panni removal recovery

Chris,
You'll be able to make the claim that you are a superstar since you'll have no belly button! lol
I think it's kinda cool... I know that makes me odd!

Lisa

Not odd at all Lisa! It will be cool and somewhat unique. I've been told by a few others that I can always put a tatoo down there or maybe a picture of a belly button using a permanent magic marker...should never have told anyone at work!

I am curious what it will feel and look like without it, but I'd rather be rid of it than deal with potential infection and other complications...and he can make my stomach flatter with it gone.

I'm sure it'll be a big adjustment mentally to have it gone? I know it's been an odd journey for me looking so different than I did a year ago.
And clothes shopping will be so much fun for you! I know your pants are too big already... you'll have to do some shopping!

Lisa, I was just going to mention to you about panni removal versus a tummy tuck. In a panni removal it is just excess skin cut away. There's no contouring or lipo suction, muscle tightening and I'm pretty sure it's just the horizontal incision. The anchor cut is used in a full tummy tuck. If you have insurance covering a panni removal, I don't think anchor cut is an option unless you are able to work it out with your surgeon to pay the difference yourself.

Good information... I understand the panni is just removal of the skin, I've got... how do I explain it... it's 2 "pieces" of panni, one that goes right across my belly button and the other is lower and hangs down over my pubic area. Does that make sense? One of the Dr.s nurses thought he was doing an anchor with the panni in that situation, so it'll be interesting to see what is offered.
I'd be willing to pay to have that anchor done since only removing the bottom panni will not solve enough of the problem and it'd leave me looking funnier than I look now.

I'll never have the rockin body you've got Renee!!  I'd be happy to not have the outline of the panni show in my pants and make less noise going up and down the stairs... hehehe

If having just the skin removed would have been my only option, I definitely would have still had it done. It makes all the difference in how you feel in your clothes. Just make sure when you have your consultations that you ask all of those questions. You want to make sure you and your surgeon have a clear understanding about what he's going to do and the results you are wanting to achieve. Keep me posted along the way, and you look AWESOME btw!

Thank you for educating me... I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge! I'm open to any suggestions.
The first appt I set is for Nov 17th... I'd like to meet with at least 3 surgeons and go from there.

Thanks for the compliment too... the DS sure has been a great ride!

Lisa

Lisa, I just want to warn you that w/ a panni removal w/ Dr. Kemmeter may not get you the results you are looking for. Yes it will remove the skin however they don't have the same skill and results that a PS would. I also have Dr. Kemmeter as my surgeon but chose to use Dr. Livingston as my PS. Extremely happy w/ the results.

Now for the results part, I went in to GHP for my 2 year check up and saw Todd the PA. We discussed my PS and he was very impressed. He said that they did do the panni removals but you could definately tell on the patients b/c they had more of a football shape. Said most people had the points at the side.  He was so excited and even though it really didn't have anything to do w/ my 2 year exam he asked to see my scars. Just goes to show that yes they are talented surgeons in bariatric surgery but maybe not the same skill level when it comes to removing excess skin.

Definately look into Dr. Livingston. He does great work and his prices are very reasonable. His office is wonderful and will work w/ you and your insurance company to get the panni portion of your surgery covered (assmuing you don't already have approval)

I did wonder that... but I'm willing to at least go to an appt with him... I'm going to see Dr Livingston and Dr Bengston and maybe one other, just to get an idea of what others have to say.

Your results are FANTASTIC!!!!

I'm excited to take this next step.... I'd just like to feel normal without the panni... nervous about recovery though.

Lisa, if you are around town and you want to get together to disuss any of your concerns or the procedures just PM me. I'll be happy to meet w/ you and tell you my experience. It was great all the way around.

Sonya