Going with the Honda...

Decision has been made.  I'm going with the dr. with tons of bariatric experience, and the shabbier office.

Couple of reasons for this:
1) the bariatric experience first and foremost.  Our long discussions proved to me that he really understands the difficulties of post-wls skin and knows how to deal with it (and possible complications thereof)
2)I got some provincial insurance coverage, and with his lower costs - the $$ decision is a no brainer.  I'm saving about $13k this way.
3) I have been doing some long, hard, soul searching about my need for "perfection" vs. just getting some of the excess skin cleaned up.  I worry that if I am thinking too hard about scar avoidance and looking great - I will NEVER be happy.  I think this guy will do a good job and work hard to make sure the scars aren't too terrible (we talked a LOT about this on our consult Friday).  That's good enough.

So - I'm having an extended fleur de lis TT and brachioplasty ("L" incision) on October 19th!!  

He told me 2-3 weeks off work.  I'm hoping for 2. I work a desk job. Thoughts on that?  I'm a pretty fast healer (I was pretty much doing everything I did pre-VSG except lifting within 5-6 days after that one).

Congratulations. 

As for work, I would suggest planning on 3 weeks.  It's easier to go back earlier than I think it is to extend it if you find out you need more time.  That's how it was for me.  I planned on taking 8 weeks off for everything I did, but ended up going back after 6 weeks, provided I was able to work from home before traveling.

I had a chat with my HR person today and she said the same thing.  She'll put me off for three weeks - and then I can call her an ask to go back early or half days or whatever.  And she'll work with me for job modifications as well (mostly no lifting I'm assuming).

That's why I went to Dr. Sauceda.   I wanted someone who knew what to do with our stretched out skin.  He's done enough OH people, he knows what he's doing.   Of course with him there is the cost factor, lot better deal than I would get here in Canada.   And of course, he uses twilight and epidural, so 13 hours of surgery, I remember nothing, and it's all done, no going back.
Two weeks... yikes, I'm thinking three.  I have a strenuous job, and it's been almost 6 for me now, but I have a couple of seromas to deal with.

Bonnie

I'm a fast healer - I don't like to be held down.  lol  My job is mostly computer stuff - some standing.  I'm going to plan a SLOW week for that third week (and a few weeks after!) so that I can handle it...

I happy to hear you made a decision and that you are so confident.  I hope it all goes well for you.  You are going to love how it feels to live in your body after the surgery!

Red

Thanks - I sure hope so!!

Right now I'm just feeling TERRIFIED!!