so I had my second consult in Chicago today. Both surgeons do a truckload of these surgeries (but neither specializes in it).

Surgeon B is better known and has been at it a bit longer. He wants to do a traditional LBL. His quote was $20K. Pricey. I know people have said to count on $8000-$8500 per procedure, with an LBL counting as two procedures. So $16K - $17K would be "normal". BUT....i could recuperate at home, and there wouldn't be air travel involved, so that does offset at least some of the difference.

Surgeon A is also well-regarded, but again, not as well-known and hasn't had as many years in. He wants to do a FDL tummy tuck and do a bra-line backlift instead of doing the lift at hips (he said I have more of an issue with my back than I do my hips - and the backlift would give me a slight lift at the hips as well, which is all I'd need there - if that). His quote was $18K, which given that it was a FDL tummy tuck rather than a traditional one, that probably isn't a bad price, since FDLs are more expensive.

Surgeon B said if I'd probably be fine with a traditional TT, but if I decide I later want a FDL, he could do that. I was told that would be about $10K (because of all the anesthesia, etc, I'd have to go through again).

But Surgeon A said if I wasn't happy with the amount of lift I got from the bra-line backlift, he could later send me back to surgery again and lift from just above the hips as well. I didn't ask, but I'm assuming that would also be an extra $10K-ish. So we're kind of talking six of one/half dozen of the other.

I like the FDL idea. I'm not sure what I think of the bra-line backlift idea. In other words, I like the TT one surgeon would do, but I like the lifting from the hips that the other surgeon would do.

ARRRRGGGH! Why can't these people all be on the same page?? I hate these kinds of decisions!

Dr Sauceda is coming to Las Vegas! Aug 3rd & 4th. I'm starting to set appointments for consults.

Send me a PM with your name, address, phone, email and if you are planning on attending the Friday night patient reunion dinner (hopefully Famous Dave's BBQ).

Consults will be at WorldMarkTheClub in my condo. The address is 8601 S Las Vegas Blvd. It's about 4 miles south of the strip.

There should be several postops there for you to check out "Body by Sauceda", with the different surgeries.

Chris

board certifications are more important than facility. Mine was a private clinic, which was recommended by a nurse i know because it was a private clinic and the care was top notch. I had the clinic to myself for recovery and two nurses.

My doctor gave up his hospital privileges to focus on his own practice. he has his own OR. no need to work out of hospitals any more.

Thanks Kelly! I'll add in another protein shake and refocus on more dense protein snacks. Gotta keep my body healing!

I talked to the surgeon again and he said that he plans to put in 1 drain for 10 days even with the quilting. He like to be sure to prevent seromas.