Re: Panniculectomy & Dr. Anthone @usc

[Guest guest]

> What is a

> panniulotomy and why does Dr Anthone feel this would help if done

> before

> " major " surgery? Appreciate your help. n

Hi n:

A panniculectomy is basically a gigantic tummy tuck.

The operation makes it possible to chop off a big

chunk of fat -- anywhere from 20-50 lbs, prior to

your DS.

Dr. Anthone prefers to perform a panniculectomy prior

to the DS on his heaviest patients who have a large,

hanging " pannus, " i.e., belly tissue that hangs down

in front like a skirt. His reasoning goes for doing

the panniculectomy goes like this:

1. The heavier you are prior to the DS, and the more

weight you have hanging between your legs, the less

mobile you are, and the harder it will be for you to

get out of bed and walk for exercise, after the DS.

2. The longer you stay in bed after any surgery, the

higher the likelihood you will develop blood clots in

your legs, which may break off and go to your lungs,

heart, or brain.

3. By chopping off a chunk of tissue weighing anywhere

from 20-50lbs, Dr. Anthone hopes that you will have an

easier time getting up and walking after the DS, thus

decreasing the chance that you will die from a blood clot

in your lungs, heart, or brain.

I should say that recovery from the panniculectomy is

anything but fun. To read about my experience with it,

please check the " Files " section at the DS_USC group

site.

Regards,

Tom LaRussa

Panniculectomy, 11/10/2000, Dr. Anthone, USC

Open DS, 3/30/2001, Dr. Anthone, USC

Pre-panniculectomy 384 lbs

Pre-DS 360 lbs

Currently ??? (Haven't been back for checkup yet)