Question:
Military Surgeons

I went to plastic surgeons in the library and NOTHING was there. I was shocked LOL. Anyway, I am curious from anyone out here (who is military associated) if, you are post op and have had a hernia repair, TT or thigh lift or any kind of plastic surgery through a military doc/hospital. What was your experience and would you do it again through the military? I know there are good AND bad surgeons out there military or civilian but, I was just wanting some feed back. I had my Lap RNY done by a civilian doctor and because of this, I believe I can get referred back out to the civilian surgeon for plastic surgery. I am extremely interested to hear from anyone who is in the FT Bragg area. This is where we are stationed and I will be 2 yrs post op Aug 9th and have a consult on post on the 19th of Aug. I am nervous and excited all at the same time. Please any information would be greatly appreciated from Ft Bragg posters or any other military installation. :) Hug to all!    — ncgal (posted on July 25, 2003)

July 25, 2003
Hi! I am a Navy wife so I deal a lot with the military health care system. I had my surgery done by a civilian as well, and I recently found out that they are going to refer me out to a civilian (University of Washington) for my Body Lift (pretty much the whole kit and kaboodle). They like to give you the run around, but you can get it done. I have not had good experiences with the Military doctors here and refuse to let them touch me. Good luck! I am sure you can get it done for yourself through the system like I have :-)
   — AprilRebuilt

July 29, 2003
OK if really a military doctor/facility, avoid the VA. They are staffed with part-timer, wanna-be, sadistic and voyeuristic research doctors. My experience was horrific. I know two men and one woman who were to have plastic surgery. One man was to have a deviated septum corrected, but left with a gaping/irreparable hole in his nose and eventually died. The other man had the skin around one of his ears horrifically burned during treatment and remains permanently scarred. The woman decided not to have hers done when they tried to convince her they could combine several surgeries they recommended into one trip to the operating room (breast lift, pannulectomy (sp?), and varicose vein stripping), stating she'd be out of the hospital within 3 days, and knowing she had no one at home to help care for her and no at home care provided.
   — miserable U.