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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Tummy tuck

31 replies

PhoebeSnow · 20/07/2020 22:51

To go and see a plastic surgeon about a tummy tuck?

I was 55 kg and now up to 68kgs on a 5 ft 2in small boned frame.
I have put on nearly 2 stone in the last three years, it’s been a

combination of comfort eating since my father died, antidepressants

stopping smoking, lack of exercise, worry and now this bloody

lockdown, though I have been exercising every day for the last few weeks. I have two rolls of fat; one above the waist and one below, I have beautiful clothes that just don’t fit anymore and it’s getting me down. In my early 50s now and I know it’s going to be harder than ever to get rid. I am so disappointed in myself.

OP posts:
DrManhattan · 20/07/2020 23:08

Tummy tuck won't help you to lose weight though. Unless you are having lipo too.

Original poster
PhoebeSnow · 20/07/2020 23:11

Yes I had read up on the lipo as an add on.

OP posts:
Original poster
PhoebeSnow · 22/07/2020 14:43

I have booked an appointment with surgeon for this Friday so fingers crossed that he can help me.

OP posts:
MiniMum97 · 22/07/2020 15:08

Hi @PhoebeSnow I am not trying to be awful here it have you tried diet and exercise first? I am not sure a tummy tuck will fix your issue. I have put on two stone due to thyroid issues over the last few years and I have extra fat all over - fat stomach, arms, bum, back. I think if I just sorted my stomach out I'd look weird! Flat stomach with fat everywhere else.

Also if you are still eat and exercise at the same level then you will continue to put fat on. I think if you've had lipo it won't come back in your stomach but it will instead accumulate in other places.

I think lipo is a option if you have a stubborn uneven area that won't respond to diet and exercise. And tummy tucks and other surgery great where you have excess skin but I am not sure it's a great option just to replace diet and exercise.

Changing diet and exercising are not easy when you have other things going on. Believe me I know. However doing so will actually probably help you feel better mentally and physically and will also help you shift the weight. And you won't have the risks of an operation and a big scar under your tummy.

Please have a good think about it and do A LOT of research especially into what might go wrong. And if you do decide to have plastic surgery make sure you research your surgeon thoroughly. It's definitely out something where you go cheap.

Good luck whatever you decide.

💐

Sugartitties · 22/07/2020 16:27

why are you seeing if a surgeon can help you when you can help yourself.

by your own admission you have put the weight on comfort eating so unless you stop that a surgeon will be useless

MitziK · 22/07/2020 16:42

Recovering from a unnecessary operation (and a damned painful and risky couple of procedures at that) will be worse for you in terms of health and mood than waiting a bit longer to see whether changing your diet and exercise makes a difference.

ittakes2 · 22/07/2020 20:40

I put on 30 kilos after children - plastic surgeon advised tummy tuck wouldn’t do much on me. Lose the weight first and then tummy tuck what’s left.

Lifeisabeach09 · 22/07/2020 21:19

As PP have said. Lose the excess weight first then have the tummy tuck to get rid of excess skin/weight that can't shift.

MrsEricBana · 22/07/2020 21:29

Genuinely I do not think anyone should ever have unnecessary surgery. I agree with others that you should try weight loss (followed by tummy tuck of any excess skin if absolutely necessary). I am finding Weightwatchers amazing. Nice food, easy to follow, feels sustainable, weight dropping off. You can do this! Good luck.

Original poster
PhoebeSnow · 26/07/2020 14:45

Thank you to everyone who posted.
I am doing lots of research and exercising every day, have been for months, however I am still going to see the surgeon just for some input. The surgeon is highly recommended by friends.

OP posts:
bumblenbean · 26/07/2020 14:50

My body has changed unrecognisably since having two children very close together. I’ve lost most of the baby weight but my stomach is horrific. Losing the extra few pounds to get to a healthy BMI is not going to make much difference to the stomach so I saw a surgeon and she seemed to think I was a good candidate.

I’m still thinking about it though as it’s a big op and it feels like a bit of an unnecessary risk for ‘vanity’ reasons... but I do loathe my stomach so I’m torn. But she did say they generally won’t do it until you’re at your ideal body weight so you would prob have to lose weight first

Immigrantsong · 26/07/2020 14:53

OP what have you actually done before considering a drastic solution involving surgery?

Also what is your height?

Look up David Coggins in YouTube for inspiration.

Original poster
PhoebeSnow · 27/07/2020 02:34

My height is 5 ft 2 inches and weight is around 65- 68 kgs. If I could get it down to 60 kgs it would make a big difference, but can’t seem to shift that amount. I really should be between 50 - 55 kgs for my height and build.

OP posts:
SickOfThisVirus · 27/07/2020 03:08

But OP if you haven't addressed the way you eat, won't you just gain it back?

MaleficentsCrow · 27/07/2020 03:14

OP you should really think about loosing the 10kg first. To be honest and this is going to sound harsh.

10kg if you rely tried would take about 3-4 months if that. No surgery required just sheer will power.

If you want a little help, why not consider a barriatric balloon? Far less invasive than a tummy tuck and a fraction of the cost.

meghanisadick · 27/07/2020 04:40

This reply has been deleted

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fallfallfall · 27/07/2020 04:59

What’s your BMI? My plastic surgeon does not do surgery unless under 27.

Bl3ss3dm0m · 27/07/2020 07:10

A tummy tuck is an operation to remove excess skin after a big weight loss. It is not a way to actually lose weight, and any surgeon who suggests to you that it is, should be reported. If you had a lot of weight to lose I would suggest a gastric bypass (about £10,000), but as your's isn't a massive amount of excess weight, and if you really cannot lose the weight on your own/with the help of a Dr and dietician/or a weight loss club, then please think of putting your money into a gastric balloon, or sleeve. Then after you have lost the weight, and kept if off, put the extra money into a tummy tuck.
No weight loss surgery is a miracle though, if you don't have the same mindset as you need to lose weight anyway, then you will eventuality put the weight back on, that is why if you have weight loss through the NHS, you have to have seen a psychiatrist who agrees that your reasons for overeating in the first place have been rectified (by overeating I am in no way suggesting this is due to gluttony, just that whether someone's problems with calories are due to a medical condition, medication that you are already taking, stress, or even the probable fat gene, I just mean that the individuals body is taking in more calories than are expended through their energy output).
Have you talked this through with your GP, rather than depending on the advice of a Dr who primarily wants your money?

Rightmovenewbie · 27/07/2020 08:04

I had lipo done - just be aware that it kills the fat cells in the area you have it sucked out. If you put weight back on afterwards (I did) be aware that the new fat has to go somewhere so you may end up with odd lumps in places you didn’t have them before ! I had my saddle bags on thighs removed. Put a bit of weight in a few years later and now have mini saddle bags at the top inside of my thighs.

Dozer · 27/07/2020 08:08

It’s major surgery, with risks. Also costs thousands. Won’t positively change your health or eating habits.

Why not spend a lot less on things to help with your food, eating habits, exercise?

You say you’ve been exercising “a few weeks”, then “months”. Weight changes are primarily down to diet.

(I lost 20lbs or so last year, was hard work but, for me, worth the effort).

fallfallfall · 27/07/2020 15:29

Weight loss and fitness is a long game, years actually. A lifetime of years.

Original poster
PhoebeSnow · 27/07/2020 18:56

My bmi is 25 which is fine for this operation and there is no way I will be allowing my self to regain the weight. I have had laser treatment and electrolysis to remove the thick hair which I had on my chin and legs especially and feel it’s all been for nothing as now I am fat, so got rid of a life long problem which caused my lack of confidence over the years, and now have another issue to deal with. I am annoyed with myself for letting myself go now, when I have overcome a lot in the past. Late miscarriage, the lost of a twin pregnancy and the lost of my father have left me feeling very down , and a dear friend died suddenly two weeks at 55 years old and it made me feel that life is far too short to be so unhappy and that the fat is holding me back, I am living a half life

OP posts:
fallfallfall · 27/07/2020 20:44

PhoebeSnow, I had a much deserved breast reduction and lift at 61!!! If your BMI is good and your leading a healthy lifestyle go for it. You don’t mention your age?

Original poster
PhoebeSnow · 27/07/2020 21:42

55 next week fall. Not over the hill yet I hope if I can get my act together

OP posts:
fallfallfall · 27/07/2020 21:59

Exercise and food choices of course are helpful but at a certain point surgical help might be better. No harm in a consult.

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