Sonja

[Guest guest]

All I can say is WOW!!!!!

You go girl, enjoy your ride

I LOVE THIS SURGERY!!!! LOL

God bless,

Pat

[Guest guest]

Also all the best to you, Ginger. Thanks to everyone for the feedback on

this. Luckily, as I said, I don't need thighs or arms to be done.

But that information will be useful to others.

I'll let you all know what I decide.

(I mentioned this today to my urologist, who keeps me and my blood chemistry

free of the excess uric acid that gave me kidney stones frequently until he

took care of it in 2004. He gave me the bio, name and photo of a colleague

of his who specializes in, among other things, in body modeling for

post-gastric surgery patients. Both she and he are listed in this year's

Washingtonian magazine among the top doctors in the D.C. area. These

rankings are composed of nominations and votes by other physicians only, and

are considered to be an excellent referral, and a great honor.)

_____

From: DS_Friends_Keshishian

[mailto:DS_Friends_Keshishian ] On Behalf Of Ginger

Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:32 PM

To: DS_Friends_Keshishian

Subject: Sonja

Jo did a great job on plastics topics. I will add a few things.

First thing ... check your insurance policy on what it covers for

reconstructive/plastics surgery. Some, like mine, had iron clad

exclusions unless it is cancer related. It will have it in your

policy. Read it carefully. Then you will know what to do next.

Insurance seldom covers a face lift. Sometimes will cover

blepharoplasty ( eye lid) if they sag so bad that they interfer with

vision. As far as chin work ..seldom is it covered., It is also NOT

deductible by the IRS. Dr Kuster wrote me a letter to deduct the

balance of my reconstructive for the IRS. He was great in helping

with this.

A Tummytuck or abdominoplasty might also be called a LBL.. lateral

or lower belt lipectomy... this is where you are cut all the way

around (bikini line), pulled up from the bottom and down from the

top. In conjuction with this a mons lift is sometimes done. This is

the pubic area being lifted and sag removed.

If your policy allows it sometimes I have see the thigh lift or

thighplasty covered if it interfers with mobility. It just depends

on how much skin there is hanging there.

I have only heard of the brachioplasty covered by insurance with one

person.. their skin hung like 8 or 9 inches down.

You asked:> Would it be feasible to have all of this done at the

same time?

Doubtful, especially in the US. I went to Dr Kuster in Brazil and he

would do this in two procedures 7-14 days apart depending on your

labs.

Your asked: How much aftercare is needed? Would one need a

companion?

Yes and no. This again depends on you and your pain level tolerance.

I have been to Brazil multiple times. Once my DH went with me and it

was more of a pain to have him there honestly, although in some

others ways it was good to have him there, as we did the tourist

thing even with stitches in ! I had a private nurse when I was there

by myself and was able to do for myself two days post-op.

I do have a high pain tolerance. I know others who had private nurse

for 4 or 5 days.

You asked: How successful has Dr. K been in getting Blue Cross/Blue

Shield to agree to these procedures? (BC/BS DID pay for the

GRDS.) Or is it just better to go to a plastic surgeon here locally

where my kids would be available to help out? Or, if BC/BS refused

to pay, maybe the Brazil route would be a good

option?

.....I can't answer this one.....again start with your insurance

policy.

I researched for over 2 years. I had US quotes from great Plastics

docs that were over 80K... going to Brazil with FF miles I spent

about 20 K I think- I should really total it up ! Although the

value of the dollar is not as good now as it was back then. I had

excellent care, not only private nursing, but lymphatic massage. I

did very well. I do have to admit reconstructive was harder then the

DS, but it was SO worth it ! You have to decide for yourself if it

is worth it for you. Clothes fir me better now...right off the rack

with no skin overhang. It is wonderful !

Blessings as you research. Google things and it is amazing what you

can find on the net !

Blessings,

Ginger <><