POSTED UNDER Panniculectomy REVIEWS
34 Yo, Heart Failure So No More Babies, Need This Hanging Skin Gone! - Gainesville FL
ORIGINAL POST
In 2012 I had my last child and developed...
pannisladyJanuary 12, 2016
In 2012 I had my last child and developed Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (heart failure caused by pregnancy). My cardiologist suggested I not have any more kids (already have 3) as the risk of developing heart failure again is significant. My eldest son is going to be 16 this year and I have had an large hanging apron of skin since his birth. Since I am no longer allowed to have children, its time to get my pannus amputated! I went in for a consult and the surgeon was pretty sure insurance would cover it since it is so large, and guess what... they said yes!! I went in for my preop last week where I received the final approval for surgery. I go in on Jan 25th and it's so surreal that this flap that I've had my entire adult life (had my son when I just turned 19) will be gone. I am excited to see what my body can do once it's gone. It really inhibits exercise and fun things like horseback riding (makes it hard to post or go into 2 point as it just lays on the saddle). I had originally been referred to surgery when my primary was concerned that a lot of the drugs I had to take during heart failure was causing me ongoing issues now, since things like medicines store in the fat. I can't wait to see what the changes will be both physically and mentally once this excess skin and fat is removed! I will post before pics soon :)
UPDATED FROM pannislady
4 days pre
5 days until surgery & pics
pannisladyJanuary 20, 2016
So I have 5 days until surgery. I am not nervous weirdly enough, in fact I am kind of apathetic.. So I'm thinking reality hasn't set in. My kids threw away my surgical soap so I need to get more from my PS. My biggest fear is coming out of this surgery still looking pregnant. My last child was 10lbs so I think muscle repair will be needed, but the dr will evaluate during surgery. I can't believe I am posting these pics :/
Replies (5)
January 21, 2016
Good luck! Happy for you!! Life changer for sure
January 21, 2016
I am so excited and proud of you for posting the pics, something I am not brave enough yet to do :(
January 21, 2016
Yeah, it was a .... Here we go.. Kind of moment. I mean my boyfriend of 18 yrs hasn't even seen me like this. After 16 yrs of having this skin, I am great at hiding it. Weird how I trust complete strangers to see something that my closest friends and family haven't seen, but it's such a positive community, I felt safe. You should too, it's a little liberating :)
January 22, 2016
We're all about supporting each other here so feel free to post pics when you're comfortable. Pannislady, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and for being so helpful to our community members. I just love the kindness in this group!
UPDATED FROM pannislady
3 days pre
Hard questions
pannisladyJanuary 21, 2016
So a friend just asked me if I was excited about having my body back and I had to stop for a minute and really think of what it would be like.
Here's the thing, I got pregnant when I was 18 and have had the hanging skin since then. Asking me if I am excited about what it would be like to get rid of the hanging skin and get my abs back in order is like asking me about my time before I became a parent.. I really can't remember the time before I had this hanging skin. I've had it my entire adult life. Almost half of my life I've been "disfigured". I've hid it for 16 years. I can't remember the last time I've worn pants or shorts. I cant even envision how much or how little my life will change. Part of me is scared it won't change that much. Almost to the point where i am not allowing myself to get excited. What if I still hate my body? What if I still look horrible in pants?
This is all rhetorical anyways because I guess I won't know until after surgery. But it was just a question that caught me off guard and I thought I'd share.
Here's the thing, I got pregnant when I was 18 and have had the hanging skin since then. Asking me if I am excited about what it would be like to get rid of the hanging skin and get my abs back in order is like asking me about my time before I became a parent.. I really can't remember the time before I had this hanging skin. I've had it my entire adult life. Almost half of my life I've been "disfigured". I've hid it for 16 years. I can't remember the last time I've worn pants or shorts. I cant even envision how much or how little my life will change. Part of me is scared it won't change that much. Almost to the point where i am not allowing myself to get excited. What if I still hate my body? What if I still look horrible in pants?
This is all rhetorical anyways because I guess I won't know until after surgery. But it was just a question that caught me off guard and I thought I'd share.
Replies (5)
January 22, 2016
I'm 7 days post op. And I like what I see. I look pregnant but it's the swelling! It hurts but t
Be faithful with your meds. I just started just taking 1 hydro, but faithful with my muscle relaxer. I have some pics up. But I will be uploading more tomorrow. Good luck. I was terrified but the worst is over now the waiting.
Be faithful with your meds. I just started just taking 1 hydro, but faithful with my muscle relaxer. I have some pics up. But I will be uploading more tomorrow. Good luck. I was terrified but the worst is over now the waiting.
January 22, 2016
I read your review and I felt compelled to comment and possibly provide some sense of ease. :) I had my surgery on Sept. 14th 2015. I also wondered how my results were going to be etc.. I kept my expectations realistic. However, I thought that any improvement was better than what I had. I also had some hanging skin from having a baby in my 40's and my body never snapped out of it. This was indeed a lift changing event for me which I embraced with open arms. The moment I woke up from surgery I felt a huge sense of relief. Everyone has different results, everyone heals differently. I also want to add that after surgery everyone maintains / or doesn't continue to maintain their initial results. This is an ongoing process from the day of surgery. I feel as though my body has been given a second chance and I try to respect that by exercising everyday & counting every calorie that goes into my system. Keep in mind, that is what helps me and again we are all different. I am so very happy that you get the opportunity to have surgery and I wish you Happy Healing. I cant wait to see your results. I have posted before and after pictures in my review as well. I hope they help as other reviews helped me with my journey. P.S. don't let the swelling get you down.. lol It gets better every day and week that passes :)
January 26, 2016
Hi, you probably already had your procedure done... Don't you feel liberated? The first step you took when you got off the bed ... Did you not feel the weight lifted off your thighs? The relief on your neck? Yes, you are probably sore... But it is only gonna get better ... I believe it ... I'm 3 weeks post op.. Everyday I have to say is better! Stay focused and positive .. No matter how you feel right now.. Tomorrow will be better! Pain and discomfort will pass and you will begin to appreciate the smaller things .. You had forgotten about how it felt .. Example wearing underwear that will fit properly.. I don't have to wear them backwards anymore.. Hang In there! Stay positive !
Replies (12)