Need some HELP, please

BeckyinTexas · November 11, 2008

My panniculectomy is scheduled for December 5th. I'm half freaked and the other half so excited I can hardly stand it. I have tons of questions and hope that someone that has already had this done can help me. Most of what keeps going through my mind is....how long is the down time; how bad is the pain; what limitations did you experience; will I be up and at 'em for Christmas; what can I expect afterwards; and last but not least are you satisfied with your surgery?

jjsmiles · November 11, 2008

Hi Becky

I recently had a panniculectomy as part of a 4 part major surgery. You can read about in the thread "in a bit of a panic..." in this forum.

Since I had major abdominal surgery (bowel resection, hernia repair and ileostomy reversal), I am not sure what is related only to the panniculectomy.

Here are some of the things you may see (you really need to talk to your ps because there are lots of different opinions/ experienceds):

1. You will likely have drains (2 or 3) after the surgery. Not difficult to take care of, but annoying. I have ongoing issues with Fluid collection along the scar line. My ps says when people have this issue, it can be long lasting. I had drains for almost 6 weeks and still go in on a weekly basis to get the Fluid drained out with a big needle. I wasn't allowed to shower while I had drains, but others have been permitted, so you need to ask.

2. If you are having a panni only, I don't think you will have muscle repair (you need to ask your ps). If I am correct, they will basically take the skin and fat from your lower abdomen and "lop" it off. You will have a scar from the back of one hip to the other (lower abdomen, above the genitals), but the pain is actually not bad, since the worst pain is when they cut thru muscle and that has to heal layer by layer. You will likely be numb along the surgery line for a long time, maybe forever (I am still numb 8 weeks later)

3. I had 45 staples - don't know if your ps uses staples or not - you will have to ask. I had 1/2 the staples removed about 10 days in and the other half about another 10 days in (I think I had them for a very long time though - they did all my procedures from the same incision)

4. If you don't have muscle repair, I am not sure of recovery, but with many ps you are very restricted in your activities for 4-6 weeks. In fact you may be told to do very little in terms of activity for the first week or so (kind of the opposite of most surgeries where they want you up and about as much as possible). Expect lots of swelling, which will take months and months to go down. Again, the pain shouldn't be that bad, but you may need help because of the limitations your surgeon puts on you.

5. You may need to wear a compression garment, basically 24/7. You need to check this out and get it ahead of time - get 2 as you will want to be able to wash one and wear one. Buy a bed wedge, so you can be propped up in bed - you will likely want to sleep on your back for a while and being propped up is easier on your back and makes it easier to get out of bed.

6. In terms of outcomes - do not expect the gorgeous pictures that you see on this website. With a panni - it is really not a cosmetic procedure per say. What will be gone is the skin and fat at the base of your abdomen (which is WONDERFUL), but your mid section will not change - you will still be caring the extra skin around your waist and top of belly area (they don't usually do Lipo with a panni). Also be prepared to have very large genitals at the end, if they don't do a mons lift (which I am pretty sure is not part of a panni - you should ask). I had never seen my genitals (always covered by skin and fat) and I am not impressed by what they look like now. I have a flat abdomen, but my genitals are all puffy and fat. From what I can see, your genitals stay fat, even when you have lost weight (or maybe it is just me). I think my ps is planning to do something about it, but he won't talk about it until the rest of my complications resolve.

You should read through the threads here to get an idea of other's experiences. Most on this forum have a full tt, but you will get the idea of what to expect, as the surgery is basically the same, but a tt involves muscle repair and sometimes lipo. A panni is an easier procedure, but the scar is the same.

Make sure you bring a list of questions to your ps and get them answered before the surgery, as you will be hopped up on drugs and may not be too bright after the procudure . Your best bet is to be ultra prepared before, so you aren't scrambling after. If you have the choice of staying in hospital overnight, I would recommend it, as the hardest thing is getting in and out of bed initially and at least in a hospital bed you can use the controls to help you.

Good luck with your surgery!! Listen to your ps and follow his/her direction and you will be fine.

KarenG. · November 12, 2008

Its hard not to be nervous but you will be ok. Really! For me the PS was less painful than the band - probably because I was in much better shape. The pain was less but the recovery is much harder - you are really uncomfortable for a longer period of time. It isn't bad pain just discomfort for most of it.

I had a few stitches that were taken out after 2 weeks and the rest were disolvable.

I had 4 drains because I had a Lower body lift. I still after more than 7 weeks go in to get Fluid drained off of one spot and I am still wearing compression - that is a pain. BUT I feel fine. I am a tad sore in some places but I am already back to running and spinning.

I think X mas may still be rough for you - less than 3 weeks out of surgery. I would suggest planning something low key that doesn't require that you are off your feet too much.

I am THRILLED with my results. 12-15lbs of skin were removed (no lipo) and I went from a lumpy tight size 10 to a svelte size 6 - which is about as low as I want to go since I am almost 5'7''.

The one drawback is that now I notice my other flaws more! like other places on my body where I have a ton of excess skin still.

BeckyinTexas · November 13, 2008

Thank you both for the information! It helps to know what to somewhat expect. It also gives me comfort to know that other people have done this and would do it over again if they had to. Makes me a lot less nervous. Thanks again.

mcgreen · November 15, 2008

Hi Becky! good luck with your surgery- I found ice packs helpful; my back hurts from being in that piked position for so long; its great for my back as well as my tummy.

Don't forget to have a pillow in the car for your ride home- it protects your tummy from the seat belt

good luck with your surgery!

kareyquilts · November 15, 2008

Becky: So excited for you. I have been following your progress on Dr. Schulman's thread. You have gotten a lot of good information here. Will you have help once you get home? You really will need some for at least 3-4 days. If I were you, I would get as much of your Christmas done ahead of time as you can, because you are not going to have the energy to do alot for a few weeks. The only other advice that I would add would be to really watch your diet and eat alot of good protien and vegetables, it really does aid in the healing process. Also, if you drink hot Water with the juice of a lemon in it and a little honey for sweetener, it will help with swelling and water retention. I also believe in arnica and used it before and after both of my surgeries. I really didn't have as much bruising as a lot of people have had and I think it's because of the arnica. Keep in touch. Wishing you the best!