Panniculectomy

Hey you December 04ers! I didn't even know you guys existed or I woulda been here much sooner! You can read my profile to know my long story. But what is on my mind right now is that I had a plastics consult for a panniculectomy. Of couse the surgeon tried to convince me that I needed the whole abdominoplasty and pay out of pocket for the difference, but that is just not possible for me. I am still paying old medical bills from the RNY. But he thought sure that the panniculectomy would be approved by my insurance, so they submitted it and I am waiting. I am not in the market to wear a bikini, you know what I mean? I just want to be able to wear a size 8 or 10 pants and not be stuck in size 12 because of that skin hanging there. I have many physical ailments, so it is medically necessary. My question to you all, if you had a panniculetomy, did you have the abdominoplaty done as well? And if not, were you ok with just having that skin removed? I think I will be fine with just that much done, because honestly, THAT is the issue that bothers me the most. I don't care if I have a completely flat abdomin. My thighs hang like elephant skin, so what good is a washboard tummy? I just want to have the hangy parts off my body. Please give me some feedback. I want to feel good about this, but there is a lot of pressure to do the whole shebang. jean

Hi Jean, Welcome to the December2004 board!!! I have not had any plastic surgery. I am still trying to lose weight. You might post your question on the plastic surgery board. I hope you get some answers to your question. Don't be a stanger. It was nice meeting you and congratulations on your weight loss. Take care, Diana 379/173/?

Welcome! I am so glad that you decided to join us! I am sorry but I am waiting just a little longer to have surgery again. I had a hernia operation and it was worse than the open RNY. They had to reopen me and the recovery was very rough. I do not want to be going through all that again for a while. Please let us know how you do. I am just curious (if you don't mind sharing), what were your medical conditions that you need to have this done. I continually have a rash but have not been to the DR. to report it yet. It is not itchy just blotchy and red and raised. I go next week to see my surgeon so I am hoping to talk to him about controlling it. As far as the whole thing- You just need to do what will make you feel best. Just remember that it would probably be easier to get them both done at the same time. So think twice about questioning whether or not you can do one now then if you feel like it go again later. The right thing to do is open up and talk it out. This is a great place to start! your sister in WLS Chandi 305/292/?

Hi Jean, I had the pannilectomy with hernia repair and muscle tightening. If your insurance company does pay for the panni, find out from the doc how much more for the muscle tightening since the insurance will be paying for the bulk of the operation! It might be worth it to you! If you don't go for the muscle tightening, I agree, getting rid of the loose skin there is very important. I never felt truly small until I got rid of those rolls! The decision always has to be up to you anyway. It is your body. Only you know what you can handle! Good luck Terri

Jean, I had the panniculectomy done in December of last year and I love the results so much. I went from a size 12 to a 6 and lovvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeee it. I didn't have the abdominoplasty done and not bothered by that at all, I'm just so thankful to have that skin off. If your insurance company will pay for that then go for it, you will be happy. I was kind of in the same boat as you and couldn't afford to do the extra and tightening but I don't regret it all. Take care, Loni

OMGosh Lori! This is awsome to hear. How many pounds did your panni amount to? I am consistently 5 - 8 pounds from reaching my goal weight and it is so frustrating. I keep hoping the panni will solve that problem. jean