What would you do?

I can't do two trips to Mexico. I wish that was an option! I know I won't be happy with having the Panni removed and not doing anything else. Thats part of this offer. Later when I am ready He will do my hernia (s) repair in the hospital and he will do my tummy tuck free. Thats part of why I am having such a hard time with this. I know you can relate very well to what I am dealing with here with the amount of skin and everything on my stomach.

My mom could go but then we have to figure out who will keep our kids when hubby works and everything. I know I can get that stuff figured out. Maybe I should email Dr. S tell him I have so much cash to work with and see what he can do for me with that.

This is all so hard =(

I meant go to Dr S now and get just what you can afford and return in a few years to get the rest. Without reservation I would absolutely not allow my WLS to do a full TT. Removing the panni is one thing but a full TT is something you need a skilled ps for! That for me would be something I do not even need to think about! I do think you would be asking for problems of you returned to your WLS doctor for your TT. Just my opinion! 

Thank you so much =) I am going to be speaking with Dr. S again and see what we can figure out.

My 2 cents....I agree with Laura.  My biggest concern would not be about the surgicenter, but about the fact that my surgeon was not board certified.  I had 2 different plastic surgeons and I am glad that I didi.  Both were board certified.  One of the specializes in post WLS and WANTS to deal with those special situations.  THe other is a plastic surgeon who does a fair amount of WLS patients in the area I live,  Although I have refered locals to my first surgeon I HIGHLY recommend making sure your surgeon is Board Certified and has special training in post WLS patient.

I LOVE my VSG surgeon, too.  He called me at home, too.  It's always great to hear that there are plenty of good people who happen to become good surgeons.  I know that everytime I see him I am going to get a big hug and kiss.  You will know what is right for you.   Hope it happens soon!

Thank you Lisa. That is what I am hoping for, fiinding peace with my choice. Thats greatr about your doc!

I would probably choose Dr. S as a first resort since he's experienced, but I do agree that going to another country for surgery is pretty scary. I'm considering it, too. Still waiting for a quote from Dr. S. I know he covers a protion of airfare over a certain amount (7,000?), so that might help with your decision, too.

If I go to Mexico, I've got tons of frequent flyer miles and would gladly offer a first class, round trip ticket to someone who could go with me so we could help care for each other after surgery. I know many people go alone, but as brave as I am, I will admit it's scary for me to think of being in a country where I don't speak the language. Heck, I get lost looking for my car in the Walmart parking lot here in Alabama.

Now, about your generous doctor. It's amazing of him to offer to help you. I have had two C-sections, and my stitches are placed in the bikini area, just as they would be with a tummy tuck. I have to say, both surgeons ( had my babies ten years apart by different doctors) did very nice work. Even better than some plastic surgeons I've seen. I suppose they do a lot of that being that they deliver babies every day, though. 

I am also more comfortable with hospital surgery than surgical suites, but there is an argument that surgical suites harbor less germs than hospitals because most of the people who get surgery there are "well". I bet that's true. Also, as someone mentioned, most surgical centers are very near large hospitals.

Also, this is somewhat "superficial" surgery. Not sure how to explain that, but what I mean is that with a surgery such as an RNY or gallbladder removal, you have much more opportunity for something to go wrong since you are working internally. However, your concern about having such a large amount of skin removed may well be a valid point for needing hospitalization. I don't know about that kind of thing. 

Personally, I'd not be afraid to take your doctor up on his offer. You might even be able to talk him into doing it in the hospital if you'd feel better about that. The cosmetic surgeon that I've been talking to here works out of a small hospital or out of a surgical suite. She give the patient the choice, and they both cost the same. 

Tough decision. If you decide to go to Mexico, let me know. Maybe we can travel together.

I also meant to mention (since you said you are in Florida), that the cosmetic surgeon in Pensacola quoted me 5000.00 for an extended tummy tuck, and she does work out of a hospital. Not sure how far you are from Pensacola, but she's been around for a long time and does great work. I saw her nurse's tummy tuck, and it was gorgeous. The nurse said her boss can do a tummy tuck in 30 minutes, lol.

My experience... The surgeon who done my vsg also done my tummy tuck,. I was in the same situation as you and he wanted to help his patients. He was not a plastic surgeon and although he left me with a lovely belly button the tummy itself is not good. He didnt put any drains in. After a week I had a hematoma, which took a long time to heal. The cut he made looks like a smiley face and the hematoma was above it and has now filled up and swollen. It looks like I have a football above the smiley face, it swells and it still feels like its not attached to my body. That was 2 years ago. I am going to have it repaired but If I could turn the clock back I would go with a plastic surgeon. They know what they are doing.. Good luck with whatever you decide. x

Milania,

Thank you for sharing your experience. I am sorry that you have had problems. I hope that when you have it repaired that it will work out much better for you. My cousin in another state had only the Panni done by he weight loss sur. He is also not certified. He did use the drains and such though. Her stomach looks really great. But, I know that so many factors play a part and all of us are unique..
Thank you for sharing and thank you for wishing me luck, I need it!