"First impression of my Dr. huh? Well, he was very upbeat and personable. Looked directly at me while we were talking. With alot of Dr's they look around or at the paper, etc... Dr. Coster looked directly at me for the most part of the interview. My impression of him has not changed. The office staff was pretty efficient, so no complaints there. I really don't think there was anything I didn't/don't like about him - so far anyway. Future patients should know that he does not take this proceedure lightly. He lets you know that this is not a surgery to be entered into lightly. He wants you to get active ASAP and does have an aftercare program. Mine is scheduled for April 7. They are suppose to set me up with a series of exercises at that time. For now, I am walking. He let me know that all surgeries have risks and asked me if I was willing to take that risk. Of Course, I WAS. My long term complications were probably more risky than the surgery. Overall I would give him an A. Both his bedside manner and surgical competence were both great. He even came in to check on me every day till I went home. Even on Sunday! I know, I didn't have anything negative to say. So far he has been wonderful. I will let you know if, at any point, my feelings change. Today is March 31. My surgery was January 23. So far I have lost 43 pounds and dropped from a tight size 26 jean to a loose 24, tight 22. And a size 46 shirt to a 42. I am losing it everywhere. And I wouldn't change a thing. Will update you again after April 7.
Sarah
;-)
P.S. On my board it says my BMI was 40.7 post-op. It was actually more. At 265# my BMI was 46.9. Now at 222# it has dropped to 39.3. I still have about 105# to lose, but I'm still inspired! S ;-)
I'm back!! Today is April 7, '04. I weighed in today at 218#. That's a loss of 47# in just under 11 weeks. I am doing really well. BMI is 38.6 now. Doc says I am right on target and now I can have regular food. Still no raw veggies though, except for lettuce. Other than that, as long as I watch my carbs I can eat regular foods. My next appt is May 5 and depending on how it goes we may change my appts to every other month. ;-)
Hi again! Today is Friday, May 7. My appt was Wednesday. My weight is now 206# and my BMI is down to 36.5! Still no raw veggies other than lettuce, but that's okay. Will see Dr. C again on June 23.
Sarah
I'm back!! Today is Friday, June 25, 2004. I saw Dr. Coster on Wed the 23rd. Have lost 77 pounds and now weigh in at 188# a BMI of 33.3 and have gone from a size 26 to an 18. I even put a bathing suit on layaway until I can pay for it next week. I am also considering a YMCA membership. Anyway, I'm doing very well. No clothes to share though. My mom is having the surgery on July 12, so am saving them for her. I hope she does as well as I have. I have been really fortunate. No problems to speak of. Will see the Dr again on August 25. Hopefully another 20 pounds will be gone by then. So, I am really going to try and increase my physical activity. Later! ;-) Sarah
Hi again! Today is Wednesday, August 25, 2004. My appointment went well today. I have lost a total of 91 pounds! My current weight is 174#. We went ahead and scheduled my next appointment for October (27th?). Also, we are going forward with the reconstructive surgery if the insurance goes through. I haven't lost anything in my breasts and they hurt so badly most days that I can barely stand it. Since Dr. Coster doesn't do the breast reduction he referred my to a Dr. Mark Reece or one of his associates. I have an appointment with his associate Dr. Timothy Schurman on September 20. Hopefully we can do the tummy tuck and the breast reduction and lift done at the same time, so that I won't have to miss as much work. Wish me luck, and I will check back in September.
Later! ;-) Sarah
Well, here it is the end of October. Sorry I didn't check in sooner. I saw Dr. Coster on October 27th. I am doing great! My current weight is 164 pounds and my BMI is 29.0. I will see the plastic surgeon on January 19 for the second interview and if all goes well, we have a tentative surgery date to have abdomino plasty and a breast reduction on February 15th. It has been a wonderful year!! Will check back in January.
Hi all! Today is 1-26-05. I saw Dr. Coster yesterday. I am down to 151#!! My BMI is now 26.7!! I am to go back in July. My tummy tuck and breast lift/reduction is scheduled for March 1. I am so excited!! Dr. C seems to think that will get rid of another 10 pounds. Dr. Schurman at the Iowa Clinic will do this surgery. Will update you in a couple months. All is still well. No complications. ;-) Sarah
Hi Everyone!! Today is 3-31-05. I went back to work a week ago. My tummy tuck went ok and the breast lift and reduction has turned out wonderfully. We may have to do a revision on the tummy, because it is pulling upward on the right and is noticably larger than the left side. My breasts, however, look GREAT! Dr Schurman took me from a 36 DDD to a 36 C. That's it for now. Will check back in toward the end of April after my checkup with Dr S. ;-) Sarah"
