I am almost 100 percent positive I will have to have a panniculectomy. Just can't imagine my dangling tummy will cease to dangle considering its been hanging there for a good 15 years...

My question is, is it worth bothering with abdominal exercises if I'm going to get a panniculectomy anyway?

I am sure the ab exercises will help me look better faster but would I be better off spending that energy on my arms and thighs with the hopes of avoiding them needing surgery?

Just wondering what y'all think

It's always better to do a well-balanced exercise program. Plus, keep in mind that your panniculectomy is not going to do anything for your upper abdomen, really - it is a functional surgery that simply removes the excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen. You'd have to get a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) for it to include tightening abdominal muscles and skin up to the rib cage. Therefore, you'll want to get those muscles in shape so the upper abdomen doesn't look all soft and flabby.

That's a good point! Insurance wise, I'd only be be to get a panniculectomy. If I somehow make a ton of money (totally possible right?!) I'd go for a tummy tuck for sure. Time will tell

I definitely would do the ab workouts!

Strengthening your core should help before and after your surgery.

I am almost 100 percent positive I will have to have a panniculectomy. Just can't imagine my dangling tummy will cease to dangle considering its been hanging there for a good 15 years...

My question is' date=' is it worth bothering with abdominal exercises if I'm going to get a panniculectomy anyway?

I am sure the ab exercises will help me look better faster but would I be better off spending that energy on my arms and thighs with the hopes of avoiding them needing surgery?

Just wondering what y'all think[/quote']

You NEED to strengthen your core underneath! Believe me you'll be SO much happier with your results- also you need the muscle there and in your arms and back --- believe me- I was given that advice- and I did it, and boy did it ever work!

You need your arms and back to help you out after surgery!

Your tummy will be 100% better with some muscle underneath. :-) promise!

Yep! Mylifeinpink has summed it up nicely.

Work your ab muscles now and you will defo see the benefits when the skin is removed. Recovery is no walk in the park and for the first couple of weeks you will need strong arms and back to help you get in and out of bed without pulling on your tummy and scar.

When I was in hospital, the nurses were impressed that I could lift my whole body with just my arms and get out of bed in one 'sweep'. This certainly helped me over the next few weeks.

Oh, and although recovery is a long road, it is worth it to get rid of the skin! Good luck

Good question. I've been wondering the same.