Question:
What is an average time for healing after a panus is removed?

I'm scheduled on Monday and know I should have asked my doctor - but have been frantic in just getting the approval from my insurance company before the end of the year (and we switch carriers). I am excited but nervous at the same time. If anyone can give me any info. that would be most appreciated. Thanks!    — Suzanne M. (posted on December 12, 2003)

December 12, 2003
I was off work 4 weeks. I had two drains coming home from the hospital; the first drain was taken out 2 weeks post the second 4 weeks.
   — star .

December 12, 2003
It was about 6 weeks for me. I came home with no drains but ended up getting a staph infection where the incision was still healing so i ended up back in the hospital for a few days. It will be easier than the first surgery it was for me. good luck when your done it will make such a difference in your mobility it's wonderful.
   — Tammy N.

December 13, 2003
I was told if you do any lifting, which I do. its 6 weeks. I'm going to pay over what the ins. will allow and get the full abd plasty Jan 22. and a breast reduction. Im scared to death. Im not good at being laid up. plus its just surgery. AGAINI will be off work 6 weeks I was told. I did really well with the RnY and had no problems at all. never been sick or anything. this one just scares me to death. but I have so much excess Im going to do it. I have to.
   — Joan W.

December 14, 2003
I am having a full extended abdominoplasty and lateral thigh lift on Feb 23rd. This will remove the pannus and tons more. The PS told me I could not drive for 2 weeks but that if I felt up to it I could go back to work sooner as long as someone drove me back and forth. I'm figuring 2 weeks. He also removes the drains at 2 weeks, which is way sooner than some. I'm sure I will still be hurting at 2 weeks but I went back to work 2-1/2 weeks after my WLS and I'm sure I can survive this. I suspect I will be using pain meds a whole lot longer this time though!
   — zoedogcbr

December 14, 2003
I am almost 4 weeks post-op anchor incision panniculectomy. I really feel very good. Just some odd sensations and an occasional little twang of pain if I over due the bending or light lifting. I'm not working but I think I could definitely go bck to a desk job now. But not a week ago. My only regret is that I did not do my thighs at the saem time but I didn't want anything to cause the insurance company to look at the claim now. The panni was approved.
   — Janet S.

December 14, 2003
I had an abdominoplasty and felt fine after about 10 days. Just be careful and don't lift anything over 10 pounds until your more then 6 weeks post-op.
   — Patty H.

December 15, 2003
Hi Suzanne. I agree with just about every response here...very typical. First few days: "Why did I do this?" After first week: "I think I'll live." After second week: "When can I drive?" Third week: "This is boring, can I go to work/do aerobics/go on a trip?" A big determinant of pain-recovery is if the muscles are tightened. In a panniculectomy surgery (no muscles tightened), the recovery and pain duration is usually shorter.
   — DrL