Tummy Tuck/Panni Question

I went to get a consultation at the surgeon and they submitted the info to the insurance.  A week later the insurance approved the panni procedure.  So I am going to get that and add in a tummy tuck to get rid of that loose skin that causes the muffin top.

Anyways, when I went for the consultation I honestly didn't think the insurance would cover anything.  So when the surgeon was talking I was listening and asked a few questions but in the end when I got the price I didn't think I would be able to do it. 

So now that I am going to get both the procedures done I do not remember what things the surgeon told me.  Such as what type of incision ( I read from you guys about different ones), recovery times, when I can go back to work, things to do cause I live alone, etc.

Can anyone that had both of these done at the same time kinda give me some info from their expereinces?  Also, I won't be seeing the surgeon until my pre-op appointment which is 2 weeks before surgery.  I need to make a list of questions that I need to ask him cause if I don't write them down I will just panic and forget.  So can you also give me some ideas on the inportant questions I should ask him?

As most of you know how expensive this is I want to be sure I do and ask what I need to because I don't want to be suprised abot the results or scars or just down right regret what I have decided to do. 

Does any of this make sense??  I'm so nervous about all of this and I just don't want to freak myself out.

So if anyone out there can give me the low down and things when they had this done I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Michelle

I am 8 weeks post op anchor tummy tuck  My inusrance covered the panni and I paid the difference for anchor  $3500  Got the bill in from BC& BS  total was 20,000  $15,000 for panni and rest for room and board etc...I have Before and after pics  (only 4 weeks)  will post more soon as I want to follow the changes that occur.. Good Luck..

WORTH EVERY BIT OF OT I HAD TO WORK TO PAY FOR IT !!!

NATALIE

Michelle,

I'm 1 year post TT with a BL/BA.  From my experience, and I'm sure you'll hear this from others, you will definitely need some help for at least the first week you're home.  Questions to ask:

How many drains will I have - I had 1

When can I return to work - I stayed home for 3 weeks, but was working from home for a few hours a day beginning in week 2

How long will I have to wear a binder - everyone has a different experience, I wore the binder he gave me for about 4 weeks then switched to spanx, and I wore those 24/7 for almost 6 months

When I can walk upright - I was walking partiallly upright by day 3

When can I start exercising again (if you are exercising now) - at week 6 I was released for short walks, at week 8 I had no more restrictions.  However, my swelling was pretty bad so I didn't work out for about 3 months cuz every time I did the swelling got worse - again this is going to vary person to person.

What pain meds is he giving you?  I would also suggest getting an anti-nausea med just in case because the pain meds can cause nausea.  It's going to be important for you to stay ahead of the pain so when you come home, for the first 72 hours, take the pain meds every 3-4 hours or whatever the dose.  You do NOT want to have the pain set in cuz once it does, you'll be miserable.  I had my TT and BL/BA on a Friday morning, was home by late Friday afternoon and started taking my Vicodin when I walked in the door.  By Sunday, I was on Tylenol with the occaisional Vicodin.

Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.

Franci