Dr Turkle Anyone???????

I'm under 2 lbs from Dr Clark's listed weight goal for me. I know I probably will/could go lower in weight yet. But the smell coming from my belly button and the soreness/irritation of it has got to stop. Not only do I have physical issues with my abdominable skin but I now have to have my mom shave my armpits while I hold my my underarm skin taunt enough so I don't get razor cuts (which when I was shaving myself I'd get a lot of and then they'd get semi infected from the fat folds folding in on them, ugh!). And has some of you at clothing exchanges have heard me whine about - I have one boob that has went to less then a C cup and one that has stayed a D to a DD. . So I have a consult with Dr Turkle for next week. Not so much for my boob issue, nor about my arms.... but the smell and the soreness of my belly button has got to be taken care. I was just wondering if anyone has had a consult with her, heard anything regarding her surgery techniques and bedside manner, or has had surgery with her. Thanks Jodi

Jodi, Let me know how the consult goes. I've emailed back & forth with her receptionist several times and the repies I have gotten has me totally convinced that is where I want all of my ps done. They don't look at it as 'plastic surgery' as much as 'reconstructive surgery'. I like that..insurance would like that. It was recommended that I wait on my consult until I am within 20 lbs of my goal. My goal is 140...so I have 11 more to go to get to 160. By the time I have my other foot surgery and get my FMLA built back up at work, I should be there. I'm anxious to hear what you think. Sherri

Sheri, I'd have to agree. Dr Turkle's office is coming across in my emails as being very sympathetic and understanding of my situtation. One of my major concerns was insurance coverage and right away they told me that even though my insurance doesn't cover a few things they can provide documentation (of it's severity) and help me to persuade them to change their minds or provide an exception. They did say that I could have the bigger boob reduced so that they were both even but that's about as far as my insurance would probably go on the matter. And of course, my insurance "says" it won't cover my arms... but documentation on the severity might change their minds. My tummy tuck is completely covered though. So basicly my consulatation next week is to document my arms and boob severity to convince my insurance to go cover it. If they still decline then I guess I'm either looking at trying to finance it or I'll have to forget it. But in all seriousness, Dr Turkles office has answered every question I've had via emails with such compassion, which is why I feel so comfortable prursuing this. I'll definately let you know how it goes.

Hi Jodi, I think you know that I am still pre-ob, the losing in the middle area scares me the most. I have a lot of weight there and want to lose that weight the most. But, I am so fearful that it will hang to my knees, there is so fat there. I hope I don't lose much in breast area !! I had reduction in 1986. And its so hard to find a bra right now, I'm a 52 B. So I think I better keep all your info on Dr Turkle for the future. Good Luck. Hugs, Gail

Hey Gail, Yep it sure is scary but unfortunately it's a reality that it may happen. The majority of all women carry their excess weight in their abdomen area. That and pregnancy causes the skin to eventually loose it's elasticity so that when you loose a large amount of weight - the skin just refuses to shrink back. Not only is it a skin issues but most of your abdomen wall of muscles become seperated because of pregnancy and large abdominable weight. A lot of wls'er can't afford to have plastic surgery (commonly referred to as "PS") so they just learn to live with it. Normally I'd probably be one of those if it wasn't for the horride smell and sorness that I'm getting in my belly button and under panni area. Hopefully *fingers crossed* I will be able to get this taken care of quickly. Hang in there Gail and don't get too scared. You could be lucky enough that you don't have a lot of excess skin hanging around. Jodi

I saw Dr. Turkle on Aug. 1st for my consult. She is very easy to talk to and the staff was great. I am currently in the process of waiting on insurance to see if they will cover my pannis removal and aux. breast tissue under my arms. So keep your fingers crossed for me...hopefully they will cover it. I have lost 153lbs. & and have documented issues w/ my skin for the past 4 months. My total cost for everything...(abdom/bl &ba/brachio/aux. breast tissue removed hospital anes. fees) is around $18,000, obviously that would change if insurance helps absorb some of that........so we'll see. So best of luck to you.....it will all work out. Have a great day!!!!

I had a consult with Dr Grasse at Turkle's office. I am totally impressed with them. I can not have PS right now due to Low Blood Count but I am so excited for you. After all that we go through to get this weight off we totally deserve to have the excess skin removed. Unfortunately for some that is not an option though. I am am afraid I will be one of those people. Keep us posted & I wish the best for you!

Dr. Turkle did my breast reduction, she is awesome, she has has done all my family plastic surgery they have got, you will love her. She is so nice and will help you in any way.

I work in the medical field and have worked with Dr. Turkle. My experience with her has always been positive! She does beautiful work and takes her time. I would trust her with any plastic surgery I would need/want. Good luck!