What exactly is a two stage tummy tuck with lipo? Is this 2 separate surgeries?

The answer to this question will depend on the surgeon. Most surgeons (myself included) prefer to do these things in one stage when possible.

When something is called a 2 stage surgery, yes it refers to 2 separate surgeries. Traditionally, liposuction of the front of the abdomen was not done at the same time as a tummy tuck, due to concern for the blood supply to the remaining tissue. Often just the love handles are liposuctioned at the time of tummy tuck, and more aggressive liposuction of the abdomen is planned as a separate procedure. If you are at your goal weight, and still have a thick layer between skin and muscle, then liposuction can be done as the first step, and tummy tuck as a second step once you are healed from the lipo. Alternatively, in some patients who are more concerned about excess skin, they may prefer to have the tummy tuck first, and then lipo later if they want an even flatter contour. Keep in mind neither tummy tuck nor lipo will address any INTRA abdominal volume excess (the fat inside the abdomen), and the only way to shrink this is by weight loss. 

Hello,Many surgeons still feel uncomfortable performing both liposuction of the abdomen and an abdominoplasty simultaneously. This is due to the old, widespread belief that it was dangerous, and that it led to healing problems and wound formation.  Modern liposuction and abdominoplasty techniques allow surgeons to perform both simultaneously and safely. Go visit a few ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons who specialize in body contouring.  Additionally, you want a surgeon who appreciates scar position (very low near the thigh-abdominal border), and avoids the use of drains to minimize your risk of seroma. Best of luck!