Plastic Surgery

Hello everyone, I am new to this site, wish I would have knowen about it sooner. I am 4 yrs. post op. lost 250 lbs. Now my problem is skin hanging everywhere. Has anyone know of anyone who has been or has gone to Columbia South America to have their plastic surgery done, after the weight loss. I am considering it, due to the cost being 1/2 of what it  is here, but would love to hear any feed back from someone who has already been there. Thanks so much, Marion

Lantana, I am originally from Colombia, South America and I can tell you that as in any other place to please be careful when choosing a doctor. Have you contacted anyone? Two of my nieces had breast augmentation done in Barraquilla with doctor Cabello and everything went well. As a matter of fact, when the time for my plastics comes I will be seeing him. I also have one niece who had a breast reduction and lipo in Bogota. Do not hesitate to contact me, if you have any further questions about Colombia. Good luck and congratulations on such an amazing weight loss. Beatriz

Thank-you so much for the information, and replying.. I  have just recently started my quest for plastic surgery in the last couple of months, I was hoping my insurance company was going to pay for some of it, what they MIGHT pay for is the tummy tuck, and breast reduction, I have a claim in with them now to do my arms, because they are so painful, and it is pulling on the tendons in my shoulders, but was told today by the Dr's office they  have never had one come through approved. I have been researching  a Dr in Bogota, Dr Sliva, I have a friend who went down to him and had her gastric by pass done, she said she would not go any where else for the plastic surgery, she was treated so well, and the hospital was clean, the Dr's still e-mail her to check on her and it has been 1 1/2 yrs. She researched 2 1/2 yrs. before she went down there, total cost for EVERYTHING was $11,000, here it would have been at least $35,000, with no airplane ride. Have you ever had surgery down there?? Is it safe to go down there alone? They meet you at the airport and you have an english speaking guide with you the whole time you are there. I would have to make the trip by myself due to cash flow. Are the hospitals clean? I don't mean to drive you crazy with questions, please let me know if I become bothersome to you. Again thank-you, and if you can recommended any other Dr's I would appreciate it. Marion/Lantana

Thank-you so much for your reply, yes the nurse in the doctor's office today told me that the insurance would pay for the tummy tuck(is what you had a removal of the hanging apron) I did not know the correct name for it, that is also what I need to have done, how was your recovery, how long did you stay in the hospital?, did you have the gastric by pass done? Sorry so many questions, I am just trying to get as much information as I can, I also need a thigh lift and breast reduction, did you have those done also? Hope to hear from you soon, I wish you continued success in your weight loss, it is amazing to wake up every day and feel good isn't it??? Take care, Marion

I have never had surgery in Colombia but I can tell that you will be treated pretty good over there. We are an extremely polite and nice bunch of people. Going to Colombia is pretty safe, specially, if you are staying in the big cities like Bogota. There is always a risk to everything but it's pretty safe in general.  Take care, Beatriz

Will your insurance not even cover a panniculectomy or TT? You've lost as much as I have and my insurance covered a panni no problems, now the arms is a battle. But to answer your question, yes I know someone who went to Mexico (from FL) and is doing great. *edit* o.k. so I should have read all replies first.... Best wished with your insurance...those 2 are the most typical that get approved. I am currently appealing for my arms, I have neck pain, rashes, they touch the pans on the stove when I cook, etc. I'm not giving up on getting my arms approved they are as much a functional problem for me as my panni was!!! I have Highmark BCBS PPO.

I know a couple of people who went to Brazil.  They look wonderful and had nothing for praise for the doctor and care they received.

These posts are illuminating! I have been reading a new bariatric blog, and the latest post is about traveling for surgery. Although the blogger doesn't seem as though he (she?) is for it, the post does bring up some issues to be mindful of before deciding to go abroad.

Anyway, the blog is at http://www.bariatricbrat.com. It's still pretty new, though.

Kristen