What should I expect? Have my first PS consult this week

I'm full of all kinds of emotions - scared but excited, worried etc. Mostly I'm looking forward to when I've had all the reconstructive work done, pain and swelling in the past and finally being able to start buying a wardrobe of clothes. I'm so sick and tired of having a couple of tops and two pairs of pants and missing things like a raincoat because I can make do with a sweater and umbrella.

What happened in your first consult with the plastic surgeon? What did you discuss? Did they take nude or semi nude picture of you? Did he smoosh your skin around to show you what to expect?

Did you meet with any other people in the office? How long was your appointment? Did they try to sell you things that you didn't want like food supplements or facials?

thanks in advance

Relax - the consult is going to answer a lot of your questions.  The ps has a pretty good idea of what types of questions on your mind, but it doesn't hurt to make a list of questions.

For me (and my DH was in the room with me), the ps came in and talked to both of us for a good bit of time.  He went over my medical history, weight loss history, types of procedures, basic questions, etc.  After that, he gave me a robe and a pair "lunar" panties.... the fabric is white and shiny - reminds me of something NASA might have their astronaughts wear.  It's a sting bikini - basically covers the front and the back but gives the surgeon a good view of your body.  I stripped down, put on the panties and the robe.  

The ps came back, he started with only having me open the robe but eventually as he was working his way around me it was easier to just take it off.  Of course a nurse comes in the room too.  He did lift and pull the skin to give me an idea of where my body really is behind all the skin.  And quite honestly, I never really could envision what my torso looked like until he did that.  Especially my butt.

He explained what each procedure would do for me and what my options were.  Then he did take pictures.  After that, he left and had me get dressed.  He came back in and we talked more and went into more detailed discussion and questions.

After all of that, I had to go back to the waiting room while they did the estimates.  They called us back and we met wtih the office manager.  We went over the estimates.  That was it.  Then it was up to us to talk and think about it.

I only did one consult.  It was really the only one I needed.  From the discussion that we had, how he discribed things, explained his vision, his personality, I knew I wanted to go with him.  

Good luck.

Thanks Lisa, this was so helpful, I just read it out to DH so we both know what to expect. I appreciate your info.

Hi there, I had 2 local consults. (Eventually had surgery in Mexico).  It was very awkward, as you stand there buck naked in front of a mirror and he pulls you this way and that way.  He will give you suggestions on what he can do and an idea of it will look like.  They did not take any pictures at either consult.  After the dr saw me I met with the office mgr lady and she went over billing options and pricing.  They both gave me printed quotes and it also had which hospital or surgery center he used for different procedures.  Both showed multiple surgery discounts for procedures like if you did boobies and arms together.  The second place offered free spa treatments with surgery.  No supplements or anything like that was offered.  Both had samples of implants different sizes and different types for you to hold and look at.  Also books of before and afters were given to me before I saw the doctor.  I hope this helps.  It took me several months from my first consult to actually having surgery.  Good Luck, toni

Hi Toni, yeah, I'm not looking forward to that awkward point being buck naked (or in a string bottom) having some stranger pull my skin LOL But I'm excited because when I pull my skin I have no idea what will be me after plastics - so it will be good to see what the PS thinks. I will be prepared for this.

I hope I don't have pictures taken in this first visit when I'm not fully committed to this surgeon. I'm glad to see that you saw 2 local consults and didn't have any taken at that time.

thanks for the good luck wishes.

Hi Skylar,
The other girls basically gave you the general run-down. I just wanted to let you know that you are in my prayers. I know how hard it is to be naked and on display in front of a total stranger, even if he is a doctor. I wish you the very best. I'm so excited for you, starting your plastics journey. Let us know how it goes. God bless you and your hubby.

Hi aNEWMii - I think even worse tha being naked and on display is having this stranger moving my skin around LOL Thanks for your best wishes and blessings, I've have been so thankful to have this place to come for such great info and to be able to watch yours and others here go through the plastic surgery journey.

Write down all the things you want to know and ask.  I didnt do this and was so nervous I couldn't think of what to ask.  Thankfully DH remembered a lot. 

Thanks JP - that's good advice. Yes, I'm sure during the appointment I will forget stuff too from nerves and excitement.

Ask all the questions you will.  I was semi nude..basically  I pulled down my underwear to show my panni.  I layed down so he could feel my stomach.  

My appt lasted maybe 30-45 minutes.  No he didn't sell me anything.  He asked me what bothers me the most and thats what we'll do first.  

Good luck!  Just ask anything you feel is important.