The saga of my PS consult
Hi all,
So I went to the PS on Monday. I was scheduled for 6, but they called and asked me if I wanted to come at 4:30 so I quickly re-arranged my schedule at work and left for the earlier appt. I got to the office and filled out the paperwork (because there is always paperwork). After waiting a little bit, I was called into the office. The dr was very personable and alternated speaking to me about procedures with showing me before and afters on a computer slideshow. He asked me if I weigh myself and I told him no and explained my phobia (if I don't see a number that I like, it frustrates and depresses me, so I avoid the scale. I can tell my weight loss by my clothes. I save the actual scale for my surgeon's appts.) Anyway, he understood my reasoning despite the funny look on his face. My husband was with me, but had to leave to go feed a parking meter. About this time, the dr said he wanted to do the physical exam and take some pictures. So I strip down to my white pasty self, wearing just my panties and the horrible robe that never quite covers well. He comes in with his assistant and tells me that if I want to get the insurance coverage, I will have to shuck the panties, too. So I took them off along with my dignity. Then I had to pose for the camera. I told them that this would be a lovely picture for next year's Christmas card. After a series of shots that made me feel like a very bad version of Kate Moss, that portion was over and I could (Thank God) put my clothes back on. I went back to his office and he went over my pictures with me. I basically could use a new body, but they don't transplant entire bodies, so I guess reconstruction is the way to go. I want to have my batwings done, my pancake boobage, my tummy done and then (since I could actually see the back end)my butt and thighs. And what the heck, throw in a neck and facelift. I told him the pictures depressed me so much I was never taking my clothes off again. So then he told me that I might be a bit early for the actual surgery and I was bummed, but he did tell me that I was not too early to start planning (which was basically how I see it too). Now is the time to document everything. He told me that I do have to start weighing myself because I have to go about 3 months without any substantial weight loss. It won't pay to have surgery, still lose more and end up with more excess skin. He thinks between now and 18 months from my surgery which would be around Oct. I can see the logic behind it. He also told me that he will have the person that handles the insurance call me when she is back in the office. My insurance changed as of March 1st, but our insurance also changes every June and if I need to change to a better insurance for a higher premium, i will do it for as long as I need to. (Good thing for me I am the HR person at work and the go to person for our medical insurance.) So that's my story. I was very happy with the doctor, he has been reviewed on this website and I know two people who had the surgery with him. But we have a PS doing a presentation at my hospital support group at the end of this month, so I am not committing to anything and keeping all options open.
So the other part of this, when I put my stats down, I put down 182 which was what I weighed in Jan when I was at my surgeon's. But because I now have to weigh myself, I decided I would do it the next morning. So I got up early (which is normal for me) and weighed myself. I had to look at the scale twice because I read 165. I was so shocked, I woke up hubby (poor man!) and made him come look at it with me. So now I weigh less then my younger son, and 5 lbs more than hubby. When I lose 2.5 more pounds, I will have lost as much as I weigh. So I was quite happy about that.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my little story.
Have a great day!
Sue
Good for you Sue with the weight loss. I weigh daily just so I can see how I am doing with hitting goal or of my body will set itself where it needs to be.
I have a questions, what do you need to document? I have no tummy rashes so far and no other issues..what kinds of things does the insurance need?
Also, I doubt no matter what the cost that I could afford anything cosmetic due to finances and insurance only covering panni.
Thanks for any info.
Joan M
Hi Joan, thank you!
I know alot of people weigh themselves, it was just a phobia thing for me, but now I am going to weigh myself every two weeks just to keep track off when the weight loss really stops. As far as documenting, I do have a problem with rashes, under my belly and also at the crease of the thighs. I have already gone to my PCP to have him write it down for any future needs. But the plastic surgeon emphasized that documentation is a big necessity. But keep in mind that it doesn't have to be only rashes, it could be boils, bad odors, back pain, etc. The dr showed a bunch of reasons in his slideshow, but I know I have a rash problem because I have such sensitive skin. It's finally working to my benefit. I started at 326 and carried most of my weight in my abdomen so it's where I have the most excess skin.
As far as cost goes, I will probably do a payment plan. I have some savings, but I don't want to tap it all out. I also just asked my boss if he would do a loan for me if I need it with a smaller interest rate than the going rate and he is getting back to me on it. I feel very strongly that I want to do this for myself and I will find a way to do it, short of selling my first born male child or a kidney.
I hope that answers your question.
Take care,
Sue
PS - and I will post more on my journey as I go along.
Julia 
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