I have lost 135 lbs and have another 100 lbs to go. I know it's too soon for my "apron" removal, but I am beginning to do research to find the right plastic surgeon. My doc recommended Shannon O'Brien at the Waldorf Center. So far I am not thrilled with their attitude. I also put a call into Dr. Zegzula. That was 10 days ago. His office never called me back. I guess he doesn't need my business.

Anyone out there have experience in this area? I need to have this surgery covered by my insurance, so I need a surgeon who is willing to work with insurance companies.

I would highly suggest Dr. Zegzula.  He was wonderful!  Removed 114 pounds BEFORE I had the gastric bypass.  Try calling again.  They are a small office and he is the only surgeon.  He was voted Portland's best Plastic Surgeon for a couple of years.

I am meeting with Shannon O'brien tomorrow, what was the attitude issue? So far on the phone everyone has been nice.

I first met with Dr. O'Brein in Sept 2011. Dr. Patterson wanted her to remove some belly fat during a herina repair. I had lost 50 lbs on my pre-op diet by then. Dr. O'Brien took a look at my size and said there was no way she would operate on someone my size (6'1", 400 lbs).

I had the hernia repair in Sept and RNY in November. I am now down a total of 140 lbs. The hanging belly fat has stressed and probably torn out the hernia mesh. Physical exercise is painful. When I contacted O'Brien's office for help and communicated this to them, no one would call me back. I received an e-mail telling me to contact my insurance company. Based on my interactions with them, I get the feeling they don't want my business.

I hope your experience is more positive and you are the type of patient they want.

Thanks for the info, I am hoping it won't be a problem. I have a large cyst that was found that has to be removed and I want to combine a tummy tuck with the surgery, so my insurance will cover most of the cost. But we will see, I will be seeing the GYN Dr and the Plastic Surgeon tomorrow. I am 3 hours a way and had to find a new GYN and a plastic surgeon with surgery rights in one hospital, they both are aware that I am wanting 2 surgeons for 1 surgery. I hope that it will work out.

How was your appt? Did you get a surgery date?

 I have heard very good things about Juliana Hansen at OHSU, especially for those of us who have extra skin issues that interfere with movement.  You might want to give them at call at OHSU.  I think their costs are less than the high dollar plastic surgeons too, but they do a good job.

I did have a good visit and am pursuing the tummy tuck with Dr. O'Brien. I thought she was very personable and spent lots of time with me, we asked lots of questions. I had her evaluate for breast lift, augmentation and silicone implants as well. I can't afford that part as of yet, but it was great to get all the information. I originally thought I would do a breast lift only, but I don't think that will be enough to repair the damage done by the weight gain/loss. Looking at online pictures and her books I want the look of the implants. My husband was with me and she was great about including both of us in the conversation, listening to both of our concerns. I will have to admit I didn't realize how complicated and somewhat risky that breast portion could be. Seemed a lot less complications for the tummy tuck. I was hoping more of the fees would be covered with the insurance, but I still have a pretty large out of pocket. But it is manageable and we are going to be cash pay, so will recieve a bit of a discount.

I will most likely be having surgery in early Sept. I also have a mass on my ovary, after receiving the info and a 2nd opinion from a GYN, and multiple tests that lead us to believe the mass is non cancerous we felt we could wait. Mainly because my daughter...and last child at home is leaving for college in the fall and I don't want to be "sick" this last summer with her. I know she understands and would be perfectly fine, but it still is a lot for these final weeks home and I want to enJOY my time with her. I also am leaving for Paris/London in 3 weeks and this is a trip that has been planned, saved for and anticipated for some time. It is just my daughter and I. I can't believe it is happening....what fun it is going to be shopping in my smaller size...of course now I may buy a size smaller anticipating the tummy tuck.

Thanks for thinking of me and checking back! 

 That's great news! Here's to a busy, wonderful year.

I forgot to mention that one of the main reasons I considered OHSU was that their office seemed much more willing to work with insurance as things being medically necessary.  I hope eventually to get my tummy tuck and breast lift there.  I have a rash that occurs on my abdomen - skin droops where an old hysterectomy scar is, and I have a really bad seam intersection at the hysterectomy scar and the scar from my spinal fusion (I need zippers).  My internist and OHSU seemed to think insurance might help to repair a lot of that damage, as it is not only cosmetic, it is painful and, as far as the fusion scar goes, I kind of feel like they didn't stitch the underlayers much.  Very weird feeling!  Someday I hope to be put back together again correctly!