Originally Posted by
Journey Tobeme
Hi all thank you for the responses. I am going to answer some things. I am going to use numbers because it helps me order my thoughts better.
1. Consultations: I have had 3 in the US, 2 in DR, 1 in Cuba, 2 in Mexico and 1 in Colombia.
2. Money: It isn't a consideration for plastics. I pay out of pocket for all medical care now and I have a healthy savings just for plastics (over 30k).
3. Surgeons: I had lots of consultations in many places. I chose the surgeons I did for a variety of reasons none of which was money. I chose the 2 I did for their work, experience, education, their vision, their facilities, their accreditation/certifications and the fact that I meshed with them.
4. Waiting: Waiting for goal~One surgeon said I should wait to get below 150 but he wasn't doing a BBL. Every other surgeon suggested a surgery weight of no more than 185 pounds and no less than 165. Goal is 120-130. I want a gifted BBL and for that you need fat. Fat is limited in patients at goal weight and not all fat is optimal for BBL. That is why BBLs are more effective if you still have at least 30 pounds. By the time the fat is processed and separated it is reduced by at least half that can be used in a BBL.
Waiting for maintenance/1 year: Either way wouldn't work for the results I want once again. For breast work you need to be within 20 pounds of goal which is why it is round 2 for me. I planned Round 1 and Round 2 with the help of all the information I received at my many consults for optimal results that I want.
5. My apron/skin: I have a huge hanging apron. I have had 3 Csections with major incisions. I have internal adhesions that are attached to the apron. Estimations range from 25-35 pounds of skin to be removed conservatively. And that is from my current weight not after I lose the next 20 pounds. It is going to get worse not better. So again waiting for goal isn't the best option for me. If I get to 170 for round 1 and if they remove 25 pounds of skin I am already at 145. That isn't even including the fat they remove, separate and don't reuse. I will be very close to goal at that point.
6. Knowing what I need:I know the results I am hoping for and I know my body now. 9 in person consults helped refine the list and expectations. I don't need to lose all my weight to know I need an lower eye lift and upper eye lid lift. I don't need to lose more weight to see the major sagging skin on my thighs. My massive apron (3 c sections with major incisions) isn't going to get any smaller. My adhesions however hurt more and more with every pound I lose. They were wrapped in fat and now that fat is melting away and they are pulling on muscles and possibly organs. My face is very slim now. I know the work it needs but that will come in Round 2.
7. Lots of procedures: Round 1 and Round 2 are separate surgeries that will be at least 3-4 months apart. Those 4 procedures combined isn't excessive. It is basically a mommy makeover which is routine even in the US. Difference is I am getting lower body instead of doing breasts. Round 2 has a lot of small parts but mostly face work and it is considered one. I have even considered going and having it done now and then heading for round 2 in November/Dec. There only has to be 6 weeks between face work and body work according to the surgeons I have spoken with if you chose to do face work first. But if you do body work first you must wait the entire 3-4 months.
8. Location: I live part time in Mexico. I have most of my medical handled in Mexico and Cuba now. I only use the US health system if I am in need of emergency care while in the US. I had my sleeve in Mexico. I have traveled to each consult. In the DR, I will be there a month after surgery. I won't be in a rush to get back. Cuba we will be there 2 months when I go there. So in a sense I will get longer care in both places. I will have a private nurses even after my recovery ends after 14 days. It will be an additional expense for me but it is important to me. Bottom line I am not scared to travel outside the US for medical care and surgery. I actually prefer it. I research doctors and clinics heavily. I visit them. I talk to patients. I arrange care and any follow up I am going to need with my Dr. in Mexico and my Endo in the US who coordinates with my Dr in Mexico. I am very proactive with my health and the partners I select to be a part of it.
And again lastly, I am not sure where anyone got that I want anything cheap. I listed the quotes in case anyone else was interested since cost seems to be a major aspect on the board. I could pay triple the cost for less quality work in the US but why when I found surgeons that I love their work and skills. And no my stats aren't up to date. I am actually at 190. I plan to be around 165-170 for Round 1 and 130-140 for Round 2. I think I addressed everything. Forgive me if I didn't. Please feel free to let me know if I missed something.
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