Question:
For those of you who had a panniculectomy....

How much skin was removed and how many clothes sizes did you drop? Does anyone have any pre-op/post-op panniculectomy pics? I am in the process of getting insurance approval and my mind is running crazy! Thank you! 1 yr post op -174 lbs! 382/208    — Shavonne P. (posted on August 21, 2003)

August 21, 2003
Hi Shavonne - I have the exact same question! And I bet there's a lot of "everyone's different" answers - at least that's all my plastic surgeon will say! I'm in the SAME spot as you - 1 year out, down 174, and just got approval on my appeal. I have my panni tomorrow morning at 8:30! Email me next week and I'll tell you all about it!
   — jen41766

August 21, 2003
My surgeon removed 16.4 lbs. of excess fat and skin with my panniculectomy and brachioplasty. At the time of the plastic surgery, I was 20 months post-op, and -140 lbs. I went from a size 16 to a size 12, but please keep in mind that I am almost 5'9" and never constructed to be a petite size6 :-) As everyone else will tell you, this is a very individual process and you just will not be able to accurately judge your end-results by anyone else's. Next to the WLS, the plastic surgery was the most wonderful decision I ever made, and I couldn't be happier with the results. I wish you the same great experience!
   — Diana T.

August 21, 2003
I actually had an abdominoplasty and I was a tight size 8 and 140 pounds before surgery. After surgery I lost about 5 pounds and wear a size 4.
   — Patty H.

August 21, 2003
Well I'm a college student and I have to have my reconstructive surgeries done in steps. I need a thigh lift, breast lift and reduction, arm skin removal and tummy tuck. I just had my tummy tuck almost 2 months ago. They removed almost 20 pounds of skin and tissue. I was a size 20 before surgery and now I can wear an 18 if I squeeze my fat legs in or a 16/18 in a skirt. My problem is that my legs are still so big that I have to buy my pants to fit my legs and then I have gobs of material around my waist...but what can ya do, no money or time to get the thighs done right now. I suppose once I get my legs done I will be in a solid size 16. Like the first poster, I am taller and I never will be a magical size of 6 or 8. I am 20 months out and although I am still losing a pound here or there, I'm a good 30 away from goal, which is fine, but even at my thinnest I'm shooting for a 12 or 14. Good luck! Oh, ps, I started at 390 and am now 207 just for reference. Oh and one more thing...insurance denied me as medically necessary even though when they opened me up I had a huge hernia sticking out...cheap jerks.
   — Paula Prichard

August 21, 2003
I forgot one more thing!! lol I have TONS of pre and post op pictures...they are all fairly graphic though and mostly nudes so if you get grossed out don't get them. I also have pictures that were taken in the actual surgery itself and those are VERY gory, but interesting if you're into that sort of thing. :) E-mail me if you want them and which ones you want.
   — Paula Prichard

August 22, 2003
8/22 I had my panniculectomy and a belt lipectomy an 4/30/03. I also had lipposuction on my fron and back. They removed 12 pounds of skin and 2 ponds of fat. I went from a size 16 to a size 12. I have pictures on my profile.
   — Jeanettie S.