John W. Pate, MD

My suregery was inexpensive compared to a lot of others. I used my friends doc, I had gone with her to a follow up and met him, I was immediately comfortable with him. I had my TT Aug 14, 2006. I have a bikini cut that you couldn't see even if I wore a bikini. I elected to do the surgery because I have 3 chilren and I was having a really hard time losing weight and I was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2004 so unlike most people I can't take diet supplements or a lot of other things, I was also in the Army and of course meeting weight standards is difficult. My boss was a nutritionist and she told me that after children a lot of women's muscles tear and it can't be repaired with exercise, I could feel my abs under all the baby fat but I didn't want a six pack under all the fluff. I was at 197 when I had the surgery, he took out 11 pounds and I lost an extra six after about a week and a half. Im at 155 but that's after a year of hitting the gym. One suggestion to everyone the TT doesn't fix it all, take care of yourself and maintain a healthy lifestyle, it's a wonderful feeling. I want to become a Certified personal trainer, and I don't think I would have had the motivation that I did if I hadn't done the surgery.

He kept almost $8000 of my money, never returned it, never performed surgery...He kept my money. He is not honest and lacks integrity. I cannot believe he did this nor does the medical society. I am truly angry that he kept my money.

I have chosen a surgeon based on his experience and factors such as his length of time in solo practice and his reputation. Although I am apprehensive about all the worst case scenarios, my date is set, my mind is set, and I'm looking forward to the results and the day that I can finally tuck in my shirts. Now, if I can only get my anxiety in check.... Updated on 22 Mar 2014: Here I am.....baring it all. I've dealt with this overhang since giving birth to my first child 16 years ago. Even at my lowest weight, 145, I had this overhang. My current stats are 5'9", 195lbs, size 12-14. I am completely comfortable with my size and my curves, but I'm excited to get rid of the bulge and see a waist and a flat tummy in some super skinny jeans. Updated on 31 Mar 2014: It's only days away and my prep is in full swing. I have all my meds, all my supplies, and the house will be spotless by tomorrow's end. The only thing I'll need to work on is stocking up on food for my husband and kids. Surprisingly I'm still not wigging out, I'm just worried about how my husband and kids are going to do without me being able to move around too well. So, almost there and I'm excited. Updated on 5 Apr 2014: Post op day 1 was horrible. I had my post op appt and the ride And the walk wasn't too bad, but as the day progressed I became more and more miserable. I stopped taking the Lortab for pain because I thought that is what was making me dizzy and nauseous. I took Tylenol extra strength instead and got absolutely no relief. Needless to say, yesterday and last night were extremely difficult and had me wondering what the hell I had done to myself. This morning, after showering and getting something in my stomach I decided to take the Lortab again and I am so glad I did. Yes, they make me feel a little disconnected, but Id rather be loopy than completely miserable. Lesson learned. As for my swelling, the incision, and the lipoed areas, well I guess they're coming along. My pubic area is very tender and swollen, my back area where they lipoed is the area that hurts the most, I'm ultra swollen above the belly button, and the incision is the least of my worries right now. So for now, I just want the pain to go away so I regain just a tiny piece of normalcy. Updated on 11 Apr 2014: I had my 1 week follow-up visit with my PS yesterday and he says I'm coming along great. My drainage tubes were removed and so was some of the stitching from my belly button. All I'm all, the visit went well and I'm glad I'm healing. I'm still struggling with intense back flank pain and abdominal tightness and swelling. I'm miserable and I'm still having to take about 3 doses of the pain meds during a 24 hour period. The meds allow me to function physically, but I hate how loopy, disconnected, and sleepy I get while I'm on the medication. I'm scheduled to get back to work on Monday and I am very concerned. I'm so scared that I am not going to be able to function. I spoke with my director today and explained my struggle with recovery, so she's aware I'm gonna have to take it easy but in my line of work things pile up very, very quickly. I'm just praying that the stress from work doesn't make my recovery harder. Anyhow, I'm hoping I can start straightening out more, I pray this back pain eases up soon, and I'm hopeful I can start sleeping in my bed rather than rotating from the bed to the recliner and back. Ugh, I suspect I'm totally feeling sorry for myself here.....I'm not too much of a whiner, but I'm really miserable.