Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Got a tummy tuck this weekend !! Hello i am yajaira 28 years old band on june 06, 2006 lost 48 pounds .i got tummy tuck this weekend. Anybody that can share their experince and help me with tips for my ovarall recovery. thank you:help:

will a 28 year old man 6 foot 350 pounds have his skin reduce and elastic back after losing weight or is the excess skin something everyone deals with

Anyone have a recommendation for a Mexican plastic surgeon for lower body lipo? I'm not planning on losing any more weight but even at my skinniest my legs are covered in fat - I carry all of my weight there and seriously they are hideous - to below my knees. I know it isn't an answer to being overweight but I figure I'm not going to be gaining so why not look into making myself look as good as I can. I want someone qualified, experienced and cheaper then the U.S. thanks!

I am deciding on whether i will do some cosmetic surgery when I get to that point- normal stuff- arms, stomach and/or thighs and I know i will have to start saving to pay for this. It is a very comforting to know that when I get to that stage I will be rich and well to do according to State Rep Phyllis Kahn in Minnesota who wants to start charging the 6.5% sales tax on cosmetic surgery because - here it comes- "those woman are well to do and can afford it!" :mad: I will have to save a long time to afford this. She did say the tax would not be charged on reconstruction surgery from accidents or burns. Meanwhile, those of us who scrimp and save to have some work done may in…

Who here has had their "apron" removed before you lost all of your weight? I am kicking around the idea of having this done when i go down to Mexico to have my lap band put in. My lapband doc works with a plastic surgeon closely and I could have it done the next day. It would make life so much easier to not have it there when working out and moving around! LOL If anyone has please respond, or pm me directly. I have lots of questions.

I want to get both these at the same time. I am quite a long ways from goal but I am going down fast. I was just curious what weight I could be when I just start going in for my consultations. I was thinking 180. Let me know what you all think or know. Thanks in advance!

I went in on 1/31/07 and was able to return home on 2/1/07. It has been a little harder than I thought. I am getting around good now and look forward to getting my strength back. My surgeon removed 5 lbs from my tummy and 1 lb from each thigh. So far, it has been great!!! I cannot wait for the next few months to see how I progress.

I haven't had surgery yet but I do have a question. My lower belly has dropped and was wondering when I lose weight will I have to have a tummy tuck? This has happend from having two kids and not working out. Has anyone else out there in lap land have this problem? Will most of it go away? Iam so excited about this surgery and Iam running out of questions. I'll be glad when I get my new insurance cards so I can get this ball running!

Well I have been approved! I'm excited but the timing isn't the greatest. My FIL is staying with us for possibly a very long time and my MIL is in a rehab. But I need to move on with my life and body and February is the best time for me to have it even though all this family stuff is going on. So My question are: How long is the recovery? How bad is the pain? When can you lay on your stomach? How soon can you exercise? Did you stay over night in the hospital? How long should my husband be around to help me? He works from home but travels quite a bit. Is there anything that you wish you had asked before hand that you wish you did? Did you help decide …

I meet my plastic surgeon on 25th sept, about having a tummy tuck, im rather excited but a little nervous too. I am at my personal target weight so it should be ok to go ahead !! Fingers crossed all will be ok.

I'm so excited that I had to post! February is the magic month for me. I'm going to Pasadena and they're going to liposuction and contour my entire torso, front and back (except for my boobs, of course). And THEN they're going to remove the apron of skin at the bottom of my stomach. Not getting a tummy tuck, just skin removal after the lipo. Apparently that's how they do it if you haven't had kids yet. The doc and I both figure I'll be about a size 6 or 8 come March!!! (I'm losing another 23 pounds before the surgery). I think I was 2 years old when I was last a size 6. This is a dream to me. I started off at a 26/28! Probably at the same time I'll be getting a nice bre…

I am about 30 pounds away from reaching my goal and I am hoping that I get to it by April, I am thinking of getting a boob job and I am interested in hearing other peoples comment about how much it cost? Where did they get it done (US or Mexico)? and how long did it take for you to recover?? Oh also about the scaring, what it bad?? Is your sensation still their??? Thank you!!

I went from a 48 DDD to a 34 G! I do have back pain and neck pain but and I have gone to the Chiro many times and the PT. My problem now is that my port hurts all the time. I have made an appointment to see my band Dr in a few weeks, which I need to do anyway. But when I made the appointment the girl said sounds like you need a PS. I am 35 pounds away from where I would be happy to be. I went from 268 to last check 189.5. So my questions is.. Is this to soon? Should I wait till I am closer to my goal? How small should I go? What is the best way to find a surgeon? Thanks for your feed back and help.

I have had my band for 4 years and have done very well, I love it. My only problem is that my surgeon placed my port a little too high and now that I have lost my weight my port sticks out like a third breast right below my ribcage. I am ready for a tummy tuck to help with the extra skin and hope to have my port moved to a "better" location but am finding it very hard to find a dr. who can do both at the same time. Please let me know If there is someone out there who could help. I am in South Florida. Thank You colleen june

OK, This will scare the bejeesus outta you....I have been persuing this lapband procedure for about 8 months and am still fulfilling the lastest hoop of fire that my insurance company requires, it looks like I will finally have a surgery date sometime in February. Heres the kicker...I had Breast Cancer in 2001 when I was 37 and then a metastisis to my lung in 2005. I had a lumpectomy and chemo and radiation for the breast and a lobectomy and chemo for the lung. Recently, my PCP and my oncologist are seriously discussing prophylactic mastectomy and a total hysterectomy because I am high risk for reoccurrance due to my history and my testing positive for the BRCA 2 gene mut…

If the Shriners Hospital does Tummy Tucks for free. I was at a Lap Band meeting and someone was talking about it. they said that the donate your skin to the burn victums... Let me know

Have you had PS? Are you gonna? I thought I would just need a TT but my surgeon said I might need a body lift. I'm going to do some research but thought I'd run by y'all first. Darla

I have a way to go before considering PS, but I know already that I will need it! I'm a young 66 year old grammy of 8, mom of 3. My husband is very much against my having any PS done - he's worried about me having complications! (we celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary yesterday!) Just wanted to know if there is anyone out there in the same age group that has had surgery and - how did you do - what did you do? Thanks, Betty from Lake Oswego, OR April 7, 2006 Dr. Neal, Olympia WA 234/190.5/134

i am starting to research a breast lift and i found that the info here was amazing and that i learned so much from regular peoples' experiences. do any of you know of any good plastic surgery message boards? thanks!

I' checked into a tummy tuck the cost is about $5000,00 here in Wi, Doe's it hurt bad? and how long are down for? Ive lost all the weight but can't do the stomach work to tighten it up because of a bad back! No Crunth's Nothing. Even though I, lost the weight people are always stairing at my Stomach or saying why do you have all those strech mark's. I fought all these years to not wear a shirt, now im finding out it is just better to wear one. I feel like a target. Is that weird or some thing wrong to feel like that?

:help: I'm looking for information on dental implants in TJ. I read a post by someone who'd had them and was talking about the dentist who is on the dental board at Loma Linda. I'd like the name of the dentist.:cool: I love this forum, so informative and encouraging!:clap2:

I am packing my bag for hospital, and have packed a million pairs of underwear (Ok, 10 pairs for an est. 2-5 day stay) But do they even let you wear undies? That was one of the very few things I forgot to ask. :rolleyes

My insurance has approved me to have a breast reduction. I have 50 more pounds to loose until I am at my goal of 150 lbs. My LB surgeon has advised me to wait until I reach goal. I'm afraid that if I don't do it now I won't meet the requirements for the insurance to pay for it. I go to the chiropractor every other week because of pain in my back and shoulders. My question is, how much sagging occurred for those who had the reduction and then lost weight? Mine hang to my waist now, so it seems that any sagging would be better than what I have now.

Any advice on what to ask the surgeon? My appointment is 6th July. I want to be armed and ready for this :biggrin1: I know the basics of a TT, how it is done, ect. But is there anything that you wished you had asked before the fact? So far my list of questions; How many TT have you done on bandsters? Should I replace my port w/ a low profile? Cost (duh!) Expected recovery time Where to buy compression garment (if not supplied) How long to wear CG When can I resume exercise Pain medication What pre op tests will I need What can I realistically expect That is what I have for the moment. I am sure I will come up with more in the two weeks till my appointm…

As alot of you know I have been talking about getting PS done in the future. This summer I went to fla and was talking to my Grand mother about the raised keloids from the band surgery. She told me that keloids ran in our family Then when I got back to TX and went back to work I was talking to this lady at lunch break about PS, she said she had a Breast red. and regrets it..Her nipples and uneven and she has bad keloids all the way around her nipple and down and around where they cut you. So now I am really scared about getting cut! Knowing it CAN happen is one thing to deal with, but knowing that keloids run in your family is even more scarry! AHHHHHH~ Has anyon…

I apologize if it's been addressed somewhere else, but I haven't been able to find it. I read this alot... people getting not quite to their goal, and getting their plastic surgery. Now... I had just always thought (waiting a year or so and seeing if things tighten up on their own, aside) that you would want to get even maybe a little less than your goal, get your PS, then once you gained a little back, things would fill in and be nice and tight. I'm sure they're all good once you get all this work done, but wouldn't at least getting to goal, and then getting PS be better? If you get a TT and then lose 10-30 more pounds, wouldn't it just not look as good? or eve…

Hi, I have a dilemma I need help with! I am getting the Lap Band surgery on June 26th and I spoke to my patient coordinator for Dr. Joya and he said for an additional $2,000 I could have Dr. Saldana lipo out my double chin fat that I HATE while I am under for Lap Band at same time. I have a little double chin even when I am skinny, everyone in my family has that fatty deposit there. What do you guys think? Should I weight until I lose weight? Would there be a complication or may it turn out ugly if I do it now? Your opinion means a lot! Oh, I'm 5"8 and about 235 lbs the last time I checked (doing pre op diet). Thanks! Alysha

I have been told that a plastic surgeon will not touch me until I am one year out (after LBand surgery). I am glad to see others were able to have it before then. I am looking for a doctor now. I need apron surgery and breast reduction. I want to get it before I cancel my ins. and go back on my husband's, as my ins is expensive, but appears to cover everything as long as it is deemed medically nessec. I have wanted BR surgery for YEARS - like 20 years. Didn't need apron surgery until I gained all this weight in the past 4 years. The rashes etc, hopefully will be enough for the apron surgery. Rashes, back pain, shoulder pain and bruises should be enough for …

I am waiting for insurance approval to get my lap band. Hope to hear something in the next week or so and get my band in late July. I have been reading so much about ps after wls and wondered if there is any chance that I won't have to have it. I have been overweight for 15 years but in HS played BB and was on Swim Team and was is decent shape. My kids are adopted so my stomach muscles have never been stretched out. Since the weightloss is so slow I wondered if there is any chance the skin will have a chance to tighten on its own. My best friend had a TT after 5 kids and she isnt sure that the flat tummy was worth the pain and recovery. It has been a year and a ha…

This is just a little FYI on plastic and reconstructive surgery in Australia. If you want your health fund to help pay, make sure you get a referral from your GP, and get a referral to a reconstructive surgeon. Not just a plastic surgeon. PS & RCS use different item numbers. Depending on your fund, and cover, you could end up paying very little for surgery.

I went back down to Mexico last weekend because I thought I had some Water in my belly, it did go down like Dr. C said it would. He removed my stitches and told me that I was healing nicely and he was pleased with my results. He told me that I wold not see the full benefit for 3-4 months and that I would go down a size or two. We will see. My pre-op clothing is loose on me and I am still in my garment although today I wore a pair of fleexies out instead. Dr. C said I could get out of the garment in the day at 4 weeks and to wear it at night for three months. I am feeling pretty good. I drive, go shopping, work and went back to the gym today. I am starting out ve…

:help: Iam looking to get breast lift, lipo and maybe a tummy tuck. Can anyone recommend a top notch plastic surgeon in the NY/NJ (preferably NJ) area? How muc do these things cost? Does insurance pay for anything( I have AETNA)?

If so, what area of your body? How much did it cost? How long did you wear that body garment thing? Do you like the results?

First, thank you for your support and prayers. I was very nervouse the night before and almost backed out. My daughter told me I would never forgive myself if I did. I met with the anesthesiologist and the doctor the night before and they discussed everything and anything I wanted to talk about. I was afraid of the epidural, afraid of feeling pain and of being in pain afterward. I was sedated the day of surgery and remember getting the epidural, he said I would be out when I got it, but I guess I have a high tolorance. Anyway, there was no discomfort at all. I was out as soon as it was in. The surgery was around 6 hours. I had 2lbs skin and 3 liters of fat removed…

Hello all, I am approaching my 2-year bandiversary. My highest weight was 330. Today, at 5'8", I am at my goal of 165. Woo hooo!! On December 8th of 2005, I had an abdominoplasty and a bi-lateral mastopexy with augmentation. It was an 11 hour surgery. I have healed wonderfully from the PS and I can only marvel at life without a stomach that hangs down to my thighs and boobs that hang down to my navel. I didn't find recovery to be that painful or difficult. HOWEVER, this surgery set into motion a series of health issues that I am still combating to this day (6 mos later). First, due to the Fluid that my body retained after surgery, my stomach tissue became swoll…

Hi, Well, it is finally almost here. I have been waiting for this moment for months. I love Dr. Cardenas and admire him as a person and think he is an artist when it comes to cosmetic surgery. I had my lap band done a year ago January and have lost 35 lbs. I have 10-15 more to lose. Yes, it is slow, but I was 195 at 5'7. Dr. Cardenas did my eyes, upper and lower lids last March, he also did my ears (they looked like Dumbo). My eyes look fantastic!! He is going to do my face in a few months. Anyway, I have had six c-sections and he said that a lift all the way around would be good. He is going to lipo my flanks, bra area and hips too. He is also going to g…

I had my lap band placed 4 years ago and have gone from 257 to 150. I am very lean and have nice muscle tone after putting in many hours at the gym. I am finally at my goal weight and have a tummy tuck scheduled for the end of this month. My port is very obvious on the wall of my stomach and I'm looking into options to place it somewhere less obvious (although there is no where that seems any less obvious) or change to a smaller port (my preference). My Dr. in prelimiary conversations says I have the normal size port and that they do not recommend using the smallest one made because it is near impossible to find when a fill change might be needed. I have not done all…

:straight Hi Everyone, I have a concern I would like to ask about. Some of my friends had the bariatric procedure and well ended up w/flabby skin. I'm hoping the chances are smaller of that occuring w/the Lap Band as I hear you do not loose as fast as bariatric patients. I already have a stomach that hangs a bit which I hate and really hoping it won't get worse. In the past I have lost substational amounts of weight but at a slow progress and stomach seemed to adjust but I'm older now so don't know if that will make a difference. Have any of you in your Lap Band journey had problems w/excess skin?

I know i have read people go to mexico for plastic surgery and get a package deal.Can anyone repost this info(i am at work and don;t have time to search.I am interested in breast lift and tummy tuck.I will be going with a friend who wants it done at the same time. :help:

One of the main reasons I am having lapband is to lose enough to remove a tumor on my left leg. The plastic surgeon said I needed to lose 100 lbs before he could remove it. I'm wondering what weight does everyone get down to before having a lower body lift or leg surgery of another kind?

I go in May 9th for my 1st apt. w/ Dr about the New Mother Makeover. What that is, is a package deal. Tummy, breasts and lipo. They said from talking on the phone it would be about 12- 14k to get this done. I'll know the correct price once I go in on the 9th. I'm going to ask to see potos of his arm work too. Might try the whole package lol So I am looking into getting the money now lol. Anyone have any advice on getting credit? or do most save up 14k?

Hey all. This isn't related to plastic surgery after banding, but I thought someone might have an idea. My mom is looking for a surgeon in Southern California to do kind of a mini face lift, and some work around her eyes. There is someone she found in Orange County who does what she wants, but he's not a "board certified plastic surgeon" and she's a bit sceptic of that. An info would be great, thanks!

Anybody ever had this done? I am sure the price is dependent on how much you get done and where it is, but any info you can pass along would be appreciated. This is my planned reward for losing the weight. And as incentive to keep working at it, I am going to get started now on saving! WEEE! :ban: Just wondering how much that will have to be. :nervous

Hmmm how many people here have had tummy tucks? How much did they cost? Does insurance cover them? THANKS Kim

i'm going to be getting a tummy tuck soon and i'm wondering if the lapband interfers with the procedure. Since in a tuck they pull ur skin down and all does that effect the port placement at all or anything else with the band? :confused: wannab

hi was wondering how much a tummy tuck costs,and does your fund cover it sandra.......

I have another question to add to p's poll, but I thought it would get more attention if I started another thread. I am going to need a lift severly when I'm done losing weight, but I haven't had kids yet, and I am going to want to breast feed when I do have kids. Can I have a lift before I have kids and still have everything work right, does anyone know? Thanks!

How do you know its time for a tuck...Should your weight be a normal range for your height. I've had 3 c-sections, appendectomy, gallbladder removal, and lapband with hernia repair. I started at about 308 now I am 235 and have ripply, hanging abdomen...not too bad yet however in another 50 lb I can't imagine.....

Anyone out there with before and after photos with reconstructive surgery after WLS? I would love to see the "final product"! And those who have decided they are good without the surgery, show off those tummies!! I am concerned about how much sagging skin I will be left with and want to see how well you all "shrunk" back to you final sizes. Amy

i am thinking of getting a breast reduction. i used to be a 42 DDD. i am now around a 40DD. although i want my breasts smaller, i do not want them too small. a friend had it done and now her belly actally sticks out a bit more than her breasts. my question is: have you had a breast reduction? are you happy with the results? will the doc work with you on # of cc's removed? thanks all!!