ethang]

I've been in and around goal for a while now - up and down but around the same. More recently I gained a few pounds back (not just muscle pounds but fat weight too - clothes are tighter) when I started weight training which led me to stop weight training and go back to a modified Atkins to lose some the weight again.

All in all, even at my thinnest (which was a couple months ago and I was arguably too thin in my face and arms, etc) I still couldn't get rid of this little bit of "chub" around my mid section.

I finally decided to look into plastic surgery - a simple lipo procedure to take care of the tummy and love handles. I went in for my consultation today and to my great shock and horror, after being poked at a bit, I'm told that what I have on my tummy is not fat and cannot be corrected with lipo. The lovehandles around the sides/lower back can be treated with lipo in a simple procedure but what I have on my tummy is supposedly excess skin!!!! Apparently the only treatment for this is a "tummy tuck" which is not even nearly as simple as lipo from what I've read and will leave a huge scar across my midsection not to mention the week I will be unable to work and will have drainage tubes sticking out of my body...won't be able to exercise for a further six weeks.....and will be stuck with the scar for a minimum of 6 months (before it can be lasered off).

Now I don't know what to do - clothed I look great. When the clothes come off - I am not happy with how I look and I don't know if I could ever be happy with my body and comfortable enough to go to the beach or keep the lights on during "relations".... Not that I'm horrible by any means - like I said, I always thought it was just some left over chub which shouldn't feel like such a big deal...(but it does). I thought that excess skin looked very different.

Somehow knowing that this is all skin has really depressed me. I even had a (thankfully, very small) cheat with some Mexican dip and Finn Crisps (and I never cheat)... I'm a bit confused as to whether there is even any point of trying to lose anymore weight since supposedly there is no fat there (which I find very hard to believe)....This procedure is going to be double the price of what I was expecting and it will cost an additional 3-4k to have the scar removed after 6 months of healing. Granted it will all be financed (minus the scar removal which I can't finance yet) but the payents will likely be equivalent to a car payment every month for the next few years.

What I want to know is:

1. If you have had a tummy tuck, what were your experiences? Was it worth it? What can I expect - etc.

2. If you too have this issue of "loose skin" (which I really can't accept) - what has been your experience? Have you had any luck "eliminating" it without surgery?

3. How do I deal with these feelings - I'm quite upset about it all and I'm not sure what to do, if I should continue on my modified Atkins to try and push more weight loss even though weight loss is probably not going to do anything except make me look flabbier since its all supposedly loose skin... Plus, weight loss is what caused my loose skin in the first place - well, I guess the original weight gain + the subsequent weight loss did.....

4. Is it easy to confuse loose skin with chub? I always thought that loose skin was thin and wrinkly - I have seen that before, my tummy just looks like it has a little bit of extra chub but it is smooth... and overall I do look slim...

ugh I don't know - I guess I just need to vent and hear from some of you.

What do I do?:help:

[*Sheila*]

I am very vain and would do anything for a tummy tuck. Not yet though as I have a few more pounds to go, but birthing three kinds in three years (twins, and a single) did my tummy muscles and such havock. I do have to say things are looking up but nto sure if i can get rid of it all without help.

You have to make your mind up of what you want. THat is a scary procedure, and well ~ even though i said i would, it would take lots of nerve to actually do it.

[daisywench]

May I ask how old you are? And how long have you been LC'ing? Depending on your age, the skin might readjust itself (it is elastic after all) and might fix itself soon enough (not overnight, but you didn't gain weight overnight, either).

ETA, I just looked at your profile, God man, you're 5'10 and you want to get down to 147? Plus, you're only 23...your skin will go back without surgery. I can't believe any doctor would recommend a 23 year old with a bit of tummy skin to get surgery. Wait it out, let your body "find" itself again.

[Judynyc]

ETA, I just looked at your profile, God man, you're 5'10 and you want to get down to 147? Plus, you're only 23...your skin will go back without surgery. I can't believe any doctor would recommend a 23 year old with a bit of tummy skin to get surgery. Wait it out, let your body "find" itself again

I couldn't agree more with this. :agree:
If you can manage to work on building up your abs(think 6 pack abs), your skin will tighten and then not be an issue for you.
Yes, muscle weighs more than fat and you will need to get over the scale weight....but you'll be happier with how you look without clothes on.

[tiredangel]

I had a tummy tuck a few years ago, but it was after a triplet pregnancy -- my body never would have gone back to normal. The surgeon removed 5 pounds of skin. It's a serious operation. I have a scar going from hip to hip. I know of a couple of women who had complications after their tummy tucks as well and ended up with very not-pretty wounds that weren't healing. Even with a perfect outcome (like mine), if you gain weight back, it really is VERY painful since the skin is SO thin. The recovery period wasn't too bad for me, but I heal fairly quickly from abdominal surgeries. Yes, the drainage tubes are annoying, and I went through so much vicodin that the pharmacist gave my husband a lecture, plus I had to sleep on a recliner for a few weeks and it was even longer before I could reach above my head.

If I were you, I'd give my skin some time to adjust -- six months to a year -- but I'd also get a second opinion. Not all doctors are ethical.

All that said, I don't regret my tummy tuck, but again, I was pregnant with triplets -- it's actually called "twin skin." It would surprise me if a 50 pound loss really would permanently stretch the skin like that. Most young women I've known have been able to get their skin tight after a single pregnancy (one baby). It just takes a bit of time.

And to whomever commented on his height and weight, my husband was 6'1 and 140 pounds for many years -- it really all does depend on the person's build.

Edit to add: I agree with the suggestion to build your ab muscles. It will fill the skin nicely AND look hot :)

[daisywench]

I had a tummy tuck a few years ago, but it was after a triplet pregnancy -- my body never would have gone back to normal. The surgeon removed 5 pounds of skin. It's a serious operation. I have a scar going from hip to hip. I know of a couple of women who had complications after their tummy tucks as well and ended up with very not-pretty wounds that weren't healing. Even with a perfect outcome (like mine), if you gain weight back, it really is VERY painful since the skin is SO thin. The recovery period wasn't too bad for me, but I heal fairly quickly from abdominal surgeries. Yes, the drainage tubes are annoying, and I went through so much vicodin that the pharmacist gave my husband a lecture, plus I had to sleep on a recliner for a few weeks and it was even longer before I could reach above my head.

If I were you, I'd give my skin some time to adjust -- six months to a year -- but I'd also get a second opinion. Not all doctors are ethical.

All that said, I don't regret my tummy tuck, but again, I was pregnant with triplets -- it's actually called "twin skin." It would surprise me if a 50 pound loss really would permanently stretch the skin like that. Most young women I've known have been able to get their skin tight after a single pregnancy (one baby). It just takes a bit of time.

And to whomever commented on his height and weight, my husband was 6'1 and 140 pounds for many years -- it really all does depend on the person's build.
Edit to add: I agree with the suggestion to build your ab muscles. It will fill the skin nicely AND look hot :)

That was me, and I stand by it. Because we all know that a low carb diet weight and a low fat or low calorie diet weight are not the same. 140 pounds on a 5'10 body that is following low carb IS thin in my opinion. Was your husband on a low carb diet?
However, you're right that body types are different. I weigh 167 pounds at 5'9, and people tell me I look thin. And I have breasts.
It's all in how you want to look, I guess. YMMV.

[melibsmile]

I believe that user sarar had a tummy tuck. She might be willing to discuss her experience. That being said, I don't think that's the right choice for you at this time. You are very young and have a great deal of muscle-building potential. I'd ignore your scale, focus on the weight training (not cardio) and see what transpires. Your skin may indeed tighten up over the next year or two, making the expensive and painful surgery not needed.

--Melissa

[LAwoman75]

I had a tummy tuck with muscle repair in November of '08. First, I want to comment on the scar. It's VERY low and can even be hid with bikini underwear. Mine has healed wonderfully and can only be seen by my dh if I'm completely nude in the light. I used a vitamin E oil on it for a while. Secondly, Yes, I had drainage tubes for 1 week and couldn't stand up straight for 15 days (mostly from the muscle repair, don't know if you need that) but once I was at that point, each day was much easier than the one before. I slept in a recliner for 3 weeks since it was more comfortable to stay slightly bent. I'm still not able to exercise my ab muscles and have been told I must wait till I'm one year post op to do so. I had 2.8 lbs. of skin removed which would never have corrected itself, but yes, it was very much worth it and I would do it again.

[ethang]

Wow... a lot to consider.

I figure I'll go ahead and book the lipo for my lovehandles for mid july since that is a simple procedure but the tummy tuck I'm going to have to think about more seriously...
I keep looking at myself in the mirror and I guess I can understand now that it may really be skin and not fat and I'm sure they are experienced - It was my first time in a cosmetic surgery office but I found it to be quite busy for what it is so I'm sure they are experienced and know what they are talking about.

I lost the bulk of my weight from May to July/August of 2007. The rest I lost in stages +/- 10lbs for a few months and I lost the last ten pounds in January of this year - Do you think my skin could still readjust?

For those that still have the scars, did you try the laser procedure offered to remove it? Why/Why not? My concern is that the consultant said it would cost another 3000 for that procedure and that there are 3 sessions needed. I don't know if she meant 3000 altogether or 3000x3 sessions. If it is the latter - that is insane, more expensive than the tummy tuck itself (which is 8k).

[tiredangel]

That was me, and I stand by it. Because we all know that a low carb diet weight and a low fat or low calorie diet weight are not the same. 140 pounds on a 5'10 body that is following low carb IS thin in my opinion. Was your husband on a low carb diet?
However, you're right that body types are different. I weigh 167 pounds at 5'9, and people tell me I look thin. And I have breasts.
It's all in how you want to look, I guess. YMMV.

Oh, my only point was it may not be too thin on someone with a small frame. My husband is one of those people whom until he hit 35 just could not gain weight. He looked fine though; very thin but not emaciated. Well defined but not huge muscles. I don't think he's ever followed any diet plan but he was a paramedic and in very good shape.

I, on the other hand, am downright skinny at 150 lbs -- I'm actually not sure I'll ever be able to get that thin again.

To get back on topic -- I never bothered to do anything about my scar. It's low; it is always covered. My only regret about getting my tummy tuck was gaining my weight back afterwards. It's not a procedure that can be redone.

Edit to add: YES, your skin most likely can readjust.

[LAwoman75]

Wow... a lot to consider.

I figure I'll go ahead and book the lipo for my lovehandles for mid july since that is a simple procedure but the tummy tuck I'm going to have to think about more seriously...
I keep looking at myself in the mirror and I guess I can understand now that it may really be skin and not fat and I'm sure they are experienced - It was my first time in a cosmetic surgery office but I found it to be quite busy for what it is so I'm sure they are experienced and know what they are talking about.

I lost the bulk of my weight from May to July/August of 2007. The rest I lost in stages +/- 10lbs for a few months and I lost the last ten pounds in January of this year - Do you think my skin could still readjust?

For those that still have the scars, did you try the laser procedure offered to remove it? Why/Why not? My concern is that the consultant said it would cost another 3000 for that procedure and that there are 3 sessions needed. I don't know if she meant 3000 altogether or 3000x3 sessions. If it is the latter - that is insane, more expensive than the tummy tuck itself (which is 8k).

A tummy tuck is a serious surgery. I couldn't get back to "work" for at least 2 to 2.5 weeks. My scar does not bother me enough to spend more on laser treatments. I've seen many other TT scars and have to say that mine looks great compared to theirs. You should visit makemeheal.com . There are some great message boards for various procedures and I know there is even one for men's tummy tucks.

[ethang]

Thank you for that link. I went to the site and looked at some before and after pics and I am not happy with what I've seen.....

I don't want to do this but I don't want to stay like this either. I think I'll do the lipo on the lovehandles and take it from there.... Maybe I can firm this up on my own.

[LAwoman75]

You should get a few more opinions from different surgeons. It's always best to see at least 3 before you decide on any action. For me, there was no doubt that a tummy tuck was my only option, but this may not be the case for you.

[Judynyc]

Thank you for that link. I went to the site and looked at some before and after pics and I am not happy with what I've seen.....

I don't want to do this but I don't want to stay like this either. I think I'll do the lipo on the lovehandles and take it from there.... Maybe I can firm this up on my own.

Please read the following and consider this seriously before you go for surgery. IMNSHO... You are too young to start with plastic surgery.
How I Got “Ripped” Abs For The Very First Time
Tom Venuto

I’ll never forget the very first time I got ripped, how I did it and how it felt. I’ve never told this entire story before or widely published my early photos either. Winning first place and seeing my abs the first time was sweet redemption. But before that, it was a story of desperation…

I started lifting weights for bodybuilding when I was 14 years old, but I never had ripped abs until I was 20. I endured six years of frustration and embarrassment. Being a teenager is hard enough, but imagine how I felt being a self-proclaimed bodybuilder, with no abs or muscle definition to show for it. Imagine what it was like in swimming class or when we played basketball in gym class and I prayed to be called out for “shirts” and not ‘”skins” because I didn’t want any one seeing my “man-boobs” and ab flab jiggling all over the court.

Oh, I had muscle. I started gaining muscle from the moment I picked up a barbell. I got strong too. I was benching 315 at age 18. But even after four years of successful strength training, I still hadn’t figured out this getting ripped thing. Muscle isn’t very attractive if it’s covered up with a layer of fat. That’s where the phrase “bulky” really comes from – fat on top of muscle. It can look worse than just fat.

I read every book. I read every magazine. I tried every exercise. I took every supplement in vogue back in the 80’s (remember bee pollen, octacosanol, lipotropics and dessicated liver?) I tried not eating for entire days at a time. I went on a rope skipping kick. I did hundreds of crunches and ab exercises. I rode the Lifecycle. I wore rubber waist belts.

The results were mediocre at best. When I made progress, I couldn’t maintain it. One step forward, one step back. Even when I got a little leaner, it wasn’t all the way. Still no ripped abs. When I played football and they beat the crap out of us at training camp, I lost weight, but STILL didn’t get all the way down to those elusive six pack abs. In fact, it was almost like I got “skinny fat.” My arms and legs lost some muscle but the small roll of ab fat was still there.


Why was it so hard? What was I doing wrong? It was driving me crazy!

My condition got worse in college because I mixed with a party crowd. With boozing came eating, and the “bulk” accumulated even more. At that point, the partying and social life were more important to me than my body. I was still lifting weights, but wasn’t living a fitness lifestyle.

Mid way through college I changed my major from business management to exercise science, having made up my mind to pursue a career in fitness. That’s when I started to feel something wasn’t right. The best word for it is “incongruence.” That’s when what you say you want to be and what you really are don’t match. Being a fitness professional means you have to walk the talk and be a role model to others. Anything else is hypocrisy. I knew I had to shape up or forget fitness as a career.

But after four years, I STILL didn’t know how to get ripped! Nothing I learned in exercise physiology class helped. All the theory was interesting, but when theory hit the real world, things didn’t always work out like they did on paper. My professors didn’t know either. Heck, most of them weren’t even in shape! Two of them were overweight, including my nutrition professor.

However, out of my college experience did come the seeds of the solution and my first breakthrough. more at link
http://www.burnthefatblog.com/archives/2008/06/how_i_got_ripped_for_the_very.php

[IvannaBFit]

I would get the tummy tuck. In fact, this is something I almost look forward to. You can hide the scar under your swim trunks, so the only time anyone would see it IS "relations"... and if you've gotten that far with somebody, that's little thing won't turn them off!

I say this as a C-section mama -- I have a scar that reaches across my body. If I had a perfect body I don't even think I'd mind it that much, but as it is now, it's a mere nothing compared to any other of my lumps and bumps. So, I imagine, the tuck scar will not be too bad.

JMHO. :wave: