OH Juli's Plastic Surgery

mrgrta · 04-14-2009, 09:57 PM

Wonderful news Juli. I can't imagine 18 pounds of skin. Once your swelling goes down, I'll bet you will be at or close to your goal weight. Congratulations. You have worked so hard for this!!

Cathy

gone 4 ever · 04-16-2009, 08:49 PM

Glad to hear you are doing so well after ps.

I still don't think I can do it. Just will have to wait and see.

Turler · 04-18-2009, 04:29 PM

Juli,

I am so happy for you! It sounds like you are doing so well. Congratulations and ROCK ON CHICA!

~C

KRISPYKREME · 04-22-2009, 12:08 PM

Just out of curiosity, how much are these surgeries costing you? My ins pays for paniculectomy, also, but nothing else. I will need to save up. Thanks.

OH Juli · 04-22-2009, 12:58 PM

18K is about the average. My insurance covered the panni but not my doctor and since that was only 3K of the package I decided to pay it all out of pocket.

Having a doctor I trusted is worth paying the price. I heart my doctor, BTW.

OH Juli · 04-22-2009, 01:04 PM

Hey kids,

So I'm getting some big swelling seromas which my doctor drains weekly. Yesterday he took out about 16 ounces which was a huge relief.

So while I"m feeling the pain let me say, this does hurt. It hurts a lot. It's not a walk in the park....and I'm healing beautifully and doing really well and I've got a decent pain tolerance.

But for those of you considering the surgery it's a knock you down kind of thing. Mind you I've got about 8 feet of incisions on my body; I did the maxium amount of plastic surgery an ethical doctor would perform.

So reality is that before I'm thinking I'm all hot and skinny and my memory fades about the pain, this is rough, rough, rough.

You've been warned.

I was too, but I didn't really hear it or listen...

Mimilou2004 · 04-22-2009, 01:23 PM

Juli, I am sorry you are having a rough time. Keep taking your medication and keep your pain as much under control as possible.
Mimi

lellow · 04-22-2009, 07:41 PM

Juli,

I hope the pain subsides for you soon matey. I guess having had less surgery (just a belt lipectomy with a vertical incision) I have had it easier than you. It's wise to warn others that they should be aware of the pain factor. I think that's something anyone looking at this should be prepared for. That way, if they don't have too much discomfort, they can consider themselves lucky.

I'm sorry to hear about the seromas. My last drain site leaked for a few days then stopped, and no seromas have formed. Hopefully your fluid build up eases.

And how is your back? Are you more upright yet?

oneflew · 04-22-2009, 10:05 PM

Julie, I hope you get some relief from the pain and swelling. Hang in there. You've done such fantastic work and you'll get through this.
Sam

kareyquilts · 04-22-2009, 10:40 PM

Juli: It is a tough surgery. I totally understand, but you made it through and everyday will get better. When I had my LBL, I had some incisions open so I had to have bed rest for almost a month. I thought I would go mental, but now I have a waist and a nice tight butt (even if I do say so myself). It was well worth the pain, but it's certainly not for sissies! Thanks for sharing your experiences, it will help others. Hugs!

OH Juli · 04-23-2009, 06:32 AM

Thanks.

Yeah, I'm still building up fluid. It will be okay. I am up and about. I can't imagine be confined to bed rest. Karey, you're a trooper.

I have to say I'll be happy when I'm 100%. My results will be worth it. However, I just wanted to put it out there this is literally a pain of a surgery. Like Karey said, it's not for sissy. :) LOL.

Shalee04 · 04-23-2009, 11:03 AM

Sorry your having seroma issues, not fun.

I have to agree on the best rest thing, it really sucks. I was on it for a little over a month because of my wound issues. Not fun at all. And I have to say this surgery kicked my butt, Bb in the end it was/is all worth it.

I also agree everyone should be warned these surgeries are painful and rough on our bodies.

Sue Magoo · 04-23-2009, 11:52 AM

Juli:

Glad to hear you are up and about some. Don't overdue!

I hope your swelling and seroma issues go away soon.

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with all of us. I just found out today that my panni was approved by BCBS. I'm paying the difference to have a full tummy tuck. Bye bye belly on 5/14/09.

Take care. Heal quickly.

Sue

gone 4 ever · 04-23-2009, 02:00 PM

Question for those who have had PS...what is the difference between the panni and a TT? Doesn't it all come out about the same? Flat tummy, no hanging skin, right?

Sue Magoo · 04-23-2009, 03:47 PM

Hi Gone 4 Ever:
I asked the same question on the Dr. Schulman thread. I think he said that the tummy tuck includes tightening the muscles and because of that it has a far better cosmetic result. Another thing that I think is different is that with a tummy tuck you can keep your belly button (they move it and put it where it belongs), but not with a panni. I'm sure others here know more because I've not had the surgery yet, but I wanted to give you a quick answer. I'm scheduled for a tummy tuck on 5/14 - yippee!

I think if you google Dr. Schulman's website you can see pictures of both procedures with before & afters.

I love my band!

Sue

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