Looking at Plastics - Need Help

 I had my VSG from Dr. Aceves on January 22nd of this year. I have gone from 295 to 210 (sometimes fluctuating to 212). I have maintained my weight for the past 4 months without issue. I clearly am going to need a LBL. However, I am not certain I have lost enough weight. I am 6'1" (male) @ 210 giving me a total BMI in the overweight range. I need to be 187 to be in my target range. I do not want to think a LBL will remove 23 pounds of skin. So here are my questions:

1) About how much weight in skin does one lose from this procedure?

2) I am considering going to Bailor University or University of Florida to examine their practice (get a quote). However, I am also considering Dr. Sauceda. I would like your thoughts (and pics from Dr. Sauceda if you can). If anyone used UF, I would love some prices. 

3) While I have maintained my weight, I did get here without exercise and I do not follow the whole protein first, etc.....but I am consistent. Should I lose more prior to getting plastics?

Sorry for the rambled thoughts - but this is where I am right now.......Hopeful :-)

I had an LBL on Oct 1st I was cut all the way around as well as the T incision going up my tummy. So it's been 5 weeks and I couldn't b happier with my results. 

My highest weight was 350 and I was down to 175 before my LBL they kept explaining that this is not a weight loss procedure and on average they remove about 5 pounds of skin and fat but it would still have a drastic effect. They ended up removing 13 pounds of skin, once they got in and opened me up my surgeon still says he just couldn't believe how tiny I was. So I think everyone is different and it's not really about the pounds but the end result. 

I started looking into this last April and lost an additional 40 pounds before I actually went in for surgery after finding the right surgeon and I am so glad I did I know the results wouldn't be as great without those last few pounds so my advice would be even if it's another 10 or 20 pounds you will be glad you lost the extra weight knowing you have the best results possible. 

I was going to go through Dr S in mexico until I heard that there is a lot of violence going on and it's really not safe to travel. Then I found a residency program at mass general in Boston, I'm not sure where you are from but check all the major hospitals in your area it is worth it. I am so glad I wasn't recovering in mexico, after waking up it hit me what a major surgery I had and how much safer I felt having access to american healthcare and not being stuck recovering in another country. Also you stay with Dr S for 12 days and I remember thinking on my 12th day post op how glad I was to be home and in bed all day instead of traveling.

I was quoted by a few local PS for the same surgery I got anywhere from 15k-22k but through the residency program I was able to get the LBL for 7,500 including my over night stay and any testing pre and post op apts and the best part is yes they are residents but the surgeon in charge and doing most of the surgery are some of the best surgeons the hospital has because they are chosen to teach. I am going back next month to get my breasts, arms and thighs done and the total cost is going to be almost exactly what I was quoted for an LBL, breast lift with implants and my arms for just under 15k with Dr S. So technically I got to stay local and for the same price in the end I also get a thigh lift. Anyway sorry I'm rambling hope this is helpful good luck and congrats for the weight loss!

Hi Bree~I was excited to read your post about having your PS done in Boston!  I live in NH and was planning to go to Houston, but had to cancel my consultation.   I'd really like to consult with someone closer and I'd have no problems going to Boston.  Would you share with me the contact for the residency program and the name of your surgeon?  I'm thrilled to hear that you are loving your results!

Thanks for the info!

 

To Schedule a consultation with the residency program just call the main number for Mass General and first ask for registration you'll need your medical records number to schedule an apt. Then have them transfer you to the "residency program" for Plastic surgery make sure after your transfered thats who your speaking with and not the PS department. 

 

Now just some info for you, I was able to get my first apt about 3 weeks later. On the first apt you'll notice they have all the patients arrive at the same time so arrive early and get a good spot in line lol... they put you all in separate rooms and first take pictures then the head resident comes in and talks to you... Then they come back with med students and other residents and you have to get naked and examined in front of everyone but don't let this make you nervous half of them weren't even looking and this is just what they do it's just another body plus i got to keep my undies on... plus thats the only time I ever had to go through that. After that they will have you goto lunch so they can all meet and talk about the patients and exactly what surgeries they would be doing for each. When you get back you will go back into another room and talk to the chief resident again. Once I decided I wanted to go through with it I made another apt for a week later where I came back and met with just the chief resident and filled out paperwork thats when they assign a surgeon to you. My surgeon is Dr Jason Cooper, he is awesome and if you can request him I would recommend it.

 

Any other questions I'd be glad to help I found this program through other OH members also and was so thankful to have someone answer questions for me as I went through the process. Feel free to email me also [email protected] hope this was helpful  

This just shows how different we all are.  I just had a lbl on Oct 5th.  My high weight was 240 and before surgery I was at 141...so almost 100lbs down.  My skin only weighed 3 lbs.  My Doctor said that I was very lean so I had no lipo done.  My current weight is 134 and I am 5'7.  I also wanted to note that I am an avid exerciser and have been for 20 years...that would explain my low body fat.

One other thing I think is important to note...my PS recommends 125gms of protein per day minimum.  So when you decide to do your surgery, it would be advisable to up your protein at least 1 month before and  2 months after for better healing.


Laura

Hi there, I would try to get a couple of consults locally.  They are usually free and you will get a ton of questions answered since they can pull and tug and show you what your results might look like. 
I only know of a few men that have used Dr. Sauceda, (http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/Dr_Sauceda_Patients/discuss ion/)
Bard, Kevinax, and portmaster1000.  They have pictures posted also.  It just seems most men are not as open. Depending on your situation you may want to wait a lil bit longer and see how things do.  Most surgeons here really want you stable for several months.  If you exercise you will be able to tighten up some and you will bounce back after surgery better.  The actually procedure is usually only a few pounds being removed.  Good luck to you, Toni

 I had a LBL in July and used a resident program at Kansas U . I was very pleased. They removed five pounds of skin and it cost 8205.  I spent one night in the hospital . I lost another five pounds while recovering. I was told to up my protein, vitamin C and zinc before surgery.  My recovery went well, got the drains out at one week and by three weeks I was back to normal.

Thanks everyone. I have made an appointment at the University of Florida's Plastic Surgery Division (www.floridaplasticsurgery.ufl.edu) and will see what their doctor has to say. The worse is that I am not ready - the best is I am ready and they will have a competitive price along with quality work.