Education and information for plastic surgery

I am a plastic surgeon in OKC and over the last eight to ten years that I have treated numerous patients who have needed body contouring most have complained that they wished they had received more information about the body contouring and other related procedures prior to having or soon after having bypass or lap band surgery.  Although I speak at support groups regularly for bariatric surgeons it is difficult to get a uniform and a consistent education to most bypass/lap band patients and tell them what to expect after they have had significant weight loss. I am at this stage just inquiring if there is a need for a plastic surgery/body contouring support group that patients in OK can attend to learn more about what new techniques or procedures are now available, when is the best time for plastic surgery, what procedures what cost etc.   I would love hear your comments.  Jayesh Panchal MD MBA Plastic surgeon Edmond OK  www.genesisokc.com 

I think there is a need to put that information out in a positive way.  I went to a consultation in Dallas once and left with my entire self image shattered.  I know it makes good marketing sense to get a patient who wants to change everything, but with people on a limited budget and who have just undergone dramatic weight loss, it's cruel. 

One of the things you might want to speak about in your seminars is the whole getting naked and discussing your body.  I went to talk about a little breast lift and before I knew it I was naked and marked up from top to bottom with a purple pen.  I assure you that would not happen today, but someone who doesn't know, like I didn't  know, could easily be taken aback.

I encourage you to brainstorm and explore marketing techniques that are postive and ethical and beneficial to the entire bariatric group.  I think if you hit on that sort of formula, you will both do well financially and emotionally!

Thank you very much for your valuable comments.  I agree with you wholeheartedly that the forum should be educational and not directed to sales. I also agree that patients need to know what to expect and it important to choose a physician who is genuninely interested in this specific group of patients as they are unique and very sensitive about their body image. The surgeon needs to understand their feelings about undressing during examination.  I look forward to more comments from the members as it will make me a better listener. Jayesh Panchal

A friend of mine in Enid wants it done. She's 3 years out. I would love to have it done, but I'm more terrified of the plastic surgery than the RNY!