I am sure this has been asked before, but I am starting to look into the process of having plastic surgery done. I am down 90lbs, and have 40-50lbs more to lose, but just thought I would get the ball rolling (sleeved July 29'15).

I had my sleeve done in Mexico, and the surgeon who did it also has a surgery center for plastics. My results and experience with my sleeve surgery sent me to their plastics center first, without hesitation...but the cost was going to be considerably more than I had anticipated. Enough so that I am wondering if maybe it would be better to have plastics done in Canada (where I live) or even the US. Clearly I don't want cost to be deciding factor...I'm not aiming for cheap surgery. Affordable and good is all I am asking for.

I could have my tummy tuck covered provincially (which I will discuss with my doctor today), and could probably upgrade to a 360 (which is what I need), and will have to price that out. But on top of that I would also like an extended arm lift and a breast augmentation.

So my question is, have you had plastics? Where did you go? How was your experience. I am willing to travel in Canada, the US and Mexico for a good surgeon and an affordable rate, but the world wide web is FULL of names of surgeons, I wouldn't mind some guidance!

Any input?

I had plastics in Mexico in 2011. I used Dra. Laura Carmina Cardenas, who I would definitely use again. Like you, I had my sleeve at OCC, but I would NEVER use them for plastics. The day after my sleeve, I was waiting for my shuttle back to the hotel once I was discharged and met a woman who was there for a tummy tuck, breast lift with augmentation, AND a face lift all at one time. The very next day, I was back at OCC to have my barium swallow test and that same woman rode back to the hotel on the shuttle with me. I could NOT BELIEVE they were discharging her to the hotel just one day post-op to fend for herself!

When I had my tummy tuck, breast lift with augmentation, all-over lipo, and fat grafting done all at once, I spent TWO FULL WEEKS in the recovery house with 24/7 nursing care. I literally could not even get up and go to the bathroom by myself. I cannot IMAGINE being discharged to a hotel with flat beds (recovery house had adjustable hospital beds), regular toilets (recovery house had raised seats with arm rests), and NO ONE to help me, and only room service for food! It is completely insane to even think about.

Seriously, no matter which surgeon you use, make sure you will have the aftercare you need in the days immediately post-op. Tummy tuck is MAJOR MAJOR surgery. For the first several days I needed help going to the bathroom, showering, getting my compression garments on and off, etc. It was frustrating to be so reliant on other people, since I am usually very self-sufficient, but it was necessary.

I haven't had plastics but if I did, I would certainly at least consult with Dr. Capella in New Jersey. He specializes in post-weight loss surgery and he has done fantastic work on some people I know. His prices are very reasonable, especially compared to other US surgeons.

http://www.capellaplasticsurgery.net/photo_gallery.htm