Panniculectomy: Stories

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A Lot of Pain but Totally Worth It - Ontario, CA

  • posted 7 months ago
  • updated 19 days ago
  • 2 weeks post surgery
  • One day before surgery
  • 3 weeks post surgery
  • 6 weeks post op
  • 6 weeks post op
  • 7 week post op, fully dressed
  • 6 Months post op. No visible scars!
  • From a size 24 to a size 8 and LOVING IT!!
  • Side view in my new favorite Size 8 Dress!!!
  • Yep I am brave enough now to take a photo in sexy linjerie...
  • Side view...NO tummy!!!
  • Before
  • Drains in.
  • Yep a sexy fitted corset and Its a size S/M.
  • Before full view
  • After Surgery- The day drains where removed.
  • Here is the pillow that came in handy. Walmart has them starting at $16.
  • Palmers saved me from scars. Do not use Vitamin E is will stretch your scars and make them worse.
  • side view in corset FLAT!!! Wohoo
  • Before weight loss 240lbs
  • During weight loss 180lbs
  • Before the weight gain at 95lbs in 1994.

After loosing 90 lbs (naturally) I decided it was...

  • 5 Nov 2012
  • 13 days post

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.

Update: Drains have been out for six days, I am...

  • 12 Nov 2012
  • 20 days post
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.

Yes 6 months later things are wonderful. Extremely...

  • 17 Apr 2013
  • 6 months post
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~~~

Please Comment, ask questions and press the "Thank...

  • 27 Apr 2013
  • 6 months post
Please Comment, ask questions and press the "Thank You" button if anything you have read here has been helpful.

Cute clothes that I can not fit into anymore will...

  • 27 Apr 2013
  • 6 months post
Cute clothes that I can not fit into anymore will be sold on ebay (for cheap) if anyone is interested.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/valarieb714/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

Okay gals, I was getting questions on how much I...

  • 5 May 2013
  • 7 months post
Okay gals, I was getting questions on how much I weighed before, during and after. I posted photos from beggining to end. From the time I was 95lbs (before weight gain), to 240lbs (after weight gain), to 180lbs (during weight loss) and the photos before surgery and after. Hope this gives you a full sense of how my body has been through hell and back. Now at 40 years old I am one happy and comfortable person.

I am still here for questions. I will update more...

  • 11 May 2013
  • 7 months post
I am still here for questions. I will update more after photos soon.

Down another 6lbs. I am now 139lbs. The surgery...

  • 13 May 2013
  • 7 months post
Down another 6lbs. I am now 139lbs. The surgery has given me so much more hope and energy for continuing to loose weight and staying fit.

New picture

  • 30 May 2013
  • 7 months post
So how are all the ladies out there? Any new updates from you all?

Great review?

My Doctor: Dr. Karamura

My rating:

Doctor's Bedside Manner
Answered My Questions
After Care Follow-Up
Time Spent With Me
Phone or Email Responsiveness
Staff Professionalism & Courtesy
Payment Process
Wait Times

Dr. Kawamura was very helpful before surgery and he has wonderful hands/ talent!

Comments (174)

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How do you feel about no muscle repair and what was the deciding factor not to do that? I don't want it and I think your stomach looks as good as the people who do MR, so not sure why I should do it. any info would be helpful and if you know of others on here who have pics and did no MR, please let me know so I can look them up - thanks! I have a fear of not being able to do my normal exercise routine for a long time or even permanently for certain exercises if I do the MR
  • Reply
I don't know anyone that has had it. But I hear there is more down time when you get it.
  • Reply
how much did you pay.. did you only get cut below the belly butto. how long did you have the drains and how many drains
  • Reply
I only had a copay. My ins paid for the rest. I was cut below belly button and they removed my belly button and relocated it. I had 2 drains one one each side and only had them in for couple weeks.
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This is super exciting to see all my girls getting the panni done. I am very happy to be apart of it and glad I can help in any way possible. Congrats ladies. lots of love!!!
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my panni was scheduled for today but when i got there and talked to my surgeon, he realized i am ok for the gastric sleeve and wants to do that first. i'll keep you updated. thanks for all your input valarie! its helped me prepare for these next steps!
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Val They recalled me for tomorrow, so it is a go! Operation at 11:30 am. Thanks for your support
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Good luck girl keep us posted. :)
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your results will be mind blowing I have been out of surgery for 3 weeks and I cannot believe it
  • Reply
Should I try to take off the few pounds I gained. How hard was it to get OHIP to approve?
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Try to lose the weight before surgery as they don't recommend losing it after. It was easy for me to get approved. Every Ins is different.
  • Reply
I am going for a consult in Scarborough in July! I had lost 94 lbs. and maintained for a year and a half. I'm up a little as I was feeling a little down with my stomach hanging and sagging. I'm hoping OHIP will cover it. Any advice?
  • Reply
Just let them know how uncomfortable the hanging skin is and let them know your getting rashes under the hanging pouch. The more you stress it the more they will be inclined to take care of it.
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My advice is also to allow the rash to flare up a little and go in to see the doctor with it like that because then they will definitely be more inclined! My panni is scheduled for Thursday, May 16th at 11am... I'm excited! Will post pix eventually!
  • Reply
My surgery got delay from Tuesday until June 3. I could feel my heart. How long did you do the liquid diet? I am thinking of working out like a madman to see if I can lose a few more lbs.
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I guess it would help to do that but I didn't as a matter of fact, I ate good because I knew I wouldnt be able to eat now... I've been eating lots of fruit, protein smoothies. Just eating healthy is my new lifestyle. I eat now but get full rather quickly..ttys
  • Reply
Ok so off and now back on. Glad its on again. Good luck. Get some rest we will chat soon. xoxo
  • Reply
Ok ladies just making sure you have all pressed the "Thank You" Button at the top of my page. I appreciate it. :)
  • Reply
Trying to upload pictures and need help!!!!
  • Reply
Go to profile and there should be a tab to add a photo.
  • Reply
I wrote a review and added photos under the review. Not sure if you can add more then one photo without writing a review.
  • Reply
Each time I go there, I only see username and where Im from..
  • Reply
Call me I sent my number to your inbox.
  • Reply
Valerie how do I upload the photos. Please let me know. Thanks I can't wait to share with everyone. Thanks so much for your assistance, really appreciated. Ttys, Vera
  • Reply
I have been out of surgery on Monday for two weeks and the results are amazing how long was it before us. we able to take a shower after surgery
  • Reply

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