Need Help. Panniculectomy in 11 days...now not sure!

lapitup · April 2, 2009

I am all scheduled to have a robotic assisted hysterectomy, appendectomy and since I'm under - having a panniculectomy. The surgery is going to be performed by a gynocologist oncologist (he specializes in the robotic assisted). I am currently 208 lbs. My personal goal is 160lbs. I went and saw my band surgeon today (to get all my restriction removed . He is adamant that I not get the panniculectomy. He thinks that I should wait until goal and also I should go to a plastic surgeon. The surgeon performing my surgies has done about 100 panniculectomies. (BTW, he is going to do it without charging me). I may have to pay some OR, anesthsia fees, supplies, etc.

Now I'm torn. It is hard to look at it objectively because I really want to have it done. I have had A LOT of rashes and skin infections and it gets in the way of exercise. I had the pannus treated with various trx since Jan 2008. Just finished oral steriods.

Soooo.....some advice from all you experienced banders out there! :smile2:

Mimilou2004 · April 2, 2009

Wow, you are in a tough position, did your band doc say why you should wait? Since you are suffering with your skin condition it makes the decision even harder. I would be tempted to go forward with the surgery. Best wishes.

Mimi

Shalee04 · April 2, 2009

Does your Gyno happen to have any pix of the Pani's he's done, Before and afters??? I would ask his office if they can give Your phone number to a few Pani patients and they can call you to share thier results, experience with this gyno doing the pani's. In june 2006 I had a open hysterectomy and I asked my surgeon if he could just lop off my fat roll (pani) he looked at me like I was nuts, I said I was serious but he said he wouldn't do that. not his speciality. sigh.

Most lapband Drs want us to be at goal before TT. I still have 25 to my goal, my lapband dr wants me to lose 50 more. I had my TT at 180. 30 pounds from goal.

Anyways good luck :smile2:

Kelly

gamyj · April 2, 2009

honestly if your doctor (the one who did ur band) says u should wait on the pani i would wait. what i have been told about plastic surgury of any kind (reguarding wls) is that u wait 1-2 years after u reach goal UNLESS you have an issue with rashes or something like that. you dont want to go through all that to realize in two years u have to do it again.

best wishes,

amy

msmelc · April 3, 2009

My dr. theory on that is that you cold loose more wt, which would defeat the purpose of the Pani... you might end up having to do another TT later on down the line.

Shalee04 · April 3, 2009

My dr. theory on that is that you cold loose more wt, which would defeat the purpose of the Pani... you might end up having to do another TT later on down the line.

Sometimes having the Pani removed will make it easier to exercise and jump start our stalled weight loss. One can always go back in for a Tummy Tuck later on when finances allow it. But just to be rid of the Pani is a great joy for all of us.

zeama · April 3, 2009

I am in the same situation. I just made an appointment to see the plastic surgeon on the 16th and although I am not at my goal weight yet, I keep getting horrible yeast rashes and it's only getting worse with the warmer weather. I just want it gone!!!

maryrose · April 4, 2009

That's a tough one! I read on one of these posts that lots of PS will bill the insurance company for a panni (a lot insurance companies will pay for that) and expand the surgery to a Tummy Tuck and you pay the difference.

I am leaning toward that down the road. So, if you think you may want a tummy tuck in the future, that might be an idea for you.

I asked my PS about a panni, after my breast reduction and she kind of discouraged me about it.

If I were in your shoes, I think I would be tempted to have the panni also, but there is a lot to think about.

I would definintely want to see pics of the end result.

I heard you lose you belly button with a panni??? not sure I would be happy with that.