Which doctors do large volume liposuction and tummy tuck in a hospital? No health issues, just a high BMI 5'3, 273.

Question

I had wls back in 2013 and i gained some weight back.. for over a year ive diet and excerised ive done everything from keto to vegan. and i see no more then a 5lb difference. all i want is to get this weight off my back and stomach its causing a lot of back pain.

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

I can understand you are extremely frustrated at not seeing weight loss after your efforts, but you are not a good candidate for liposuction or any plastic surgery at your current weight. When you say "no health issues, just a high BMI", it makes me worry you don't understand what a massive health problem your weight is, and how much it stresses your entire body (cardiovascular system, joints, you name it). It also puts you at high risk surgically, and this is not an issue of surgery being done in a hospital or outpatient center. It would be dangerous period. Often when patients are not seeing results from their efforts, they are not able to see the factors that are keeping them from losing weight. Good places to start are getting the help of a bariatric doctor,  nutritionist, and following up with your bariatric surgeon to figure out why and what you can do to turn things around. Weight loss surgery alone is not a cure all, and does not simply "fix" being overweight. You have to participate in maintaining your own health, participate to lose the weight, and actively maintain the weight loss you achieve. Keeping a food diary is also a good place to start. It forces you to be aware of what you are putting into your body, and the calories of your choices. Please take care of yourself. It will take dedication, but weight loss is possible, and when you reach the point where you are a good candidate for surgery, you can look forward to much better results than trying to do this in a backwards order. Good luck!

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Hello Scollinslvn,
I appreciate your questions! Based on your pictures and description, I would suggest you two different surgical plans: 1) undergoing a weight loss program until you reach a Body Mass Index (BMI) estimate equal or less than 30, and then having a traditional abdominoplasty (full tummy tuck) done.  Or 2) a staged procedure consisting of a large volume High-Definition VASER Liposuction done first, followed by an abdominoplasty, 6 months after you’ve fully recovered from VASER Liposuction. Your current BMI estimate of 48.4 surpasses the recommended range for a safe and successful tummy tuck procedure and recovery. For procedures that involve long incisions, such as abdominoplasty, it is ideal to achieve a BMI of less than 30 to minimize your risks of complications, such as wound dehiscence and infection. Set up an in-person consultation with an experience plastic surgeon to assess your candidacy for abdominoplasty and/or VASER Liposuction based on your age, presence of skin laxity and stretch marks, BMI and health status, among other factors. With appreciation, Dr. De La Cruz.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on your information, your BMI is 48! You are morbidly obese and not a candidate for plastic surgery. I hope there's no doctor who will take you up on your challenge for the surgeries requested even in a hospital. There's a high risk of complications including death. You need to be evaluated by a bariatric surgeon to see why your WLS failed. You proved that trying diets on your own does not work. You need to be under doctor supervised dieting and exercise program first, and possible another bariatric surgery. Good luck.

Nathan Kludt, MD · Answer

Ideally you want to be closer to your goal weight prior to surgery. This will yield a better aesthetic result and also significantly decrease your risk of complications. When you are ready be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Best of luck, Dr. Kludt

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Scollinslvn,Generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a tummy tuck, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Which doctors do large volume liposuction and tummy tuck in a hospital? No health issues, just a high BMI 5'3, 273.

Answers (7)

Answer: Weight loss prior to surgery

Answer: Weight loss prior to surgery

Answer: Tummy tuck candidate

Answer: Tummy tuck candidate

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Which doctors do large volume liposuction and tummy tuck in a hospital? No health issues, just a high BMI 5'3, 273.

Answers (7)

Answer: Weight loss prior to surgery

Answer: Weight loss prior to surgery

Answer: Tummy tuck candidate

Answer: Tummy tuck candidate

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.