What do I ask? Or Lori's journey begins

[loridee11 510]

Hi All!

Since getting my lap band in January 07 I've lost 120 lbs :rolleyes2: and am only 30-60 from my goal, and so I am looking into Plastic Surgery. In fact, I have my first consulation on Monday (w/ Dr. Chick - thank you for the recommendation). So, my question is what should I ask.

- I know he is board certified and has hospital priviledge

- I'm looking at a full body lift so I know I need to ask him about:

- Tummy tuck: Will he do muscle repair, will I need a verticle incision, how far will the scar go.

- Lower body lift: ???

- Thigh Lift: Will I require vertical incision

- Breast lift: Can I be a D without implants, what will shape be like. If I need implants can they be done at the same tim?

- Arm lift: Describe scar; what will they look like...

ALL: What surgeries can we do together, how many surgeries, how far apart. Cost for each surgery, total cost. Insurance an option. Discount if cash.

OK -what else. For those of you that have been there I really appreciate your expertise!!!

~Lori

[anonemouse 1]

Here a list that I took to my PS consultation (these are all for Tummy Tuck and breast lift):

• Can you tell how far apart the abdominal muscles are before the surgery?
  
• How aggressive are you with muscle repair?
  
• How tight do you pull the skin down?
  
• Where are the drains placed?
  
• How long will the drains be in?
  
• Will I have to wear a binder or compression garment? How long will I have to wear it? Is it included in the price?
  
• How much are you going to take off? Is Lipo included?
  
• Will I wake up in pain or is that controlled already?
  
• Where is the scar placed? How far back does it go?
  
• How long until I will be able to stand straight?
  
• How will the lap-band port affect the tummy tuck?
  
• Will the incision be closed by staples, stitches or glue?
  
• Is pain level controlled by a pump after? Will I be able to get any medications (pain/nausea/etc.) in liquid or small/split-able tablets?
  
• Will I lose nipple sensation?
  
• How long before I can return to work? To exercise?
  

[loridee11 510]

Thanks Laura! That's a great list - lot's of things I never would have thought of.

Anyone else have suggestions?

[kareyquilts 1]

Lori: Just saw your thread. How did your appointment go with Dr. Chick? What did you decide, etc? Looking forward to sharing your journey.

[kareyquilts 1]

Loridee: I just realized that you pmd me about this. I'm sorry, I've been a little out of it. I had to have my band removed and replaced due to slippage last week and I'm not thinking as clearly as normal, which isn't always that great anyway! LOL! So, I guess that you liked Dr. Salz better than Dr. Chick? So did I. Though Dr. Chick would have done more at one time and that would have been nice! What was the deciding points for you, if you don't mind sharing!?

[loridee11 510]

Hi Karey!

I'm sorry to hear about your band and I hope you're doing better! If there's anything I can do just let me know...

I did like Dr. Chick and he would have done a full lowerbodylift for me. However, he didn't think I needed the vertical incision on the Tummy Tuck and I was afraid I wouldn't have the right shape without it. Also, I liked that Dr. Saltz was so upfront about why he was limiting what we should do at first. It's hard being told I can't have everything all at once, but in the end it's probably better.

~Lori

[kareyquilts 1]

So, Dr. Saltz is going to do the anchor incision? I like how honest Dr. Saltz is also and I know that you will get a good result. I'm very excited for you!

[cori in wa 0]

Hi Lori :thumbup:

Congrats to you and wishing you the very best results with your surgery(ies). Have you recieved a date?

[loridee11 510]

So, my surgery will be Nov.20th... I'm having an extended anchor tummytuck and a breast lift. YIKES!

[kareyquilts 1]

The time will go very fast! Tell Dr. Saltz hi for me! He and his staff are wonderful! My only advice to you at this point, is to exercise your little heart out. The better shape your in the better your recovery. As things get closer, we can come up with lots more advice! LOL!

[loridee11 510]

Thanks all!

I have been exercising 4 days a week, and have been planning to pick it up a notch (5-6 days a week). Karey, I'll use your advice as extra motivation to make it to the gym. That and I am only 3.5 pounds away from Onederland!!! In my entire adult life I haven't been below 200 lbs... I'm SO excited.

~Lori

[kareyquilts 1]

You're going to reach onederland before you know it! YEAH! Let me know when it happens and I'll send you a balloon parade. Keep on trucking!