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I've decided to have a mini tummy tuck. I've been Paleo for a year and a half and have tried a plethora of strategies to hack this (in combination and not--macronutrients, caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, weight training, met cons, supplements, teas, bone broths, etc).

I'm 5"7.5 and 137 lbs. I've been down to an even scrawnier 130 lbs and was still unable to rid the skin. I lost the weight fast (about 50 lbs!), too fast (not sure if that is why I was left with stubborn saggy skin). I have upper abs and would just like my lower abs to show. I've worked really hard and feel I deserve this. I'm 23 years old and would like to be comfortable taking off my shirt.

I don't have much money and will be doing this operation across the Mexican border.

Any tips or advice on selecting a facility and surgeon?

thanks,

Henry

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5 
 +1 for honesty, guts and a good question that could make a lot of difference in your outcome. – Atkins-witha-loincloth Dec 11 2011 at 19:15

12 Answers

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Sounds like you've made a good decision for you.

And it sounds like you've put alot of effort into every intervention possible, within your contro,l to remedy the problem and it just hasn't worked.

Sometimes it doesn't.

I think your attitude and openess is exceptional regarding this, especially for a young male, and I applaud you!

It is important to research what procedure you will have done and where you will have it done and get written statements of all inclusive costs as well as anything that will be extra.

Getting this kind of info is typical and expectable in medical tourism.

Very *strongly* consider having your surgery done in a JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited hospital.

There is a list of JCI accredited facilities in the link I will provide below.

You can also get an idea of costs for your procedure.

Facilities or entities that work with a given facility often offer packages. Explore these.

And carefully arrange for what you will do after your release from the facility post surgery.

If you do not stay in the facility for a couple of days or so after the procedure, then you will want to think about planning to stay nearby (packages often offer this option) to be sure that there are no post-op issues for which you will need to be close to the facility to be checked.

It's a buyer's market in your situation. Do not hesitate to ask for lots of info and get it!

You will also need to request that your physician write a special dietary order for you up front as what you will be served to eat will be determined strictly by his/her order.

http://www.health-tourism.com/mexico-medical-tourism/

Eat well and research well and forge ahead!

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I started paleo 13 months ago and have lost 70 lbs - this is after having 2 nine pound babies in the last 10 yrs, ,..... so as you can imagine between the pregnancies AND the weight loss, my tummy area is LESS than attractive.

Just in the last few weeks I had started to notice a slight tightening of the area. I try to remember to rub on some coconut oil every time I get out of the shower.

With your age, you should be able to bounce back with much greater ease than I.

Time will tighten your skin,.... somethings aren't made for quick fixes,...

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I live in southern Nevada and many friends who come for the winter routinely go to Yuma so they can cross the border for dental/medical care. They all seem very satisfied with their results and more than satisfied with costs. This year they're saying prices are lower.

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 I have friends' parents that have had several successful plastic surgeries in Mexico with skilled physicians. – Rogue Nutritionist Dec 10 2011 at 17:41
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50lbs lost is great, but compared to many others it's not a huge amount. Plus you're only 23. I'd workout a few times a week and give it a year, then decide.

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 My own thought. Loose skin takes a while to tighten. Do a search here at PH. The Quilt touched on this a few months ago, suggesting coconut oil (topically and orally) can help tighten skin. At least that's what I recall him saying. Don't take my word for it, obviously. – Dorado Galore Dec 10 2011 at 21:59
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I see nothing wrong with wanting to fix this issue you are having. Good for you.. I do however advise when selecting the surgery, that you should save up a little longer, and go to a reputable surgeon in the states!!! This is your body and live we are talking about, I do believe you get what you pay for.

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 The same surgery in Mexico with a competent highly trained physician is a fraction of the cost in the states. – Rogue Nutritionist Dec 10 2011 at 17:43
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 Well, she/he asked for opinions, and I am a better safe than sorry kinda person. – Amanda Dec 10 2011 at 20:07
One of my plastic surgeons was trained exclusively in the best US schools and has a thriving practice in Orange County, CA AND a practice in Mexico. Please don't judge the skill or eduction of anyone by their location. You can get BETTER trained doctors outside the US in many instances. At less than half the price. Leaving the US is an excellent option for people wanting elective surgery or who have no insurance. It's unfortunate that the system in the US is so screwed up someone may have to leave the country due to cost but it's definitely not substandard care. – Shari Bambino May 18 2012 at 17:42
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Well, it's been almost 3 months. Did you have the surgery? What was the outcome? :)

My uneducated opinion on it. You get a tummy tuck, you're still not really going to be able to take your shirt off for a long time. You're going to be seriously scarred and it's going to look pretty nasty.

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I’ve had a mini tummy tuck after battling with an excess flap of skin in my lower abdomen for years, but I recommend seeking a US doctor. I went to Dr. Studin in NY and my surgery was reasonably priced, but most importantly, my peace of mind was intact. He did a great job, I recovered quickly and my abs look better than they have in years. You should check out his site before heading south: http://webplastics.com/procedure/body/tummy-tuck/

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If you have an idea which area of Mexico you will be going to for the surgery, check around for a chat website in that area and ask the locals. For example, where we stay the chat is on www.tomzap.com.

We have had good dental care in Mexico and a friend will be having knee surgery soon.

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Coconut oil is great. There are other herbal and essential oil remedies that could be helpful. A friend of mine swears by Grapefruit Essential Oil applied topically for tightening the skin. It must work, cause she has lost 120 lbs and looks awesome!

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Can I ask...would you attribute your weight loss to Paleo? Were there other things you did to help? Congratulations! What an inspiration!

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YOu might be able to "tighten up" your skin a little bit by toning the muscles underneath, but once it's there, it's there. You can lose fat (basically shrink the fat cells) but you can't lose skin, and that is a fact.

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Don't do it. I lost over 100 lbs and had a lot of excess skin (I also had a baby) so I had a tummy tuck six months ago. I now have limited feeling in my stomach (hard to feel I'm full) and pain on a regular basis. I have gone from 135 to 155. It was also extremely depressing after the surgery being in such extreme pain for a few weeks. I wish I hadn't done it and just dealt with the extra skin.

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