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sjfink

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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Posts posted by sjfink


  1. I’m not sure what a “full tummy tuck” entails, so it’s hard to say. I’m in Seattle & had a lower body lift with fleur de lis Tummy Tuck (no lipo) as an outpatient procedure at a surgical center & it was ~$13k. Will you be inpatient at a hospital? There are so many variables to consider, but as much as cost is an issue, I wouldn’t let that be a deciding factor. How did you feel about the surgeon? If you weren’t 100% comfortable & confident in their ability, keep looking!



  2. I pretty much lived in the recliner for the first 3-4 days after surgery. I wouldn't say it's an absolute necessity, but if you have easy access to one, take advantage of it. I didn't have a walker, and after the first week I wouldn't have used it anyway. I completely lost my appetite for the first couple of weeks… it was like the early post sleeve days… I was living on Protein Shakes & Greek yogurt. If your surgeon hasn't provided it, full body compression garment is a must. And LOTS of pillows!! Good luck!



  3. I had a vertical thigh lift in May (had LBL/fleur de lis in Feb & breast lift in Apr). The thigh recovery was the most difficult by far. I was fortunate & didn't have any incision openings, but I did spit a lot of internal stitches… mostly in the groin incisions. I was in the same compression garment as I used for my LBL, but only wore it for ~3 weeks because it was causing serious cankles! My surgeon said it was ok to stop, and honestly, the swelling in my thighs wasn't too bad. My best advice is to take it easy! I hope you have a smooth recovery!




  4. Hi! This is basically the same one my surgeons office gave me, except it is knee length (not cafe). Only issue is it's likely a size too big. So I wear it and a binder with Velcro 'arm's that I can wrap around and adjust. They have ordered me the size smaller and it should be here tomorrow (back order). I wear them 24/7 basically, besides showers and changing clothes. When I confirmed how tight the compression should be with the surgeon, he said 'tight!! But not causing blisters'. Was yours that tight? The garment I have like the one you had, I can easily get it one by myself - no issues. They always ask if I need help, like it should be so tight I can't get into it myself, lol.

    Did you ever get pretty intense pain from swelling? Like in one specific spot?

    Thank you,
    Erinn



    Mine was pretty tight, but I was determined to be self sufficient as soon as possible & was able to get it on & off without help within a few days. Granted, it took a while to do it, but it got easier with practice!

    I wouldn't say I had intense pain from swelling, but it was noticeable and uncomfortable. It does get better!!



  5. Sjfink May I ask where you got your surgery in Seattle?




    I had my surgeries (I also had breast & inner thigh lifts) with Dr Eric Harris at Eviva. I'm debating whether I want to do my arms & upper back, but after having 3 surgeries in 2 1/2 months, I'm just focusing on working out again (with all of the recovery time, I couldn't exercise for over 4 months).



  6. Thank you My quote for the upper tummy was $9000 that is just the doctor fee not including Hospital Fees I think I just might have to search around I'm in Seattle Washington area and have BCBSIL anyone in the group in my area??




    I'm in Seattle with Regence. They required documentation of abscess that required drainage in order to cover anything, so I was self pay. I had a 360 lower body lift with a fleur de lis Tummy Tuck, because I had a lot of excess skin above & below the belly button, and I'm super happy with my results.



  7. Would anyone who's had this procedure share pictures I'm really concerned about the fat above the belly button that won't be touch. unfortunately I can't afford to do a Tummy Tuck ... I had my weight loss surgery in 2013 and have lost 80 lbs and exercise about 3 times a week and can't get rid of the stomach fat




    If your insurance is covering the panniculectomy, I know that some surgeons will let you self pay the difference in cost to have a full tummy tuck. The panniculectomy won't do anything to improve the area above the belly button, it's just removing the skin below. Good luck!



  8. My surgery is scheduled for September 8th. It doesn't even sound like there is a pre-op appointment. It sounded like I will get some calls from the hospital. One to go over medical history and another to schedule the time of the surgery.

    Since your surgery is at a hospital (not a surgical center), they'll likely have you arrive a bit earlier for the pre-op testing. If you're worried, definitely call your surgeon's office to confirm!! I'm sure they won't mind… and better safe than sorry.



  9. That's the thing. This doctor doesn't seem to be suggesting I get that done and that kind of concerns me. Maybe they're waiting for my check to clear first. I may just do it on my own and schedule an appointment with my primary care doctor.

    I can't remember if you have a date already or if you've already had your pre-op appointment. For any surgery, they typically require an EKG within 90 days & the blood work (CBC & CMP) within 30. Maybe you'll get those orders at your pre-op visit??



  10. The worst of the swelling lasted 3-4 weeks. After that, it was mostly when I over did it that the swelling would come back. I'm almost 4 months post op, and swelling isn't an issue.

    Give it another week or 2, and then look at swelling as your body's way of telling you to slow down!



  11. First, congratulations on your great weight loss & having a date for the next step! If you're just having a panniculectomy and not a full Tummy Tuck, the recovery shouldn't be too bad. The muscle repair they do in the TT is the most painful part! You'll definitely want to get up and move around frequently, just like after your bypass. Drains are uncomfortable, but caring for them isn't bad. I'm sure you'll do great!


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