Don't get me wrong but..

 Why are y'all so against anyone getting a panniculectomy instead of a full tummy tuck? Not tryng to argue or anything, I'm just wondering is all.  I see many people, including myself that are SO excited to get the pannus removed through surgery and the first thing everyone usually says is "you need to pay the extra to upgrade". I mean I get it that a full abdominoplasty is ideal but honestly, some people are lucky to have gas money after buying all their vitamins...so theres no hope of paying extra.  

Again, I'm generally asking - not trying to be a grumpapuss or anything lol. 

well, im scheduled for the full tummy tuck in may. my insurance is paying for the panniculectomy and after seeing the pics i decided to upgrade. but mind you, if i didnt have the money to upgrade i would have just been glad to have the panni.i think ppl have to decide for themselves. ill be having my arms done in the fall and that will all be self pay i saved a year for my tummy tuck because it is what i wanted, but not everyone is able to do that....and i understand that for sure

 I don't think anyone is really against anyone else getting a panniculectomy, I just think that nobody here wants to see anyone else disappointed with their results. There are plenty of people who don't understand that there is a differance in procedure, and therefore a difference in results. I understand that not everyone has the extra money, to take the extra step, but if it's simply a matter of saving up for a little while longer before undergoing plastics, then that would be my recommendation, unless of course it's medically nessicary to have it done sooner rather than later. 

Because the people I know who have had a  panniculectomy are unhappy with their results and did not realize that usually it is not that much more to upgrade to a tummy tuck. Its worth asking your surgeon how much the difference would be. Quite honestly I know I would have been miserable with only a panni.

Laura

I was approved for the pannilectomy but supposedly the PS and hospital did TT although my tummy is flat but I still have flab on my buttocks and lower back.
My incisions are huge and I scar ugly but as I live off of Disability and in Israrl we have socialized medicine like the NHS I can only have Plastics if my HMO approves and have it in a public hospital.
I'd rather my Panni than nothing and I haven't much money on the side to pay for extra for as you, after vitamins and supplements and protein powder I need every cent (shekel) I got.
Mikimi in Israel

I think it is a fine question.  I think we all know how hard we have worked to get to the place where we are ready for plastics and we want each other to be happy with the results!  I guess, it is our way of sticking up for each other and wanting the best.  I have seen just the panniculectomy and I truly would not be happy with it.  BUT I totally understand the financial part of it.  I was fortunate enough to find a good - affordable surgeon or I wouldn't have even had the money for the panniculectomy!

 I'm lucky with mine too - he asked if I mind being a charity case for the full part so he will have a case like mine in his portfolio. (not like he's NEEDING patients..he's been in the area for 15 years with no compaints filed against him, no deaths and no malpractice...) 

Each of the surgeons i consulted with told me the same thing - that i would not be happy with the pannus removal, that it was not considered a "cosmetic outcome", and that i had muscle damage that needed to repaired as well as the extra skin being removed.

I am one month post-op from a circumferential lower body lift, and i couldn't be happier with my results.  Yes, it was expensive, but totally worth it, in my opinion.

I think that everyone here care about eachother and want the person to be happy with the results.  If all I can have is the pannus removed, nothing else, I would be happy because at least I could get one thing done.  I understand that this is the case of a lot of people these days.

I do not have the money right now for ps and there is no way that I could afford surgery in the US.  I am so blessed that I have found a great caring group of people and and a ps that is an artist.  I never thought that I would consider going to Mx for surgery, until I learn about Dr. Sauceda.  I have read many posts about his ps performed to members that belong to his group here in obesityhelp.I have also seen many pics of his work.    I have to wait until Nov to be able to afford some ps, but I have already contacted him and send him my pics.  He responded to me in less than 24 hrs.

What I am trying to say here is that each person has to make their best desicion and we will always be here to support everyone and give them the best advise.  When we tell someone about to try to get a tt is because we want that person to be happy with the results.  I am not against  of anyone getting the pannus removed, but at that point I think, well may be this person can try to get a tt without knowing if the person can afforde it, how much the surgeon would charge or if the surgeon would do it automatically (some do),

Lisa

 I am reaching my 7th anniversary of my roux-n-y, and 5-1/2 years since my lower body lift, upper thigh lift and bracheoplasty. I'm not up on the jargon of "panniculectomy" -- sorry. My only advice here is to do what you feel is right for you. If I had a penny for everything I was told was the "right" thing to do, I could put my son through Harvard. Read/listen to people's stories as anecdotal -- including mine...

My lower body lift worked perfectly in the front -- I'm still flat as a board. But I had problems in the back -- wound opening up, got mrsa -- a real mess. I also had the tops of the thighs pulled up -- not the vertical way. Eventually my bottom dropped, the upper legs dropped -- wrinkly and all that. The arms are okay, though that surgical process was VERY uncomfortable -- I was very swollen for a long time, and the scars had to be redone. 

I just reached my goal of UNDER 150 in the last few weeks. My wrinkly butt and legs plague me, I never got an upper body lift, so I have all of this hanging skin on my upper back. I'm engaged, and a few days ago I went and tried on a few wedding gowns. The flesh hung over the back of the gown, completely bumming me out. But after all the problems, I'm a bit traumatized to go under the knife again. 

BUT I WOULD DO WHAT I'VE ALREADY DONE IN A HEARTBEAT, as what is gone disgusted me more than what is left, which no one really has to see except myself and the man who loves me. I love my flat stomach and normal arms. And there is indeed at least LESS of my butt, thighs and lower back!

My insurance paid for the abdominoplasty, I paid for the rest of the lower body lift, the arms and the thighs at the same time, cutting out the cost of the operating room, etc. My surgeon was very generous with his self-pay prices.

Don't apologize for any questions. You belong here and deserve all the time and questions you want. Congratulations on getting where you are, and best of luck on all the choices you make.

Marla
email: [email protected]

Surgery Date: April 21, 2005
Starting weight: 329; BMI: 54.7
Current weight: 148; BMI: 24.6
Largest size jeans: 32
Current size jeans: 6-8