I'm also going for it, but from all I read, it's a long, painful recovery. Stairs and driving are out of the question. It's a good idea to prepare, fill your pantry, set up a recovery area within arm's reach and make sure your meds are up to date.
When I went for my consult for panniculectomy, the doctor was shocked, said I looked great, called for her husband-doctor-clinicmate to come look, and he echoed everything she said.
They said if I wanted this because I had constant yeast infections, I'd have to seek nonsurgical help from several doctors. I started that process years ago, and long story longer, I still have painful burning infections and a standing prescription for clotrimazole 1% cream, 2x daily.
This feels abusive to me. They all said something to the effect that the fold had to hang down to my pubis, at least.
I know I didn't lobby hard enough. Now I'm 70 and I believe the sag (on the internal side) is causing urge incontinence. I've wet myself so many times, just going from sitting to standing. I had surgery for incontinence 35 years ago after being diagnosed with a prolased urethra.
My mom ended up getting major plumbing rerouting, including an implanted device to tell her when she needed to go. Her last 20 years were hell, one surgery after another, all related to problems with plumbing.
I'm scared shitless in both directions--having the surgery or life without it.
So I'm going for it. I'm looking forward to reading your experience.