Year post op tummy tuck problem

I had my tummy tuck a year ago, and I'm still having swelling. I'm 23 year old male. I have a 4 pack of abs, then below it, a belly that pooches out.  Gross info warning, so if it bothers you, please don't read.  My belly button for the past couple months gets rank about once a week. I mean, doesn't just smell, but makes me smell awful all around.  I clean it with peroxide and alcohol and it goes away. The next week same thing. Yesterday after working out, I noticed blood in my belly button. It wasn't pouring out, but it was just a good bit present. My doc is out of town till next week, so my appointment is monday. I'll admit that I have put on weight, but I have a large frame, and I just don't feel like fat is the problem My swelling never left me. Does this sound like swelling still? Seems like the fat wouldn't just concentrate below abs does it?  Do you think I have an infection? Did anyone have problems with swelling over a year after surgery? Thanks for your time. I can't seem to find much info online.  Any thoughts or comments about a year post op panniculectomy are welcome, even if it doesn't relate. Thank you!

How long after your surgery did you have the Panni done and did you get your insurance to pay for it? (I'm 21)

I had RNY August 30, 2005 and had the tummy tuck done may 14th 2007. Insurance covered it all! The doc took some pics, sent them in, and they paid. No problems at all. Please let me know if you have any questions

Lance, I had a panniculectomy 2 years post-op. About a year after reaching goal. My insurance paid for mine completely. It is recommended that people not have PS until they have been at a ‘stable weight’ for over 6 months. According to my Plastic Surgeon, Skin has about a 6 to 9 week “lag time” in drawing up after fatty tissue beneath it has gone. Best Wishes- Dx

LH, I had swelling for a full 6 months following my panniculectomy. It was much better after the first 3 months, But some persisted.  Mostly noticed in the afternoons, About the same time when people who are sick show a rise in fever. After about 7 months post-PS, no problems for me. The navel problem?  Sounds like it could be some sort of infection Particularly with the blood.  Any “bad odor” and blood Coming from same location, (On a Dude! J) suggests infection. Get that doc back in the mix and in the meantime Hit it with some Neosporin. Somethins’ up. Best Wishes- Dx

Thanks for the response Dex! I had taken a break from the boards (stupidly) and had some weight gain and trying to get everything back in order. My doc is out of town this week, but I have an appointment scheduled for Monday. Hopefully he'll be able to drain some stuff off and I"ll be good to go. I've been working out over 3 weeks now, dropped 10 lbs from everywhere but that little stomach just won't change a bit.

How was the pain level from the PS guys? Compared to the WLS?

I never had much pain with either of the surgeries. It was more of an uncomfortable feeling, but nothing that I'd call pain.

I'm a huge wuss, so we'll see about that haha. I need to start hitting the gym a lot harder than I've been doing b/c I want that 6 pack to come on! Tired of being fat haha

Lance, For “ME,” the pain from PS was a walk in the park. Others have had very different experiences. I do find that Plastic Surgeons are fast and loose with the Pain Meds. My Plastic Surgeon sent me home With enough drugs to pull off my own private Woodstock! I also had a Panniculectomy, which I’m told, is a lot less painful Than an Abdomiplasty. (Tummy Tuck) Best Wishes- Dx