Katzen in Beverly Hills?

Hi, everyone.

I had RnY about four years ago and am now continuing my reconstruction.  I had belt lipectomy (pannus removed all the way around) two years ago.  My next step is breast lift (with or without augmentation, not sure yet) to help deal with rashes and upper back issues.  

I would gladly go with my previous surgeon but he is not covered by my medical plan any longer, and is not interested in signing onto that carrier.  Dr. Katzen is a different surgeon in my area, who works on many WLS patients.  He is in fact on my health plan.

But I would like more feedback on this doctor.  Any suggestions?

Hi,

I have not have ps as of yet, but I have had several ps consultations, including one with Dr. Katzen. If you have a consultation with him, be prepared to strip down nude, don a terry cloth robe, and have him put his hands on you.  What I mean is, he will show you what a certain body part looks before surgery and then he will show you what that same body part would look like after surgery by pulling back and/or lifting the skin.    If you go to one of his ps seminars, he will have several of his patients to pass out "before" pictures and tell their stories on how he has changed their lives and completed the wls cycle.                                                                                     It is my understanding, from around the boards, that people either love his work or hate it.  Not to scare you, but he has the nickname "The Butcher" because he prefers to do multiple surgeries at one time. 

Good luck.

Kim

 There are many, many surgeons who do multiple procedures at once.  I have not heard this man called "the butcher" but if the reason is, that he performs several procedures at once (which his website says he does NOT do, instead staging them weeks apart) then that would be strange.  Many doctors reputations rest on the fact that htey do multiple procedures simultaneously.

My previous reconstructive surgeon also had me strip down nekked ... I did not like it, but it helped him honestly assess the condition of my body, so while I minded and felt uncomfortable, I also understood.

At a seminar I did meet several of his ecstatic patients.  They were friendly and helpful (and all wearing the same t-shirt).  But after reading these boards for years, I have noticed that this kind of booster-ism isn't that unusual among plastic surgery patients.  Peculiar, but not unusual!

I did not have my circumferential pannus removal with him because I wanted an anchor incision and he did not think that was a good idea.  (I am beyond pleased wtih mine but many don't like to have it done.)

He came recommended by my internist!

Kim, who have you chosen to do your surgery?

I really haven't decided as yet who is going to do my ps.  I will most definitely will be going to Mexico, because it is way too expensive here in the U.S. 

Like I said, when it comes to Dr. Katzen, you either love him or hate him.  In the end, it is you who has to feel comfortable- not only with his competence but with your decision to choose him .

Wow..ok.  Well, Dr. Katzen is my dr.  He has done all my procedures, and will be doing the last one (maybe..lol) this summer.  I love him.  Yes, he will have you get naked, and yes he will put his hands on you BUT...I have NEVER fetl uncomfortable or like I was in a bad situation during an exam.  He has never been anything but kind and caring.  I have been very happy with his work, you can see pics on my profile.  As for the name "The Butcher"...lol..I have never heard that one.  He staged my surgeries..LBL, then BL/BA/Brachio...next MTL.  If we called all PS's that do multiple procedures in one shot, I can think of a lot of Dr.s that are popular on here that would have the same name.  Anyway, that's my tweo cents!  Good luck!

April

I had a consult with him at an event, and he seemed nice enough.  I have never, EVER heard him called any name like that whatsoever.  He is not my surgeon, but he seems reputable and has a lot of experience with WLS patients and in fact I think that is his entire practice right now.

In fact I thought he was an interesting speaker at the OH event because he is the doctor who pointed out that it can be folly for doctors to post their surgical befores and afters online, since they are easily stolen by other surgeons and posted on other websites.  (Sure enough I don't see them on his site much.)

I would consider this guy.  In fact I did.  I would consider him again, too.  I think, look at/ listen to actual patients.  Maybe he will give you personal referrals (which my doctor also did).  I thought that was pretty useful.

 I have had a few consults in BH... and,  I do think I will be going with Dr. Katzen.  Because Dr. Katzen deals primarily with weigh loss patients- he and his entire team are quite sensitive about our situations...  Yes- he did have me strip down... But.. come on?  How else was he going to show me the work that needed to be done- and moreso- how would he even know under other garments?  It's part of his art and science to see exactly what he is working with so he can make sure he recommends the proper procedures...

For Katzen patients that had Circumfrential Body Lifts:  please PM me- so I can ask you a few questions... I appreciate it!