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MikeyMike’s Posts

MikeyMike
on 10/9/12 3:35 am

Topic: RE: 5 day post LBL Update - and an important detail for the guys [X-Post]

Glad your on the mend.

I felt like you after my LBL surgery. Although my balls were unaffected. I didn't have the inner thighs done only outer. The Sleeve was the first surgery I ever did. The Sleeve surgery was a breeze and that was my frame of reference. My LBL was a much rougher surgery, recovery was longer and didn't feel quite like myself for a couple of months. Now that I'm almost a year out I can say it was definitely worth it. And I would do it again. Your quality of life is un measurable not having to deal with the excess skin.

   Highest Weight: 380                      Consult Weight: 357             Surgery Weight: 309
Goal Weight: 220 (9/29/10)    Revised Goal Range 200-205      Current Weight: 203
Plastics: Circumferential Lower Body Lift - 11/18/2011
              Gynecomastia - 6/14/2012

MikeyMike
on 7/28/12 5:18 pm

Topic: RE: Surgery moved up-I go in on Sunday

Congrats!!! Wishing for a speedy recovery!!!

MikeyMike
on 6/26/12 5:12 pm

Topic: RE: Need support-still waiting on a date under Socialized Medicine...

Praying that your wait will be short and your results will be fantastic!!!

MikeyMike
on 6/26/12 10:24 am

Topic: RE: ?'s for those that went to a teaching hospital for PS.

Mt. Sinai is a much bigger hospital.

I went to Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) in East Meadow.

MikeyMike
on 6/26/12 3:07 am

Topic: RE: ?'s for those that went to a teaching hospital for PS.

That's a fantastic result

MikeyMike
on 6/25/12 4:32 pm, edited 6/25/12 5:09 am

Topic: RE: ?'s for those that went to a teaching hospital for PS.

- It was Recommended to me by a member of my support group. They had surgery there.
- Price was more than 60% less than the other two surgeons I went to. I later found out that one of the surgeons I had the consult with is an attending doctor at the teaching hospital. His practice oversees the program (they don't advertise this).

- I was very happy with the results. The only thing I wasn't happy about was they wouldn't do the LBL and the chest at the same time. They were concerned that I would be under anesthesia too long. They made me wait 6 months between procedures. In the long run it worked out.

Just to give you a comparison in cost. Both PS were around the same. They both wanted to do a Gynecamastia and a Tummy Tuck. The cost was $17K for one surgeon the other was $19k.

The teaching hospital charged me $5k for the LBL and $3k for the inferior pedicel breast reduction with lipo and excision of axillary and back roll.

The costs included: Pre Surgical Testing, OR Time, Anesthesia, Surgical fee and 3 Follow up visits.

BTW...the costs for the LBL included an over night stay in the hospital. That was an additional $500. They recommended it for pain management. I went home same day for the chest procedure.

I also liked the approach that the teaching hospital took. I needed more than just a Tummy Tuck and inferior pedical breast reduction allowed me to keep nipple sensitivity.

MikeyMike
on 6/24/12 10:16 am

Topic: RE: my pics

What a big difference...You must be thirlled...You got a great result!!!

MikeyMike
on 6/24/12 10:07 am

Topic: RE: PICS- 5 days post-brachioplasty

Looks great!!!

MikeyMike
on 6/24/12 6:33 am

Topic: RE: One Week Out from Gynecomastia

No problem...

BTW...I got the name of the procedure I had wrong. It is actually called: inferior pedicel breast reduction with lipo and excision of axillary and back roll

MikeyMike
on 6/23/12 7:54 pm

Topic: RE: How many surgeons

Three consults...I went with the last one. And he did both of my procedures.

MikeyMike
on 6/23/12 7:52 pm, edited 6/23/12 7:52 am

Topic: RE: LBL and swelling

I saw a big difference after 3 months in my waist size.

But even to this day I still swell up at times. I can feel my skin tightening and pulsating at times. I also gain water weight. I can gain anywhere from 2 to 5 pounds overnight and lose it just like that a couple of days latter. Even though my eating and exercise plan is on point.

My doctor said that swelling can last up to a year.

MikeyMike
on 6/23/12 7:46 pm

Topic: RE: Three weeks out from LBL and heading back to work

Hi Ruggie,

I went back to work after 2 1/2 weeks; remember wishing that I should have went back at 3 weeks. So I think you're at the right point although our mileages may vary.

The only thing that was really annoying was that my doctor had me wearing a compression shirt and shorts for three weeks after the drains came out. What I noticed was the garments put more pressure on my bladder so I had to go more frequent then I normally did. Between that and the combination of trying to maneuver my pants, garments and underwear was quite challenging and took some practice to master.

I too have a desk job. I found it helpful to get up and move about at times.

MikeyMike
on 6/23/12 7:28 pm

Topic: RE: One Week Out from Gynecomastia

Nipple sensitivity was very important for me as well. Something I enjoy during sex with my wife. So I too had the same conversation with my surgeon. He said that the procedure he wanted to do is not a 100% gynecomastia although that's what I called it. It's a combination of Gynecomastia, Lipo and breast reconstruction done with a certain surgical technique. I think it was actually called a Bilateral Axillery Skinfold excision, Superior pedicle nipple graft combined with Lipo suction. He said it was a complicated procedure and that there was a chance I could loose the sensitivity if the nipple lost blood flow for a significant amount of time during the procedure.

I can tell you that my nipples are very sensitive at this point. Now that i'm off the percoset. I feel the nipples rubbing against the compression shirt when I move/adjust the shirt at times. The shirt has a tendecy to ride up. Which I then i have to pull taught. Which i believe is a very good sign. He said that he had to leave some breast tissue in as that's what also keeps the sensitivity going.

I have pictures in my profile. I showed you mine...now you need to show me yours.

MikeyMike
on 6/23/12 4:56 am

Topic: RE: One Week Out from Gynecomastia

Thanks, I guess we are always more critical on our selves. I'm sure my opinion will change as things settle out.

MikeyMike
on 6/22/12 7:40 pm

Topic: RE: One Week Out from Gynecomastia

I posted pics in my profile so you can see. Send me a friend request if you're not already. The after pics still have some bandages that the Doc said will fall off. He said if it doesn't I can remove them in another week.

My four drains were removed. I was surprised as I had drains for more than three weeks for my LBL. The doctor said he didn't expect them to output much and there were a safety blanket in case I developed internal bleeding. Each drain was about 10 cc's in a 24 hour period when they were removed.

I'm totally off of the percoset. It was making me really constipated. Don't have any pain but I'm very itchy. Hard to resist scratching. The compression shirt helps.

I told my doc that I was disappointed as I thought my breasts were going to be totally flat. He said it was the trade off I made as I told him I wanted to keep nipple sensitivity. I remember having that conversation but still a bit bummed out. He said he had to keep some breast tissue to accomplish that. I have some puffiness on the side going under my under arms. He said if he removed any more I wouldn't be able to raise my arms above my head. I guess that's important. But he said that I'm still swollen and that it will compress. He said I won't see the final result until 6 months.

I have to admit now that I look at the side view picture. I like the way it looks.

He told me that I have to wear compression shirts. I brought in two sizes to show him. I purchased the Starter Brand that has 19% elasticity ($7 from walmart). I bought a medium and a small size. He said the medium was fine for right now but as the swelling goes down I may transition to the small.

Still can't believe that I'm wearing a medium. Three years ago I was a 4x - 5x.

Any way I have to wear the Shirts for 4 weeks 24x7 and then another 2 weeks only when I sleep.

I have a one final visit with him on Monday and then I should be cleared to go back to work on Tuesday.

Geting a lot of rest and eating lots of protein. My weight is in a good place as well I was 197 pounds this morning. Still in my range.

MikeyMike
on 6/18/12 3:32 pm

Topic: RE: 4 Days Post op from Gynecomastia

I had my first post op visit with my Plastic Surgeon today. He said I was doing well. He removed two of my four drains. Both drains were outputting less than 10 CC's each and were serous (sp)colored.

The other drains are at 45 and 30 he said maybe on the next visit.

Told him I have some soreness under my shoulder blades close to the incision line. Told him it's hard to get comfortable to sleep. He said that was to be expected.

I asked him if there was anything I can do to help with my healing. He said I should eat more protein. Then he asked me if I lost more weight. He said you're looking thinner up top. Definitely eat more protein. That kind of surprised me as I have been grazing alot lately. I haven't been weighing myself. But I would have thought I put on at least another 5 pounds.

I love the feeling of two less drains. I can't wait until the other two are gone. I'm dying to take a shower.

MikeyMike
on 6/18/12 3:12 pm

Topic: RE: Hello again! + pic update (TT 8 months out)

Hoping everything goes well and you have a speddy recovery.

MikeyMike
on 6/15/12 3:56 pm

Topic: RE: Home from Breast Reduction Surgery

It went all the way around. I elected the scar Vs. the Dog ear. He made a joke and said if I was a woman it would be on the bra line.

Insurance didn't cover it. I went through a teaching hospital. The LBL cost $5,000 and the Breast $2,800.

MikeyMike
on 6/15/12 10:52 am

Topic: RE: Home from Breast Reduction Surgery

Ever since I was thirteen I've had Man tits. They have been a constant point of embarrassment for me. I never liked swimming or any activity where I had to remove my shirt. Hard growing up when we organized team sports by Shirts Vs. Skins.

I'm happy to say they are now gone. I had surgery to remove them yesterday.

I arrived Nassau University Medical Center at 6:00am for an 8:00 procedure on 6/14/2012. The chief Resident Marco Gonzalez did all the markings the Attending Surgeon Joshua Zuckerman reviewed them and said that I will have an excellent result.

Dr. Gonzalez said that this was going to be a complicated surgery as I wanted to preserve my nipple sensitivity. He said it was more than just a Gynecomastia. He again warned me of all the risks and that I will have scars. He showed me where the scars will be. He said he was going to excise the skin all the way around my back to get rid of the rolls. I was very happy about that. He said they were going to have to flip me on the OR table to do that.

He also warned me that it may be possible that the nipple could get damaged during the surgery. And they may have to use a fake one for cosmetic purposes. I said I was willing to accept the risk

They rolled me into the OR about 8:20am. Had me start by breathing in oxygen. injected something into my IV. Next thing I knew I was in the Recovery room. The nurse said you are awake good. Don't know what time that was. Then I fell back asleep and the next thing I knew it was 4:00pm and I was in the ASU area. My ride came they gave me my discharge paperwork. Whi*****luded a antibiotic and percoset script along with a follow up appointment for Monday.

I was upset to see that I had four drains. I was initially told that I shouldn't need any. But I guess since this was a more complicated procedure. It is what it Is.

I got home about 5:00 pm. Immediately went to sleep. I woke up at 10:30pm and realized that I needed to take my meds. I haven't taken any. According to the script I'm supposed to take one of each pill every 6 hours. It's been more than that since the hospital gave me any meds.

I realized that I wasn't experiencing any pain. I decided to take a percoset anyway.

I finally had the nerve to look at the work that they did. It looks awesome. I'm very happy with it. I can see alot since they used steristrips vs. bandages. I can even feel my nipples which makes me totally happy.