POSTED UNDER Panniculectomy REVIEWS
A Lot of Pain but Totally Worth It - Ontario, CA
ORIGINAL POST
After loosing 90 lbs (naturally) I decided it was...
WORTH IT
After loosing 90 lbs (naturally) I decided it was time to get a panniculectomy. With plenty of research and questions I found that it was right for me. The first couple of weeks are very painful, but so worth it. No more saggy skin or uncomfortable sitting. I would recommend anyone to get one just do a lot of your own research.
ValarieB's provider
Replies (2)
November 7, 2012
I am at 2 weeks so far. I was up and walking the very next day. I am not able to do normal activities at 100 percent yet but I am getting there. I am completely off medications and the scaring will be at a minimum. If anyone has questions I am happy to assist with their research.
UPDATED FROM ValarieB
20 days post
Update: Drains have been out for six days, I am...
Update: Drains have been out for six days, I am off all meds, I am up and moving at about 90 percent and I was able to take a real shower(so happy). I am still uncomfortable while sleeping but otherwise healing well. The scaring is already starting to heal (hard to believe). My stomach still feels alittle tight but thats what happens when they cut and stretch your skin. So far no stretch marks or and no issues have arised. Fingers crossed. I will update again soon.
Replies (23)
December 5, 2012
Did this surgery really only cost you $500?? All of my research indicates it's much more - closer to $5000. Did you have some sort of insurance to reduce the cost? Also, are you satisfied with your tummy now? With the scar?
Thanks a lot for any response!
December 5, 2012
Yes I had health insurance. The $506 was my deductible. My stomach is healing well and the scar is healing and will eventually be minimal. I am posting new picture for you to see results. It has only been 6 weeks since surgery. I am extremely satisfied.
December 14, 2012
What stipulations did you have for your doctors and insurance to agree to the surgery? I recently was told by a doctor to just deal with the issue even though I get rashes and severe pain. Needless to say I am devastated that they do not realize the effects this issue has on me. Congrats on your great new figure. :0)
December 14, 2012
I also had rashes, a line where my skin would hang down and pain. I was also having issues sitting for long periods of time. I had no issues with my insurance (Kaiser) they where wonderful. If you have any other questions feel free to ask. Thank you for the comment on my figure, its appreciated. :)
December 14, 2012
Did your regular doctor recommend this surgery or did you have to see a specialist?
December 14, 2012
I went to my Doctor and told him what I was trying to accomplish. He then referred me to a plastic surgeon (at Kaiser). They did evauluation and approved me same day. They then scheduled me for a class that was an hour long and had surgery 3 weeks later. I guess it all depends on your Doctors and insurance because Kaiser was the absolute smoothest insurance company I have ever been with and the Doctors are wonderful. I wouldn't change them for anything especially after how well surgery went.
January 7, 2013
I would like to talk to you about the panniculectomy. I am considering having it done & have a lot of questions.
January 7, 2013
You can email me here or at valarieg73@yahoo.com. I am happy to answer any questions you may have.
February 20, 2013
I am really happy for you I just got a letter from my insurance that I got approved
April 18, 2013
Hey Valerie I'm counting down now as my surgery is scheduled for 5/3/13... Little nervous but excited to get rid of muffin top...... I'm having a panniculectomy along with lipo to hip and back along with a but lift. Anything ou can provide o assist me would greatly be appreciated.... You look great! Hope to hear from you soon... Vera vwindham67@gmail.com
April 18, 2013
I would recommend Palmers coco butter for the scaring- it has worked wonders. DO NOT USE Vitamin E as all is does is stretch the scar to look thinner but in fact it will make it look worse in the long run. Make sure to drink alot of fluids after surgery and try to stay away from solid foods for the first week as you get constipated with these types of surgeries. I also would recommend purchasing more pillows, buy some that you will be able to throw away later. It will be hard to sit and pillows provide the much needed support. But don't use nice ones they will get pretty gross. Also wear your binder as long as you can physically handle it. The Dr only recommends wearing it for 6 -8 weeks but I found that wearing it longer helps your body form into a slimmer and tighter form. I am open to questions so just ask. Ttys... Valarie
April 24, 2013
Thanks Valerie for the info, going shopping this weekends for my pillows, palmers cocoa butter etc. I rented a recliner as I heard that it really helps. May 3rd is quickly approaching and I'm sure I'll have a ton of questions for you, it's nice to know that I don't have to face this alone. Thanks for your time as its truly appreciated. Ttys, vera
February 19, 2013
You look great. I am scheduled to get my panniculectomy performed on the 11th of April and I cant wait. Last year, I got circumferential lipo done on my abdomen and flanks but since I has stretch marks under my navel from my pregnancy, the skin is loose there. You can find my story under my profile. I cannot wait to have my panniculectomy done so that I can really bare my stomach. Does you navel look different? How much skin did your doc take off?
February 20, 2013
Thank you. I hope you surgery goes well. My navel looks exactly the same and you can barely see where they replaced it. I am now wearing bathing suits and no one has been able to tell what I had done as my bikini bottom covers hip to hip insicion and belly button is almost completely healed. He removed 6lbs of skin that took me down 4 sizes. I always had to buy bigger pants and have them altered to fit the skin. Now I wear a size 8 with no problems or alterations.
April 18, 2013
Hi Valerie, I am now 6 days post op and I am hating my muffin top above my incision! How long did it take for your swelling to go down...even if it was just halfway?
April 18, 2013
I did not have much swelling. But it usually takes 3-4 weeks to be completely gone. I would continue wearing your binder as long as you can. It works wonders!!!
March 3, 2013
did you have muscle repair?
April 18, 2013
Muscle repair is normally part of the procedure when you loose as much weight as I did.
UPDATED FROM ValarieB
6 months post
Yes 6 months later things are wonderful. Extremely...
Yes 6 months later things are wonderful. Extremely happy and the pain and scars are no more!!! I just got back from Vegas and was able to wear all the cute new clothes and even wore a sexy 2 piece at the pool. I just updated a couple photos..and yes I am still here for questions :) ~~~Valarie~~~
Replies (57)
April 18, 2013
If the information I provided has been helpful please submit a thank you or comment. All questions are welcome. I am happy to help before or after surgery. I am here along the way. It is a scary thing to go through but having someone with first hand knowledge makes thing easier phyiscally and mentally. :)
April 18, 2013
I am having my surgery done in Monday and I sm nervous but so excited at the sametime. I sm concerned about scaring and about pain after surgery
April 18, 2013
would suggest geting some sleep the night before although it will be hard because you will be nervous. Also don't bother to wear or take underwear as you will not be wearing them for about a week. Also put everything at chest level, you will not be able to stretch, lift or lift arms over your shoulders. Any specific questions?
April 18, 2013
You will obviously see the skin gone, but no not really you may have some swelling and lumps. But give it time you will slowly see the change and when you do you will be amazed!
April 23, 2013
Thank you so much..I'm just so soar
April 23, 2013
Believe me I completely understand. - I promise it will be worth it when your feeling less pain. If you can, start walking around. Make sure you go slow but start getting up and moving. The more you walk the faster you start healing. Don't lay around expecting to feel better. I am here for you
Hi Valarie,
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Your after pic looks awesome, you must be really pleased with your results! How long was the recovery period, after this surgery?