Panni and hernia B & A pictures

I'm back to work, with Starbucks in hand, and as promised here are my before and after pictures from my recent panniculectomy and hernia repair. And as an added bonus, I uploaded some waaay before pics for comparison. *warning* After pics show open wounds do not view while eating.... http://obesityhelp.com/myoh/uzone,photos/action,gallery/albumId,13400/ So here are the stats...they removed 16lbs of skin and tissue during an 8 hours surgery. I weighed 279, before this recent surgery and at my last doctor's appointment I weighed 255. So I have lost an additional 8lbs beyond what they removed. Seems like my hope that the panniculectomy would help lose more weight to get to my personal goal is going to work!!! So having started at 502, and now being at 255 means I've lost almost half myself. Sarah 502/462/255/A person I've never known

wow your before and after pics are amazing. You must feel so much better. I am thinking about having wls. The more stories I read the more courage I gain. Congrats on your wl

Sarah, That is wild to think about. You have lost half of yourself. I told my nephew the other night that I had lost a whole him from my body (he weighs about 80 lbs). He was impressed when he thought about it for a few minutes. Wow! What a difference! As I posted on your photo page you are a beautiful and brave woman and I love you even though we have never met. You are such a huge inspiration to me and so so many others. I am on my way now too WOO HOO!!! Friday is my heart cath!!!! I can't wait to get that over with and on to bigger and better things. Take care Sarah! Love ya, Kat

Hi Sarah, Congratulations on your success! I looked at your pics and wow! You must feel so much better without that skin pulling you down. Good for YOU!! I'm curious, did your insurance cover this for you or did you have to private pay? I have heard they will cover sometimes. Either way - you look great and are doing such a fantastic job!!! Congrats! Shelley

Yes, my insurance covered both my hernia repair and panniculectomy. My WLS and PS got the approvals separately. My insurance required that my pannus hung at or below my pubic area and I had documented skin problems that were treated but persisted for 3 months. Sarah