Question:
I need to talk to someone who's had a BELTLIPECTOMY.

I went for my first consultation today with a plastic surgeon....he's suggested that I have a beltlipectomy..I thinks that's what it's called...It kinda freaks me out to think that I'd be cut all the way around....how do you lay down after that...or move around at all?!? I need to talk to someone about this...would someone be willing? Thanks!    — Jennifer M. (posted on September 17, 2002)

September 17, 2002
Hi, I just had WLS 8 weeks ago, but 3 years ago I had lost a lot of weight and had something similar to what you discribed done. The cut I had went from the back of my hips all the way around to the other side. It's wasn't a complete circle, but close. He used staples on the outside to close me, but on the inside were many layers of stitches. I never really felt like I was going to "break open" or anything like that. I spent the first 2 weeks close to the bed though. I did have drains for the first few weeks, but you get used to them very quickly. Also, I was using a binder which became a real comfort to me. I am very fair skinned and you have to really look closly to even see the scar now. My doctor had me taking 2000mg of vit. C in the weeks before and after surgery to help with my healing. I also had my under arms done, and theighs. Too bad I gained all of the weight back! Anyway, you'll do just fine...it sounds bad, but you'll be surprised how fast you bounce back. One more thing...with all of the padding they will have on the incesion, you will be able to lay down and move around ok. Let me know if you have any questions, and best of luck to you.
   — Amanda E.