Plastics anyone?

Hey all, OK...here we are some 15 months out. Did you ever think that you would be here EVER? You all look so good!!!! So, now comes the question, "What about Plastic Surgery?" What has been your experiences so far looking into PS? What doctors have you found? Prices? Techniques and procedures? What do you want or need to have done? What about insurance? I can tell you my experiences so far. I checked into going to Brazil for PS. To have male breast reduction and a lower body lift and lipo, I'm looking at about $17,600 (whi*****ludes flying down twice, visa and concierge fees, hospital stay, etc). A local doctor would charge about $21,000. So far I've only checked out the two doctors. So what is your story?

I havn't done much research yet, but I plan to soon. My insurance will cover if a doctor says it's medically necessary and my surgeon already told me at 6 months out I'd definately have to have a TT. Between my arms, belly and thighs I got alot of loose hanging skin and if it's up to me I'll get every bit of plastic surgery that's allowed. I just want to get a little closer to goal before I start bugging my doctors about PS. ~Tanja

I haven't hit my personal "goal" yet either, but with 8 pounds to go I might actually make it. I'm actually 7 pounds below my doctor's goal now.

I'm having plastics in January. I'm having breast lift with augmentation, full tummy tuck with muscle tightening, mons lift and inner thigh lift with lipo on hips, thighs and knee area. One surgery, 6hrs....$22,000 all out of pocket. Insurance says they will cover the abdomino if medically necessary but I'm not holding my breath and doing it regardless. My surgeon submitted for the coverage but we'll see, its already been a drama for a couple weeks with Cigna lying about receiving the packet 4 times now. Same ol story. I looked into going to Brazil too but I'm deathly afraid of flying and just can't do it. I'm so scared to have this surgery, like 1000 times more scared then the bypass. Weird hu? Excited though!!! Deejay 259/150.5/150 -108.5

Hey Deejay, It's not the flying that scares me....it's the FLYING!!! I mean imagine that flight home just a few weeks post-op? Yikes!!! And what if there are problems? Good luck finding a local doctor to help you. But $21,000 is a LOT of money. I'm still paying for my DS so coughing up that kind of cash right now is not going to happen easily. So what doctor are you looking at? What made you pick this doctor?

Hi Bobby, I know what you mean, I can't even fly there let alone want to fly home in that condition. My surgeon is Dr Phillip Dahan in Reno, NV. I know quite a few WLS patients who have been to him and I saw him speak at a seminar for PS on WLS patients. He has a passion for WLS patients because (in his words) "they aren't just a twinkie wanting big boobs" they are people who NEED surgery and he loves to work on us because its something we need to help our quality of life. I've seen alot of his work and he's awesome. I just spoke with the insurance coord in his office and she says my request is in the medical director's hands at my ins company so at least they finally rec'd it. Either way, it doesn't matter, I'm ready to self pay and scheduled my date for January 19th. It won't be much they cover, maybe a couple thousand if that toward a panniculectomy but I'm getting the full TT plus all the rest. I'm so scared but I'm excited too. After having triplets and losing so much weight, my stomach and muscles is in desperate need of repair. Not to mention the rest too. I plan on taking lots of before and after pics, are you doing pics? Take care, Deejay

I've been really bad about the pictures thing. I'm waiting for that last stubborn pound so I can get the "Hey...I've lost 250 pounds!!!" shot. So does Dr. Dahan have a website or do you have his number? I'm curious to see what he has to say about doing a post-op male (and it sounds like a good excuse to go to Vegas )

Hi Bobby, I don't know if Dr Dahan has a website but his number is (775)826-4477. Unfortunately though we are in Northern Nevada and Vegas is Southern Nevada about 8hrs away so you wouldn't be that close for a visit to it. I'm curious to see what he'd say. Deejay

Eh...Reno is fine!!! Thanks for his digits. I will definitely follow up.

Well, even though I have lots of loose skin, I won't be covererd for a TT by my insurance company. So after a long and hard look at what I eventually want done (TT and breast augmentation) and the costs associated with it, I have decided to persue my Masters Degree first. Lets face it.. one or the other, but not both at the same time.. I just don't have the cash. So now I am studying for the GRE...wee...... too bad.. really wanted boobs! LOL Ileana