Obsessing about Plastic Surgery!!

[GreenTealael 24,864]

24 minutes ago, Gilmoregirl1012 said:

I had a tummy tuck/muscle repair and breast lift in Miami in 2017 with Dr. Ortega. I will say please do your research on those places. I saw several women pass away during surgery while down there for my surgery and when I went back for an emergency fix a few weeks later.

Luckily our surgeon ( @ChubRub & mine) has: zero deaths, his medical license is valid, is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, is not being disciplined by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), or the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)- all of which he is an active member in good standing.

He is on several committees for these societies that regulate plastic surgery safety. Conducting research on your surgeon is important. You can go to certificationmatters.org (and floridahealth.gov to look up any Miami) physician’s credentials.

Edited June 16, 2020 by GreenTealael

[kristieshannon 1,545]

For those of you who have travelled for surgery, how long did you need to stay in the city your surgery was in post op? Did you have to make a pre-op trip as well, or was your consultation online (or by phone)? I’m planning for early next year and have a couple local consultations, but have no idea how my city (Seattle) compares to other parts of the country cost wise so want to consider all options.

[GreenTealael 24,864]

38 minutes ago, kristieshannon said:

For those of you who have travelled for surgery, how long did you need to stay in the city your surgery was in post op? Did you have to make a pre-op trip as well, or was your consultation online (or by phone)? I’m planning for early next year and have a couple local consultations, but have no idea how my city (Seattle) compares to other parts of the country cost wise so want to consider all options.

I usually arrive 1-2 days prior to surgery and stay for about 7 days after surgery.

Preop is 2-3days prior to surgery and when I had the in-depth consultation with my surgeon to go over the plan in detail or make any changes/additions. Everything else was handled remotely.

[catwoman7 10,870]

10 minutes ago, GreenTealael said:

I usually arrive 1-2 days prior to surgery and stay for about 7 days after surgery.

Preop is 2-3days prior to surgery and when I had the in-depth consultation with my surgeon to go over the plan in detail or make any changes/additions. Everything else was handled remotely.

I had mine in Chicago, but it's only a two-hour drive from here, so my experience was different. I went there in person a couple months beforehand for a consult. Pre-op stuff, like blood tests, were done by my PCP here in town and faxed to the surgeon. Both times my surgeries were on Fridays, so I drove down to Chicago on Thursday (the day before). I spent one night in the hospital after the surgery, then he required me to stay in the Chicago area for the next 2-3 nights in case there were problems (we stayed at a hotel). Both times I went in for my first post-op appt early the next week (Mon or Tues), so he could tell me if it was safe to drive home (and both times it was). However, since I was within driving distance from Chicago, it wouldn't have been impossible to drive back down there if there was some issue that a local MD couldn't...or wouldn't...deal with. It'd be really different if you were going somewhere hundreds of miles away. People I know who have done that usually stay a couple of weeks, just in case...

[ms.sss 14,691]

10 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

I had mine in Chicago, but it's only a two-hour drive from here, so my experience was different. I went there in person a couple months beforehand for a consult. Pre-op stuff, like blood tests, were done by my PCP here in town and faxed to the surgeon. Both times my surgeries were on Fridays, so I drove down to Chicago on Thursday (the day before). I spent one night in the hospital after the surgery, then he required me to stay in the Chicago area for the next 2-3 nights in case there were problems (we stayed at a hotel). Both times I went in for my first post-op appt early the next week (Mon or Tues), so he could tell me if it was safe to drive home (and both times it was). However, since I was within driving distance from Chicago, it wouldn't have been impossible to drive back down there if there was some issue that a local MD couldn't...or wouldn't...deal with. It'd be really different if you were going somewhere hundreds of miles away. People I know who have done that usually stay a couple of weeks, just in case...

I guess that is one big plus for having it locally. My surgeons's main office is 30 minute drive from my house, and 3 of the 5 hospitals he has privileges at are also within a 30-min drive radius.

One of these hospitals was/is like less than 10 mins away. This is the one I went to for my first followup and to get my dressings changed and get my drains out. I also had some wound healing issues through the first 3 months (totally self imposed, btw) and it was easy to go in a couple times for him to take a look and do his thing.

Typing this now I'm rethinking travelling for PS...only because of my experience the first time. Le Sigh.

Edited June 16, 2020 by ms.sss

[ChubRub 1,696]

1 hour ago, ms.sss said:

I guess that is one big plus for having it locally. My surgeons's main office is 30 minute drive from my house, and 3 of the 5 hospitals he has privileges at are also within a 30-min drive radius.

One of these hospitals was/is like less than 10 mins away. This is the one I went to for my first followup and to get my dressings changed and get my drains out. I also had some wound healing issues through the first 3 months (totally self imposed, btw) and it was easy to go in a couple times for him to take a look and do his thing.

Typing this now I'm rethinking travelling for PS...only because of my experience the first time. Le Sigh.

You could always travel to Miami with me in January, and we can shake our flat booties in South Beach! LOL!!!

One of the many reasons I love my surgeon is that he does a drainless TT, which makes it much easier for travel. I'm actually going to Miami for a week in a hotel, and then heading to Naples (I have a condo there) for another week, before I fly home.

[ms.sss 14,691]

56 minutes ago, ChubRub said:

You could always travel to Miami with me in January, and we can shake our flat booties in South Beach! LOL!!!

One of the many reasons I love my surgeon is that he does a drainless TT, which makes it much easier for travel. I'm actually going to Miami for a week in a hotel, and then heading to Naples (I have a condo there) for another week, before I fly home.

If I ever get off my do-it-don’t-do-it carousel of indecision, I just may take u up on that! 😂

[GreenTealael 24,864]

1 hour ago, ChubRub said:

You could always travel to Miami with me in January, and we can shake our flat booties in South Beach! LOL!!!

One of the many reasons I love my surgeon is that he does a drainless TT, which makes it much easier for travel. I'm actually going to Miami for a week in a hotel, and then heading to Naples (I have a condo there) for another week, before I fly home.

Did I just hear you invite me to Naples ?!?! 😂

[ms.sss 14,691]

5 minutes ago, GreenTealael said:

Did I just hear you invite me to Naples ?!?! 😂

Noooo...she invited ME!!! Lol

[ChubRub 1,696]

You are both welcome!!! It's a party!

Of course, I'll be wrapped in a mumu while you are both rocking those bikinis on the beach!!

[GreenTealael 24,864]

29 minutes ago, ChubRub said:

You are both welcome!!! It's a party!

Of course, I'll be wrapped in a mumu while you are both rocking those bikinis on the beach!!

😂😂 I'll wear a Mumu in solidarity 😂😂

[Darktowerdream 419]

On 6/15/2020 at 7:18 PM, kristieshannon said:

For those of you who have travelled for surgery, how long did you need to stay in the city your surgery was in post op? Did you have to make a pre-op trip as well, or was your consultation online (or by phone)? I’m planning for early next year and have a couple local consultations, but have no idea how my city (Seattle) compares to other parts of the country cost wise so want to consider all options.

I’ve not updated but just got around to checking my tablet and emails. I’m here for eight days. But I trust if the doctor didn’t think I was ready he would postpone. He is going to follow up via video to monitor my incisions. But he he a stickler for perfection and I trust him with my life. I live closer to Miami but costs were a challenge. I chose the Hospital BC in Mexico.

On 6/15/2020 at 6:14 PM, Gilmoregirl1012 said:

I had a tummy tuck/muscle repair and breast lift in Miami in 2017 with Dr. Ortega. I will say please do your research on those places. I saw several women pass away during surgery while down there for my surgery and when I went back for an emergency fix a few weeks later.

From surgery in Miami? Seems strange to me. I had my issues due to my medical circumstances. But the doctor has been nothing short of excellent. I know it’s naviating something i have never done. But Hospital BC has a certificate of excellence, is the only American own hospital in Tijuana Mexico. The nurses and staff have worked hard. As has the doctor. Dr.Ampulia went above and beyond to ensure things went well. Despite my physical challenges.

my surgery was Monday after 3pm he wanted to ensure I was ready and well for the procedures.mit was a very long surgery. I only remember getting into my room after midnight. I was a bit sick from anesthesia but I’m very susceptible to that. The next day I didn’t follow the normal process. So I was bedbound until this morning. Which my doctor knew my issues and what a struggle this was for me to come this far.and and to be this trusting. I gave permission to share my before and after photos. Which I never thought I’d do. But it felt important. They do bariatric surgery as well as plastics for bariatric patients.

I had a exhausting day but the staff work so hard. I got on my feet which is hard doing the hunch walk. Got showered and into Faja. I get a daily lymphatic massage post op until I leave. As for navigating certain things while wearing Faja if anyone has tips please feel free to share 🤣 sorry if it’s TMI but how do you poop with this on? Iive got a body suit type garment short legs, bottom up to under bust with shoulder straps. I felt bad for the lady struggling to get it on me. It’s got a kind of cutout but it doesn’t seem sanitary and isn’t open enough, maybe needs readjustment? I didn’t think of everything ... you can’t really. You just know that you pick a place you trust. I do worry about traveling home but they say I’ll adjust as time goes on.

i do wonder what the time frame is. From people that have had it for standing more upright, I’m a little worried navigating the airport and trip home. But still have until Sunday but it’s a very early morning flight.

and yes I’m alive. Just need to keep changing positions and try to get up to walk when I can.

[Gilmoregirl1012 2]

@Darktowerdream It took me about a week or more before I could stand almost upright. I stayed in Miami 10 days after my surgery. I flew back and didn’t have any issues other than dealing with making sure the drains weren’t kinked while sitting in the plane seat. They did ask when I went through the body scanner but she just looked at my drains and sent me on my way.

They may give you a note to show them at the airport just to help with the process.

After getting home It was still a few weeks before I could stand upright for a decent amount of time. I think most of it was gaining the strength in my core back. The fajita helps tremendously. As far as the bathroom problem I never actually found a good solution for this. I always ended up taking it all the way off to go number 2.

Hope your flight and recovery goes well.

[ChubRub 1,696]

@Darktowerdream I keep checking to see if you've posted yet! Woo Hoo!!! I can imagine how exhausting the first few days are, so thank you so much for checking in!

I have no idea about pooping in a faja, but it's a very good question for the experts!!!

Rest well, and I look forward to reading your updates as you continue to recover!!!

[Darktowerdream 419]

3 hours ago, Gilmoregirl1012 said:

@Darktowerdream It took me about a week or more before I could stand almost upright. I stayed in Miami 10 days after my surgery. I flew back and didn’t have any issues other than dealing with making sure the drains weren’t kinked while sitting in the plane seat. They did ask when I went through the body scanner but she just looked at my drains and sent me on my way.

They may give you a note to show them at the airport just to help with the process.

After getting home It was still a few weeks before I could stand upright for a decent amount of time. I think most of it was gaining the strength in my core back. The fajita helps tremendously. As far as the bathroom problem I never actually found a good solution for this. I always ended up taking it all the way off to go number 2.

Hope your flight and recovery goes well.

Thank you so much for all the information! I had a feeling the #2 issue might entail undoing at least the bottom portion of the Faja. I’m not sure how I’ll manage except I need to be regular. I’ve planned ahead to get to get a wheelchair at the airport. Since I have a layover in between. It’s a very long flight and I think our ride takes us very early morning to the airport for 8:45am departure. I guess I won’t think that far ahead yet.