Hello group! I was banded on May 19, 2004 and have lost 125lbs. I am currently at goal and am now thinking about plastics. I will have to self-pay for my plastics because I don't meet the criteria for medical necessity. That means I have lots of options in selecting a surgeon.

Here's my question. Is is unwise to have my TT done in a hospital that doesn't have a Bariatric program? I'm concerned about having to have my port moved by a plastic surgeon. (and mine will HAVE to be moved... I can already see it poking out when I look at my profile in the mirror).

When a band patient has a TT in the hospital where I had my band placed, the bariatric surgeon comes down and does the port revision. However, the plastic surgeon in that hospital is the MOST expensive in the area... sheeesh.

Do plastic surgeons have the expertise to move a port? Is it wise to even consider going to another hospital to save a few thousand dollars?

I would love your input!

Thanks,

Julie

banded 5/19/05

296/170/170

That's a question for the surgeon you interview before you decide who to use. Maybe you'll find one who is experienced with mediports. Lots of folks have them, they are used for a lot of other medical reasons besides the lap-bands. I would think that the procedure for moving them would be relatively uncomplicated. Ask what their level of experience is with ports. How many have they inserted, moved or otherwise worked with. I wouldn't think a surgeon would need to be bariatric to move a port, just experienced in dealing with them. Good Luck!

I can't imagine that it's a difficult procedure considering so many non-banded people have ports. Many cancer patients have ports to get their chemo for example (according to what I've heard.) I would hope any qualified surgeon could more the port by just calling up the band surgeon for a little chit-chat. I bet your Band guy would be happy to talk to your TT guy.

Thank you Pam and DeLarla! I'm getting pretty excited about having this awful skin taken away now! I appreciate your thoughtful words, and will keep those things in mind when dealing with the plastic surgeon.

You know, if it weren't for my pannis, I could wear anything I wanted. So, that's my next goal!

Hugs,