Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

2,848 topics in this forum

The National Lap Band Conference is all set up for March 20-21 in New York City. There will be a full day of speakers, including me! I will be presenting on body contouring after massive weight loss and I will also be available for smaller discussion groups where you can ask more specific (and more personal) questions. It should be a great event. For more information about this event and a full list of speakers, check out the events section on Cher's website www.bandedtogether.net I look foward to seeing everyone there. It is taking place right near Laguardia Airport and I think it totally worth the trip if you are coming from out-of-town.

I'm not quite a year out, and Ive been working out a ton, but ive lost like 85 pounds and I want rid of this gut/apron thing lol. Obviously there are a ton of plastic surgeons in L.A., but I was wondering if anyone had any personal recommendations for doctors that are good at consulting lap band patients, know how to accommodate for port placement, and are friendly about working with insurance companies. Any help is appreciated!! thanks, Brendan

Hi All, Is there a sticky or post somewhere on this site that shows before and after plastic surgery pics?

Hi all, Now that the swelling in my tummy tuck is going down, I'm settling into my new size (which looks like it will be a 12 ). The challenge I'm having is that I need to buy pants in tall or long (I'm 5'11") and I have no idea which stores carry tall pants in normal sizes. I knew how to shop for my bigger body and am struggling a little with the new me. I do know there are several online stores, but sine I don't know how stuff fits in the waist I'd rather try things on before buying. I appreciate any help you can provide! ~Lori

I am scheduled for surgery on 1-26-09 and am wondering if anyone had any issues that I may not be aware of or any helpful tips that I could use.

Hi everyone! I was banded in April and have since lost 81 pounds. My insurance will cover a tummy tuck after weight loss surgery if 80 pounds or more is lost and the tummy tuck is deemed to be medically necessary. I am meeting with a plastic surgeon on Friday. Can anyone explain what constitutes, "medically necessary"? I don't think that I have any problems other than the sagging is annoying..but I don't know if it is medically causing any problems? Unfortunately my insurance is changing in Janaury and the new company does not cover any plastic surgery....so if I can get the procedure done now and paid for...all the better. But I am worried about the "medically nec…

Anyone know the answer to this? I have a fairly active job (no heavy lifting or anything) anyone have a guess about how long I would need to take off for an upper body life or alternatively just a breast lift? THanks!

Hey all, I hope I don't sound silly but...I watched a b & f program for ps dealing mainly with folks who had WLS. In 3 or 4 cases the doctor removed 10 plus pounds from the tummy tuck alone. The aprons these people had developed looked really uncomfortable, hope I miss that and don't need ps but first I have had a tummy tuck of sorts when I had reconstructive breast surgery; so I got to ask what about the port. Some have said that the waistband of pants is a problem early in recovery and if it is attached to your body in that area won't ps disturbe that? I was awake for a good part of the night thinking about it. I read a post tonight that made it sound like he…

I still have 65-70 lbs to go before I am at my goal weight, but I have begun researching Plastic Surgeons and costs so that I can really start saving. I came across Dr. Kolker's website and his before and after photos are AMAZING. I was wondering if anyone out there has used or heard of him? Thanks!:cursing:

Hi all, I'm having surgery in December and want to know if you had to have a complete unfil before going in? I will be completely under. One NP says that its not necessary to have a complete unfil (except she recommends it), another says I should. What is your experience? Did you have a complete unfil or partil? Your help is appreciated!

oxford was so easy to deal with when i first got my lapband. all told, the approval process took a little over two weeks. i know, i was definitely fortunate. now i'm hoping to tempt the fates again and hoping oxford pos will cover a tt/pani. like many here, i'm had a recurring rash and a ongoing back pain from the skin now hanging off my midsection. ugh. i've obviously got more lbs to lose, but i'd like to line things up so that the next step in the process will be a little easier to deal with. anyone here dealt with oxford for ps? what was your ps approval process like? what did information/proof of medical necessity did you have to provide them? thanks in advance …

I am considering cosmetic surgery in the summer of 2009. Can anyone recommend a surgeon in Southern Indiana or Nashville, TN? I live in TN, but my family lives in Southern Indiana and I may go up there to have it done so that they can take care of me. I know each surgeon has a "specialty", so I am interested in getting my boobs done and a tummy tuck. Possibly getting my eyelids done also while I am there. Thanks for any suggestions you have!

Hi all- as background I've been MIA for awhile; whenever I struggle, instead of posting and reading more, I find I go away from this site which is insane because this site has been such a great resource for me. Surgery was in 5/07. From my heaviest weight I'm down close to 150 lbs; some of that was preop weight loss. I really have plateaued and my weight hasn't budged much so I got a consult this summer with the famous Dr J Lo :thumbup: I was amazed that he told me that my weight was ok where it was- I think we all have a screwed up mental image of what we are like. Shortly after this, I had band problems and had a total unfill. My weight jumped up 10 lbs but then …

With great reservation I am putting up one month before and after photos. I hope I made them decent enough. I am going to take them down really soon so if you PM me I will send them to you seperately. I am really pleased with the results. I do not have butt pictures which is by far the greatest change for me but you can tell a little from the side view shot. As you can also tell by my belly button I am still pretty swollen. I am hoping to get more definition in my waist. Here goes!

It's time. When you can grab hold of the excess skin with both hands, and make it wave...........it's time. I need to research this but need some ideas as to where to start. need recomendations for doctors in Mi. Ann Arbor, Detroit area, or Lansing. And pricing. Any ideas how much..............and any doctors who know how to get around insurance companies? Basically, I need everything.

just wondering if anyones insurance covered their plastic surgery?

I decided to start a new thread because my surgery date is fast approaching. I am getting very nervous. I am having a lower body lift with a hernia repair. I am staying one night in the hospital. I will go home with a pain pump. I should have drains in for 2 weeks. I am taking 3 weeks off from work. I am getting partial insurance coverage becaues of the hernia repair. My surgeon said that I can expect her to remove between 5-9 lbs which should easily put me at goal. Of course I am hoping for much closer to 9. I am driving my friends and family crazy with my nervous chatter on the topic. Can anyone relate? Anyway - I think that I included the usual questions that peo…

Hey all, I thought I'd post a couple before and after pics following my extended tummy tuck (vertical and horizontal incision) and breast lift. The two pictures are the day before surgery and two weeks after. I'm almost three weeks out now and continue to look even better. A little background - I had the lapband surgery in January of 2007 and had lost just over 130 lbs prior to my plastic surgery. The Dr. took 8 lbs of skin from my abdomen, but we didn't do any liposuction. I'm probably going to take these down in a couple of days... Hope these are helpful! ~Lori Plastic Surgery Pictures, Videos, Photos, Pics, Before, After, Cosmetic Surgery

I am about to start my journey!! I will be calling my doctor to get recommendations but I also want to get my fellow bandsters recommendations also. Houston area PS docs, any you love or hate?

Hello Ladies, I had my tummy tuck 10 weeks ago and am now starting to think about doing a breast reduction. I am not afraid of the surgery, but want to ask those of you who have had this procedure a very important question - after you're healed, do you have normal sensations in the breasts? If there is a big problem with numbness, I don't know if I would do the surgery. I worry about this not just for my sex life, but also how it will feel in and out of my bras, bathing suits, etc. Thanks for replying. Katja

My panniculectomy is scheduled for December 5th. I'm half freaked and the other half so excited I can hardly stand it. I have tons of questions and hope that someone that has already had this done can help me. Most of what keeps going through my mind is....how long is the down time; how bad is the pain; what limitations did you experience; will I be up and at 'em for Christmas; what can I expect afterwards; and last but not least are you satisfied with your surgery?

My coworker who had gastric bypass said she would be able to get insurance to cover her abdominoplasty/panniculectomy because the excess skin was causing rashes and back pain and thus it was deemed medically necessary. She is working in another area of the hospital now so I haven't been able to talk to her to see if it actually was approved. Anyone else had this? I have Blue Cross PPO. How much does an abdominoplasty generally cost?

I'm a long way out but I know I will need some work. I am finally feeling like the band is doing something after my 5th fill :rolleyes2:! I wondered if this would work for me since I had the surgery in June and haven't lost much since the initial restriction left me-I haven't gained...but its been hard, okay off topic, sorry. I am hoping to loose all of the weight by April/May of 2009-not too far away, and is realistic if I keep going at this rate of weight loss. I may set my weight loss goal a bit lower in the future but this is a weight I remember being comfortable/healthy and looking good at so we'll see. My bariatric team told me that I need to wait at least a y…

Hi. I am just now getting started into plastic surgery consults. I have seen one ps who recommended a circumferential tummy tuck with lipo and a breast lift. Has anyone had these procedures done at the same time? I am most concerned about caring for two kids afterwards. I have 2 boys ages 3 and 6. My husband can help for about 4-5 days, but then has to go back to work. Can anyone tell me how long it took to get back to "normal". I'm excited and scared at the same time. Cathy

I am so excited to let everyone know that as of yesterday, I've been approved for my panniculectomy! I'm hoping to schedule surgery as soon as possible. I just want to let everyone know that might be fighting with their insurance about covering this procedure....don't give up and take it as far as you can and hopefully it will turn out like mine did. There were so many times I wanted to just give up but I finally made my mind up that I had nothing to lose and continued to appeal. Finally, it worked out for me. I had to meet with our internal insurance review board and present my case. I work for county government and it was our Commissioners Court that was the board…

Hi everyone, I will try to make sense, although not sure if I can. I have diverticular disease, an ileostomy, and a couple of large hernias (belly button and peristomal). I met with my bowel surgeon yesterday, who told me last year he wouldn't touch me until I had lost 100 pounds. Well now that is done and he wants to operate. I went into the appointment thinking about having a bowel resection (take the diseased part of my bowel out) with the thought of a second surgery down the line to reverse my ileostomy and repair the hernias. Plastic surgery was only a very distant thought (dream). Anyways, he says to me, if all went extremely well with the bowel resction (he n…

Was wondering what their experience was with them?...cost, was it worth it?...happy with results? Thank you.

I have a question about belly button post tummy tuck. You know how you have the stitch/incision line around the perimeter of the new belly button? When the swelling goes down does that become the outer edge? Does that question make any sense? My belly button is still close to entirely closed at most points during the day and that incision line is not at all near the edge.

My panniculectomy is scheduled for a month from tomorrow and I'm half freaked and the other half so excited I can hardly stand it. I have tons of questions and hope that someone that has already had this done can help me. Most of what keeps going through my mind is....how long is the down time; how bad is the pain; what limitations did you experience; will I be up and at 'em for Christmas; what can I expect afterwards; and last but not least are you satisfied with your surgery?

4 weeks from today I go in for my extended tummy tuck (both vertical and horizontal incision) and a breast lift. And this morning, for the first time in my adult life, I hit the 100's (okay 198.5, but still, there's a one in front of it :thumbup:). I am so excited because I feel like the last year and a half of hard work is really paying off. Having said that, for those of you that have been there, what are the must have recovery aides I should be buying. I've heard wedge pillow and toilet seat riser. ANything else? Also, if any of you have done the research, is makemeheal really the cheapest place to get these. I am so excited to be joining all of you in this nex…

Hi everyone, I have not been to this forum before and just saw it tonight. I am getting my lap-band removed on March 4th because of erosion. At the same time the plastic surgeon I found Dr. Quiroz will perform a mini face lift. I've always had a double chin, even after losing weight it has not went away. I hate seeing myself in picture! Has anyone heard of this doctor or know anything of him. Thanks for any replies. Heidi Las Vegas, NV

whoops...sorry about that post

Well after 9 months or work, we finally have our book dedicated to advanced body contouring. It's titled "Bariatric Plastic Surgery" but the tummy tucks, breast procedures, and arm/leg rejuvenation applies to all patients. We have it available in hardover directly from my office at Bodylifthouston but you can also get it on Amazon. [/url] Best wishes, John LoMonaco, M.D., F.A.C.S. Plastic Surgery Houston, Texas www.DrLoMonaco.com www.BodyLiftHouston.com

I was just wondering if breast augmentations are ever covered by insurance. mine used tobe great then I lost the weight and I think it all came from my chest. needless to say, they're not lookin' so great AT ALL;:smile2:

Help! I had lap band surgery in September 07 and now I will be having breast reconstruction surgery on October 28th. My question is do I need to have an unfill before surgery? Your help would be appreciated.

Anyone else have plastic surgery and a hysterectomy? I was banded in 2006 and have lost 60 lbs. No, I am not at goal, but when the doctor said I needed a hysterectomy... it looked like an open door to me! I still work out and try to watch what I am eating.... I am not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but I am happy. I love the small things in life today.... being able to bend over and tie my shoes and accepting that happiness is an inside job! So Monday is the day....I will be very excited to wake up in recovery without a uterus that has held me hostage for years and this piece of "fat" around my stomach!

I can't believe that my insurance has agreed to pay for my tummy tuck as they have termed it medically neccessary!!! I was totally prepared to pay on my own someday and I applied just as a long shot. I have lost 65lbs to date. I had my lap 10 months ago... so I am not even a year out. I have gone from a size 20 to a 12. My doc said it was highly likely they would reject it the first time around!!!! So I am shocked and the happiest person alive right now! Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY.:laugh::smile2:

Hi everyone I have a couple of questions for those of you who have already had tummy tucks and lower body lifts. I have been researching and looking into possible surgeons for PS and one of my options is to travel to Mexico. However for me this is a pretty long trip.... I live a couple of hours out of Vancouver BC. The things I need to know are how difficult it would be to travel home after surgery. There would be no problem with me staying down there up to a week post-op altho I would prefer to travel home on day 4 or 5. It's a long journey....about a 4 hour flight, then making my way thru the Van airport, and then an almost 3 hour drive home. Keep in mind I …

I haven't posted in forever. :cursing: I visited with Dr. Fred Duffy (referred to me by my band surgeon) on Thursday. Even though I thought that my breasts were large and heavy, Dr. Duffy put my DD's in perspective... In the world of big breasts, mine aren't that big. Sooooo.... Insurance will not pay for my lift/reduction. That's okay though. I have over the past 12 months scrimped, saved and liquidated some assets to set aside money for my body transformation. I am happy to say that my surgeries will come in $4,000 under budget! :thumbup: :thumbup: So I have the estimate, I have the money and now I just need to schedule my surgery date. I am shooting for the …

Hello Everyone, I want to have a TT and maybe breast implants. My tummy is awful, big lip thing hanging down. And my breast, well are no that bad, so I may or may not have something done to fill them out. I am just at the beginning of this journey. I have appreciated all of the post from everyone here. I have been lurking here, made a few post, but mostly just soaking up all of the info. I just love all of the candid stories and sharing from all of you who has gone before. I am hoping that I will be able to get this done this year, but that may be unrealistic, so it will more that likely be 8 – 10 months before it happens. But, I have made up my mind… It will ha…

Hi all, I have more than 200 pounds to lose and I am just getting started but I was wondering if anyone who is on a *long* weight loss journey like me has ever had some plastic surgery done somewhere mid-way through the weight loss period? The reason I ask is because I have always had a very significant "apron", and after two pregnancies it has only gotten worse. I am constantly battling yeast infections down there, and it makes it challenging to exercise because no matter what kind of undergarments I wear (and choices are slim at my weight), I bounce all over the place. Now I was banded only a month ago and I haven't lost that much weight yet. I know this is only go…

Hi kids. Well the question is will it be time to have plastics by next summer? I'm having my initial consult on Monday with the plastic surgeon. I know my weight seems high still at 178. But by June it should be closer to 160. I expect to lose 20-25 pounds in skin, so that should put be just about right. I'm planning on waiting until June because I work at a school and I can take extended time off then. Any way, I thought I put it out there. I'm currently a size 14 and that seems to big to go after surgery, but I'm also full of skin. My highest known weight was 338, and I was probably at 350 but never stepped on the scale. With that said, I've lost 172 pounds and …

Hello there all! I have a swelling question for those of you who have had an extended TT, breast lift and augmentation. I have searched this forum and although I did find references to swelling, not an answer to my specific question. Like some on the forum, my upper abdomen looks bigger than I thought it would but the doctor says it is swelling. As far as I can tell he brought my abdomen skin down about 4 inches (I can tell because that is how much lower my port and port incision is now) I am almost 5 weeks out and seem to have quite a bit of swelling still, even around the scar and mons. For those of you who are 4 months past your surgery date (or more) - how far…

How long is the longest you have had your drains in? I am almost 3 weeks now and it doesnt look like they are coming out this week. Other than that I feel pretty good so it is annoying. Also starting back to work with them is going to be a pleasure. AND one leaks. UGH.

Hi there! Well - one year after being banded, I got my apron removed, breasts lifted and augmented 4 weeks ago on Sept 8th. Well the doctor gave me enough strong painkillers for 2 weeks, a lesser one the 3rd week and said to take ibuprofen after that - which isn't doing the job. For the past 5 days I have been very nauseas and have vomited nearly every time I eat anything - which as you know isn't easy with the Lap Band. I am worried that it may hurt the lap band. My question is this: is it ok to request painkillers from the doctor? How long have others been on it? Being nauseas - has anyone else experienced this weeks after surgery?

How long do most people wait till they have plastic surgery..tummy tucks, arms, etc? If you exercise is that tightening it at all or is something that can just be fixed by the knife? I know some of it is your age, but at what point do you know it's just not going to tighten by itself?? :tt2:

I can not believe I'm starting a thread on here but I had a major development today and it looks like I'm a go for a TT! So, as I've said in other posts my insurance DOES cover skin removal after WLS (my band was also covered) but documentation of rashes and skin break down is needed to prove Medical Necessity. I have no rashes or break down so I knew approval would be slim to none but went ahead and scheduled a consult for today anyway......... (dawn did nothing) Also, I was browsing my insurance website (the one I can log into and look at my claims and such) and I see a link on there for Deep Discounts with affilate partners...... things like discounts on Lasik…

WoooHoooo I am no longer a "lurker" on this plastic surg thread....I have now joined the club. I am seeing doc next week to get the belly button stitches removed, and hopefully he will give me the pre-op pics and will take some post op pics. I will post as soon as I get them Thanks to everyone who was brave enough to post pics and tell their story. I really felt that I knew what to expect. In fact when I was asking the nurse some questions, she asked me if I had a medical background. Is anyone else gonna get their navel pierced??

I went to see the PS on Tuesday for my first consultation. He took pics (yikes!) and said he believes my insurance will cover the cost of a panni and I just pay the difference for a complete TT. Which of course I'm gonna do! Also he has suggested that I have a breast reduction done 3 months after the TT which my insurance will also cover. Holy Moly! I am excited, scared, and God only knows what else. So yesterday I go to my PCP and he will send a letter of recommendation agreeing with the PS. I should know in a few weeks if my insurance will approve the surgery. Keep your fingers crossed for me please!:wink2:

Can't believe this day has finally arrived! In less than two weeks, I'm going to have a tummy tuck, breast lift with augmentation and lipo. I think I was 20 shades of red today when I had to get my before pictures. :wub:Then the nurse called to say that my front shot didn't turn out well and to please come back in the next few days and do a retake! :scared2:Oh, bother! I have such mixed feelings. I still expect the PS to call and tell me that maybe I should lose a few more pounds first. I can't believe how much shame I still have in my body. I wonder when you get over this?! I think I had to sign about 30 different places for consent and possible complications. Re…