Question:
If I plan to have another child, should I wait to have a Panni?

I am 8 1/2 months postop Open rny, down 128lbs. I am 23 years old and have a 2 year old son. I don't want to have any more children for a few more years, but would like to have another eventually. My surgeon, Dr. Cowan, told me that we would start discussing a TT after I am one year postop, which is only 4 months away. Should I wait to have another child before I have this done, or will my skin snap back to normal after the pregnancy. Is there anyone, or do you know anyone, who has had a TT, and then had a baby? I just don't know if I can wait several more years before having this panni removed, I hate it!    — Kelly P. (posted on March 21, 2001)

March 21, 2001
I am in the process of approval now. All the surgeons I have consulted with asked me if I plan on having more children, and have told me for best results it is ideal to be within 15-25 lbs of your goal weight for best results. Can the surgery be done now? Yes. Can I continue to lose weight? Yes. Can you have the panni now? Yes. Can you have more children? Yes. Will the results for both of us be the same? No. One surgeon put it best and told me to imagine a balloon inflated to capacity and its' tautness. As the air is let out, so is the tautness. If I have surgery done now (I need 25 more lbs to be in the ideal range) the tightness will change as I lose. If you have the panni now and have a baby later, your stomach is going to stretch to capacity to carry the baby. I'd encourage you to wait for best results. Of course, if you're willing to live with your skin following your pregnancy, then it's your decision. Best wishes with whatever you choose!
   — [Deactivated Member]