I have the breast cancer gene - which is actually why had gastric bypass to begin with. So after I was about a year and a half out, I scheduled a prophylactic mastectomy with immediate diep reconstruction. I had already met the breast surgeon and she referred me to Dr. Serletti who is the chief of plastic surgery at penn. He did my reconstruction and afterwards we talked about other work. While doing my reconstruction he discovered a large hernia. Dr Kovach specializes in abdominal wall reconstruction, so he referred me to him. We got the hernia fixed and then moved on to other things. He did my thighs, arms, and face along with lipo. He really is a great surgeon and man. My work was spread out over a couple of years so I've had many visits with him and gotten to know him fairly well. So skilled yet so down to earth.

I figured that going through a hospital like Penn, the rates would be ridiculously high but they seemed reasonable compared to rates that I had seen both here and on real self. I did not bother to get other consults. When he saw the hernia that I had, his reaction was of such concern for my well being, that it sealed the deal for me that he was the one for me.

There used to be one item on real self a while ago from someone that had abdominal work - hernia repair, I think, done by him and she was not happy with her initial result. I had put a message on it asking how the followup went, if she did a revision, but never got a response. I know that as we moved through my work, we would go back and tweak previous items - perhaps fix a scar or a little more lipo.

He really doesn't have before and afters - that surprised me at first. But I took the chance based on our interaction and I would do it all over again.

If you want to do a consult with him, I believe that he does charge a fee for a consult which then will get applied to your surgery if you move forward with him. I believe that all in that practice do this to avoid folks just coming in for consults and then not moving forward if insurance isn't paying for it.

Let me know if you want any more information.

So I'm going to have gastric sleeve the end of the month and I know I will have loose skin because I only been heavy for 5 years. Prior to the five years I was extremely fit but from children I couldn't tighten my legs completely and my stomach skin. Now honestly my legs are not that bad that I can't tolerate it after weight loss nor are my arms. It's my stomach. I am interested in Panniculectomy surgery. I was reading and I see it's extremely hard to get a approval but if you can prove it's causing pain the insurance company will pay. The problem is finding a surgeons office that is willing to go through the headache to do this and get the approval especially through Medicaid. I know someone that got a hernia repair and the surgeon also gave the tummy tuck but they didn't except my insurance. Because with the hernia they can bill to remove access skin. I already had 1 hernia repair or and I need another one. If I can find a surgeon that takes my insurance and can do the repair and the Panniculectomy that would be perfect. Any recommendations in NJ state? Thank you! I know there's loopholes everywhere it just takes someone willing to stay compliant and still be helpful to the public not a lot of people are willing to do that.

Thank you very much for the reply Erin! I'm glad you're happy with his work. He keeps getting bumped up on my list. :)

I had a lower body lift and breast lift with fat transfer with Dr. Michaels about 18 months ago. My results continue to be really awesome. I paid about $25k for all of it.

If you're following your surgeon-recommended post op diet and exercising you probably will lose quite a bit past your goal weight.

I would wait too until the two year honeymoon period was over . A lot of peoples weight resettles in different places ... skin firms up and your results will be far more beautiful if you diligently exercised and developed your muscles and now your surgeon just has to redrape and attach the skin to show your new definition off .

Also liposuction and loose skin removal ( which removes empty fat cells too and REALLY helps prevent the hormonal changes ( excess estrogen put out by " hungry" empty fat cells trying to refill themselves ) that lead to hunger cravings and regain will be much more effective at your lowest weight.

I used Francesco Sauceda in Monterrey Mexico and I was EXTREMELY pleased with all my results. ( armlift, LBL, thigh lift, Brazilian Butt lift , TT, liposuction of flanks and tummy, and fu-pa) he even liposucked my jiggly knee fat giving me great legs !