Suitability

• You should be in overall good psychological and physical health without chronic illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes. You should not be smoking and your weight should have been stable for at least one year.
  
  

Expectations

• The surgery will improve your appearance, but it won't make you look like a supermodel or Olympic athlete. It won't stop the skin from sagging as you age, either.
  
  

Multiple Surgeries

• You might require multiple operations not just one. This is to reduce the risk of complications and to do touch-ups later. One or two areas are treated at a time. The process might continue for some years.
  
  

Areas for Surgery

• The most common areas treated are the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, breasts, arms and neck. The surgery is done in the hospital under general anesthesia with a stay of one to four days. Recovery will take two to four weeks. Your doctor will monitor you during this time.
  
  

Risks and Side Effects

• Risks from this surgery include bleeding, infection, scarring and separation of incision. Clot formation, heart attacks and pneumonia are less likely but possible. Side effects include pain, bruising, swelling, numbness and depression.
  
  

Insurance

• Your insurance policy will probably not cover weight-loss surgery for cosmetic reasons, and complications that might result might not be covered either. Check with your insurer beforehand.