Extra mayo for me please!

Hi there, Well I'm back. I met with Dr Knoetgen at the Mayo clinic (just a quick hop skip and jump to Rochester). I have to say I'm much more comfortable with this process than with the outpatient services offered by the other surgeon I met with. He had different ideas about how to sculpt this mass of breaddough I call a stomach. He is very confident that I'm a great candidate for plastics (as was the other surgeon), but he is also willing to submit all my desired procedures (Abdominoplasty with belt lipectomy = Circumferential body lift) for insurance coverage. (big yea!). He also said that he's willing to try and see if he can't take care of the hated dog ears (my extra skin at the base of my ribs on each side) as part of the body lift. (2nd big yea!). He also said that provided every thing goes well he would be willing to install the rack while I was under for the body lift. (3rd big yea). Finally - instead of coming home after a 4-8 hour procedure to be cared for by my significant other, I'll be staying in the hospital for 1-3 nights and being monitored and cared for by skilled nursing at Mayo. (MUCH nicer sounding). One thing I didn't like was it looked like they didn't have a very nice body compression garment - but that can always be purchased online. I was also a little confused as he didn't talk dollars and cents before I left (my other place gave me a price sheet and a financial officer visit before we left). I know Francesca is MUCH more impressed with the level of care here than the other place. As she put it succinctly when I expressed concern as to not knowing what prices to expect - she reminded me to chill out - until we know if the full body lift is covered its not worth getting upset about it - after all she said "this place isn't the McDonald's of Plastic Surgery". . . So. . .We're trying with insurance to see if I'm covered for the full deal (I'd be paying for the hooters myself of course). Going well, he'd do a procedure to get me in a bikini by next spring (when all the swelling would be gone). They agreed that my arms are fine, and inner thighs are probably unnecessary. too. I'll keep you posted on how things unfold. ~Lara

That's great, good luck with the insurance. Dianne

awesome Lara. I wish I could do ps but I am not having any problems so it would all be self-pay. I am happy for you. Mechelle

Sounds terrific Lara - you can't get any better care than Mayo. Are you going to the twin cities festival this weekend? We'll be there - Saturday and Sunday at the Out to Brunch booth. Stop by so we can meet in person if you're going. Ruth

Francesca and I should be there for sure on Sunday. I'll stop by - hopefully you'l be there when we drop by. Until then, ~Lara

Oh I hope you get the insurance coverage! :::crossing fingers::: -Beth http://(meltingmama.blogspot.com/)