Question:
Has anyone gone to Dr. Ernest Rehnke in St. Pete FL for hernia repair and

had a Panniculectomy done at the same time? I am going for my appointment on Monday,but was just trying to get a bit of info beforehand. I am getting the hernia repaired because it desperately needs fixed. I was pregnant when I found out I had it,so it has been delayed for well over a year now. As far as the Panniculectomy goes,I am sick to death of carrying around this apron of skin! I know that his brother,Robert is a plastic surgeon. So,I'm wondering if they could work together & if anyone has done this. If so,what part did insurance pay & how much was self pay? It has been almost 5 years since my initial gastric bypass,which Dr. Rehnke also performed,and I am long over due in getting this follow up work done. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.....    — melmas (posted on July 29, 2005)

July 29, 2005
hello. I did have both surgeries done at the same time in Tampa but not with the Dr. Rehnkes (I bet their mom is proud! 2 dr. sons! HA!) had the hernia repair done by Dr. Barry Kaufmann who works with Dr. Naji Baddoura who is a plastic surgeon who did my abdominoplasty. I was 4 days in hospital, 6 weeks until I felt human, it is a HARD surgery, harder than the RNY was by far. But great results, I am so happy with the FLAT tummy and no hanging skin at all. By the way, aetna hmo approved and paid for all of it. Good luck! Donna 327/167
   — donnalawbabe

August 15, 2005
HE DID MY WLS SURGERY, AND I LOVED HIM! HE'S GREAT AT WHAT HE DOES, AND HE'S A GOOD MAN ON TOP OF IT...GOOD LUCK, YOU WON'T REGRET USING HIM
   — Maria W.