Question:
I am scheduled for a pannicultectomy and a hernia repair on 2-14 I would like to know
how many days in the hospital? The pain versus the open RNY? How was the your mobility after surgery did you have to walk stooped over and how long did it take to start to feel normal? If you can tell I am just a little nervous. Also any suggestions on how to prepare for this surgery? — susan V. (posted on February 5, 2002)
February 5, 2002
I had a panniculectomy and a hernia repair on 8/14/01 The Tummy Tuck was
one of the easiest surgeries that I have ever had. I could have gone home
within a few hours after surgery. I was up and walking around with very
little pain. It was nothing compared to the RNY. I went home the next
morning and was in the mall on day 3 after the surgery. I just bought a
really good, tall, soft girdle and I wore it all the time except to shower
and to sleep. The worst part about the Tummy Tuck was that I had drains
for 3 weeks and stitches for almost 5. I thought I was going to have them
forever. It made the most incredible difference in my appearance. My
surgeon removed over 18 pounds of fat and skin. I walked out of the
hospital weighing 171. The people that dropped me off at the hospital were
in shock when they picked me up the next morning. I was a size 16 on the
day of the tummy tuck because of the huge roll. I went immediately to a
size 10 and within 6 weeks was very easily in a size 8. The scar is still
not to pretty but I have a completely flat tummy for the first time in my
life. It made the most incredible different in my appearance.
— DeeDubbs
February 5, 2002
Hi I had hernia repair/panniculectomy on 12/4/01. I took tylenol in the
hospital once for a headache and no other pain relievers. I did have a
problem with being nauseus and not being able to eat or drink for three
days but I had hardly any pain. I spent two nights in the hospital but
could have went home after one. I did have to walk stooped over for a
couple of weeks but it was worth it not to have my incision open up like
I've read happened to other people. I know what you mean about being
nervous. I was more nervous for this surgery than I was for my bypass. My
hernia was in my upper abdomen so my doctor cut from under my breasts to my
crotch and from hip to hip. I feel so wonderful now. For the first time
in years I can wear a tight shirt and not have rolls. I actually have a
waist again. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Take pictures. I took
before pictures and pictures from two weeks later. I need to take more
now. Sometimes it is hard for me to remember what it looked and felt like
before the surgery so all I do now is look at the pictures. Good Luck!
— Helen C.
February 5, 2002
i had hernia repair with abdominoplasty last july 31. the first two hours
in recovery was the most excruciating pain i ever experienced, and i have
had 7 surgeries. perhaps because i also had an epidural with my open RNY
and not with this surgery. but, once it was controlled, i was fine. the
doctor and nurses couldn't believe i was able to get up without assistance
and walked so much. those hours of pain were definitely worth it to me. i
was in the hospital 3 days. i went on a vacation, taveling by car, on
September 7. wear your binder constantly. be sure you understand how to
empty your drains. remember that pain pills can cause constipation, and
you sure don't want to deal with that after this kind of surgery. you
won't regret it!
— [Deactivated Member]
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