Ouch--Panniculectomy and me..and a general QUESTION ???

I had my surgery on monday, they removed my hanging skin and at the same time tightened my abdominal muscles, looking forward to posting some pics here in the future for everyone to see, i do have a question for those of you who have had the muscle tightening done to go with the skin removal..after the swelling goes away and you are well on your way to recovery, how much difference will i really see as a result of spending the extra money to get those muscles tightened? i'm just wondering because as of right now (i know i know, i am so swollen right now i cant have a true idea of what will be) it doesnt seem like that big of a deal and before you ask the insurance will pay for the panniculectomy (removal of the apron of skin) but they will NOT pay for muscle tightening as that is cosmetic..im just wanting some reassurance that im not wasting my money (especially since that money i spent was going for a european vacation which is now cancelled). Can you guys help cheer me up and make me realize i did the right thing OR can you give me the harsh reality that muscle tightening isnt going to make that much difference, i want some opinions from my fellow male wls friends, thanks for your feedback

You've really come a long way!!!  Time to take it easy and recover and heal.  I'm sure the recovery from this will be tougher than your recovery than WLS.  You should be very proud of yourself and keep it up. Sonny

Hey bob..... I had the whole lower body lift, with the muscle tightening....they told me they took 4" off my waist.... Send me and e-mail and i'll send you some before and afters....and you can judge.... the tightening, is a trip...it's 6 months out and i still feel like I got a big belt on....how you doing with the sausage suit??? russ

Monday? Owuuch!!! Hang in there. Ice packs, soft ice, bag of frozen peas or shaved ice, or beat it with a hammer first! My swelling hung on for a crazy long time… about 3 months for most, and then I’d still get swelling every afternoon… (like when a fever climbs? Same time) I just had panniculectomy, so don’t know… I had my abdominal muscle "Re-Built (not tightened, but fabricated) about 2 years earlier. I have no idea how I should have under typical conditions turned out.. But, Happy with what I’ve got. My only advice? It will take LONGER than you think it should in order to heal up. I’ve yet to see anyone say- "That healed up faster than I thought it….blah,blah.." But a lot of the opposite- "Will this EVER Heal up and feel Normal?!?!?!"

Just take what you’d expect, and double it… That way you’ll be pleasantly surprised… Yes? Hope you’re up and hitting on all cylinders soon! Best Wishes- Dx