I weigh 196 pounds and I am 5'2" height. I really want to do a tummy tuck. How much should one lose to have procedure?

Hi and thanks for your question.  You're concern is a common one among patients seeking a tummy tuck.  Although there is no specific weight you must have prior to the procedure, you can generally expect the best result if you're BMI is less than 30.  BMI stands for "body mass index" and is a number calculated from your height and weight (you can easily find BMI calculators online).  You're BMI is currently about 36.  To get below a BMI of 30 you would have to get you're weight down to about 160 pounds.  That being said, it is also important to have a stable weight for at least 6-12 months prior to any body contouring procedure, such as a tummy tuck.  This is important from a safety perspective, and also for achieving a stable and reliable cosmetic result.  So, it's really all about expectations and what's reasonable for you.  It's best to be evaluated by a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who can put these expectations into perspective for you, and recommend you're best individualized treatment plan.  Good luck!

Thank you for your question. This is a common scenario with patients in my office. Ideally, some weight-loss would be beneficial, however, I understand that this is very difficult for most patients. My patients can expect to lose 15 to 20% of their body weight after a Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty. This is usually sufficient for most patients to feel and look better and continue with the healthy diet and exercise to improve the results.

You should try to get your weight down and to maintain a stable weight for at least six months.  Your current BMI is quite high, which is a concern. You will also need to be medically cleared by your internist so addressing any medical issues, such as hypertension or diabetes, would be advisable.