OK.. My Plastics Consult

I saw Dr. Grasse today! She is in with dr. Bergman (who Carmen had), she was very nice and made me feel very comfortable! I am very shy and easily intimidated, so this was very traumatic for me and my dignity and self esteem. It could have been so much worse, I was expecting to be very uncomfortable and didn't want to be there! After leaving, I am so glad that I went there and she was very thorough. I watched a film on the abdominoplasty, asked questions, she talked about the risks and my expectations! Financially I am not able to do any more than what insurance will cover, but she is pretty sure that I am qualified under medical necessity, I have a lot of panni! I also still have problems with the infection under my breast, but she said we would work on that later. She said that she feels that with my hernia repair and this procedure that there would be plenty going on with me, and that should come later! I am not too sure as most of you know, I am petrified to be put under and on pain meds after my last experience. I have always felt that I would only do something else if necessary medically, not elective! I am glad that I went I filled out paperwork,watched the film, went to a seperate room, where she gave me the lovely PAPER PANTIES- oh my goodness, I felt like I was an exploded MARSHMELLOW in those things! Not good for my self esteem, but I made it! She was very good at making me feel comfortable- said it is ok, it is just us girls! Thank God! Mark, was in the next room, I know that he is my husband and all, but those were not panties! LOL I said they were a patch on a string! Carmen, you have a great comfort level to have posed for us all- I am so inspired by you- I love to help others as well- But I am so not sure of going that far! She did say that she will TRY to save my belly button, but it might not be possible because of the size and location of my hernia. The pluses to that is, less chance of that area being infected since it wouldn't be there and it can be made a little tighter in that area. I have never seen anyone without a belly button, so I don't know! I don't forsee me in a bikini so I am guessing I shouldn't be bothered, but I dunno- the head still plays games on me! They are sending the paperwork out to my insurance and after 6 pictures, I disposed the patch and string redressed and was headed home! It really went well, and I am glad that I chose their office! I was originally referred to a male, and well lets just say I would have been very uncomfortable with that! My husband did go for support, but I would have been fine without him, though. That is a big plus for me, cause I was so concerned about being embarrassed! Anyway, hope this helps some of you! If you have any more ???'s I will try to help! Hugz Dawn

Dawn, Thank you for letting us know! Do me a favor and send me their phone number. I want a consult! LOL! Sherri

Congratulations on starting the journey of plastics. I am looking forward to the day I can do the same. Don't worry about the belly button...Adam and Eve didn't have them! Annette

Thanks for posting, I think, when I am ready, I am going to go with Dr. Grassee or Dr. Bergman! Linda Vicory

Thanks for sharing. It is always nice to know what to look forward to when (IF) I decided to follow the same path. This summer will give me a better Idea about weather I want to pursue the PS route. I'm wondering if I can get insurance to cover any of mine. Congrats on making it into onderland. I'm 10 pounds from there and I can't get the scales to move. I hope with better weather and more exercise I can join you there. Dawn, you are an inspiration and I look forward to getting to talk to you at the next exchange. We didn't get the chance to talk when I met you at the Kokomo exchange.

Hey Lady, Glad to hear the plastics consult went so well. And congrats on hitting Onderland! I know that is so exciting. Just think, not only will you continue to lose until you have your ps, but you'll lose even more when they remove all the excess skin! It will almost be like in the beginning when you dropped so much so fast. Keep us posted on your progress toward surgery and I'll keep you and yours in my thoughts. Cindy

Hi, Glad your consult went well, even with all those embarrassing moments. I know you are anxious, and hope it all goes well for you. She sounds very compassionate. Keep us updated on what happens. (((hugs))) Ellen

Could you send me their number? I am 16 months out and just starting to think about this option . . . Smiles - Lisa