SaRose

Hi Everyone I had a panniculectomy done in December to remove my excess skin on my abdomen. I am wondering if anyone else has had this and still 9 months later had significant pain when wearing a belt, or jeans that fit just right? It is not instant, but within an hour or two of wearing something around my waist that's a little tight, I have significant inner abdominal pain. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Thanks, Sarah

Hi everyone !

Has anyone had an abdominal panniculectomy after WLS? I scheduled mine for December but wondering what recovery looks like and how it compares to the pain/recovery from Gastric Bypass Surgery. Any thoughts/input would be appreciated! Thanks, Sarah

Yes, it is definitely around the scar, but the pain does travel right along the initial incision site/scar. I just had hoped that almost 10 months later I would be able to wear jeans without this significant pain.

CatWoman7 is definitely right. I did nto plan on having plastic surgery when I planned on my Gastric Bypass. I knew my body wouldn't fully recover, and I would have a "pouch" of fat, but I was okay with that. I started getting really bad infections under my belly, where my skin would overhang and also in my belly button, i was provided powder by my surgeon to help with the itching/pain, but it was constant. I ended up visiting my surgeon for three months in a row, they documented the issue, and my insurance covered my surgery almost completely, but it all depends on your insurance.

It went well for the most part, I am happy with the results, though I didn't realize they would have to move my belly button to make it look more normal because of the removal of access skin. I will say that there was a concern during my hospital stay as I continued to lose a lot of blood, and there was discussion of a blood transfusion, however after the third day, my hemoglobin stabilized and so there was no need for a transfusion luckily. I had some lightheaded/near fainting moments within a week of the surgery, but nothing after that, and I've always suffered from lightheadedness due to low blood pressure. The drains were uncomfortable, but not as bad as I thought. One was removed three weeks after surgery, and the other about 4 weeks after. A few things I wish I knew prior- Showering on my own was impossible, as I couldn't get my arms above my head for about a week post-op. I don't know why, but even now, 9 months later, I still have some pain when wearing pants the fit around my abdomen (such as jeans, or a belt) but it has lessened over time so I'm hoping it'll take care of its self with time. Definitely identify some loose fitting clothing while you have the drains in, so you can be comfortable and if needed you can go out in public. I hope all this info helps you. Please let me know if you have any other questions!

Hi everyone ! Has anyone had an abdominal panniculectomy after WLS? I scheduled mine for December but wondering what recovery looks like and how it compares to the pain/recovery from Gastric Bypass Surgery. Any thoughts/input would be appreciated! Thanks, Sarah

Thank you! That’s very helpful

How long were you out of work/how long do you suggest taking off work?