Plastic Surgery

I went for a consult before I even hit goal... lol. I wanted to get an idea of price and what not. I pray each day for the day I can actucally afford to get the first round of plastic surgery done. I suggest you get referrals from other WLS and seek out surgeons that have experience with post-WLS bodies - they are *not* the same as 'normal' people who have PS. Also get a few consults from surgeons who offer free consultations and see what they have to say and do your research. My friend had all her PS done with DrEaves at Charlotte Plastic Surgery (circumfrencial TT, arms, thight lift and lipo), another non-WLS friend had a boob job with him as well and is thrilled... Allison on this board just had her panni done with him so hopefully she will chime in. I had a consult with him and really liked him as well.. he is one of the top surgeons in Charlotte.

I went from a size 24 to a 4/6 too and if I could afford it, I'd do it! Go for it! As always, following Jennifer K's advice.

Barb

I am a Bander and I went from a size 22 to a size 10 ( I'm 5'9" tall). I had my 1st consult when my wt started stabilizing and to gather info reg cost, recovery time, etc. I had a TT on 2/28/08- just 1 yr from my LapBand surgery and 3 months after stable wt. ( My surgeon states 6-12 months stable wt for RNY and 3-6 months for banders since our wt loss tends to be more gradual. )I was a self pay- it cost $8700- which was several thousand cheaper than I expected. He removed over 5" of skin with minimal lipo on  my flanks. I TOTALLY agree when Jennifer's comment- get more than 1 consult and when you call for an appt- specifically ask if they are seeing WLS pt- our bodies ARE different. With the Band- he could not pull my upper abds as tight because of my port. I am SO THRILLED with my result- now I have noassatall and no flabatall! Go For It!!!! Sheila

From a 26 to a 4 that is a big wow. By all means look into plastics. After loosing my first 300 I had the apron removed and I will need more plastics but I am so glad I had that done I love my man made belly button and dont have to deal with that hanging stomach on my knees.                                      Annie

GO FOR IT----  I had my lap RNY on March 2006--- had my skin removed April 23rd this year , I am so happy with my results , I had Dr Eaves here in Charlotte ( Charlotte Plastic Surgery ) he did a center panni removal and I can not put into words how happy I have been with it, I feel like a new person.  Please do consider Eaves when you get ready he is GREAT with gastric by passers. good luck

Ive gone from a 24 to a size 8..  I am not sure if I will ever have PS.. but I encourage anyone who does.  My husband declares I do not need it, and if I EVER had any done it would be boobs and arms.  I am very blessed in the other places.   Good luck and keep us posted!

I don't think you are being vain at all.  You have done a lot of work to get from where you were to where you are now and no crime in wanting to look your best and get rid of that excess baggage.   I agree with what Mare said and when i get all my fat gone, gonna be standing in line at the plastic surgeon's office.    take care and keep us posted! Pam

That's not vanity, it's reality.  I've gone from a 34/36W to a 14/16 Misses, so far.  I already have an appointment scheduled with a Plastic Surgeon for November.  The one that does post-WLS reconstruction around here has a 6 month back-log.  That will be a year and 8 months by then, so it's right on target, time wise.  Also, Dr. Chapman says that if you have your PCP document each rash you get, you will have a much greater chance of getting approved for a Panniculectomy at least.  If you can get Insurance to pay for part of it, they'll cover the cost of the hospital and anestheisology, which leaves you to wrangle with your PS about his/her fees for other procedures.  I need my arms, butt, thighs, and boobs done.  I have been to my PCP once a month with rashes, sometimes more often than that.  I figure that the co-pays are cheaper than the thousands of dollars I would have to pay out of pocket.  As always, different insurance companies vary in whether or not they'll cover PS. Good luck with your search. Ellen