Good evening guys!

It's been a while since I lost posted on here, and I'm really pleased to say that almost 12 months post-op (celebrating next week on the 28th), I am officially 54kg/118lbs lighter.

My dietician and surgeon have given me a goal of between 70-80kgs, I'm currently sitting at 81kg and would like to get to 75kg and maintain for another 6 months or so prior to deciding on plastics, however, that is another story for another day.

I've come on here today - a primarily US-based forum - to ask my fellow UK/European bariatric patients about where you've been looking for your plastics. I've been having a look on here, speaking to people I know who've had WLS and/or plastics, Youtube videos, surgery websites, searching for surgeons etc based on their speciality, however, it would be great to learn more about other personal insights.

I had my WLS done in the UK on the NHS - which I am ever so grateful for - however, I had a really bad experience and was severely ill in hospital for a month after, so I'll be honest, the thought of going under the knife again gives me some of the worst anxiety. I can't even go into a hospital currently without feeling anxious and a bit uneasy.

I'd love to know some positive stories of those that were made to feel really comfortable, consultations that were really well in-depth, surgeons and doctors who made you feel like you were making the best decision. I've looked into UK surgeons - to be honest, I totally understand why people opt to go abroad (although Turkey is out of the question for obvious reasons) - I've been hearing great things about NordsEsthetics in Lithuania, with really good views and standards. I've also considered Germany or possibly the Netherlands, again for quality standards of healthcare and successful surgery rates.

I have of course looked into UK-based clinics and hospitals, however the majority don't necessarily have any better review than others I've looked into - particularly surgeons who work abroad, but were trained and worked in the UK prior, although I am still contemplating whether I would go anywhere outside the UK, for the sheer reason that if I were to get ill again, what would happen etc. I am looking at a full 360/FDL tummy tuck with breast enhancement, as I've been left with a lot of excess skin on my upper torso that a traditional tummy tuck wouldn't necessarily remove.

Anyway, any and all opinions are welcome, TIA x

Edited March 22, 20251 yr by AMJ2598

Interested in anyone who has this information too!

Firstly, congratulations on coming through it all and doing so well.

I am like you, major complications post op resulting in almost four months of hospitalisation and multiple procedures has left me feeling anxious about any further surgery, even going past the hospital on the bus can make me feel queasy!

I had my first consultation about plastics a few weeks ago and the surgeon I picked was based on asking on a local/private Facebook group, doing some internet searches and checking out reviews and medical file searches where possible (to make sure no reports that showed red flags). As I live in Europe I has had to make sure that the surgeon and his staff speak fluent English and the other main thing was I wanted a surgeon working out of a different hospital to the one I had by sleeve done at, I wanted to be sure I had none of the same team involved.

I was very happy when I met the surgeon, he was honest with his opinion in that he told me that I did not need a breast lift and implant and he did not think my tummy area was worthy of surgery at this point so at least he is not operating just for the money. He has put me forward for approval for an arm lift and I am waiting for the health service to review my file and send their decision. I am a bit afraid they may say no as I had to submit pictures and only after did I realise that maybe I didn't take 'bad' enough pics. I would have preferred to submit a video of the wobble

Anything else I would have to pay for myself so, given the sh*t show of my sleeve, I don't think I will do any other surgeries out of my own pocket.

I would love to do something with my calves they are terrible and depress me a bit as I feel they take away the look of all the weight loss but nothing can really be done for them.

Edited March 23, 20251 yr by FifiLux