Your Questions
Your Questions
Q: I have a big overhanging belly that I want to get rid off. I have two small children and have lost over 30 lbs since my last one but the sagging belly persists. Will exercise be enough or do you think I need a tummy tuck?
A: While I have not seen a picture of you, your description alone of your belly has already answered the question. The idea of an overhang suggests a lot of loose abdominal skin. If some weight loss has not made a difference in its size, then you know exercise is not the final answer. Undoubtably some form of a tummy tuck is what you need. You can’t exercise off loose skin no matter how hard you try. Just ask any gastric bypass patient who undergo a lot more weight loss than you have. This is a surgical problem. When it comes to exercise and weight loss, however, I would recommend that you get in the best shape as possible for a tummy tuck. Preparing for such surgery, like training for an athletic event, will have you recover faster and may also help you achieve a better result.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana