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Thanks Maddymoe, I am also hoping for this winter, sometime Feb-March. I want to get down another 30 pounds and then settle into that weight for a few months to be sure it's stable. Good luck to you on your journey!
- HW = 290 (12/18/2018)
- SW = 264 (RNY: 3/11/2019)
- CW = 175
- Goal = 164
I read on here a couple of years ago to expect around $8K-$10K per procedure, with a 360 lower body lift counting as two procedures. I found that to be pretty much on the money when I was doing my consults. The surgeon I eventually went with was a bit more than that, but he's in Chicago (location can make a difference), and also, he insists on doing his surgeries in a hospital and makes you stay overnight at the hospital, which of course adds to the cost. The other consults I had do their surgeries out-patient (i.e., no overnight stay) in an ambulatory surgery center. I wanted the peace of mind, so I didn't mind paying extra - and it actually wasn't that much more than my other consults - maybe a couple thousand bucks. Again, the difference was probably mostly due to the cost of doing it in a hospital + the overnight stay.
I've heard of all of them except for Kovach, Giles, and Shuster. The others you mentioned are pretty well-known to the bariatric community and have excellent reputations.
I used Lawrence Zachary in Chicago who also has an excellent reputation and is pretty well-known in the bariatric community as well, but there are enough "stars" on the east coast (i.e., closer to you) that I would go with one of them. Plus if you're one of the few who experiences complications, it'd be helpful if your surgeon was within driving distance, I would think.
Edited to add that a lot of people do travel for plastic surgery, so it's not NECESSARY to have someone within driving distance, but it might be easier...
I paid $24k total. Others were slightly less, but really all the quotes were similar. For just the TT and breast lift it was around $20k, but I added on the buttocks fat transfer.
Dr. Michaels initially wanted me to do a 360 lift, but for some reason the idea of that gave me the creeps. So he did an extended TT but the incisions go almost completely around, so it was a good compromise (and a good way for me to save a bit of $).
I'm most excited about the mons area, which was a total mess before surgery. It is AMAZING now. Like I cannot believe the results, it's insane. He's a miracle worker.
Reach out any time you have questions!
HW: 286
SW: 264
CW: 163
RNY on 7/10/18 with Dr. K. Vaziri, Washington DC
Extended TT, Breast Lift, and Lipo with Fat Transfer to Buttocks on 7/24/19 with Dr. Joseph Michaels
Lower face and neck lift, 7/27/20, Dr. Henry Sandel
Congrats on your weight loss!! I am have not had plastics yet, hoping to this winter. I have heard wonderful things about Dr. Michaels. If I lived closer, he would be my pick. His work is amazing!!
Thank you so much for your fast reply!!! I really appreciate all of this information. Dr. Michaels is actually on my "short list" of doctors that I'm looking into. I was wondering about him being in that area and how the cost is probably geared for wealthier clients. Can I ask if you found his pricing reasonable?
Like you, I also want a TT but don't want to be talked into a whole lower body lift or a circumferential TT. I don't mind that I have a little meat on my hips and rear, I just want the distorted, stretched out skin on my belly gone. Sounds like he was open to that without pressure.
I'm trying to gear myself up for the pain involved. I congratulate you on your bravery! I'm sure it's worth it in the end. I'm thrilled for you! :)
- HW = 290 (12/18/2018)
- SW = 264 (RNY: 3/11/2019)
- CW = 175
- Goal = 164
Thank you!
My doc was Joseph (Joe) Michaels, in Bethesda, Maryland. The surgery was at Sibley Hospital in DC. I stayed one night, so I've been home since midday Thursday.
I'd rate Dr. Michaels at 100%. I found him easy to talk to but he never had a super casual air about him, he was all about the business. What I really liked about him was that I know he works with a lot of patients in a wealthy area who are going for a "certain look" that I am not, and he never made any assumptions and always ask the right questions to understand the type of body I was hoping to have. My family was really impressed with his bedside manner and communication during and after the surgery. His office staff was also stellar with communication and organization leading up to surgery.
Yesterday I was finally able to get completely undressed and take a look at everything, and I couldn't believe how amazing the results are. I could never imagine he could do what he did. He just has magic hands, plain and simple.
This was definitely the most painful thing I've ever been through. But I appreciated that the nurses and Dr never demeaned me regarding my levels of pain or made me feel in anyway that I was exaggerating, they made me as comfortable as possible and reassured me that the pain would be very short-lived, which it was. After two days I was feeling like I could move ahead and live pretty comfortably.
HW: 286
SW: 264
CW: 163
RNY on 7/10/18 with Dr. K. Vaziri, Washington DC
Extended TT, Breast Lift, and Lipo with Fat Transfer to Buttocks on 7/24/19 with Dr. Joseph Michaels
Lower face and neck lift, 7/27/20, Dr. Henry Sandel
Congratulations on a successful surgery!!! Can I ask who your surgeon is and how you would rate them? Are you in a hospital or home already?
- HW = 290 (12/18/2018)
- SW = 264 (RNY: 3/11/2019)
- CW = 175
- Goal = 164
Hi, I'm new to the group. Had RNY on March 11th and combined with my pre-op loss have now said goodbye to over 98 pounds. :)
I have another 30 pounds to go but I'm starting to seriously research plastic surgeons for my next step. I have several on my short-list and am hoping to get feedback from any of their patients:
Dr. Joseph Capella
Dr. Laura Carmina Cardenas
Dr. Joseph Michaels
Dr. Stephen Kovach
Dr. Peter Fisher
Dr. P. Dudley Giles
Dr. Bernard Shuster
Or if you have used someone else that you would highly recommend, I'm all ears. I'm from upstate NY but am willing to travel for the best surgeon.
Thank you very much!!!
- HW = 290 (12/18/2018)
- SW = 264 (RNY: 3/11/2019)
- CW = 175
- Goal = 164
Thank you so much for your quick response. I've read so many positive reviews about her. Type A is something you totally want in a surgeon!
Did you go alone? Did you feel ok leaving your wallet and passport at the recovery house?
Does she do surgery right at her office or does she use a hospital?
I've read so many positive reviews. I'm in NY so it would be a lot of travel to get there but it sounds like she's one of the best surgeons around.
donnaloza · 1 replies · 56 views
