i can't believe it's that time..

yep - i'm looking at plastic surgery and i'm wondering if there's anyone out on this RI board, maybe a lurker, who's gone through this part of the whole process? i have a feeling that since i'm one of the 'oldies' around this joint, that i may have to figure it out on my own.. lol. but any step in the direction can't hurt, right? i still lurk around here on occasion - i like keeping up with the new faces and am hoping to make the September meeting. So maybe i'll get to meet you all then. Has anyone heard from Paula? How about Betz? Teri? I see Carol posting on occasion so i know she's still around! Anyway - just thought i'd say hello. Things are going well. I've been on a major plateau for the last couple months but finally just dropped 7 pounds last weekend. Woohooo. [funny how a new boyfriend will do that! LOL]  I'm still having hernia problems - what a surprise. So I still look pregnant, fun times. But other than that - not one single complaint. :o) Hope all's well and stays well.  much love, kristen*

HI Kristen, I don't have any advice, but wanted say congrats on the weight loss and the new boyfriend. 

Good for you Kristen, on your weight loss!  New boyfriend?   Way cool! Good Luck with the Plastic Surgeon's!

Hi Kristen, How exciting to see you post again. How are you doing? Thats exciting about going for plastics. I can't help you there and I wish I was doing that but proably will never happen as insurance doesn't cover it so I sure won't be able to afford it. I am doing ok but I need someone to slap me up the side of the head as I have been eating more than I should. I want to lose more but haven't lost in a long time. I did buy a bike thou so I go bike riding with hubby. I never thought I would be doing that. Drop me a private line if you wish, I would love to hear about this new boyfriend. Lots of luck and keep in touch. Claudia

Dear Kristen, I'm so happy tht you are doing well. That hernia problem could help you get some insurance coverage, but I honestly don't know.  I'd call your surgeon's office  & ask if they have any recommendations.  I'm sure that you're not the first to ask. You can also go see some plastic surgeons & ask them.  An initial consultation fee could be involved.  There is also a Plastics forum that may give you some insight.   Good luck & keep us informed! Islander

Hi Kristen, Haven't heard anything about going for that walk on the Blackstone bike path. We only live less than mile from each other. As far as plastics go, I've just started research myself. I know from the group that RIH has a plastics deparment where residents 6months from graduating to their own practice work with seasoned surgeons. I've heard they do excellent work, both from people at the monthly meetings and a woman who goes to the same hair salon. I've also been given a couple of names from my pcp Dr, Patrick Sullivan 831-8300 specializes in breast reconstruction and facial Dr. Rick Zienowicz 453-0120 does everything. Also, RI Dermatology and Cosmetic Center (across from Lincoln Mall) has some procedures that don't look too bad. There's a procedure that's minimally invasive that looks as though it's worthwhile, albeit a bit expensive. It's called Smartlipo, you can look it up online. I watched a video online. I think they also said it's called a California lunch lift, because the laser they use to do the lipo is so small you can have the procedure during your lunch break and return to work. Just type in smartlipo.com, the company that makes the laser is called Cynosure. The doctor I saw, Dr. Rosenbaum, seems confident it will significantly  tighten the wonderful turkey waddle I've developed under my chin. I was joking with him about my abdomen, saying I'd need decades of lipo for that area, and he said it works there too. I'm wondering what it can do for the batwings, if anything.  While I'm sure you're not happy about the hernia, it's what we all wish for. While you still end up paying for the plastic surgery, the other cursory costs, such as the OR, anethesiologist, assistants, etc. get covered by the insurance for the hernia surgery. I know you have to have stable weight from 6mos to a year, but it's good to start working on it since I'm guessing you wouldn't be schedule right away. Depending on the surgeon etc. it can take up to 6mos. to get a date scheduled.  Well TMI??? Hope that helps. Pam

Kristen,     I forgot all about next WLSS meeting.  Any questions, they should be able to be answered here. Here is the info from LifeSpan & Weight Loss Success Strider calander: Support Group Topic Schedule All meetings to be held in the Gerry House, on the RI Hospital Campus. Meetings are scheduled from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. September 5, 2007 To Be Determined: Guest Speaker on Plastic Surgery ~Dawn