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POSTED UNDER Panniculectomy REVIEWS

Panniculectomy & Hernia repair....46 yr old

ORIGINAL POST

I had gastric bypass back in 2000. I have...

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nativeprincess35May 12, 2014
I had gastric bypass back in 2000. I have maintained a 150+ lb weight loss and now need hernia repair and a panniculectomy. Been having issues with my pannus since a hysterectomy in 2012 leaving me unable to get much physical activity in. I have platued at my current weight for over a year and would love to loose at least 70 more lbs. Hoping the panniculectomy will help me reach my next goal.

nativeprincess35's provider

Cherrie Heinrich, MD

Cherrie Heinrich, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

nativeprincess35

nativeprincess35 rating for Dr. Heinrich:

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
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Time spent with me
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Replies (15)

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momof3NC
May 13, 2014
I had a panni myself on April 30. It's listed under tummy tuck, but since I had no muscle repair I believe it's classified as a panniculectomy. My results are pleasing to me! Take a look at my before and after :) good luck, when is your surgery?
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nativeprincess35
May 13, 2014
OMG momof3NC...you did it while awake? I think I am lucky enough that I have a huge apron to be removed and a hernia to be repaired, so I will be out cold. No lipo for me. This is just the first step of many to get to my finish line. Thank you for your information. I am currently waiting to hear from the PS nurse for a go ahead date. They have to get the approval from Hospital Admin since mine is Medicare and they don't prior auth. I hope to hear soon...the hernia is really starting to hurt on a regular basis.
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momof3NC
May 13, 2014
Yes, I was awake. I'm on day 13 and getting stronger everyday. Keep me updated!
K_at_RealSelf
May 14, 2014
Welcome and thanks so much for sharing your journey with us!

Congratulations on your weight loss, that's a huge achievement and you've worked really hard to get where you are, you should be very proud.

Have you chosen a doctor, or set a date yet for the surgery?
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nativeprincess35
May 15, 2014
I had been working with my local hospital and general surgeon for the hernia repair and the local cosmetic surgeon for the panni, but apparently they feel I would be better served by seeing a different specialist in St. Paul MN. I guess it ended up being more complicated then they could deal with. So I have an appt with this other specialist next week. I hope this isn't a long drawn out process to get me set for surgery.
K_at_RealSelf
May 15, 2014
Do you know what kind of specialist they're sending you too?
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nativeprincess35
June 11, 2014
I was sent to a surgeon who specializes with hernia repairs. She said I did not have a complicated hernia, just that i am a complicated case since I am still a large gal, have a very large panni and have so many scars from previous surgeries. This hernia is from a previous surgical site .
K_at_RealSelf
June 11, 2014
Ah okay, well that makes sense, you want the best looking after you! It's a shame your appointment got pushed back a week, but it will be here before you know it.:-)
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NanaSexyDiva2014
October 20, 2014
Princessnative35 I'm so happy to see you smiling... Things will get better. Remember Gods is great. How are you feeling sweetie. I just wanted to let you know I'm feeling just wonderful...
zoezac2
December 19, 2014
Thanks for your post! I am scheduled for Panniculectomy on 2/5/2015. The pictures were very helpful. I was getting nervous and couldn't decide which way to go. I am 62 years old and wish I had money for tummy tuck, however if I did then I would rather get my arms done instead. Who knows maybe when I save enough. Good luck on your recovery and thanks again for helping me understand the process better. I am sure you are helping many others as well. Happy Holidays! Mary
Marezy
October 10, 2015
I know this upper posting is old but I do not have coverage for cosmetic surgeries. BUT AFTER A 250 LOSS A PANNICULECTOMY was paid for. HORRIFIC OUTCOME FOR ME DUE TO THE ENTIRE 3O" INCISION BURSTINGBOPEN BUT HEALED FROM THE INSIDE OUT AFTER 3 MONTH 100%..and it was worth it ..all my lower excess skin gone they cut of 20 lbs.
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nativeprincess35
October 10, 2015
Marezy.....if you read my other review on the Panniculectomy I also had the procedure and a wound vac. Not because the incision burst open but because it was reopened after an infection. I agree with you.....it has been worth it although I am still healing to this day. I have horrible lymphodema and swelling in the stomach and was told it might last for a while because of all the trauma to the lymph system from multi surgeries and the hernia repairs.
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nativeprincess35
October 15, 2015
sorry...I should have said the entire review of the panni.
UPDATED FROM nativeprincess35
4 months pre

More hoops to jump through.

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nativeprincess35May 15, 2014
I got a call yesterday from my local hospital that I am being referred to a different kind of specialist in St. Paul MN. I guess with the general surgeon and the cosmetic surgeon got together to iron out the details it ended up being a bit more complicated than they first thought. Nothing can be simple for me. Feeling a bit discouraged.

Replies (4)

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nativeprincess35
June 11, 2014
Well, I was supposed to meet with the plastic surgeon from this new group tomorrow. The office called yesterday to inform me that the receptionist scheduled me with a doctor who does not to panni's. Not sure why the hernia specialist aked to be scheduled with him...but they got me reschuled with a PS who does do Panni's. Thank goodness it is only a week out....i was panicking that it would be another month to get it. I was about to give up and just have the hernia repair done....it is causing so much pain I can't take it much longer.
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nativeprincess35
June 11, 2014
sorry....I didn't mean for this to be a comment. :-(
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tweety2809
November 11, 2015
Don't be discouraged. Take it to God in prayer.
msmadkitty59
May 30, 2016
It seems you have worked really hard for what you have I know how discouraging it can be but don't give up keep going and plan to reward yourself with something nice when you reach your goal trust me I know I'm working on a goal of my own and in the mean time I lost my baby son which makes it much harder because he was also my best friend as well but I have his words stuck in my head you can do anything you put your mind to mom and you are one of the strongest persons I know and I'm proud of you. Good Luck you have people behind you that you may not even know about. Make a blog and see how many followers you can get and maybe some are on the same journey your on it may help with the ups and downs.
UPDATED FROM nativeprincess35
3 months pre

I just can't get a break!

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nativeprincess35June 11, 2014
Well, I was supposed to meet with the plastic surgeon from this new group tomorrow. The office called yesterday to inform me that the receptionist scheduled me with a doctor who does not to panni's. Not sure why the hernia specialist aked to be scheduled with him...but they got me reschuled with a PS who does do Panni's. Thank goodness it is only a week out....i was panicking that it would be another month to get it. I was about to give up and just have the hernia repair done....it is causing so much pain I can't take it much longer.

Is it just me that keeps getting all these weird scheduling and doctor issues?

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