Plastics consult done

Hi everyone I had my plastics consult today. I am having mixed feelings about it. It went ok and the surgeon is submitting the paperwork to insurance by the end of this week. He said no abdominoplasty because he knows insurance won't cover it? ok so i am too tired to even argue with him..at this point...so he said he was going to go for a panniculectomy and that i would lose my belly button. Disappointed? A little! Totally disappointed?? No. Satisfied with the surgeon?? Not 100% Willing to let him do the surgery??? Yes, if medicaid approves it. If medicaid doesn't I am moving on to someone else. While examining me, he turned and looked up at me, then looked at the resident surgeon and said, "I have never felt a heavier panniculus in my life!" Then looked at me and said, "No wonder you are in so much pain Mrs. Bennett, we will get you fixed right up!" I guess I should be thankful he wasn't wanting to do every plastics procedure in the book, but I did find him to be rushed and not wanting to take time with me like he should to answer my questions. In fact, I had to go out after I got dressed and bring him back in the room and ask him if he had time to answer some questions, he said yes and yet when i asked him, he sounded like he really didnt want to give clear and concise answers to me. I felt like i couldnt even try to develop any rapport with him. So at this point.. I really don't know if it was a good consult or a bad one or if i perceived it as rushed because i was exhausted by the time i got there. However when i told him i felt like he wasnt taking the time to listen to what i wanted, he said, i will be glad to let you talk with my colleague about what it is you want (dr.drake) and he does have experience with weight loss surgery patients , and i will submit all i have for you to insurance and then afterwards if dr.drake can do more for you, i would not be upset at all for him to do your surgery , but i will do it also for what we discussed if you decide you want the panniculectomy and i will do my best to give you the best results i can. i did feel he was trying to help..i dont know...What are your thoughts on this..anyone?? Am i right in being cautious ?? Was i perceiving it wrong being so exhausted??? hugs JudyB

Hi Judy, I'm no expert here, but it sounds to me like he doesn't want to do it - like he wants you to have the other doc do it. Maybe you should go for a few more consults. I don't think this guy sounds like the one for you. Sorry it didn't go so well. Hugs, Robin

Hi Robin I am in tears right now! I really don't remember alot! I am sooo exhausted and just talked to my best friend on the phone about this. This surgeon was by no means rude or anything, and I found him very professional..but i found him very impersonal and rushed. I am not comfortable with him, but I also know that he does want me to get the result I want and that is why he recommended the other doc to me, he said that they would call me with an appointment with a consultation with this other doc which is in the same building as the one i saw today. At this point, I think I am so sleep deprived thinking about this surgery that I am not thinking clearly. Maybe i am in the wrong here..maybe not. I just need rest and maybe my thinking and perception on today's consult will be different tomorrow. maybe i posted too soon? maybe not? i dunno...me rambling...sleep here i come!!! hugs JudyB

Oh Judy, I hope I didn't make you cry. If so, I am so sorry - that was certainly not my intention. I think when you get some sleep, you'll be able to make a rational decision. I do think you should consider going for at least a couple more consults though - that way you can compare all of them. Remember that you are the consumer and you need to do what you feel comfortable with. I also suggest that you talk to Dana. She is a nurse, is working for a plastic surgeon in the Hampton Roads area, and has also had a lot of work done. She could probably give you some good advice. Again, I am very sorry if I upset you. Please get some rest and feel better in the light of a new day! Hugs, Robin

HI Robin No sweetie..you didn't make me cry.. I was soooooo exhausted last night and confused that I just lost it. This morning I am feeling more positive about the whole thing. I will be getting a second consult with the other doc soon and see what he has to say. I decided this morning that if all insurance will pay for is a panniculectomy..then a panniculectomy it is..because I cannot afford to self pay at all. Thanks for your support and please know you did not upset me in any way. I was just very very tired and sleep deprived. hugs JudyB

Judy hi who did u go to hun? I to went yesterday to Dr Morgan @UVA they will take my Belly Button to BUT I have been looking at these Panniculectomy pictures and Im horifide and I dont want to be butchered like some are, Im scared I say get a 2nd opinoin. Let me know. Take care.

Hi Melinda I saw Dr.Gampper in with Dr.drake...I am a bit horrified too . Are you going to get a second opinion? I am with Dr.Drake as he has experience with Weight loss patients. Wish I would have known you were up there yesterday...we could have met! I was up there from 10 a.m. until around 1ish. Hope all goes well with you. Hugs JudyB

No experience here but after reading your posts I think a second opinion is a good idea. You have to have a rapport with your dr. and feel that you can talk to him about things. Even though he seemed somewhat helpful and was talking aobut what you wanted, if he seemed rushed etc. It might be best to meet the 2nd dr. Hope it all works out for you Judy and try to sleep better so you can be clear headed. Courtney

Hi Courtney I definitely am going to get another consult. I want what I want and I don't want to settle for anything less. Thank you for your support . I got alot of sleep last night, and it helped me alot. hugs JudyB

ARGH.... Run like the wind . This is supposed to be a doctor that is going to surgically remove skin from YOUR body . You must feel comfortable with him . In my Honest Opionion .. Judy .. seek another consult . They are free .. and if they are not .. move on to someone else . You must take fine care in whom ever you intrust this most important proceedure too . As for asking for Abdominoplasty .. that should be your decision . If you can document your issues , they need to submitt it . If they do not , you can always go back and resubmit . Sweety , remember you get only one shot at fixing these issue . Get someone that will listen to your wants and needs, that is compassionate and one you feel comfortable with . Best to you , Natalie