Ask Dr. Schulman...

[bambam 0]

Dr. Schulman -

I had LapBand surgery in March 2009. Within a couple of months I started having low back pain. I have a desk job and first noticed it when getting up to walk. With a lot of walking or activity it is worse. I thought it was odd I was having back pain after weight loss but just kind of pushed it aside and assumed it would improve. However, the more activity I do, the more it hurts. I have never had much for back problems before. Now I'm beginning to wonder if it may be due to my weight loss. I've lost 104-107 pounds (depending on the day). Obviously I know other things would need to be ruled out as the source of my back pain, but could my low back pain be due to the extra weight I am carrying in my stomach? Even with the weight loss I have some weight and extra skin in my stomach. Also, can you give me some ideas as to what tests might need to be done to rule out other problems? Am guessing a MRI scan, x-rays, etc. I would appreciate your advice on how to proceed with this.

I appreciate your thoughts.

[LapNYC 3]

Dear Dr. Schulman,

Many questions for you:

I recently lost a lot of weight. A TT is a top priority with a breast lift and maybe implants to follow. When done in conjunction, how long is one under anesthesia? If the patient is willing to deal with the cost and the hassle of it, it it better to do one procedure at a time?

I never had good legs, even when I was thin. Does a lower body lift address cellulite and poor muscle tone in upper thighs? I lost 100 lbs and am pretty fit and a former athlete. No exercise is going to address the issue.

If I have young children and wanted to have plastic surgery and not tell friends, how long would I have to disappear for? How long without exercise?

I'm not sure I'm saying it correctly but I have an issue with anticardiolipin antibodies. A clotting something. How would this come into play? I've had several (non plastic) surgeries in the past without incident.

I used to have large breasts but they've seen better days. is it possible to get a lift and implants that allow them to age well and look natural? If I just had a lift I think they'd be too small compared to my body, but in all honesty at 40 and happily married I'm not trying to impress anyone. Is there such a thing as a not noticeable, natural, reasonable (36C?) list with implants? People always seem to go so crazy.

And then I have no eyelids so there's that when I'm 50. I can see how this might become addictive. What is the first age-related procedure people do? After the 100 lbs, my face is worse for wear.

Sorry. Lots of questions. Sinai is my hospital (although I was banded at NYU) so I'm particularly curious about your responses.

Thanks in advance for all.