Plastic surgery questions

Hi. I am ready to start looking into having a tummy tuck done. I had duodenal switch surgery done in feb 2011 and have lost 199 lbs. I know my insurance pays nothing. So just curious as to know how much you paid? How much pain were you in after surgery? ( I have a low pain tolerance) I really want to research doctors, I live in Pa, any suggestions ? Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


Thank You
Kathy

Hi, Kathy!

I had the VSG through Abington the same month as you! I paid for my surgery through a 401K loan. I ended up going out of the country to find someone experienced in plastics after massive weight loss who could provide a high level of care at a reasonable price.

Eileen

Kathy -

I paid 6,750.00 last March for a full tummy tuck  -- outpatient in a surgery center with full nursing staff and anesthesiologist (in Tucson, AZ).

I was pretty sore for the first few days (rented a recliner and it was a true blessing!!) ---- much harder on my than my Band surgery ---- but if you have been through a DS, I would think that it is not much worse than that was.

I was back at work (desk job) after about 10 days --- could have worked 1/2 days before that, but sure did enjoy taking the time off to nap and knit and relax.

Insurance wouldn't pay for me, so I used a 401K loan and went to Monterrey Mexico and Dr Sauceda.  We have a very active group here on OH, you can click on Dr Sauceda in my siggy line or his website.  I'm currently in Monterrey now, I had an upper body lift last Monday.  I was in the clinic for 2 days, and I've been at the hotel since.  I leave tomorrow.  This is my 2nd visit.

I am 3 1/2 years post-op RNY and I just had a Panniculectomy done 1/7/2013 and it WAS covered by insurance!  I probably won't be wearing a bikini anytime in the near future, but you may talk to a plastic surgeon or your bariatric surgeon. I had issues with my pannus (the skin hanging down under my belly button. I urge everyone to look into it! I was very pleasantly surprised to find out it was covered. I thought I'd have to live with rashes, etc for the rest of my life.

Be prepared for some major pain, but if you take the pain meds the doc prescribes, you will do fine. I also rented a recliner. Slept in it the first two weeks! So worth it!!!

You mentioned using a recliner. I am having a lbl w/fdl on 2/11. I can get access to both an electric recliner and hospital bed. Would one be best over the other? For how many days can I expect it to be really painful? My surgery is outpatient. I do plan to get the exparel pain reliever that lasts 2-3 days. Will find out more tomorrow when I have my pre-op appt.

Can you please tell me what lbl w/fdl is. Please and thank you.

Lower Body Lift with Anchor Cut TT.  The incision goes around the entire body, pulls everything up and then the Anchor Cut TT is the Vertical Incision from underneath the breast to the lower incision.  I had these procedures.

I was happy with the recliner. My husband is disabled and cannot help me get out of bed, so the recliner was perfect for me!

If you live in PA, I would recommend looking in Dr. Peter Rubin at the UPMC (Pittsburgh) "Life After Weight Loss Center". I haven't gone there and I haven't had surgery yet, but I have read many glowing reviews and he's nationally known. They ONLY deal with patients that have lost massive amounts of weight. I look forward to a day when I can possibly give his office a call!