Question:
I am wanting to know how people feel after their panniculectomy?

I am schedule to have one and want to know things like how your clothes fit, does the scar show in certain underwear, is there a noticable difference, is your tummy extremely flat and does it feel tight? Thanks so much for any help you guys can provide.    — Alanna H. (posted on January 11, 2002)

January 11, 2002
I had TT and hernia repair on 12/7/01. I have worn a girdle type thing since surgery. I had an open RNY 2 years ago and developed an incisional hernia. I decided to get both done. My RNY incision was from brest bone to belly button. It now goes from breast bone to public hair line. I had a good scar and it doesn't show much. My belly button was redone and the scar is still a little red but I think will fade. I have an incision that goes from hip to hip. It is very thin but still a little pink. I think it will fade too. If I wear bikini underwear, the incision shows on the sides. If I wear french cut , none shows. To be honest my bathing suit is packed up and I don't now how that will do. I feel numb in areas, a heaviness in lower part of stomach. I feel more comfortable in high waisted girdle. I still have a little puffiness but doc syas that will go down. I only had to loose 100 pounds and did so. I weighed 130-135 at time of surgery. I didn't gain any weight (fluid). I had hernia and TT on a Friday and went home on Sat at noon. I only had 1 drain and he removed before I left the hospital Sat. Most folks come home with a drain. I didn't have much skin to remove so I guess that's why. I've gotten along well. Less pain tha RNY to me. Good luck,. Email me if you any special questions. Lou Ann
   — Lou Ann J.

January 11, 2002
Posting anon because I don't want to be flamed. I considered a panniulectomy until I saw the pictures from Victoria Bowen's website. That scared me to death! Do a lot of people experience what Victoria did with the incision? Or was her experience unusual? I am grateful to her for being so honest about what she went through and the end result is magnificent but the pictures really scare me. Now, I don't think I will have one. It will be a while anyway so I will research a lot more.
   — [Anonymous]

January 11, 2002
I just had my panniculectomy/hernia repair on December 4, 2001. I was really afraid after seeing some of the pictures on the internet. My surgeon cut from my breastbone to my pubic area and from hip to hip. He then moved my belly button up higher. I must say I am completely happy with it. My belly is flat and firm. Of course it is still sort of numb but I hear the feeling comes back after awhile. I had six pounds of skin removed and instantly went down a size in underwear. Any questions....feel free to contact me.
   — Helen C.

January 11, 2002
Here are some websites with really good before and after pictures of their tummy tucks. I commend these very brave and honest women. Hope this helps!http://www.waxwolf.com/surgery/ http://www.angelfire.com/tn2/Patricia/
   — Jennifer Y.

January 11, 2002
I had my panniculectomy 11/20/01. I have an incision from breastbone to pubic area, and a second incision from hipbone to hipbone. My surgeon used no external sutures or staples, and the incisions are just thin lines. Naturally, my scars will show, but in my opinion, these scars are much easier to look at than the 16.4 pounds of excess skin that was removed! My bellybutton was "re-done", and is now an "outy" :-) This was probably one of the most "comfortable" surgeries I have ever had....the post-op pain was never worse than a bad paper-cut. I came home from the hospital with 4 drains (completely painless....just a nuisance to keep pinned to my underwear). Three drains were removed within two weeks of the surgery....the fourth needed to stay in place for 5 weeks (a little unusual according to my surgeon, but again, no problem). My surgeon assured me that I would have the abs of a 16 yr. old after the surgery. I have since corrected him...I didn't have abs this good when I WAS 16! Not everyone may have as great an experience as I have had, but I am extremely happy with my results, and would do it again in a heartbeat. Good luck!
   — Diana T.