Panniculectomy for Flabby Abdomin Below Belly Button - Great Falls, MT

Went to the doctor today. I weigh 20lbs less than when I had the surgery. My incision is irritated from the binder that they have had me wearing. My incision is lower than normal because of my body shape so I am now wearing a body shaper which is way more comfortable than the velcro binder. It is a bit tight right at the pubic area directly below where my belly button is now but the shaper will stretch out. Living in Montana you do not have much choice in shopping so I have ordered two shapers a size larger from Macy's so should be way more comfortable. I started out with three suction tubes. I still have one which we should be able to take out in a few days. The fluid level has to be 30 or less before I can take it out. I am going fishing on Saturday in the boat, I feel great, so long as I take my Tylenol about every 6 to 8 hours. I took the pain meds for two days and have been doing Tylenol ever since. The secret is to keep up the Tylenol just like the pain meds. I am not really in pain, just like an irritation on the incision and the Tylenol keeps that away also. I would recommend anyone that has the flabby stomach below the belly button to do what I did. Doctor says that it will be 3 to 6 mos before incision is completely soft and healed. I have not tried on any clothes yet but I am returning to work tomorrow so we will see what is comfortable. With the tubes I have just been wearing long skirt and top when I go out. Baggy pants will be fine with just one tube in, not really a hassle once you get use to it.

I do not have pictures yet. I had a hanging stomach from pregnancy and from being so over weight for so long. I am going to be 60 in August and thought I would rather be gone with this now than to wait for weight loss that has not happened the last 30 years. I have always weighed over 200 lbs since my daughter was born and gravity was taking its toll. I am active with snow shoeing, bike riding, fishing, hiking gardening and life in general and I will just be able to get around easier. I also have arthritis bad in my back (from life in general) Obviously my legs have been working overtime most of my life. I am excited to have had this procedure done and know that I will be more comfortable the rest of my life. My surgery was done around 2PM. I was in a hotel room and resting by 9:30PM (was out of town so did not want to travel home) Did not have to stay at the hospital overnight. I have three tubes that are a pain in the butt, but worth having the procedure done. I have taken two weeks off from work. I have a pretty slack job in the Summer so should be fine going back after that. Will update in a week I recommend talking to your doctor about having this done. I am not sure what the cost is going to be until it is billed to my insurance. This is a "preventative" procedure