MaggiesMom1999

www.myfitnesspal.com I LOVE it! Have used it for nearly 3 years now. they have an app for the android, iphone and blackberry. Best part, it is totally free! Leigh Alabama

I am at day 5 post-op and feeling better every day. My biggest problem right now is ITCHING! Some time Saturday I began to experience itching under the binder and it is getting worse every day. I am almost crazy right now with trying to scratch an itch that can't be reached under the binder and bandages. I am going to call the surgeon's office and see if I can take some Benadryl or something to try to help before I go completely insane.:thumbup: Otherwise, I am moving around well with little discomfort and sleeping on my side now (I just cannot sleep flat on my back).

No, just the panniculectomy. No money right now for anything extra so just went with what the insurance would cover. He wanted nearly $6000 cash to do a full tummy tuck beyond what the ins would pay for the panni. No money and don't want anymore credit bills right now.

Had my panni surgery yesterday. surgery about 8 a.m. and left the hospital heading home at 3 p.m. The doctor did not order any pain meds while I was still at the hospital so I was pretty uncomfortable but not really in pain. I have been taking the pain pills at home simply to ease things along so that getting up and down doesn't wipe me out. All in all, I would call it discomfort not pain. My doc says no showers/baths until the binder comes off and I am not to remove it until I see him in a week. My incision is completely hip to hip and a little around the sides because a large part of the "apron" was on my hips. A lot of drainage still and it makes me kind of queasy dealing with that but nothing horrible, just my weak stomach. I can't wait to be able to see the results. I still weigh exactly what I did before the surgery so don't know how that will work out after all the swelling goes down. Just taking it one day at a time right now.

My panni is scheduled for 10/13/10! Only a week to go! I am very interested in any info, too. Excited and nervous, ready to get it behind me. Leigh

Hi, Win! So glad you are up and about after your surgery! All details are appreciated. My panni is scheduled for 10/13/10 and I am excited / scared. Only one drain? How much did he remove? Did they take pictures? Is the compression garment difficult to on and off? When do you go back for your first check-up? Too many questions, I know.:rolleyes2: But I am dying for information! Thanks! And hope you have an easy recovery!:thumbdown:

I have been approved by ins for the panniculectomy. The PS told me it would be $6000 out of pocket above what the ins is paying for the panni for a TT. I just don't have it and can't afford the payments so it will just be the panni for now. I think even if I had the cash I would rather have my arms done than a TT because the arms are so visible and my muffin top is not too big and more easily disguised (and will ALWAYS be covered:blushing:). I would love to hear from any who have had the panniculectomy only as I have found very little to no info or pictures on the 'net, but a lot about the TT.

I have Tricare Prime and they immediately approved me for a panniculectomy; the doctor's office told me that I would have to pay the difference for a tummy tuck which is about $6000 out of pocket in addition to what the insurance pays for the panni. I just don't have the money or the ability to make payments on it right now so I am just going for the panni. I have my scheduling appt on the 21st and will find out then when I'll have it done. So excited!:smile: Leigh

I have the 10cc allergan band and am currently at 12.5cc. The first of June will 23 months since surgery; I lost 100 pounds in the first 9 months and about 25 pounds since then. Still need to lose about 30 to be what the charts call "normal" but another 10 would be great to me, although I can be happy where I am as long as I can maintain the loss.

Hey, I'm in South Alabama, Baldwin County, Robertsdale, to be exact, about 30 miles north of the Gulf. Had my surgery 7/1/2008 at Mobile Infirmary, Dr. Snow. You? :scared2:

I love www.myfitnesspal.com! Has an app for your iphone if you have one. Tracks food and exercise. Great tool, has been VERY helpful to me.

No, the band does not "stop" you from eating (unfortunately!). I wanted/hoped that it would, also. It does help with the hunger -- the true, physical hunger, not "head" hunger. I still fight the cravings night and day. MOST of the time, the band limits what I can eat by simply not allowing it to go down, the "stuck" issues, and I burp it back out. Except, of course, cookies and ice cream, which just go on down! I have 12cc in a 10cc band, had my surgery 7/1/2008 and have lost about 125 pounds. I am off all BP and diabetes meds so I am happy with where I am. I have lost weight many times in the past but have never been able to maintain the loss for this long a period of time. So far I am still losing just VERRRRRRRRRRRY slowly. So, all in all, I am content. I just keep working at it every day. I have a "bad" day every now and then but try to get back on the wagon the next day and keep working. I walk 30 minutes 2 or 3 times a week but that is my only exercise. Good luck and keep trying! :redface:

What did you have to do to get Tricare to cover the procedure? I have Tricare Prime (south region). I have lost 120 pounds in about 18 months, still need to lose 40 more to be what the charts call "normal". I may never make that but I'm pretty happy where I am, size 16. Lots --- LOTS! -- of loose skin! Turkey neck, bat wings, horrible saggy thighs and a huge tummy "apron". I do have issues with the rashes and such and have told every doctor that will listen about them (everyone says "document, document, document"). Anything else I can do to be on the right track? Thanks.

I am nearly 2 years out and just had a fill a couple weeks ago. Paid the copay only. I just have to check to be sure there is still an active referral on file each time or get a new referral from my PCM.

Yes, it does, but you have to have an active referral from your PCM. I only pay the copay each time. (South Region)