34 Yo Female. 2 Kids Later in Need of Some Work - Garden City, NY

I am a 34 year female who always dreamed of having a tummy tuck even prior to my children, and I was certain that it would always remain a dream.
In May of 2016, I contacted LIPSG to schedule a consult with a Plastic Surgeon. The appointment was scheduled 3 weeks out with a surgeon whose name I don’t recall. Frankly, I am an impatient creature and only a few days later I called requesting something sooner.
Finally, my impatience has worked in my favor.
Writing a review for Dr. Reish is extremely important to me. It is not in my character to write about anything mediocre, and I intend to explain my experience from the beginning to the present, as it hasn’t ended yet. I am only 1 month Post-Op, and I know in my heart that the experience will never fall short.
In today’s society, being a female is hard enough. I knew that I had to do something when standing alone in front of a mirror was my biggest fear, let alone standing in front of a perfect stranger under fluorescent lighting. The thought alone instantly gave me nausea. The week wait for my consult was spent researching the full tummy tuck procedure risks including videos of the full procedure and preparing myself for the daunting disrobing, I had neglected to shave my legs. Swell.
Dr. Reish walks in.
He introduces himself and whilst being nothing less short of professional, he was gracious and... Wait for it... Genuine. Let’s be honest, obviously we all want a brilliant doctor. But, how far will that take you if cannot put your trust in them, or your life in their hands? In short, I knew he was doing my procedure as I didn’t feel it was necessary to look elsewhere.
The Pre-Op appointment came assuring all bases were covered, and he gave me his cell phone number insisting I call/text him anytime with questions or concerns. Big mistake, Doc. ?
I shouldn’t ever publicly admit how many times I have apologized for bothering him for things I felt were very important, thinking he would feel the exact opposite. I was, and continue to be wrong. The procedures are a big deal to his patients; not for him. He is just sympathetic to my concerns, and won’t ever let me apologize for anything. Ever.
Remembering back to July 13th (the beginning of the rest of my life), I may or may not have been skipping into the OR; however I distinctly remember high-fiving Dr. Reish and wishing him Luck.
From that day forward, my life has changed.

Personally, I feel that family and friends don’t always show support in my decision, which is to be expected. The best part is in these depressing but seldom moments; I feel that Dr. Reish IS the only person there for me. This is the honest truth with my hand up to God. Texting Dr. Reish when I’m scared or worried about something, his responses always pull me out of the dark.
My advice to the reader:
Do your research. Educate yourself. Your body is still YOUR responsibility. Trust your gut, and never sell yourself short. Don’t settle for anything that doesn’t feel right, even just a little bit.
Finding the right Doctor is your ultimate priority.
As I remember a favorite book of mine, “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” by Mitch Albom, Dr. Reish would be one of my 5 that I would like to meet again. I don’t think he quite understands what an imprint he can leave on his patients, and what he really does for them. His impeccable work and genuine care for me as an individual has changed my life, but only because I let him.