Well, I went to my first plastic surgery consult today. I went in with such high hopes. This is the surgeon that my bariatric doc recommends, as he has extensive experience with body contouring in post op bariatric patients. His work is phenominal, and he seems like a great guy. I had seen him once at one of our support groups where he came in and talked about plastics. At the time, he was in private practice and stated that each "phase" of surgery generally ran between $10k-$12k. That was about a year ago. Since then, he has joined a larger, very prestigious, plastic surgery firm. Today when I went in, everything seemed to be perfect. He told me I was a great candidate, and that I would have near perfect results. I was basically an "easy" patient with my current frame and needs. My husband and I were so excited and encouraged. Then, the coordinator came in and slapped a $33k estimate down in front of us. I was flabbergasted, and so defeated. I felt like all of my hopes had been dashed. I knew going in this wouldn't be cheap, but I never expected $33k!!! I thought MAYBE $20k or a little more. My husband and I have worked hard to save for me to get this surgery...but $33k is just not doable for us. Even if we were to put down everything we have saved, and finance the rest, we'd be looking at $500 a month for the next five years. As much as I would LOVE to go with this surgeon as I trust him and have seen his results, I just can't afford it.

Now I don't know what to do. I'm looking for any recommendations in the Denver area. Has anyone gone to another surgeon here in Colorado and had great result? How much did you end up paying?

I feel like I've been punched in the gut. I really wanted to move forward with this phase in my journey, and really wish I could go with this particular surgeon, but $33k is just way outside of what I can do.

If you have any recommendations...I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you!!!

Have you checked out realself.com to research any other ones? I'm having a consult in the state I live in (ND) and the state my family lives in (WA) to see which one is better and how different the prices are. Lets face it, price matters. Not that I would go with the lowest bidder, but 33k seems really high.

I are opposed to the idea of plastics in Mexico? There are many excellent surgeons there with amazing post-op care available for 1/3 to 1/2 the price of the US.

I'm in the Denver area too and plan to look at plastics in the next year. What did the $33k estimate include? Please let me know if you find another good option and I will do the same as I begin my search. I'm thinking I will probably need a lower body lift but we will see what the experts say.

I'm in the Denver area too and plan to look at plastics in the next year. What did the $33k estimate include? Please let me know if you find another good option and I will do the same as I begin my search. I'm thinking I will probably need a lower body lift but we will see what the experts say.

The quote was for a lower body lift only. We talked about breasts and arms done together down the road, but even that quote was $23k.

The estimate included surgery, OR, anesthesia, one night stay in the hospital, and all before/after care. It did NOT include preop labs or the compression garment, which were about another $500.

Again, if I had that kind of money, this surgeon would have been my first choice, but we just can't justify that much, especially when other surgeons in the area charge much less. So far, I've contacted a couple other plastic surgeons and they quoted me between $12k-$23k.

After my disappointment from my first consultation, and telling the girls at work what happened, one the the RNs I work with told me about a surgeon her friend went to and had beautiful results. Her friend was great and even showed me her before and after pics. The transformation was quite amazing! I got a consultation booked with that surgeon for May 9. Due to work, I have to try to get my surgery before June 20, or I may need to wait until next year. Not the end of the world, but if at all possible I'd love to get this done sooner! This surgeon is about an hour from my house, and has his own surgery center. For a lower body lift, I was told over the phone, that the average cost is between $12k-$20k, with the upper end including other surgeries. At this time, I'm just doing the lower body lift. He has an overnight suite at his surgery center where you receive medical care throughout the night during recovery. I've read some great reviews, and of course have a personal recommendation, which really helps! I hope everything work out! I'll keep you all posted on what happens.

Edited April 17, 201610 yr by nursejenny07