Scared about upcoming surgery! - ThinnerTimes

AprilShowers · 04-11-2008, 08:51 AM

I am scared to death the last few weeks about my up coming surgery. I am scheduled to have a belt lipectomy July 1st and I don’t know if my nerves are just normal or it’s something else. Last year I had my upper body worked on, had my arms done my sides and a breast lift. I had a few issues with the results and I have tried to be very understanding and I know not everything comes out perfect. But I have lost a little confidence in the surgeon who is doing my operation. The issue is, money. He is extremely affordable and I have gone to 5 other plastic surgeons in my area and a few hours away and all of them are more then double to cost. I can’t afford this surgery at that price and everyone that I have talked to in the bariatric circle recommends the guy I am going to. I don’t know why I feel this way I just have this icky feeling. The last 2 weeks I have been having nightmares where something goes wrong or they forget to sew my stomach back. I am just not feeling as excited about this as I had anticipated feeling. One of the things the doctor said he wouldn’t be doing is liposuction at the same time. I guess every surgeon has their own way of doing things but since I saw no pictures of before and after of other patients he’s done I was left wondering what my results might look like. Do you ever feel 100% certain of your doctor and the operation, are my feelings normal.

Another thing is that I have tried now for 6 months to lose 10 lbs to get to my goal of 150 before this operation.. I have not lost ANY weight in 6 months which is very aggravating. Granted I have gone down in size so I know I was toning up and lost inches but no weight has come off. I know I still have a few months before July 1st to try and take off these 10 lbs and perhaps I will do it. Was anyone else feeling like me.. scared to death and unsure but love the results? I need a pick me up! I’m tired of the nightmares! lol

LyndasRoom · 04-11-2008, 08:57 AM

April,
In my opinion, you should feel 100% confident before you entrust something this important to ANYONE! You have time to ask the Dr's office for pictures, or names of patients who have been satisfied with his work. Have you done a google search of the Dr? perhaps that would turn up information that might change your mind. Did you ever go for a consult with any of the other doctors? You might hear the same thing from them that might put your mind at ease.

AprilShowers · 04-11-2008, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LyndasRoom

April,
In my opinion, you should feel 100% confident before you entrust something this important to ANYONE! You have time to ask the Dr's office for pictures, or names of patients who have been satisfied with his work. Have you done a google search of the Dr? perhaps that would turn up information that might change your mind. Did you ever go for a consult with any of the other doctors? You might hear the same thing from them that might put your mind at ease.

There is actually someone on this forum who had a TT with the doctor. She was pleased and I know others who have had work done with him who were happy. That’s why I question why I am so uneasy about him. He and his staff seem great... but I had issues with the work done on me. Like.. one of my nipples is larger then the other.. it is also placed higher up, and noticeable then the other one so it looks off. I was left with pouch in my arm that looks strange and out of place. Staples were used on my arms, sides and breasts and I have extremely large scars which have had to have steroid injections. I had my sides done.. like where your skin goes over your bra on the side and really to be honest, it looks the same just with a scar now. I can not lift my arms all the way up without feeling like there is a rope under my skin that’s being pulled tightly, its noticeable and even looks painful. I don’t know if all this is normal, perhaps it is. but just due to this I am just feeling a little uneasy. Perhaps those of you who have had some similar surgeries can enlighten me.

LyndasRoom · 04-11-2008, 09:07 AM

April,
The reason's you're unhappy are the reasons I'm hesitant to even THINK about plastics. I'm pretty happy with my still fluffy, less fat body...would love a tummy tuck...but is it worth the price? I can live with what I've got. Have you addressed the concerns with your previous surgery with the doctor? perhaps they are things that can be repaired. I know one of our girls has had a scar revision with remarkable results. Most reputable Plastic Surgeons want you to be so happy with your results that you want to "show the world". Before you take on another surgery with this doctor, I would investigate his willingness to make right the previous one. You are young with so much ahead of you...you've worked so hard for your success, you deserve a body to be truly proud of.

MiladyB · 04-11-2008, 10:34 AM

April, I think some of the uneasiness is normal. I know I had a lot of the same fears before my tummy tuck and breast lift. I too had all kinds of nightmares, wondering if my expectations were too high. The results have been good but not exactly what I'm happy with either. I was warned though ahead of time that there were some areas that are difficult to get great results in with one surgery and that I was probably looking at some minor revisions down the line. I too have the skin that goes over my breast incisions on the side and my mons is rather puffy and saggy looking. I'm scheduled for revisions of those areas on the 29th. It will be done in the doctor's office under local and he will be taking additional tucks in those 3 areas.

I guess the things that would give me some concern in regards to your doctor are the things like uneven nipples and the fact that he uses staples. Your scars will often be wider if staples are used. I know even without staples I have some scars that are wider though they are smooth.

I guess I would suggest you sit down and talk to your doctor and get some answers and let him know your concerns. It may not totally resolve your uneasiness but it may help. As I mentioned I think some of the uneasiness is normal. I had all kinds of faith in my surgeon, I've worked with him for years and I know he is a perfectionist and an extremely skilled plastic surgeon but even with that I still had the fears and the nightmares.

shereeks · 04-11-2008, 02:03 PM

Hi April

I know you are looking for some reassurance but as I've not had any plastics it's a little hard for me to give advice.

I just really wanted to say that if you are feeling uneasy about having a second surgery with this guy then maybe there is good reason for that. If you didn't get the results you wanted first time around with this surgeon then isn't it worth waiting a little longer to save the money to go with someone who you do trust 100%? It's your body that you have to live in for the rest of your life so you have to be happy with the choice you make.

I'm sure I'm stating the obvious but I'd hate for you to regret your decision.

Hugs and kisses.

AprilShowers · 04-13-2008, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiladyB

April, I think some of the uneasiness is normal. I know I had a lot of the same fears before my tummy tuck and breast lift. I too had all kinds of nightmares, wondering if my expectations were too high. The results have been good but not exactly what I'm happy with either. I was warned though ahead of time that there were some areas that are difficult to get great results in with one surgery and that I was probably looking at some minor revisions down the line. I too have the skin that goes over my breast incisions on the side and my mons is rather puffy and saggy looking. I'm scheduled for revisions of those areas on the 29th. It will be done in the doctor's office under local and he will be taking additional tucks in those 3 areas.

I guess the things that would give me some concern in regards to your doctor are the things like uneven nipples and the fact that he uses staples. Your scars will often be wider if staples are used. I know even without staples I have some scars that are wider though they are smooth.

I guess I would suggest you sit down and talk to your doctor and get some answers and let him know your concerns. It may not totally resolve your uneasiness but it may help. As I mentioned I think some of the uneasiness is normal. I had all kinds of faith in my surgeon, I've worked with him for years and I know he is a perfectionist and an extremely skilled plastic surgeon but even with that I still had the fears and the nightmares.

Thank you so much for taking time to reply to this.. I can always count on you! Lol I am so bad on the forums I don’t always reply to threads or follow up and yet so many show a lot of support its very nice. I appreciate it.

I feel better with you saying you had some uneasiness, I think when it comes to skin removal and body contouring nothing is going to be 100% and there is always revision to think about. For me.. getting the lower belt is not just about having a flat stomach but I actually have quite a lot of pain when I sit down due to the fat that’s on my butt.. I’m sure some of you can relate. Also.. I love to run now and it’s just in the way.

What my doctor said about the nipples is that sometimes things just don’t always come out the way he plans it to.. and that one of the reasons why one of the nipples is larger is due to the stitches tearing at the bottom and so it almost appears to be a tear drop if you will. He said those things can be fixed if I so wish.

Perhaps I won’t feel 100% sure and it’s just one of those things you have faith in and you just dive in with the best attitude you can have. But thank you for the advice and thoughts.

Godsblessedme · 04-13-2008, 06:02 PM

Quote:

I can’t afford this surgery at that price

to be honest with you DONT DO THE SURGERY WITH THAT SURGEON. To me if your not comfortable or have reservations dont do it. Living in AZ i see so many people running down to mexico having plastics because of cost. Simple fact is if you cant afford a reputable surgeon one that has experience and on the American Board of Plastic Surgery you need to run away not walk but run and save alittle more money before doing it. That way you can afford a good surgeon.

I know you want this really bad but sweetie why put your life in a surgeon's hand that really is not the best do you value your life? And you said that you werent satisfied about your last results and personally i wouldnt return.
(sorry i feel strongly about this issue with plastics but i really care)

AprilShowers · 04-13-2008, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Godsblessedme

to be honest with you DONT DO THE SURGERY WITH THAT SURGEON. To me if your not comfortable or have reservations dont do it. Living in AZ i see so many people running down to mexico having plastics because of cost. Simple fact is if you cant afford a reputable surgeon one that has experience and on the American Board of Plastic Surgery you need to run away not walk but run and save alittle more money before doing it. That way you can afford a good surgeon.

I know you want this really bad but sweetie why put your life in a surgeon's hand that really is not the best do you value your life? And you said that you werent satisfied about your last results and personally i wouldnt return.
(sorry i feel strongly about this issue with plastics but i really care)

I think I must of given the wrong impression of this doctor lol he is more than qualified and in fact is double board certified and a specialist in body contouring after weight loss. He is actually one of the top doctors where I live and comes very highly recommended by almost any professional in the medical field. He is still quite expensive but the reason he is lower than others is due to him having the procedures at his facility and not a hospital.
Yes I feel uneasy with him .. but I don’t really understand it. I had some issues with his work on me but I don’t know if my expectations are too high or not. Some people tell me it looks great and others say I should have gotten something better.. I don’t know what to think. But no.. he’s not some doctor in the back alley! :P lol