51 Yo 2 Children Via C-section: Panniculectiony with Umbilical Hernia Repair After Almost 115 Lb Weight Loss Using Myfitnesspal

I've been approved for panniculectomy with umbilical hernia repair! I'm super excited and very nervous. I've had all my preop testing done now I'm waiting for surgery date. I originally had June 5 as my date but because she found a hernia we have to reschedule. My plastic surgeon will work with my general surgeon to get a date so that I can get it done together. I will also be able to spend the night in the hospital after the procedure. Thank goodness, that makes me feel a whole lot better. I've lost about 115 lbs from diet and no exercise. I couldn't because of the rashes I was getting every time I would try to exercise. I'm looking forward to getting back into the exercise game once I'm given the OK after surgery.

My journey started when my doctor (who I love) said "Kim, I think it's time to talk surgery" with my head hanging low I said a quite and sad "ok" My insurance requires you to diet for 6 months before you can have any sort of weight loss surgery so I started my journey with a weight loss doctor and nutritionist. I tracked my food on myfitnesspal each and every day. After 2 months my doctor said that I was losing weight like I had already had the surgery and if I keep doing what I'm doing I won't have to have weight loss surgery. Well, after 9 total months I was down almost 115 lbs and waiting for skin removal surgery.

I can't wait to get this excess skin off. I'm so nervous but I know I have to do this in order to move on to the next stage of my transformation. I feel so amazing and healthy, I want my skin to feel amazing too. I'm sick of the rashes and feeling my "apron" lay on my lap when I sit down. I'm sick of the itching and the sweating. I'm sick of having to wear the tight undershirts and undergarments to tuck it away. I'm so happy insurance approved my surgery.

Any advice from those of you that have had this done is welcome. I've had several surgeries in the past. A year and a half ago I had melanoma removed from my back. So far everything's good but I still have to get checked every 3 months for another 2 years. I've also had a couple major inner ear surgeries along with my children born via c-section, so I'm no stranger to the operating room. I've been reading stories here and researching online. My surgeon is fantastic as well as her team so that is covered. I guess I'm just a Nervous Nelly, lol. My husband and kids (18 & 20) will be here to help me afterward as well as my family who live close by so I'm pretty lucky there. I'll take any pointers you can offer me.

I'll post pictures once I get my surgery date settled. I'm hoping it will be close to my original date. :)

I had the surgery on June 12 and I've been recovering for the past 5 days. I was able to stay the night at the hospital. If your insurance let's you I highly recommend you do it. It really gives you piece of mind and any questions you have are answered right away. Plus I got 2 rounds of antibiotics through my IV as well as my pain meds. I went home the next morning. Since my surgery was I the afternoon I wasn't there for 24 hours so it didn't count as a full day. I got 1 drain out yesterday, I'm not gonna lie, it's a very weird sensation. I can't say that it hurts, it's just weird. I'm so glad that it's out, I hate the drains, they are so uncomfortable! I still have one in and look forward to getting it out. As far as pain goes, just stay on top of your pain medication. If you do that you should be fine. You will feel a burning and popping sensation under your skin but it's manageable. Also, it you have a rent a center in your area, rent a recliner that has a remote control that pushes you up to a standing possition. It's a life saver. I rented one for 2 weeks and it was $70 delI've red and if I want to keep it longer I just let them know and I can pay for 2 more weekw. There's no way I would have been able to sleep in my bed let alone get into it. I will try to figure out how to post my before and after pictures. I haven't taken after pictures yet because I can't bring myself to look at my incision yet. Once I do I'll post I'll post them. By the wat, my Dr took 8.5pounds of skin off. It looks great under my clothes. I can see my lap now! Would I suggest this surgery? 100% yes!

Here are the pictures. Sorry they're so dark.