Hello,

 About 3 weeks ago I went for my one year follow-up with my surgeon.  I planned on telling the surgeon what my plan was.  I wanted to lose another 50 lbs. (I had lost 200 to date) and then I want to go for my knee replacement.  Being as I still have 120 lbs to go to my high goal, I need to exercise and bone on bone knees just is too restrictive to what I can do.  Understand, I am 52 years old and I would love to have the body of a 20 year old, but I don't think Target sells them. 

Well, the surgeon started by saying he wants me to go and have a panni, within the next 4 months.  Actually he wanted me to start the procedure immediately but I need to build up some time in work.  His plan and it has been his plan since I was 2 months post-op is too remove the excess belly and mons (sp?) to allow me to move better.  Let me mention that I suffer from lymphedmia in both my left leg and now in my pannis area.    So the hopes of this surgery is that the lymph circulation will improve, allowing me less break outs of cellulits and infections    He is also going to repair a small hernia at the top of the incision point.

I have to admit that I was taken back by this and would never have thought that I would be going for reconstructive surgery before my knee replacement.  This is my second panni, I had one several years prior to my GBS (I do some things backwards), so I know what to expect and I am not afraid. 

The surgeon, I love this man, feels that if I went for the knees and got one of my infections, it might travel to the new knees and cause me to have them removed.  OK, that one knocked me off the chair.  He says this is a completely medical needed reconstruction and is 100% sure the insurance company will pay for this. 

I go to see the PS in late October, back to see surgeon in November and hopefully, by the first week in January 2008, I will no longer be swinging in the wind.

Please send good thoughts my way.  I will keep all posted as the time approaches.

Jeanne

The surgeon needs to be advised that you have Lymphedema also talk with the doctor that treated you for it. The three of you working together can find a solution to how to do surgery and continue your care for Lyphedema. Go into your appointment positive and armed with anything you can get for information from your Lyphemdema doc that will show your baratric surgeon you are taking this serious.