Plastic Surgery after Bariatric Surgery (Lap Band, Gastric sleeve or Gastric Bypass):
I know many individuals that are attracted by the idea of starting over. It’s important for an individual to discover what they did wrong, and how we can change. There is a need to lose weight or to keep the weight off successfully, to change your diet, to do some kind of exercise, to get fit and to stay fit by increasing your activity, to look younger, to have a totally new body so you can improve your body image. We are often dissatisfied or discontent with what we have, especially relating to our appearance – we want more or we want to look better!
Plastic Surgery has almost become a necessity for patients that have had a Bariatric procedure such as the lap band, gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery and are looking for Plastic Surgery should know that they will need more Reconstructive Surgery than just the normal Aesthetic Procedures such as Liposuction. This means that Liposuction (the most frequent plastic surgery among all the population) or a tummy tuck would not be enough, and in most cases they will need a Plastic Surgeon who has experience working with patients that have undergone a Bariatric procedure.
Patients that have lost a lot of weight after a Bariatric procedure have different personal image concerns and plastic surgery needs. Before performing any procedure, the doctor must consider your age, your muscle tonicity, the amount of weight loss, the skin laxity or elasticity, the skin excess and the hygiene difficulty.
Frequent Questions among Lap Band Patients
Q: When is the best time to have a Plastic surgery after my Bariatric procedure?
A: The best time for Plastic Procedures for Lap Band patients is after reaching 60% of excess weight loss.
Q: Where can I start?
A: You should discuss your needs first, the surgical options and the cost of each procedure with your Plastic Surgeon and at that point, start planning a Plastic Procedure on what you can afford, what you want to improve or what bothers you most.
Q: Should I have all plastic surgery done at once?
A: As a Surgeon I recommend to my patients to schedule plastic surgery in phases and not to have Plastic surgery done all in one procedure. You have to consider that most of the Plastic surgery completed on a Bariatric patient takes a lot longer than in non-obese patients and this means that the surgery will be 6-8 hrs in the OR under general anesthesia. There is also more blood loss and many times the patient may need to have a blood transfusion if there is a lot of work needed.
Q: How long does it take?
A: The Tummy Tuck takes 2.5 to 6 hrs depending on the patient needs. The breast Lift takes 3.5 hrs. A lower body lift takes 3 to 6 Hrs.
Q: What is the cost?
A: The cost varies from doctor to doctor but each procedure can cost from 6 up to 10 thousand USD
What to expect after Plastic Surgery in Lap band patient
Most of the procedures require a one or two night hospital stay. You will need to be out of work for about 10 days after surgery and you will also have drains for 5 to 7 days. The patient must also wear a compression garment for several months. While the scar is healing, the patient will also need oral antibiotics.
Originally posted 2008-10-23 08:17:51. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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Hi, Dr. rodriquez rmemeber me Kim from Mississippi. I was banded in July 2005 at my starting weight 430 if you remember. today I weigh 175lbs thanks to you and the lap band . I cant explain to you how much my life has changed. I would love to have all the skin removed but, my finances will not allow it at this time but, I dont mind the skin its just a reminder of how far I have come thanks again Kim
Comment by Kim Butler — November 4, 2008 @ 8:48 pm
Hello Kim,
Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
I am very glad for so much weight loss you have had! People would like to see pictures from you before and after to see you are real so you need to send me a couple of them.
We are having a Reunion in Monterrey the first week end in December and you are wellcome to come and share with us.
Thanks again
Arturo Rodriguez, MD
http://www.thebariatric.com
http://www.bandstersforum.com
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — November 6, 2008 @ 8:05 am
Hey,
Interesting blog, I just found it and I’m already a subscriber
I hope it’s not against netiquette but I have just begun documenting
my own weight loss(I shed 30 pounds in a month, so not bad)
, and I was wondering if you could share
my experience for your readers.
I want to share my weight loss success
with your readers. If I can lose that much weight then
anyone else can too. Whatever you do, never give up and you WILL
reach all your weight loss goals!
Thanks for reading,
Joan
Comment by Joans Weight Loss Story — February 14, 2009 @ 5:53 am
That was a great post. I will have to bookmark this site so I can read more later.
Comment by Denver Cosmetic Surgery — July 9, 2009 @ 11:43 am
Hello,
My name is Kristen, i came down there with my mother in May 2007, i was eighteen years old. I did not get my first fill until feb 08 (complications of finding a good person in my area), but since feb 08 i have lost 106 lbs to date. Its a slow, steady progress, but it just keeps coming off! I’m so extremely happy. I remember Dr. Rodriguez told me i was beautiful, and when i lost the wieght I’d be stunning, and im starting to feel that way! I’m even looking into ways to get some plastic surgery done (not sure how to cover costs)…but its all very exciting. Thank You.
Kristen Marshall
Comment by Kristen — July 25, 2009 @ 4:36 pm
I had gastric sleeve surgery by Dr. R. at the end of September 2009. As of today, Dec. 14 I have lost almost 30 pounds. My starting weight was 195. I feel great and the adjustment has been relativly easy compared to living with Type II diabetes. My upper arms are extremely flabby and my breasts are sagging badly. I would like to have cosmetic surgery to fix these two problem areas. I trust Dr. Rodriguez completely and for that reason would go to any doctor he recommends. I felt very comfortable in Mexico and have no hestitation to make another trip.
Comment by Pat Winecker — December 14, 2009 @ 1:30 pm