Question:
Panni at the same time as my wls. recovery time in hospital?

Am having the panni at the same time as my wls. has anyone else done this? what is the amount of time spent in the hospital? I had heard a week and a half somewhere but don;t know if it is typical. I have a stage four apron so know this will be quite extensive a surgery..<from hip to hip> and am concerned.    — annette S. (posted on January 28, 2002)

January 27, 2002
Once you loose the weight your apron is going to be big again.... Since there both major operations wait and do one at a time. Since you will likely HAVE to do it twice no matter what. This is my surgeons opinion from the last support group meeting.
   — bob-haller

January 27, 2002
A friend of mine recently had Open WLS and a panniculectomy at the same time. Her pannus was stage 3 and its removal was medically indicated due to frequent skin absesses and fluid retention on the underside of the pannus. The doctor removed 44 pounds. She was in the hospital for 6 days. It was the best decision for her, and her incisions are healing beautifully. Your stage 4 pannus (to your knees) must be severely impeding your mobility. It is my feeling that its removal will help your overall recovery. The best to you!
   — JoanneML

January 28, 2002
I had open rny and tummy tuck done on 5/1/01. I did this primarily due to financial reasons. I was self pay and knew I would not be able to afford the hospital bill, anesthesia for a second surgery. This way I only had to pay my surgeon's fees. I was in the hospital for 4 days and recovered well. So far, I am very happy with the results. I've lost 128 pounds in 9 months. I have a little loose skin, but not bad at all. I also have to have my hernia repaired next month and my surgeon is going to "tighten" my tummy, so I shouldn't ever need a tummy tuck again. It was a good decision for me.Good luck!
   — Brenda H.

January 28, 2002
My friend had it done and she was in the hospital for 8 days I think. Hers was large like yours and was done mostly because of the water retention in it. She is very happy she did it that way. It was really in her way.
   — cindy Q.

January 28, 2002
i had the panni with my open RNY five months ago. I have lost 115 lbs and have NO hanging skin and do not anticipate needing another removal. My dr did this at no charge during my rny to make my breathing less labored ( decreased internal pressure) and my ability to move better after surgery. It worked out wonderful. I wouldn't do it any other way. I was in the hospital 1 1/2 weeks, but that was mostly due to the fact that i had pneumonia.
   — paula B.

January 28, 2002
I'd have to agree with Jo. If your panni is pretty big now, it will only hang lower as you start to lose weight. It seems like that would make it much more difficult to walk and get the exercise that is so necessary to success. It might mean having to have it done again after you've gotten down to your goal, but I'd think it would be worth it. Your surgeon should also be able to help answer this.
   — garw