Kenneth G. Walton, MD

In April of 2017, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Having lost my mother to this disease three years prior, I decided I needed to be as aggressive in my treatment as possible. Therefore, I decided on a double mastectomy followed by chemotherapy. Being in my early fifties and still in the work force, I definitely wanted to explore breast reconstruction. My general surgeon helped me to select Dr. Glen Walton. One of my family members had Dr. Walton do her breast reduction surgery and a friend had gone to Dr. Walton for breast augmentation, so he came highly recommended. I have to admit I was a little intimidated about going to a plastic surgeon, but upon my first visit I felt totally at ease. I was greeted by Gaye in the reception area and taken back to the exam room by Michelle. Michelle talked with me and gave me information about breast reconstructive surgery as well as answering a few preliminary questions for me. Next, I met Dr. Walton. He is very warm and was genuinely interested in my case as we discussed my options. I came to his office that morning with a sheet of paper full of questions which he answered very patiently and with the detail that I needed to feel secure in the decision I was making. Prior to surgery, I had contact with Karen in scheduling the operation and she worked to help me get the date I needed. I also talked several times with Tonya in insurance who really helped out in dealing with my insurance company. Working with Dr. Walton’s staff has been a pleasant and positive experience. On the day of surgery, I met again with Dr. Walton. Dr. Walton discussed his plan for surgery and I felt very reassured that things would go well. Truly, I was not anticipating the sense of loss that one would expect to experience having a mastectomy because of my conversations with Dr. Walton. He was so reassuring and detailed about how he expected the surgery to proceed and the work that we would be doing that I looked upon the experience as an opportunity for improvement instead of feeling like a victim of cancer. Over the next five months while going through chemotherapy, I went to Dr. Walton’s office to have regular inflations of the tissue expanders in my chest. This gave me time to get acquainted with Katie, Dr. Walton’s P.A., and to get to know Dr. Walton better. I never dreaded getting the inflations as Dr. Walton and Katie always carefully explained how that day’s procedure would ensue along with great humor that always makes someone dealing with cancer appreciate. When I finished chemotherapy, I was ready at last for the final stage of my reconstructive procedure. Prior to the surgery, Dr. Walton talked with me about his plan and how everything should look when the breast implants were placed. Needless to say, everything turned out just like he said it would. Now four months later the results are great and I am so happy I decided upon reconstructive surgery! I am grateful to Dr. Walton for giving me a sense of restoration after having to deal with such a dreadful disease. He is truly a gifted surgeon and we are blessed to have him practice in the North Georgia area. I highly recommend Dr. Glen Walton if you are considering breast reconstructive surgery.

I had gastric bypass 11 years ago and lost over 130#. I was repeatedly denied by insurance for a TT so I regained about 35#. This year I turned 50 y/o and have now re-lost about 22#. I can't deal with the extra skin anymore. I had my consult this morning and went ahead and scheduled an extended TT with lateral thigh liposuction. I have already gone thru all of the emotions. I was scared to tell my husband it's scheduled. He's not happy (afraid I'll leave him).



Updated on 17 Sep 2011:
OK, I quit smoking about 3 days ago and right now it's getting to me! I don't know what to do with my hands. I also don't want to eat anything and gain weight. UGH!
I keep reading everyone else's posts and it is really helping. I do have to admit I am very concerned/worried about the PS not taking enough and my tummy ending up not the way I'm hoping. During the consultation I asked about revisions. He can't remember when he had to do one for a TT but said if needed it would be included.

Updated on 18 Sep 2011:
Just bought root coverage hair color to do tonight. Also bought Palmers stretch mark lotion for post op. Yesterday stocked up on tuna fish (in water). I'm over 3 weeks away but am starting my check list for everything I need to have on hand.
Formally told my daughter and brother-in-law about my surgery. They are being supportive. I still have so many fears and worries. The greatest is that he won't take enough and I won't be happy with the outcome. Husband is accepting now and trying to be supportive.

Updated on 18 Sep 2011:
Forgot to add. Quit smoking about 4 days ago and overall doing well. Have had a couple of times when I wanted one. So hard not to eat instead of smoke. Really don't want to gain weight = still want to lose another 8-10# before the surgery.

Updated on 26 Sep 2011:
Paid my money last Thursday and had my EKG and chest x-ray last Tuesday. Quit smoking over 2 weeks ago. Only 15 days till surgery. My husband is being very supportive now. Just tonight he asked in detail about everything from details of surgery to expected recovery.
I've been busy getting details taken care of. Last week bought Palmers lotion and arnica tablets. This weekend bought a wheat husk low back/abdominal hot and cold pillow. Today I got Vitamin C and Iron supplements with Milk of magnesia. Plan on moving my recliner into the bedroom 2 days before surgery. Best news yet - they finally have coverage for me at work for 2 weeks. I have been REALLY stressing about this since last Monday. All in all, things are beginning to shape up well.

Updated on 6 Oct 2011:
Got a phone call from my MD this morning. My surgery, which was to be next Tuesday, is now postponed. My iron count it a little too low. We guess it is because I donated blood about 6 weeks ago and since I'm a post gastric bypass, I replenish iron at a slower rate. I am feeling very upset and frustrated but completely understand the safety involved. I still want to scream. Yesterday I filled my medications and bought my support hose. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Updated on 13 Oct 2014:
I don't have pictures to show but quite a story. I had the tummy tuck and did really good. I was back to work within 2 weeks and slowly built my endurance back up. My scars were minimal due to "constant" massage. The biggest problem since that date has been me. Since I quit smoking and was not allowed to exercise I turned back to food. Over the next 2.5 years I gained about 83#. I some how gave myself permission to no longer watch what I was eating or doing and I slowly slipped back into my old habits from pre-gastric weight loss. I was back in my size 18 clothes. Well, as of this March I said "ENOUGH"!!!!!!!
I started my diet and exersice program again. So far I have lost 46# and am back in my size 10 and several size 8 clothes. It's interesting, I am about 25# heavier than before but am able to fit in all my old clothes and some smaller. My tummy tuck is ok now but I have a little bit of excess due to the weight gain then loss. My new goal is to get down to 130# or size 6 pants. I am currently at 169# and size 8/10.