PS consult overload (maybe)

So I have returned from two PS consults in another state and have started a file comparing them.  Both are very well qualified and I would be comfortable with either doing the surgery.  I guess I have all the technical information that I needed but would like imput on the practical side of when, how, where questions I have.  One surgeon suggested I have three stages for the surgeries (1) brachioplasty, LBL (2) BL/BA (3)Thighplasty.  The other suggested that I do it a little bit different - in two stages.  (1) LBL, arm lipo, BA (he didn't think I needed a BL at this time) and (2) brachioplasty & thighplasty.  He said that if I needed a BL, he would take care of it in the second stage. 

Has anyone had this type of experience?  If so, how long did you wait between stages?  I was told 4-5 months between surgeries.  I am also going to do a facelift but was told it could be done on either side of the surgeries since it doesn' t involve a lot of blood loss.  Also, I am not at goal (for me) yet but was told by both surgeons not to lose much more weight.  I know labs are important and was told to have my pre-albumin, albumin and transferrin checked regularly to make sure I am in the normal range (since it hasn't been) before I proceed. 

Because of insurance and other concerns, I would really like it all done within the next year but don't want to rush something and later regret it with complications or a poor result.  Any advise from those who have had it all done would be appreciated.  Also, what tips do you have for getting through the "miserable" part of each surgery?

Thanks

Check my siggy for the order in which I had things done. In my case, the arms and breasts needed to be done together for medical reasons. My surgeons elected to do the LBL/anchor at the same time, again for medical reasons.

The thighs were left for last, and if I had opted for augmentation it would have been done at the same time as the thighs.

Personally, I think it worked out well. The thighs hurt more than the first set of surgery, so I'm glad I wasn't dealing with them and something else. Additionally, one of the reasons my surgeons wanted the thighs and arms separated was that that way I could use my arms to lever myself up and out of seats and bed after the thighs, and my legs to do it after the arms. If legs and arms were done at the same time, they felt I would have needed much more assistance at home and possibly more time in the hospital.

The "miserable" part was alleviated greatly by sleeping and watching chick flicks with cats curled up by my sides purring! But seriously, there was nothing really "miserable" about either one. I went back to work in 2 1/2 weeks after the first round, and 1 1/2 weeks after the thighs. I'm currently walking almost normally, wearing jeans, and sleeping on my side in bed (it's been 2 1/2 weeks).

My doctor weighed what I said bothered me most.  He ended up decided to do the LBL w/thighs first.  Then 3 months we will do the arms & BL/BA.  He agreed w/the above post of having arms & legs done separately to help w/mobility.

As for any tips?  I'd love some myself............I'm 3 1/2 weeks from stage 1 & can't wait.  Going to have bloodwork & EKG done this afternoon!

Thanks for your reponses!  To me, it made sense to do all of the lower half first..including the thighs but every surgeon (4 so far) has told me they want to do the thighs last and prefer doing just that one in a separate surgery.  Some have told me they would combine it with a breast augmentation but would prefer it was the only surgery for that day.  I have heard it is the most uncomfortable. 

Well, my original surgeries had 10 feet of scars right after surgery, went down to 8 feet when the swelling went away. 

My thighs have 6 feet of scarring on the thighs alone, and that's with no swelling that would impact the length of the scars.  So thighs alone were almost 50% of my body scars.  That's probably why it's the most uncomfortable.

I really had no problem with the LBL/anchor and upper body at the same time.  My surgeons told me that the LBL would address some of the buttocks/outer thigh issues, and then after the swelling was down we'd be able to better assess just what I needed for my thighs.

Seems to have worked!

I had a LBL, BL, arms and small upper thigh lift and 4 days later a full facelift.  I did take off 8 weeks and not quite back to normal stamina at 12 weeks out.  I've had a textbook recovery.  Because the upper leg was in the groin, it wasn't as bad, you just couldn't spread your legs too wide.  Keeping them close getting in and out of bed hurt less.  The arms hurt more than the everything else. 

I'm very happy with my new body and it wasn't that bad all considering.  You can click on Dr Sauceda in my siggy line and hop over on his board.  I posted daily about my surgery.  I do have several pictures, but you need to do a friend request and I'll give you the password.

And that's part of why my surgeons recommended doing the surgery in two stages:  yes, I had 2 recovery periods, but together they don't add up to your one.

I DO understand why you are so pleased with yours, and why it all neede to be done at once (even 4 days apart), but the longer recovery may be an issue for some people that suggests they may need things done a bit differently.

I am glad you're still healing well!