Best Decision I Have Ever Made

I first met Dr. Derby at a plastic surgery workshop 6 months into my weight loss journey with Dr. Roa at Sarasota Memorial Bariatric Clinic. I was not ready for surgery, but tucked away the information for the future. What stuck with me the most from the workshop was Dr. Derby himself; his wonderful, approachable, sharp personality. I knew that when the time came, he would be my choice for my plastic surgeon. Fast forward 3 years and I decided that time was right. Having lost 118 pounds and meeting my goal, I was thrilled with my new, smaller body, however, the result of having 2 children and then gaining massive weight took a toll on my skin. I am not one of the fortunate ones that has skin that stretches and retracts. I had lived with giant stretch marks, droopy, stretches breast tissue and my stomach lying in my lap since giving birth. Massive weight gain just accentuated the problem. Although I could tuck everything into my clothing, standing in front of the mirror in my birthday suit was still rather disappointing because I did not feel thin with all the sagging skin. I scheduled my consult appointment with Dr. Derby to discuss my options and from the beginning of the appointment I knew I had made the right choice in surgeons. We had instant rapport and clicked. Most importantly we laughed and I felt totally at ease discussing our plan of action. We decided on two procedures; a breast lift with tissue removal, and a fleur del les abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Dr. Derby thoroughly explained the procedures, the length of the surgery and answered all my questions. I never felt rushed, in fact, Dr. Derby makes you feel like you are his only patient! Surgery day came and I asked Dr. Derby to take photos and videos for me, and he did. I had expected some instant gratification following surgery and that happened. Even at two weeks post-op I couldn’t believe the transformation. I had 7lbs of skin removed from my abdomen and for the first time in 36 years my abdomen was FLAT. My breast are ”nice, high, and perky”, even better than before having babies; they never looked this great. I was thrilled at my progress at the two week mark, not even able to fathom that it would get better! It does, swelling keeps coming down…amazing! I now look in the mirror and say “I remember her”. In short, 6 months out, my results have wildly exceeded anything I could have imagined. I am 58 years old, but my mind and body are 22 again. Dr. Derby is truly and artist. No other word will suffice. These procedures have changed my life, and my self-esteem. I like the way I look again and don’t hide behind my clothing. I have thanked Dr. Derby often for helping me complete my journey, and for just being the wonderful person and extremely talented surgeon that he is. Obviously I encourage everyone, but especially those who have completed their weight loss journey, to put yourself in Dr. Derby’s most capable hands. He is the “icing on the cake” to complete your already awesome accomplishment. You are worth it, invest in yourself. You will never regret it. Dr. Derby is the one to make it happen. Love him.