310+ Pound Patient Who Decided to Take Her Life in Her Hands! Charlotte, NC

I don't take a lot of photos of me but I didn't think it was fair to not have any. So here is one from 2008 and from this year. I will find my before shots and take some afters for you to see.

I have been over 310 pounds for over 15 years. 4 years ago I had gastric bypass. I lost 126 pounds but still had a TON of skin left over. I saw several plastic surgeons over a few years preparing for my next step in my weight loss journey. I even saw what I thought was a highly regarded surgeon locally. I found his accolades in several magazines and heard his advertisements not knowing they were all paid for. When I went there I was given to a surgeon who was NOT board certified. That coupled with his plan to create over 6 major scars on my body caused me to search for another surgeon. I found Dr. Ditesheim through the web and a referral from a friend. When I met Dr. Ditesheim and his staff I was amazed at their level of knowledge and their level of care. I had researched what I thought I needed to have done and went in with a plan. Dr. D, Susie, and JJ listened to my plan and asked several key questions. As they asked these questions it revealed that my plan wasn't what was best for me. They constantly referred back to my health, my recovery, and my ultimate outcome. As we developed this plan they consulted every aspect of my life. They wanted to know what support I had, if I had enough time to recover, when I needed to get back to work, and if I was mentally prepared for the surgery. As prepared as I was it still was going into unknown territory for me. As an expert in my field I know all the ins and outs. I try to prepare all of my clients for what to expect but I know that it is uncharted territory for them. I knew this is what Dr. D and the staff were doing for me. They gave me all the tools I needed to make the best decision I could but I did have to trust their wisdom, and expertise to take me through the whole experience. I had my first surgery on 2/6/14. This was the most invasive, a full tummy tuck. I had over 10 pounds of skin, and tissue to be removed. I have never been a small girl but for the first time in my life I wore a bikini to the beach this summer. That was never my goal but it was/is a glorious outcome I never expected. My last surgery was 11/6/14. I am just two weeks out from having Aquashape liposuction to my entire thighs, bat wing arms, and some to my torso. I am already beyond thrilled with the results and I am still very swollen. I can’t imagine having anyone else perform my surgeries. I have even referred several gastric patients to Dr. D. If you are looking for more than just a surgeon you have found him! Thanks Dr. D!