What would you do?

 P.M. me when you get close to being ready, and I'll do the same for you. I need to get my saline implants taken out ASAP, so I'm trying my best to make a decision about who to use. I am sending off for my Passport tomorrow, and I'm not near any of the places where you can get it quickly. I'll pay to have it expedited, but not sure how much that will help (timewise). If you don't have a Passport yet, you might want to send off for one if you are seriously considering going out of the country to get surgery. 

I know for a fact that I won't be going until after February 15th. I'll have cash in hand then, and hopefully, my Passport.

Justlooktoo,

Yeah he does cover up to 600 if your surgery is over 7k. That is very nice!  My doc will do it at the hospital it just will cost more due do to the hospitals fees. I think it he would be 3k more( can't remember now)

I have so much to consider. If you do go to Mexico when do you think you would go? Also, do you remember the docs name in Florida?

I will not be going until after February 15th. Had to move some money around, and will have cash in hand on that date. I'm also just sending off for my Passport, and that will take two to six weeks. 

I have been consulting with Dr. Leveque in Pensacola. Her partner, Dr. Butler is very good, too. They have tons of before and afters in books in the office, but also have a few on their website. I think he may be a little bit better with breast lifts, but she's a master with tummy tucks, and pretty darned good with her lifts, too. Here's a link to their website...

http://www.gulfcoastplasticsurgery.com/

The consult fee is 60.00. Not sure if they do online consults or not, but Dr. Leveque's office person is named Jenny. She could help you with a possible online consult and pricing. I was scheduled for February 26th, but rescheduled for March 8th. They stay pretty busy, so I'm going to stay on the books until I make a decision about where I'm going. I paid a 10% of surgeon's fee deposit to get on the books, but it's refundable until ten days before surgery.

http://www.qualitycheck.org/consumer/SearchQCR.aspx

JCAHO certifies Surgery Centers and I think Medicaid does, too????  I would definitely call the surgery center and they should gladly tell you about their certifications. Advances in aesthesia and sugical equipment can make these centers a very safe choice and they may have a low infection rate, too.  They should be able to give you a tour. Find out how close they are to the nearest hospital. Tell them your concerns and ask alot of questions.

3K is a big savings...have you asked to see pictures of this surgeons work? You can call his nurse and ask for this... also about his credentials.

Jenny,

Thank you so much for the link!! I have seen his work and I know about his credentials. I am just not sure and will be asking why he is not yet board certified. 3k is a  big deals thats money to save for my arms, legs and face all of which have to be dealt with in time.

 Repeating the advice of others and remember these are just my own VERY STRONG opinions.

For the love of God, go with a certified plastic surgeon that specializes in WLS patients. Our skin is not like the average patient's skin. You will really benefit from someone with experience with WLS patients.  $5000 may seem like a bargain but you have to ask how much of a bargain it is if it goes wrong or you have to shell out later to another surgeon to fix things.

I'm not trying to be a ***** about this but you are going to be wearing that skin suit for the rest of your life.  You've already suffered alot about your self image and self esteem (anyone that needed WLS has suffered for years imo).  This isnt a time to think just about money.

As far as a surgical center goes - if it is a good one then you have nothing to be worried about. The costs can be signifigantly less than a standard hospital OR and there can be benefits.  I was operated on in a surgical center and found it to be very nice. The center was less than 5minutes away from a major  hospital so I could have been zipped over had something gone tragically wrong and I required something that my surgeon couldnt handle or if I needed ICU.

He is well experienced with WLS patients and skin removal. He has been doing plastics for awhile now offering his patients a complete service from PRe-op groups/support after care etc etc and plastics of the stomach and arms.  So he is experienced. BUT not certified.

I know this is my skin forver. But money does have to be considered. I won't make a choice based on money alone. But there is no way I would go to the wonderful doctor here that cost over 16k for the stomach alone, does that make sense? My husband and I will do whatever it takes to ensure I am safe, healthy and hopefully get an outcome that I will be pleased with.

Thank for your input. I don't feel like your *****ing at all! This is a very important issue.

Well, if you really think you will be satisfied with your results, then go with him. I just know there seem to be quite a few people who post here who are NOT happy with their results and then it's too late. Or they have to go through additional surgeries to fix the problems from the first surgery, which costs money for the surgery center, even if the surgeon waives his fee.

Laura,

Right now I don't really know what is best. I guess when I do know I will finally have a peace about everything even if that means a two year wait. I won't make a choice until I feel sure. I don't want to be in a position to be unhappy or unhealthy. Thank you so much Laura and you look great btw!