Plastics Consult update
Well I had my consult with the plastic surgeon this morning. The whole plastics thing was kind of unexpected and came about after I talked to my surgeon about my hernia. We talked about everything and he asked if I thought about it. Of course I have, but never seriously considered it, because well I just didn't think it would be an option. I mentioned to him that I am definitely very behind where I want to be with excercise and that one of the main reasons is that I am quite self-conscious of my excess skin (specifically my chest / "man boobs") and I hate the extra movement when I run or do anything remotely physical. For that reason, I don't do the gym and I don't run during the day at home, because I don't want people to see it. I hate it. When I feel it, hear it, see it, I feel like old Eric and it is a huge hang-up for me. My chest has always been the one thing I hated and has caused me su*****redible aggravation, stress, depression and all the negative **** that goes with it. So I told Dr. Boorse all this and he said, if it's keeping you from doing things that you enjoy doing now, it's time to take a look into it. He also said that they could fix the hernia at the same time and that could potentially help my case.
I took the name he recommended and called to make an appointment. This was mid-June that I met with Dr. Boorse and when I called the plastic surgeon, I was given the next available appointment., October 1st. The lady at the office told me she'd put me on the waiting list, but I kinda thought, yeah right. Two weeks ago, I get a phone call and they ask me, can you come in on July 30th at 8:30? Why yes I can!
Between two weeks ago and this morning, I was freaking out. Nervous. Paranoid. Anxious. Just completely stressed. Why? Not sure. I had an idea what they would do and what I would have to do. Get undressed in front of some strange guy, show him the parts of my body that I am the most uncomfortable with, talk about what I am so uncomfortable with, plus get pictures taken; all in the hopes that some person whom I've never met will look at some paperwork and my pictures and agree that I'm enough of a mess to fix. Well if that doesn't sound like a good time, I don't know what is.
So I went this morning and you know what? It wasn't bad. I got felt up by a doctor in a really ugly suit. He took pictures. I told him my story and he actually seemed to care. He seemed like he wanted to help. I don't think I realized it at the time or even immediately after, but thinking back, I genuinely think the guy wants to help me. He explained the procedure and where things would be relocated to and that I'd have scars and all that stuff. I wish I would have recorded our conversation, because I don't remember exactly what he said anymore but I know it involved mostly skin stuff and not the muscle and dissolving stitches and overnight hospitalization and drains and like two weeks off work. The two weeks thing surprised me but he said because it involved the skin and not really the muscle, that is the difference. Ummm, ok.
So that is what's up. I'm working on getting support documentation from my PCP and Dr. Boorse. They have me the bottom line of the cost if insurance doesn't cover it. Please pray for approval. Even the chest without the abdomen is not an option right now. I will however be starting the Eric's Plastics Fund. I feel kind of weird about the whole thing, I don't want people to think it's a vanity thing, because for me, it isn't at all. I truly feel I am missing out on somethings that I know I can do and would enjoy. I know it shouldn't matter what other people think and more than likely, most other people wouldn't care. The demons are strong though....
So I'll keep you updated. Thanks for the support everyone!
I took the name he recommended and called to make an appointment. This was mid-June that I met with Dr. Boorse and when I called the plastic surgeon, I was given the next available appointment., October 1st. The lady at the office told me she'd put me on the waiting list, but I kinda thought, yeah right. Two weeks ago, I get a phone call and they ask me, can you come in on July 30th at 8:30? Why yes I can!
Between two weeks ago and this morning, I was freaking out. Nervous. Paranoid. Anxious. Just completely stressed. Why? Not sure. I had an idea what they would do and what I would have to do. Get undressed in front of some strange guy, show him the parts of my body that I am the most uncomfortable with, talk about what I am so uncomfortable with, plus get pictures taken; all in the hopes that some person whom I've never met will look at some paperwork and my pictures and agree that I'm enough of a mess to fix. Well if that doesn't sound like a good time, I don't know what is.
So I went this morning and you know what? It wasn't bad. I got felt up by a doctor in a really ugly suit. He took pictures. I told him my story and he actually seemed to care. He seemed like he wanted to help. I don't think I realized it at the time or even immediately after, but thinking back, I genuinely think the guy wants to help me. He explained the procedure and where things would be relocated to and that I'd have scars and all that stuff. I wish I would have recorded our conversation, because I don't remember exactly what he said anymore but I know it involved mostly skin stuff and not the muscle and dissolving stitches and overnight hospitalization and drains and like two weeks off work. The two weeks thing surprised me but he said because it involved the skin and not really the muscle, that is the difference. Ummm, ok.
So that is what's up. I'm working on getting support documentation from my PCP and Dr. Boorse. They have me the bottom line of the cost if insurance doesn't cover it. Please pray for approval. Even the chest without the abdomen is not an option right now. I will however be starting the Eric's Plastics Fund. I feel kind of weird about the whole thing, I don't want people to think it's a vanity thing, because for me, it isn't at all. I truly feel I am missing out on somethings that I know I can do and would enjoy. I know it shouldn't matter what other people think and more than likely, most other people wouldn't care. The demons are strong though....
So I'll keep you updated. Thanks for the support everyone!
Hey Eric... I'm glad you were able to get into the plastic surgeon. I know how important it is to you to get rid of your moobs. They are definitely keeping you from doing some things that you really want to do. I agree with Dr. Boorse in that if it is preventing you from doing things, you should do something about it. I can't imagine how they wouldn't approve you for this.
Best of luck!!! Who is the plastic surgeon? It may be the same one George used. If that is the case, then talk to him. I know he has been super happy with his results.
Best of luck!!! Who is the plastic surgeon? It may be the same one George used. If that is the case, then talk to him. I know he has been super happy with his results.
My tracker
hers 
Hi Eric,
I had my plastic consult in December 2008 for breast augmentation and tummy tuck the cost was $12,300 by Dr. Lam in Langhorn, PA. I really could have financed the surgery but I have a 9 year old non-verbal autistic son whose care is my top priority. I hate the way my muffin top looks but I was told by Dr. Lam that since I was not overly obese and was considered a light weight insurance would never cover my surgery. I have really left it to god if I am meant to have the surgery either I will hit the lottery or a rich relative will leave me an inheritance. Either way I wish you much luck and it truly is not about vanity I know exactly where you are coming from.
I had my plastic consult in December 2008 for breast augmentation and tummy tuck the cost was $12,300 by Dr. Lam in Langhorn, PA. I really could have financed the surgery but I have a 9 year old non-verbal autistic son whose care is my top priority. I hate the way my muffin top looks but I was told by Dr. Lam that since I was not overly obese and was considered a light weight insurance would never cover my surgery. I have really left it to god if I am meant to have the surgery either I will hit the lottery or a rich relative will leave me an inheritance. Either way I wish you much luck and it truly is not about vanity I know exactly where you are coming from.
-Shilpa
People comment on my over 100 pound weight loss and attribute it to my WILLpower, but it is my WANTpower: I WANT to be thin and healthy more than anything else!
Hey Eric,
I totally understand your apprehension before your plastics consult. I went through the same thing before my consult last month. I went for a consult, hoping to do a tummy tuck when I had my hysterectomy. I learned, though, that my insurance wouldn't cover any of it because I didn't meet the criteria (belly hanging completely over the pubic area and skin issues that don't respond to any other treatment.) I just can't afford it right now. I got estimates for arms, breasts, and thighs while there, which was a little embarrassing. Like you, I'll be starting my plastics fund!
I hope you get approval!!!! Good luck!!!
I totally understand your apprehension before your plastics consult. I went through the same thing before my consult last month. I went for a consult, hoping to do a tummy tuck when I had my hysterectomy. I learned, though, that my insurance wouldn't cover any of it because I didn't meet the criteria (belly hanging completely over the pubic area and skin issues that don't respond to any other treatment.) I just can't afford it right now. I got estimates for arms, breasts, and thighs while there, which was a little embarrassing. Like you, I'll be starting my plastics fund!
I hope you get approval!!!! Good luck!!!
Julia
Eric,
I applaud you for your courage in taking this step and exploring your options. I know it wasn't an easy choice. No one here will judge you harshly no matter which direction you ultimately choose - we've all got our demons and our challenges and have to walk our own roads.
I'm so happy that you got a good feeling that the doctor wants to help you, and I hope that your insurance approval comes quickly and positively. You deserve to feel good about yourself and to stop limiting your life because of your self-consciousness.
Good for you. HUGS!!!
Karen
I applaud you for your courage in taking this step and exploring your options. I know it wasn't an easy choice. No one here will judge you harshly no matter which direction you ultimately choose - we've all got our demons and our challenges and have to walk our own roads.
I'm so happy that you got a good feeling that the doctor wants to help you, and I hope that your insurance approval comes quickly and positively. You deserve to feel good about yourself and to stop limiting your life because of your self-consciousness.
Good for you. HUGS!!!
Karen
I'm soooo glad things are working out thus far!
Demons suck, and they are STRONG STRONG STRONG ******** The good news, though, is that based on the responses to this thread, you've got strong strong friends, too, who understand, who get it, and who want the best for you.
Two weeks off work? That is SHOCKING to me. If and when it comes to pass....please make sure YOU are ready in two weeks....
You have my thoughts and prayers my friend!
Instead of complaining that the rosebush has thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses. 
Eric,
Best of luck to you in this next part of this journey. I had my plastics in February in Mexico. I was back to work in 2 weeks 1 day. I did have muscle repair and my job is basically using a computer and did it from my recliner at home. I don't know that I could have done the physical things you do like lifting people.
I'm sending vibes to the plastic surgery fund fairy for both you and Julia.
Lisa Mc
Best of luck to you in this next part of this journey. I had my plastics in February in Mexico. I was back to work in 2 weeks 1 day. I did have muscle repair and my job is basically using a computer and did it from my recliner at home. I don't know that I could have done the physical things you do like lifting people.
I'm sending vibes to the plastic surgery fund fairy for both you and Julia.
Lisa Mc
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