The following question from our forum is from a woman who wants a tummy tuck but wonders if she is a good candidate to have the operation. She is 61 years old, has had several abdominal surgeries which left many scars, has elevated blood glucose levels and has been diagnoses with peripheral neuropathy.

Date: 03/15/2010 Submitted by: Sherry

I am a 61 yr. old female with a weight loss so far of 75 lbs. and plan to lose a maximum 30 more lbs. I weigh 161 right now. I have had several abdominal surgeries gastroplasty 30+yrs ago with a vertical scar about 12 inches long midline and two vertical scars about 8 inches for non cancerous tumor removal from uterus and later a total hysterectomy (same) scar area, tissue healing always went well last surgery was when I was 47 (14 years ago) I now have been diagnoses with peripheral neuropathy and have numbness in hand and feet but have been on Gabapentin for a year with some improvement. My blood glucose levels are a little elevated but not diabetic. Will this neuropathy be a problem? Will my age be a problem? I Would like to do this in the next 18 months or so as I want to make sure my weight stabilizes. I exercise daily. and have used the “Weight Watcher” program to drop this weight over the last 14 months and foresee completing this weight loss within the next year. Am I a good candidate for this procedure? I already have so much loose skin on my breasts, tummy buttocks inner thighs. Thank you for answering my questions.

RESPONSE

Date: 03/15/2010 Submitted by: Tanner

Sherry,

With your medical history and current condition I could not even attempt to provide an opinion whether you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck. The research that I did before I had my tummy tuck did not even come close to addressing your concerns. Only a doctor or surgeon can answer these for you (same old story).

I don’t think your age will have as much effect on the decision though. I read somewhere that the oldest patient that one surgeon performed a tummy tuck on was in her 70’s.

I think it’s good that you a planning, exercising and taking your time to lose the weight. Getting yourself into good shape before a tummy tuck is the best thing you can do. If you’re lucky, the daily exercise and good eating habits will remain with you well after the tummy tuck and will keep the weight from returning. Sorry I could not answer your medical questions.

Good luck.

Tanner