Question:
I had a panniculectomy done after losing 200 pounds...

I haven't lost much more than 200, I still have another 150 or so to lose. But since my pan, my mid to upper back has been getting numb!! My regular doctor said he suspects it is my breasts and the layer of hanging skin/tissue under my breasts. Below my belly button, I'm fairly flat, above...all hanging down. Question: has anyone had this numbness and tingling that Im experiencing? And, has anyone had that layer of skin removed/a breast lift to aid in the process? I am sick of this numbness and tingling. Oh...and has anyone had their insurance company pay for this type of work for this type of reason...Thanks!    — Pamela P. (posted on April 28, 2003)

April 28, 2003
I'm sorry that I don't have any answers regarding the numbness and tingling, but there are lots of post-WLS patients who have had tummy tucks/panniculectomies which have reduced the excess skin and fat of the upper abdominal area. This can be accomplished with an "anchor incision"....a long vertical incision from breastbone to pubic area, combined with a "smiley-face" incision from hip-to-hip. I was always an "apple-shaped" person before my 140 lb. weight loss. Although I had a simple bikini-line tummy tuck in mind when I went to the consultation appointment with the plastic surgeon, he quickly advised me that he thought I would be much happier with the anchor-incion. He explained that it would allow him to pull excess skin and fat in from each side toward the middle and would give me a nice sleek look to my back and ribcage. I was a little nervous about the large incision area, but I am now 17 months post-plastic surgery, and only have a fine white line running down the middle of my abdomen...and the hip-to-hip incision is completely invisible. He was right about the back and sides...no more unsightly bulges above and below the band of the bra...and the tummy from top to bottom is as firm and tight as the day after surgery. I couldn't be happier with the results. Talk to your surgeon, or get another opinion, about this type of panniculectomy/tummy tuck...other plastic surgery patients are very happy with the belt lipectomy procedure which can essentially give the same results. I had an armlift done at the same time, and many people have breast lifts combined with their tummy tucks. My insurance(s) paid for my panniculectomy and brachioplasty. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

April 28, 2003
Having your tummy removed then gives your breasts nothing to rest on. Having a big tummy removed I then went into the trouble of back & neck pain from my breasts. My body adjusted after a couple months and also with improving my bra support. I never had numbness though. If you're suffering from large breasts and redundant tissue (and you have no exclusion in your insurance policy) I'd get started on documenting your problems and having it taken care of. I'm not sure how to get your insurance to pay for the redo on your TT but it sounds like you need one. I was afraid of ending up with a surgery just as you described. It makes me angry when PS take care of a medical problem and don't take into consideration the whole post op picture. I'd find a different surgeon to do these new surgeries. One that wants you to be beautiful post op no matter how much you still weigh. Be sure your doc has done surgeries on obese people before & take a good look at the before & afters of people at your weight with your issues. If insurance won't cover for some reason I'd be happy to give you the name of my PS. He's in MX but he's awesome and has worked on very heavy people before.
   — Shelly S.