Do I need to disclose to a cosmetic surgeon that I used to suffer from bulimia before going in for a tummy tuck consultation?

Question

I haven't purged in over a year and am very healthy. I am scared if I do I will be turned down for surgery but want to be honest. Will they operate on someone who is healthy weight but is a former eating disorder sufferer?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Your current physical and mental health are more important to consider than your history with bulimia. If you are generally healthy physically and mentally at this moment, then you’re still a possible candidate. However, for the sake of being honest and open, you should still let your surgeon know regardless.

Jairo Ulerio, MD · Answer

Greetings

Thank you so much for your question.
When you are going through a consultation is important to talk with your surgeon. Be confident and talk with your doctor. He will be glad to help you and discuss your options, your previous history of bulimia won´t affect the decision or the surgery. 
Best Regards

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I am happy to hear that you are doing well and are healthy.  It is imperative that you are honest with your surgeon about your medical history and any medications you take.  This includes prescription, over the counter and supplements.  This is for your safety.  Keeping information from your surgeon is never a good idea.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, it is important that you disclose all of your past medical history  with your plastic surgeon.  It is likely that the former eating disorder will not prohibit you from proceeding. Best wishes.

Atul Kesarwani, MD, FRCSC · Answer

A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure and you should discuss and disclose a complete medical history to your surgeon, as you would for any general anesthesia procedure.  A past history of bulimia should not affect the outcome.

Omar Fouda Neel, MD, FRCSC, FACS · Answer

Good day, 
Ideally its important to disclose all pertinent information to your surgeon, however they can not refuse you for this reason alone.  If you are healthy, and eating well, a good healthy and safe weight, then there should be not reason to refuse you.  What's most important is that you do not take on your old habbits because the vomiting post tummy tuck can undo the sutures that are below the skin and given and undesired result.  Also a proper healthy diet is imperative for wound healing.
Thank you

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question, EmmySha.
You definitely should tell your plastic surgeon during consultation about your medical history of bulimia even if it’s all in the past now. Disclosing this info will help your surgeon ensure your safety during surgery and recovery.
And what really matters is your overall health at the moment, so if you’re healthy enough to undergo a tummy tuck, then you can get the surgery. The important thing is to let your surgeon know your whole medical history.
Make sure that you look for a trustworthy, experienced, and board-certified plastic surgeon for your tummy tuck. I offer free consultations that you may schedule on my website.
Best of luck!

Do I need to disclose to a cosmetic surgeon that I used to suffer from bulimia before going in for a tummy tuck consultation?

Answers (7)

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