DIEP for someone that is overweight

RTChris

I am scheduled to go in for my uni-DIEP tram flap on Tuesday. After reading over many of these posts I have gotten quite scared. I am overweight - BMI of 32. It seems that I am at an increased risk of complications although my PS doesn't seem worried. I normally heal very well and my radiated skin is in pretty good shape. Are there any ladies that had similar risk factors and how did things turn out? Do you have any hints to hopefully prevent/minimize any problems?

nihahi

Everything about flap recon gets scary the last few days before your surgery date. Trust your surgeon...if it was a concern, you would have been made aware of it long before now. Best wishes for a successful surgery and gentle healing.

botzey

Hi RTChris,

I had my DIEP on March 3, so I'm a little over 4 weeks out. My BMI is 35. I was concerned that being obese would be a problem as well after researching. My PS said my BMI was not a problem. He had done them on much larger women than me.

The main problems I encountered was the back pain from being on the operating table so long, and not being able to get out of bed easy. The back pain went away shortly after my drains were removed. None of my wounds have opened or gotten infected. I have not had radiation.

I am very happy that I chose to do a DIEP.

RTChris

thanks botzey - that makes me feel a little better. My PS said he has never had a patient who suffered significant problems or required any occupational therapy assistance, so I have to just relax and have faith in him.