Gastric band or Tummy tuck? (photos)

Question

Hi I'm 31 16.5 stone and 5ft10 I've had 3 c sections and have found it hard to loose weight. I'm either considering a gastric band or tummy tuck, but not sure which one is better for me. I have big thighs too so need the right help and guidance to be able to choose the right procedure

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Remember that a tummy tuck is NOT a weight loss surgery. It helps contour your abdominal region. To lose weight, you should undergo a weight loss surgery, such as a gastric band. Once you have lost all the weight, you will be a better candidate to undergo a TT to help contour and remove the excess skin/tissue. Good luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Based on your description, I think that your primary goal is to lose weight; tummy tuck surgery (and other body contouring operations) are not designed for weight loss.  In my practice, I do not ask specific patients to achieve a specific weight prior to proceeding with tummy tuck surgery. I simply ask patients to achieve a long-term stable weight where he/she feels comfortable and does not expect significant fluctuation postoperatively.  Doing so, will increase the safety of the operation, will likely improve the outcome of the operation, and will decrease chances that additional surgery will become necessary subsequently.I would suggest to you avoid plastic surgical procedures until you achieve your long-term stable weight,  whether it be through diet/exercise, with the help of nutritionists,  personal trainers, weight loss physician experts, and/or bariatric surgery.  Best wishes.

Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for 
through exercise and weight control however sometimes these methods 
cannot achieve our goals.
Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can 
develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most 
common causes of this include heredity, multiple pregnancies, prior 
surgery, significant fluctuations in weight or congenital spine 
abnormalities that affect posture.
If you desire a tighter, flatter abdomen, then a tummy tuck could be 
appropriate to help achieve your goals. A tummy tuck removes excess fat 
and skin, and in some cases, can restore weakened or separated muscles. 
This creates an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer, often 
enhancing your body image and confidence.A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure to correct a 
protruding or loose, sagging abdomen. Areas to be treated may include 
the center of the abdomen or may extend to the entire area between the 
lower rib cage and pubic bone, as well as to the sides and back. However, abdominoplasty surgeries are not for weight-loss.Best advice is to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss you goals and options. - Best Wishes

Joseph Thomas Cruise, MD · Answer

Thank you for posting... My recommendation would be to consult with an expert who performs gastric bypass surgery. Plastic surgeons do not perform this procedure, so please consult with a specialist to find out if you are a good candidate or not. Gastric bypass surgery will help you loose substantial weight, but you will be left with excess skin and maybe some residual fat, which can be addressed with a tummy tuck. Often times, the two surgeries go hand in hand. A person first has gastric bypass to lose significant excess weight. After enough time has passed, the person will then have a tummy tuck to address the loose skin. Keep in mind there are limits as to how much fat can safely be removed in one setting with liposuction/tummy tuck.

Gastric band or Tummy tuck? (photos)

Answers (4)

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