panniculectomy

I was wondering if anyone out there has had a panniculectomy ? I can't believe that tricare approved it on the first request. What scares me is that I have to go to Columbus Ga for the operation. I'm really worried about how hard it will be to take care of myself the doctor says he will leave a drain in and I've never had one so I don't know how to take care of it.  Any information will be helpfull the not knowing is scaring me to death.

 I haven't had a panniculectomy, but I did have a tummy tuck a few years ago.  It took me about two weeks of sick leave before I went back to work.  I sit at a desk all day.  I can tell you that it wasn't as bad as what I had anticipated.  I wish you good luck and a speedy recovery.

 I had a panniculectomy along with 2 spigellian hernia repairs.  I had absolutely nothing for pain and came home with 2 drains that I kept for 3 weeks.  I wore a binder for 4 weeks.  I was up walking that night and caring for myself totally the next day.  Just remember to measure the fluid you remove from your drains

It is not a bad surgery at all. 

I had a Panniculectomy and Rectus Distasis hernia repair about 12 or 13 years ago. It was not bad at all. I had it done one day--eight hours of actual anesthesia/surgery time and I went home from the hospital the next morning. Likewise, I had two Jackson Pratt drains and they were not bad at all. due to the amount of drainage I had, I did maintain the drains for a total of 45 days. That got a little annoying, but it was tolerable. As long as they leave enough length on the tubing, you can roll it up and use a large diaper type safety pin to attach it to the inside front of your pants and if they are loose fitting, no one will know it is there. Because of the extended time of having the drains, I did stay out of work for six weeks...but could have gone back much sooner if I had not had them. Pain from the procedure was minimal. The most discomfort for me was from having to stay in a somewhat bent position for the first week or so but that is normal for this procedure.(Normal but lead to my having some back pain) I am sure your surgeon will educate you on all the do's and do not's and as long as you follow their advice you will do great. I was up walking same day----but taking it easy. Pay attention to what you body says to you and don't pu**** too fast---you will be fine. And...if you were not a little nervous or concerned..then your doctor should be. That little bit of the jitters means you have some good common sense about you. Take care and I will be happy to answer any question you come up with, if I can. Feel free to PM with anytime.

Hello,
I am in Wisconsin and I have a date for June 6th 2011 to have a umbilical hernia repair with a Panniculectomy done.

If any one has any tips and what to pack for the hospital and the care etc. ,


please let me know.

Thank you, Pat Bajwa

 Carolyn.. who did your surgery? im in Decatur and looking into Plastics for the end of the year.

 You will receive a lot of misinformation from people concerning various surgeries.  The best thing to do is listen to your surgeon and do what he/she advises you to do.  Surgery that was done even 3 years ago can now be outdated.  

Hey Debbie,
Congratulations on your easy approval!  I wish I had that luck!  I had originally wanted a Panniculectomy but couldn't get approval.  I have opted for a CombiTuck which is similar.  It is liposuction and skin removal.  My consultation was today and I am calling tomorrow to schedule for May 25th.  When is your surgery?  Maybe we can compare notes along the way.  I have just returned to OH after being gone a while.  I wanted to get some support (and hopefully offer some too) for this leg of my journey.
Michelle :)

Hello  thanks for answering, right now i'm shooting for May 25th. must be a sign I would love to stay in touch as we go on this new journey togeather.

Hi everyone,

I am scheduled to have a panniculectomy ( for medical/functional reasons) I am mid-journey. I have lost 115lbs  and am at 290 right now.  I am wondering if anyone has any advice or cautions. My surgoen states I am "too heavy" in his opinion and wants me down another 100. I cant live with this, I have a grade 3 or 4 right now. Its terrible affects my daily life and I want it gone. He estimates 15 plus pounds to be peeled off from the surgery and that I have a 50% chance of a complication being Seroma/Wound separation or infection. Once I get past a ttwo week mark he states I should be in the clear. To me, this is an acceptable risk. He said Death isnt a concern but the concern is more of inconvenience. My family doesnt really understand to I am turning to my extended family of WLS friends. I had vertical sleeve gastrectomy  2/10 at 404 lbs.  Im not doing this for maximum aesthetics. Its medically necessary for me but is still a "choice" Im scheduled for 5/23 unless I chicken out.

Any thoughts? 

I will be here to support you debbie50 the procedure itself isnt bad, the pain I hear is managable.