Plastic Surgery

I also posted on the plastic surgery forum, but wanted to see if I could get some info here as well!  Has anyone out there had plastics yet?  Did you use a doc from Iowa?  Do you have any recommendations for docs in Iowa? Thanks you for any info!

First & foremost, don't be in any hurry to get it done.  You want to be pretty close to your goal weight. I had my first at 15 months. I had gotten down to 180 from a high of 350.  I wasn’t suppose to exercise at all for the 6 weeks of recovery, not even walking for exercise. I never got down to my goal and I suspect that 6 weeks of  not exercise contributed.

Second, read up on plastic surgery. Libraries have excellent books that will answer most of your questions. Third, do NOT go to a general surgeon to have plastics done. Go to a BOARD CERTIFIED (yes, I meant to shout) plastic surgeon. What most people don't realize is that any doctor can do  plastic surgery even without the specialized training. You don't want that. Many of them actually use staples for your incision. A good plastic surgeon has way too much pride in his work to ever use staples. Most won't even have stitches on the surface and in a year or so, you'll hardly even see the scar. Fourth, if you hope to have your insurance pay, be sure to be documenting any problems caused by your extra skin. It will help but not necessarily. Often insurance companies will pay for a panniculectomy (I think that's spelled wrong) which is just a removal of the extra skin without the tightening of the muscle (actually the fascia but most people  think it's the muscle.) If you want a flat, tight  tummy, you want an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and most insurance consider that surgery cosmetic & won't pay. However, if they will pay for a panni & you still want the tight tummy, many surgeons will code it as a panni & just charge you extra for the extra work. You pay for the extra work.  I had no rashes or other problems & paid cash for my tummy tuck & have never regretted it. Fifth, don't get all excited when the surgeon tells you how much your extra skin weighs. Most exagerrate about the amount. Usually it’s around 6-8 lbs.

 

Sixth, plastic surgery hurts, but not as much as you’d expect. Remember, at least for a tummy tuck, they are not cutting muscle. 

 

There are some really excellent plastic surgeons in Iowa. Dr Aly in Coralville is one of the best in the nation when it comes to lower body lifts. People come to him from all over the world.  He’s also very expensive, and I have been told that he doesn’t accept insurance.  I may have been told wrong though. I went to a plastic surgeon in Waterloo who I adored. I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer & if someday I decide to have reconstruction, he’ll be the man.

There is a lady from Iowa who arranges trips to Central or South America for plastic surgery. You'll probably be hearing from her.

Dixie

Dixie, Thanks for all that info!  I know I'm not even close (goal wise) but I thought the longer I researched the more informed decision I could make! I'm hoping to get insurance to cover - they wouldn't pay for surgery!  I guess I'll cross that bridge...! Im sorry to hear about your cancer.  I certainly wish you the best! 

Holy Moly!!!!!!!!!  It has been forever since I have seen you on here Dixie (it's Jesi~P)....I am sorry to hear about the breast cancer.  I have a million and one questions for you, since it has been so long.  I don't come around much anymore.  I see you don't either.  Are you a nurse yet?  How is the grandbaby, she probably isn't much of a baby anymore.  If you don't want to reply back here email me jesinjay@ mchsi.com  ........I would love to hear how your doing all around.  Is your sister all better, did she have any more episodes?  See I have way too many questions so I better quit.  Hope to hear from you.  Take Care jesi

Sorry about the hi-jack, but I had to say hi to an old friend   Dixie is absolutely right in everything she told you.   One of the stipulations from my insurnace even was being at a stable goal weight for at least six months........so you'll have awhile even after you hit your goal or stable weight.  And the last thing you want to do is have all that work done just to get flabby again (trust me)!!!    There are a few good PS in Iowa.  Dixie was right about ALI in Iowa City supposedly being the best, but when I looked into him (couple years ago) it was CASH only, and my insurance was covering some of mine.   Keep good records of rashes or back problems you might have becuase of the panni, it will help when talking to insurance.  My PS was awesome with getting my surgery covered......she knew what the insurance companies would/wouldn't accept or pay for and it was a breeze.  It is nice to find a PS who is board certified and knows all the ropes.  Good Luck

Another hi-jack.  Hi Jesi! Haven't heard from you in ages!  How are you doing?  I'm struggling with about 15 pounds of regain since my nesidioblastosis was diagnosed.  Danged insulin.  Makes wt stick like glue.  Give me a holler! Lyn