59 Year Old / 5C Sections/ Three Children / 5'9" / 209 Lbs

Two years ago I went to my private physician for re-occurring rashes below my belly along with backache. I was given a referral to one of the top plastic surgeons in Fresno. He told me told to lose weight and come back, he was brutally honest and insensitive to my feelings ...I was approved through my insurance carrier Blue Shields that panniculectomy procedure would be covered, due to personal necessity. I joined Planet Fitness a gym, at the same time I went and researched plastic surgeries and PS the area and out of town... I chose Dr. John Barnett here in Fresno California. My surgery was July 5, 2017 .... I had a panniculectomy and Lipo to my flanks. I worked out hard at Planet Fitness only a $10 a month membership. Ate smaller portions, NO sweets and kept busy in my yard and with a four year old grandson.
I went from a size 20 to a size 16.. The clothing of today it's very snug fitting and not appropriate for me with my weight. My husband and son were my biggest motivators and support. I also want to return back to the work pat time retired o early.. I m able o buy jeans. I will regain my self esteem again. I have faith in God and through him all this is possible. A special thank you to REAL SELF and everyone who contributes their stories ...you have given me hope, faith, encouragement and taught me much....I love you and thanks again????. Now it is my turn to share my testimony my story..????

Prepare yourself with waterproof pads (3x3) for break thru bleeding; to protect from staining car seat, bed, chairs. TIP: Proxcide removes blood.
Have gauze, sterile pads and surgical tape available to change your dressing between visits. Oversize pants, shorts, pj bottoms and underwear should be large and comfortable. NO one piece gowns. Make A pouch or bag to hold your drain pumps.....

The days after my surgery I slept on my bed. Not recommended. Now using a recliner with handle to raise legs, mine can lay me back, too! I suggest you rent one or even better, an automatic with lift for a week or two. Be sure to have the on-call nurse contact phone no. Readily available. Double checked with your PS in case wrong number is given to you from the discharge hospital. It could save you a trip via ambulance to the hospital.
Please know the first days after surgery are the most difficult. You need assistance and TLC for A couple of weeks. ???? I hope my update can help you. We are all here RS to help And support one another... No photos with sexy underwear to show off yet..

Every day gets better.. I do you have more swelling and tenderness in my stomach and flanks..panniculectomy w/Lipo on flanksI was now prepared to choose MY PLastic Surgeon during my scheduled post op appt. I needed to see him again. It had been a year since my consultation with him.... I think that is a normal request. But, office said I would be able to, during the pre op, before the scheduled surgery date. Which was July 5, 2017 ....... OK, maybe that's the way it works now?Never-the-less I had to see him and ask questions, see and hear his response. I needed him to show and mark with a marker, exactly where the cutting would be on "My Body"... that was the exact moment I chose Dr. John Barnett....I went to my doctors referral.. I spoke to other doctors and especially nurses... I had several consultations even from Stanford. I made the best decision for myself..... I am hopeful the results will be grater than my expectations. I paid out of pocket for Lipo on my flanks. Perhaps, if I had more additional monies for self-improvement to look younger..... I would have wanted more plastic surgeries. But, I do not.. I am thankful, that I could have this long awaited procedure that means the world to me.... ???? Upon discharge, I encountered a nurse with no empathy for me, no dressing or tape or pads given in case of breakthrough bleeding .... she also gave me the wrong phone number, for the nurse on call in case of an emergency. I had bleeding and my pumps lost suction. I was scared and thought I had pulled out a drain pump.. As instructed on the discharge papers I called 911 and was transported to a hospital at 12 midnight... All is ok with my surgery, thanks to GOD. I believe, accountability is warranted in this situation and it will be addressed.Also if CARE Credit is finally approved and credit card arrives two days later, we should have a choice to apply to PS and receive our monies paid out-of-pocket returned in a timely fashion, especially if paid by cash.......