Tummy Tuck and skin removal after 190 pound weight loss!

delgadodelgado1120
delgadodelgado1120 Posts: 102 Member
in Success Stories
I am not sure if anyone else is battling the excess skin issue after their weight loss, but I lost 190 pounds and it was driving me nuts. Luckily, due to my diet and exercise regimen it really was not as bad as one would think but all the skin really did hinder my progress. I could not get past the skin issue. Every time I did a squat or a military press, there it was. Staring right at me. I had never had surgery before, but decided to go ahead and look into it, which led me to actually do it. Yes, skin is an organ and it will improve but it will not retract completely. Just like the lungs of a smoker, sometimes the damage is just too permanent. I paid through the nose for it, but would not think twice about doing it again. My suggestion to anyone considering it is #1, go for it but be smart. Make sure that you are in TOP TOP TOP shape. I had ct scans done, a mammogram (cause I was considering boobs also and I'm 30), and blood work on top of blood work done. Most surgeons don't go to these extremes but since I lost so much weight and I'm vegetarian my doctor wanted to make sure my heart and lungs were good as well as my proteins and vitamins. On top of having that full physical, make sure you can do pull ups and push ups. Everything for the first week requires you to pull urself up with your arms and legs. You can't use your core for anything. Additionally, if you work out right and eat right you won't need the pain medicine. I only took it once every 12 hours for 3 days. The suggested dosage was 2 percocets every 4 hours for 10 days or until needed. I still have about 60 pills left that I am getting ready to take back to the pharmacy. I had an extended tummy tuck (hip to hip) a mini thigh lift and no lipo. The doctor said I had lost so much weight he literally had no fat to remove, the fat I have I need lol. There goes the idea of fat transfer to the booty! Anyways, good luck to you all and if anyone has any questions just let me know =)
«1

Replies

  • Kipperdoodle13
    Kipperdoodle13 Posts: 30 Member
    do you have before and after pics? Just curious.
  • delgadodelgado1120
    delgadodelgado1120 Posts: 102 Member
    before
    Untitled-2.jpg

    day of surgery
    photo_zps848eaaac.jpg

    i don't have one yet after the tummy tuck because im only 14 days out, dont want to discourage anyone =)
  • southernmom3
    southernmom3 Posts: 181 Member
    you look amazing - you should be so proud of your progress - very inspiring!
  • delgadodelgado1120
    delgadodelgado1120 Posts: 102 Member
    Thank you, it has been a great process!
  • yusineddy
    yusineddy Posts: 457 Member
    You look great, I had a tummy tuck also a few years ago and it was the best desicion I have ever made. Good luck with your recovery!
  • FFfitgirl
    FFfitgirl Posts: 369 Member
    You look great!

    Did they tell you how much they took off?
  • AndiGirl70
    AndiGirl70 Posts: 542 Member
    Congratulations! You look fantastic. This is my greatest fear. I've had 4 c-sections and will have lost 100+ pounds when I hit my goal. I am so fearful of what the skin on my body will be like when I get to the end game. "Meat aprons" ain't pretty! LOL
  • jacquirich
    jacquirich Posts: 105 Member
    You look fab, well done you, and yes I would have had the surgery too
  • annakow
    annakow Posts: 385 Member
    You look fantastic! well done girl!
    I had a c-section type of surgery 21 years ago, ovary removed, I got belly sticking out too :/
  • Alairissa
    Alairissa Posts: 160 Member
    OMG wow :noway: That is awesome. I am speechless.
  • cseckinger1
    cseckinger1 Posts: 64
    So happy for you! You look amazing & I can't wait to see your after pics when you heal. Yay! for you.
  • joleenl
    joleenl Posts: 739 Member
    Thanks for sharing your story. Good for you! You look great!
  • Some_Watery_Tart
    Some_Watery_Tart Posts: 2,250 Member
    Congrats on your dedication! You look amazing!

    I'm looking at getting a tummy tuck. I have a lot of excess skin that just hangs there and it makes me really self conscious. I've been going back and forth between getting the tummy tuck and just learning to love my body how it is. I just can't make up my mind.

    How has your experience been so far? I'm always curious to hear about people's experiences. Is it worth the pain and money?
  • Cheeky_0102
    Cheeky_0102 Posts: 408 Member
    i'd love to see some after pics when you're less puffy. Or even in private (not creepy - just interested)

    I have had three kids and was up well over 100 lbs from where i am now, Between the pregnancies and so many years of being overweight, my mid section is pretty gross. I'm not sure where I'm going to find the money but it's going to happen for me too.

    what is the recovery like? how long did you have to be off work for? how is the pain now?
  • KAYRRIE
    KAYRRIE Posts: 201 Member
    How long is the healing process?
  • stephanj
    stephanj Posts: 898 Member
    Congrats! You look great. I would do it in a heartbeat if I had the extra money....
  • daniellemm1
    daniellemm1 Posts: 465 Member
    bump
  • sdalhall
    sdalhall Posts: 160 Member
    Amazing weight loss! I'm 5 and a half weeks into tummy tuck recovery. I had a full tt with skin removal and a lot of muscle repair. I can tell you that it gets better every day! Congrats to you!
  • SKAVY7178
    SKAVY7178 Posts: 165 Member
    You look AMAZING !!!! I will be doing a Tummy Tuck in Oct, due to a muscle separation after my 3 c-sections! and a hernia too... My tummy is HUGE!! basically I look 8 months pregnant! Can't wait to see your pics of before and after TT !!!

    Seriously, you are a NEW person !
  • delgadodelgado1120
    delgadodelgado1120 Posts: 102 Member
    Hi. Thanks for your comment! It absolutely is worth it, go for a plastic reconstructive surgeon though, not a cosmetic surgeon. The extra money is worth it. My doctor was a clinical associate professor at the university of Miami. Amazing staff and amazing crew. I would do it again. Before this I was terrified of surgery and medicine. I live a very natural lifestyle and was panicked. Knowing the quality of people I was with made the experience amazing
  • sorcha1977
    sorcha1977 Posts: 133 Member
    I'm not sure what your situation was, but anyone who's interested should talk to their insurance company. I know some plans will cover some/most/all of it if you've lost a certain percentage of body weight and your doctor can prove it's causing issues. My doctor told me to keep track of how often I get rashes underneath the belly folds (and take pictures), things like that. So, please, talk to your doctors, and they can help you work with your insurance to consider it necessary and not cosmetic.
  • strawberrytoast
    strawberrytoast Posts: 711 Member
    Huge weight loss congratulations!! Give us some pics of the finished job too :smile:
  • delgadodelgado1120
    delgadodelgado1120 Posts: 102 Member
    You look great!

    Did they tell you how much they took off?

    Hi! Yes I asked, he said about 5 to 7 pounds of skin. No lipo :blushing:
  • delgadodelgado1120
    delgadodelgado1120 Posts: 102 Member
    I'm not sure what your situation was, but anyone who's interested should talk to their insurance company. I know some plans will cover some/most/all of it if you've lost a certain percentage of body weight and your doctor can prove it's causing issues. My doctor told me to keep track of how often I get rashes underneath the belly folds (and take pictures), things like that. So, please, talk to your doctors, and they can help you work with your insurance to consider it necessary and not cosmetic.

    You are right, but what the insurance will cover if anythjng is called a panneculectomy. Meaning the part that hangs. That is why ur dr wants pics of under the folds. They will not cover any type of cosmetic fix associated with that, including placement of the belly button.normally that is extra so you pay less butbyo get it done right u still have to come out of pocket.
  • RHSheetz
    RHSheetz Posts: 268 Member
    I am trying to drop my BF to about 9% and trying to fill the loose skin with Muscle. Had a slight issue after I hit goal and put some back on, so I am working it off now. I will make a decision on redundant skin removal once I see where I am at. But thanks for the information cause I might be going down this road next year.
  • delgadodelgado1120
    delgadodelgado1120 Posts: 102 Member
    I am trying to drop my BF to about 9% and trying to fill the loose skin with Muscle. Had a slight issue after I hit goal and put some back on, so I am working it off now. I will make a decision on redundant skin removal once I see where I am at. But thanks for the information cause I might be going down this road next year.

    Good kuck! That is what I did....thats why I didnt need lipo. Also he said not to touch my arms or legs or back cause the muxvle had filled it in nicely. The stomach wasnt gettkng better after a year of trhing, in fact it got worse cause I lost moreweight.
  • Barefoot115
    Barefoot115 Posts: 30 Member
    Wow! Great job, you look amazing! I live in Key Largo, who did you go to for the surgery? Were you happy with his/her care? This is definitely a long term goal of mine.
  • dragonleo13
    dragonleo13 Posts: 3
    Have any of you that are debating a tummy tuck tried the skinny wraps? I've seen awesome results on other people that have had the same issue.

    https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/487868_363901233723857_1851183782_n.jpg

    I think if it worked that well for her - wouldn't it be worth a try to just see? I'm not judging anyone I am just curious if you guys have even heard of this product instead of spending thousands of dollars with a surgeon.
  • totalsham
    totalsham Posts: 217 Member
    how much did the tuck cost?
  • delgadodelgado1120
    delgadodelgado1120 Posts: 102 Member
    I did my surgery at the University of Miami and Jackson hospital. I paid about $9800. Much more than average but I wanted the best. I was not taking chances with just anyone putting me under anesthesia for 6 hours. The team was amazing. I didnt try the wrap but i suggest to anyone try everything else first so you can go into this peacefully. The recovery is not that bad I only took meds day 1 and 2. Ive been walking a few miles since day 3.

    I do have scars but my suregon sewed me from the inside so it will just be a faint line when its all healed. I had nurses coming into my room at night just to see his incisions. Good luck to anyone considering it!

Categories

Do you Love MyFitnessPal? Have you crushed a goal or improved your life through better nutrition using MyFitnessPal?
Share your success and inspire others. Leave us a review on Apple Or Google Play stores!