Plastics--I'm Afraid

I know this post should be on the plastics board, but no one writes back on there. I met with a surgeon, and now a few days later, I'm freaking out. I feel like I'm just not ready for plastics. I think, "I made it through the RNY without complications, and am I just pushing the envelope too far?" The doctor said a LBL/Tummy Tuck would be 6 hours. 6 hours? My RNY was what, 4 maybe? Also, the thought of losing my belly button in the battle scares me. We've become quite attached over these 29 years. Does anyone know where I can find a picture of a new belly button? I read about people being depressed after the surgery...am I ready for that? I'm in the middle of some huge cases at work. I don't have time for depression. I guess I'm just not ready for this.

Angela - relax -- my LBL was at at least 6 hours too, and as you know, I'm doing great! Also, if your Dr won't give you a new belly button, find another surgeon. It is a simple procedure and there is no reason for him not to do it. My belly button is a new one, so feel free to check it out on Friday if you're coming dancing with us. No depression after surgery for me, just discomfort that got better every day. You will need to take some time off from work if you have to move around much. I suggest that you meet with at least two other plastic surgeons just to make sure you are using the right person! I met with five of them before I decided that Dr Joe was the right one for me. Now of the other four I met with, two of the others were contenders, but Dr Joe just made me feel so comfortable, and his prices were right and he was willing to work with insurance too! See you soon. Hugs, Nannette

The doctor said he could make me a new belly button...but he couldn't think of a picture of one. He said that he could have a staff member research it for me. But, now that I know that you have a new one, I MUST SEE! I have met with two already. Did you have your surgery in a hospital or a surgi-center? Angela

The LBL was in Hackensack Hospital - was supposed to stay only one night, then change to surgical care facility center for 2nd night. I ended up in the hospital for two nights, and care center for a 3rd night. Whatever Dr Joe said made insurance cover both hospital nights, although originally had only been approved for "23 hrs" -- I paid out of pocket for the care center ($400). All of my other PS' were done in DR's own office or surgi-center. Stayed in surgical care facility for only one night for each. Nan

Hey girl! Wish I had some words of wisdom for you...I'm probably going to go through the same thing you are! You should definitely talk to Nan, as well as Joyce Savage about it...Joyce's belly button is so cute! She just had a LBL herself. Coming from a totally vain point of view...the thing that bothers me the most is that it sounds like he hasn't done a new belly button, and that he would have his staff "research it"...what's that about? You don't want to mess up something as important as a belly button, especially since you're gonna be showing it off when you get it!!! Hope to see you soon, maybe tomorrow night? Hugs, Wendy

I made it seem like he had no experience with a new belly button, but that's not the case. It was just at the time of the appointment, he didn't have a picture of a new one on hand to show me, and needed his staff to locate it. It wasn't that I didn't feel comfortable with him. I don't feel comfortable at all with the thought of not having my own belly button. It just scares me to death, because I couldn't find a new one on the net, and once someone told me that someone's fake belly button looked horrible. Then there is the risk of not having one at all which freaks me out too. I have a generally dislike and distrust of all plastic surgeons. Well acutally most doctors. It's an attorney thing. Can't my fairy god mother just appear and fix this for me?

hi Angela don't know what to tell ya because i'm not in your shoes -- but we are all here -- and i trust Nanette's experiences she's been down this road already and is honest about how her feelings have been the best of luck to you Angela in what ever decision you make take care roberta

Hi, Good luck with your upcoming decision. I had a panilecomy (sp?) prior to my GBS. I had no problems. The drains were annoying but no pain. My PS saved my belly button at least I think it is the one that I was born with. It is funny that is the one thing that I wanted was my BB. Try not to think about being depressed. Look in the mirror and see how beautiful you are and how far and successful you have been. When you are ready my prayers will be wtih you. Jeanne

One last thing...most of you didn't know me pre-gastric bypass. I was freaking out even more before my RNY. Be prepared!

That's what makes you real I'm going to start my plastic process next week. So I'm here with you in spirit.