Question:
Having a Panniculectomy...questions for my surgeon

I would love to know what questions to ask my plastic surgeon!! I have a couple, but would like input from anyone who has had a panni or tt. I'm still in shock that I was approved by my ins. co. and don't even know where to start! Thanks!    — Pamela P. (posted on September 11, 2002)

September 11, 2002
Think about everything you do in a normal day and ask him if you can still do that and if not, when you can. For example, I walked 5x a week on a treadmill and was told not to for 6 weeks after surgery. No lifting, no pulling or pushing anything more then 10 pounds, no sex (that one is starting to become a problem!!), etc. for 6 weeks. I'm 5 weeks post-op tt today and when I went in for my weekly appointment yesterday, he again maintained the 6 week thing. He also told me I wasn't allowed to do sit-ups for 3 months (not that I ever did them before!!). You also want to find out what types of drugs he's going to give you post-op to make sure you can take them due to your stomach limitations. Ask him if they do revisions/corrections for free after the surgery within the 1st year (big thing if your not happy with all the results). I actually sat down and wrote out a 3 page list of things. You should probably do the same so you won't forget anything.
   — Patty H.

September 11, 2002
Be sure to look at before & after photos of people who had surgery at the same weight, body type, problems as you (& same surgery!). If you have specific concerns about your body make sure you address them with him. One thing I've noticed with talking to others that they were most dissappointed with their crotch afterwards. I made sure to ask ( and specifically discuss that part of photos) no matter how embarrassing. Also make sure you know whether or not you'll be looking at having to go back for a "touch up", how common his patients have to return for that, and how much he charges for it. One other point is if you're truly have a panniculectomy and not an abdominoplasty w/ work to your underlying muscles is that you may not be having as many limitations. I too had the restrictions mentioned by the previous poster. Mine was an abdominoplasty w/ lots of work done to the muscles. From others I've spoken with who had a simple panniculectomy they said it was an easy surgery that they quickly recovered from and quickly returned to their normal activities.
   — Shelly S.