Question:
5 months post op, -200lbs, how soon can I get Panniculectomy ?

I had my lap RNY 12/03/03 and have lost 120lbs since surgery +80 in 3 months pre op for a total of 200lbs in 8 months.I have a grade 3-4 Pannus right now that is restricting my movement, even down to walking, the rashes and the yeast overgrowth/ infections. I started out at 550lbs and am now at 350lbs, with goal being at 200lbs. I wanted to know how soon should/ could I have the Panni done? The more weight I lose, the more difficult it is becoming to walk and get in my exercise. I understand that getting it done now will more than likely mean having to do it again at goal, but if I wait all together, my belly will be below my knees. I have my next Dr. appointment in 10 days and am hoping to bring this up with my Dr. Any input appreciated!! Thanks! Brandy    — BigB (posted on May 14, 2004)

May 14, 2004
First of all, CONGRATS! What an amazing loss! If your having this many problems, and its affecting your walking and daily life, then I would look into insurance covering it now. You will probably need another one though when you get to goal. Definately bring it up to your surgeon and have him refer you or find a BOARD CERTIFIED PS in your area.
   — Kris T.

May 14, 2004
WAIT as long as possible insurance will only pay for this once.... how about wearing a body Girdle to hold up the skin seriously a Panni/TT is the crowning touch 350 is too high you will regret this ask the doc if ins will pay for one now and one later if he says yes and knows how to write it up then go for it if not do your very best to wait Kathy in CA
   — Kathleen M.

May 14, 2004
I agree with the last poster, you need to wait as close to goal as possible. If the panni is just not able to be handled with a girdle, and you can afford to pay for a panni, and then when you get to goal weight have your insurance pay for a abdomoplasty or the other way around, but insurance will not pay for two tt's. BTW, congrats on your weight loss.
   — cindy

May 14, 2004
Brandy, I think you should bring this up with your doctor. 200 pounds is a very significant amount to lose and I'm sure that your panniculus is very bothersome. I personally could not wait. I had a lower body lift at 235 pounds and couldn't have been happier with the results. I'm sure that a panniculectomy would really help your mobility. It did mine. Not to diminish what the others posters wrote, but the whole plastic surgery question is very different for those of us who start out as super morbidly obese(BMI=50 or more)It can't hurt to start asking. You might be suprised at the answers you receive. My plastic surgery improved my life 100%. Having that hanging skin gone made all of the difference in the world!
   — Pamela B.

May 14, 2004
I would have the panni. I had the bpd/ds April of 2002. In November of the same year my dr asked me if I was ready to have that thing removed. I was shocked! I thought I had to wait until I had lost all my weight. I had only lost 90lbs at that time, but I had a grade 3 pannus. My dr said that while I was getting smaller, the pannus would appear to be getting larger and it would hang down even more. I am 5'1" and started at 432 lbs and I now weigh 130 lbs and have finished all my plastic surgeries. You don't need to be at goal to have a grade 3 pannus removed. Having that pannus removed was the single most wonderful thing I ever did for myself. This is considered a medical necessity for the SMO, not cosmetic. I understand some insurance companies won't cover it (they are such idiots), but it is necessary when it is a grade 3 like yours. It is a cumbersome thing to carry around. I wish you luck.
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 15, 2004
Hi Brandy - I had mine removed last August. I started at 440 and had it off at 360 when I still had 70 to goal. It was an absolute nightmare. I have had 9 months of complications and pain and no weight loss. There were MANY days I regretted it, I would have rather had my huge apron (it was 35 pounds). However, now since I'm finally almost healed and relatively pain free I can say I'm glad I did it. Now that I'm almost healed, I'm hoping to start losing again and get to goal. I am dreading and fearful of having to do it again, but know that I'll have to. Especially since this didn't heal very well. A huge part of my complications were because I still had so much fat and fat tissue which doesn't allow good blood supply and fat necrosis was a huge (and painful!) issue. It's in detail in my profile if you're really interested. As I said, though, at this point I can say I'm glad about it and would encourage you to do what's right for you. I does wonders for your sex life! If you go for it, be sure you choose a plastic surgeon with experience related to obesity and handling complications. Good Luck to you!!!!
   — jen41766