:faint: I am interested in removing the skin and also having some body contouring done. Body contouring will include liposuction, tummy tuck, removing the 'apron', butt implants and breast lift. I have heard that cosmetic surgery is common place in Brazil and I am intersted in going there for the procedures. My greatest desire is to come back with the physique that so many Brazilian woman adorn. Does anybody know of a Brazilian facility & doctor that has a good following in the states? I'd also like to use the time to try to recover from the procedures. I saw an ad for Cosmetic Vacations but I don't really know anything about them.

gjRay

230/202/145

May 2006 (band date)

I am looking at San Juan Costa Rica. They have several surgeons. They all seem to use cosmetic vacation resorts. Included in the price of your stay is airport transfers, to and from doctors, 3 meals a day, some Snacks and tea, and a nurse on duty to change your dressings.

I am early in my research so haven't found others on here that have gone to the particular doctor I'm looking at, but I'm sure you will gather some good information.

I saw a 20 20 special on plastic surgery in foreign countries. They also mentioned Cosmetic Vacations. The program was positive about the results, etc. You might go to there website and find the program information. I definetly want to have PS. Keep us informed.

Hi! I am Brazilian and know a wonderful plastic surgeon there. He does an amazing job. Both my sisters have had lipo and breast implants with him. I myself had a tummy tuck before coming to the States and gaining so much weight that now I need a band... but well, I felt great for a while... if you're still interested, I can give you his information in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

I actually had my tummy tuck, lipo, etc. from a Brazilian plastic surgeon here in Utha. He is wonderful. I would recommend him to anyone with no reservations. His name is Renalto Saltz. You can google him and learn a little about him. His website isn't the best, but you'll get some idea.

This is awesome! How much have you lost? I bet you must be feeling like a zillion bucks! As to me, I'm to the point where I can't delay the band anymore. I'm 43 and weighing 220 pounds. I have never been this heavy before. Dieting all my life along, like everybody here, but it seems that in this country it's more difficult since we drive everywhere. I'd love to know more about your weight loss, how you feel with the band now, how you felt in the beginning. I look at the pictures of myself 5 years ago and I don't recognize me anymore...

Adr: I have lost 95 pounds. It took me about 15 months to lose it. I want to lose 15-20 pounds more. I've gone from a size 22 to a size 8. I love my band. I feel like it has saved my life. I was pre-diabetic, had pulmonary hypertension and a bad knee. I feel like a new person. I don't wake up every day feeling bad about myself. That being said, the lapband is a great tool, but it is just that. I've had to watch what I eat and exercise. I exercise 6 days a week. But the band gave me the confidence and the structure that I needed. I knew that when I lost the weight it would be permanent. I committed to a new life style. Pretty scary, but the best thing I've ever done (beside marrying my husband and being a mother). You can learn more about me in the cosemtic surgery section on the thread entitled, "kareyquilts, tummy tuck, lipo, breast lift," etc. Let me know if I can help you.

Thank you so much for the inspiration. It does help me a lot. A week ago I saw some new pictures of me from a trip with my teenagers at school (I'm a High School teacher) and I felt desolated to see how big I have gotten. Scared, really. Upset, frustrated. Yesterday I went to the doctor and the scale is at 220. I tried to lose weight when I was at 190. Now it's so higher and all I can do is cry.

Tomorrow I'll have a consultation with a doctor here in Arizona. I'm hoping maybe my insurance will pay for the lap since I've reached BMI 40.

I'm going to Brazil in July and my family has never seen me this big. I'm very depressed.

Just remember that you're the same good person, no matter what your weight. Good luck with your appointment. I hope you can get the insurance to pay, but it's worth it no matter how you have to get it. Keep us posted when you become a lapbander!