Question:
What am I in for?

I am looking in a few months to get a panni done and I am looking for the good, the bad, and the ugly on it. My doctor does itr in a surgery center and you go home that night. Is this normal? I want to know your entire story about your panni. I am wondering how long I will need to take of work. And how long is recovery. Is the pain and discomfort unberable? Please tell it like it is. I am going to do it I just want to prepare myself for what is ahead. Thanks so much!    — nkoehler88 (posted on February 16, 2002)

February 16, 2002
Nancy, check out the Library. A search of "panni..." will return a long list of responses. Best wishes...
   — Lynn E.

February 16, 2002
I had a panniculectomy and bilateral brachioplasty (armlift) done in November. I had had several major surgeries in the past, and was so pleasantly surprised to find this to be the most "comfortable" surgery I have ever had. My surgeon keeps his patients in the hospital overnight, but I could easily have gone home the same day. A panniculectomy involves only the removal of excess skin and fat, and does not involve any work on the underlying muscles. Abdominoplasty patients, who require work on the abdominal muscles due to hernias or "relaxed" muscles, are probably going to experience more discomfort than panniculectomy patients. Keeping in mind that surgeons have different approaches, I had no external sutures or staples, and was discharged from the hospital with four drains in place. I was told that those drains would stay in place for at least one week, and probably longer. Three of my drains were removed within the first two weeks, the last one remained in place for six weeks. They were completely painless (including the removal), and were just an aggravation to "disguise" under my clothing at work. I was given Percocet tablets for pain, but needed very little medication. There was a great deal of numbness at the surgical sites immediately after surgery, and the feeling is only now beginning to return completely. That was a big help in terms of pain management! I returned to work (full-time office position) one week after surgery, but only worked half-days for the first 2 weeks. This was a 5-6 hour procedure....certainly a "major" surgery....and most surgeons would recommend a longer period before returning to work, if for no other reason than allowing your body to get back to normal after such a long anesthesia. I am delighted with the results...a wonderfully flat and tight abdomen and truly beautiful arms instead of the huge batwings I was left with after my weight loss. I can only wish for you the same great experience...good luck!
   — Diana T.