panniculectomy questions

i have the option of having it done where i live or traveling 1 1/2 hours. the local dr is an excellent plastic surgeon but doesnt have a lot of experience with post weightloss reconstruction. the other dr specializes in post weightloss reconstruction. what dr would you go with? also, how long were you in th hospital? would the 1 1/2 hour trip home be bearable?

I would go with the one who has more experience dealing with weight loss reconstruction. My surgeon did each procedure with the possibility that I would have another done in the future. For example when he did my arms he pulled them a certain way just in case I wanted something done to my breast later. Then when I had my breast done he shaped the remaining skin downward. This was helpful in my recent surgery. The scar line connects to my arm line and breast surgery. The trip depends on your pain level. Never ever leave the hospital or surgery center in pain. Perhaps you could stay overnight or have them give you a pain pill prior to leaving. Good luck to you

I took a risk - my plastic surgeon is young AND the bulk of her training was in pediatric facial reconstruction.  I did research her -- and she got excellent reviews -- just not with this procedure.  Most important was I really felt comfortable with her. 

So, I would probably go with the surgeon who you are most comfortable with -- an hour an a half of discomfort could make the difference in the results you live with for life. 

In my defense, my surgeon was recommended by the local bariatric program (not the one I went to).  I did my research anyway.  Make sure you research both dr's before you make a choice.

I'm only 6 days out from my panniculectomy and I am very pleased with the results.  Pics are in my profile if you are interested.

Laura

If it was my decision, I would go with the surgeon with experience in massive weight loss, especially if I was having a complicated procedure.

Definitely see both surgeons and discuss what they would do. BTW, panniulectomy generally refers to only removal of the hanging skin above the panus and not a tummy tuck with muscle tightening, nor relocation of a belly button and removal of excess tissue above the belly button. Some people are lucky that their surgeons do additional work for the same price but there is no guarantee that the surgeon you choose will do so.

I think 1 1/2 hours is doable if you are well medicated and take some pillows in the car to help make you comfortable and you could probably plan to miss rush hour traffic.

I had LBL/hernia repair and arm lift followed by 2 days in the hospital post-op. I'll be having a breast lift and thigh lift in a couple of months and that will have 1 day post-op with an option of a second if I feel I want it. I think if I was having just a pannus removal I could tolerate going home  instead of spending a day in the hospital depending on how long it was under anesthesia.

BTW, you should consider if you need a tummy tuck or LBL at this time because they are difficult to perform after an pannulectomy if you decide you need more work done. Dr. LoMonaco posted about this a couple of weeks ago.

I would pick the surgeon you are most comfortable with- while a surgeon who has had experience with patients after massive weight loss is preferable, I would not make that the deciding factor.  As far as travel time- I had a LBL and traveled home about an hour in NYC traffic hitting a handful of potholes on the way on the lovely FDR drive (anyone in the NYC area can tell you how crappy this highway is).  And i survived- I took my percocet about 45mins-1hr before leaving and had a pillow in the car and was OK...  good luck!

It is very important that he be experienced in WLS, our skin is not as
resilient as non WLS PTA../1 1/2nd not that far to travel some peole travel to Mexico

Hi I had a panni in September of 2010. It was great. Very little pain and a great feeling to get rid of the yucky hanging fat. I did lose my belly button and was told that I would need a tummy tuck at a later time. I also had my arms done and that was a bit more difficult. I was lucky that part of it was paid by my insurance. I used a great surgeon in SF who was recommended to me. I would do it again in a heart beat.

I would go with the surgeon with more experience. I drove an hour and a half away for my surgeon because he specialized in plastic surgery after major weight loss.  The ride home was fine just make sure they give you a dose of your pain meds before you go.  I had a tummy tuck breast lift and augmentation love my plastic surgeon my results are phenomenal