So many questions! (Sauceda vs local doc)( twilight vs general)(lift w/out implants?)

I love in Israel but if I had a choice and money I would go to Dr.Sauceda in a heartbeat!
In Israel medical system is similar to NHS and if one does not have money but medical need for plastics then their HMO might cover the plastics. My HMO did cover two surgeries a year apart after I also appealed and then I had wound healing issues and I do not smoke or have diabetes.
As you start your weight-loss journey I suggest that if/as you develop excess skin issues and possible rashes that you do not only self treat but see your GP/skin doc to document said situations and as such check your medical insurance coverage as to what you may be entitled to.
You are not looking for plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery (you do need a plastic surgeon!) but you need to have Reconstructive Surgery After Weight Loss to a Body of Normalcy.
Our bodies were misused and we may never achieve body perfection even with plastic surgery but we may get to a way better physical appearance than where we are now with hanging flapping flubber.
I hope I have helped to clarify and guide you based on my reading here on these boards and my own experiences.
I am happy to write/talk to you if you would like. My email is: [email protected]
Mikimi in Israel

You need a flankplasty to get rid of the side boobs. This is done in combination with an arm lift and breast lift

I too would think twice about having a LBL in Mexico. I have seen some of the work done down there and I don't think its as good as many make it out to be. I am about 9 days out after having a LBL w/ BA/BL. In total, I was in surgery under a general anthesia for 11 hours! I would never feel comfortable such a large procedure under GA in Mexico. What is the aftercare like? Why would twilight anesthesia be appropriate for that large of a procedure?

Have you researched all the plastic surgeons in your area or surrounding area? My surgeon, Dr. Barnthouse, was actually a partner of Dr. Ted Lockwood who developed the modern day LBL. He trained with him and learned all his techniques. I will say that my results are fantastic and much better than I ever expected. I would say that I my results 9 days PO are better than most I've ever seen on the internet.  I would research the physicians in your area a lot more. You are going to need significant aftercare! 

As far as the BL/BA goes, I would definitely do both. I've seen photos of BL only and while improved the breasts still looked abnormal. My PS talked to me about both but definitely recommended I have both procedures in order to achieve the look I was going for.

IMO, the VSG surgery is nothing compared to having the LBL. I recommend you give it some more thought and research. Hope this helps...remember its just my opinion.

 

 

 

Thank you... that does help!  

I'm definitely still in the research stage browsing websites and getting a feel for surgeons.  I haven't had any consults yet as I'm still at least 6-8 months away from plastics at the very soonest, (and that's rushing it).  It's looking like maybe I should give my locals a deeper look.  As I keep searching the forums I'm realizing how massive the recovery is after combined procedures, (and I'm seeing complications are more common than I would have hoped).  I very much see that plastics is so much more complicated than my VSG so I've maintained the theory that a local doc would make the most sense.... I just need to find one I'm crazy about!   

The twilight sedation gives me a lot of pause.  I know breasts and face lifts are often done under twilight, but things like LBL and tummy tuck are usually done under general.  It's not sitting well with me to use twilight for that big of procedures, like I said in my first posting... it just isn't sitting well with me.

Thank you all for taking the time to respond to my post and letting me talk it out....  I'll keep on searching and see where the good Lord leads me!

 

Despite what some of these posters are saying, I had terrific results in MX with Dr. Sauceda. I never woke up from twilight and the recovery from twilight is  (supposedly) much easier.

I'm nine months out from BA/BL, LBL,UBL, thighs, arms, neck and some facework. My results are terrific. Not perfect, cause I had lost 160 pounds and I'm 47, and had a lot of extra skin, so I don't look like a 25 year old, but I'm thrilled with my results and look amazing compared to what I looked like before surgery.

Definitely Mexico is not for everyone, but I did my research and I made a decision that worked great for me. I had two weeks of aftercare with a daily visit with a terrific nurse and the doctor stopped by the nearby hotel every evening. I had no complications and no swelling.

I had surgery 3 weeks ago, I'm in my 50's and lost over 160 lbs.  My stomach has not been this flat since before I had my children.  It looks like when I was 20.  I don't think age and weight loss play a factor if you have a plastic surgeon who knows about age and weight related skin elasticity issues and modifies their techniques for older, post bariatric patients.

Where is Dr Barnthouse located? I found one in Minessota. Thanks! 

Dr. Barnthouse is in Kansas City, MO. I, of course, think he is the best and worth traveling for but I'm sure there is a well qualified, board-certified surgeon in Florida near your home. Try searching the website of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at www.surgery.org. Also check with friends/family for a personal referral in your area or even other bariatric patients in Florida (there may be a Florida VSG group here on OH that could give you a local referral). Best of Luck!

Congrats on your weight loss !  

Being here in Texas, I routinely am asked to see patients who have had successful surgery across the border. The problem is they have developed the same small issues or complications that any surgeon commonly experiences after a huge procedure like a TT or LBL.

 Without access to their physician or a designated expert, the small problem  becomes bigger and the management harder.  This is my main concern with travel and surgery. Other issues you need to answer before going this route would be:

1) Is the facility where I will be operated on accredited by the JCI ? (http://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/about-jci/) Here in the states, all small private specialty hospitals are JC accredited.  That's the gold standard, why cut a corner here ?

2) Will my health insurance cover complications when I am out of the country, and/or when I come back ?

3) What is the program for preventing blood clots after surgery during my travel ? In the U.S., there is a standard of care for this.

4) What kind of travel allowance should I make for visits/touchups/followups.  I see my LBL patients on average 5 visits in the first 3 months, more if needed to deal with seromas, incision issues, or the like.

As for a breast lift, depending on where you are now, implants may be needed to get the best shape.  Implant plus lift is the loss-leader in plastic surgery liability claims, which means this is a hard operation to do well.  Often after taking measurements I will NOT place implants at same time as a lift because they stretch out within months.

Side-of-chest or bra-roll issues are fixed by a side-of-chest lift.  The breast surgery might give you a small benefit there, but beware a claims that a breast surgery will correct loose skin on the side of your chest.

Hope this helps,

Dr L.

 

Thank you Dr.L!  So nice to have a pro on these boards!