Question:
I am scheduled for a pannicultectomy and a hernia repair on 2-14 I would like to know

how many days in the hospital? The pain versus the open RNY? How was the your mobility after surgery did you have to walk stooped over and how long did it take to start to feel normal? If you can tell I am just a little nervous. Also any suggestions on how to prepare for this surgery?    — susan V. (posted on February 5, 2002)

February 5, 2002
I had a panniculectomy and a hernia repair on 8/14/01 The Tummy Tuck was one of the easiest surgeries that I have ever had. I could have gone home within a few hours after surgery. I was up and walking around with very little pain. It was nothing compared to the RNY. I went home the next morning and was in the mall on day 3 after the surgery. I just bought a really good, tall, soft girdle and I wore it all the time except to shower and to sleep. The worst part about the Tummy Tuck was that I had drains for 3 weeks and stitches for almost 5. I thought I was going to have them forever. It made the most incredible difference in my appearance. My surgeon removed over 18 pounds of fat and skin. I walked out of the hospital weighing 171. The people that dropped me off at the hospital were in shock when they picked me up the next morning. I was a size 16 on the day of the tummy tuck because of the huge roll. I went immediately to a size 10 and within 6 weeks was very easily in a size 8. The scar is still not to pretty but I have a completely flat tummy for the first time in my life. It made the most incredible different in my appearance.
   — DeeDubbs

February 5, 2002
Hi I had hernia repair/panniculectomy on 12/4/01. I took tylenol in the hospital once for a headache and no other pain relievers. I did have a problem with being nauseus and not being able to eat or drink for three days but I had hardly any pain. I spent two nights in the hospital but could have went home after one. I did have to walk stooped over for a couple of weeks but it was worth it not to have my incision open up like I've read happened to other people. I know what you mean about being nervous. I was more nervous for this surgery than I was for my bypass. My hernia was in my upper abdomen so my doctor cut from under my breasts to my crotch and from hip to hip. I feel so wonderful now. For the first time in years I can wear a tight shirt and not have rolls. I actually have a waist again. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Take pictures. I took before pictures and pictures from two weeks later. I need to take more now. Sometimes it is hard for me to remember what it looked and felt like before the surgery so all I do now is look at the pictures. Good Luck!
   — Helen C.

February 5, 2002
i had hernia repair with abdominoplasty last july 31. the first two hours in recovery was the most excruciating pain i ever experienced, and i have had 7 surgeries. perhaps because i also had an epidural with my open RNY and not with this surgery. but, once it was controlled, i was fine. the doctor and nurses couldn't believe i was able to get up without assistance and walked so much. those hours of pain were definitely worth it to me. i was in the hospital 3 days. i went on a vacation, taveling by car, on September 7. wear your binder constantly. be sure you understand how to empty your drains. remember that pain pills can cause constipation, and you sure don't want to deal with that after this kind of surgery. you won't regret it!
   — [Deactivated Member]