POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover REVIEWS
Am I Actually Doing This? TT, Hip (Saddle Bag) Lipo, BL and BA, The Lee Institute of Plastic Surgery - Roseville, CA
ORIGINAL POST
I'm pretty nervous right now. I've done some...
WORTH IT$16,600
I'm pretty nervous right now. I've done some research on youtube, the internet, and this site, talked to friends and decided to go for it. But why am I so nervous? I think at 1st it was because I wasn't sure I should-the cost, the time off, the selfishness, etc. Hubby helped me make it past that part and actually booked my 1st consult for today. YES, TODAY! Everyone at the Lee Institute of Plastic Surgery made us feel verycomfortable, from the very 1st phone call. I knew going in it could be a loss of $100, (the consult fee), but I was fine with that. I would go to however many consults I needed to until I found THE right doctor-but now I'm beating myself up scared I made a hasty decision.
My experience: when we arrived at the LIOPS we were greeted by the sweetest person, Dr. Lee's assistant Zhanna. She reviewed the info she gave when we were on the phone, gave me paperwork to complete, and took the consult fee, which would be taken off the procedure price if I decided to have Dr. Lee do my surgery(s). Points for excellent customer service!
After I was done with the paperwork Zhanna took us to a nice exam room with a tv (and 3 different types of implants to play with, er feel) and instructed us to watch 3 videos relating to the procedures I had inquired about. The videos were very professional and informative. After they were over, I was instructed to remove my clothes except my skivies, and put on a paper gown-open in front. Dr. Lee and his assistant came in a few minutes after and gave us thorough explanations about the procedures, including the risks. He answered each of my questions and both of them did a great job at helping us to feel at ease-I mean, I was sitting there pretty much naked with two strangers and my hubby. He showed me what the different lift procedures would do for me, as well as the tummy tuck (with muscle tightening and lipo). Toward the end, I threw him for a curve, asked him since I was having all this done, could I possibly have some lipo done on the outside of my thighs (to decrease the saddle bag look), or was that a procedure I should come back for. He was completely honest in telling me the pros and cons, depending on what type of lift I was getting as it could lengthen my surgery and recovery. He was also very honest about the different breast implant types, fully discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as stats, and how they look and feel in the body.
After the consult with the dr, (and I got dressed) we were led into a room and left to review pictures of people who had procedures similar to the ones I was considering so Zhanna could create some estimates. When she returned, we asked a few more questions, then reviewed the estimates. My husband was completely comfortable with the dr and his staff, facility, the fees, and so was I. They never once tried to upsell me-as a matter of fact, even after throwing in another procedure, the cost was less than the original phone quote. We felt that if we made a connection and were comfortable with the information, cost, etc. we should proceed.
Sooo I scheduled the surgery(s) and gave a deposit of $500 to hold the date. Only problem is: how do I approach this with my boss to get the time off? what do I even say, how much should I share? did we make too hasty of a decision? do I even deserve this amount of $ being spent on elective surgery?
What's your take on this? Do any of you have similar experiences? Should I be questioning myself and my decision? I need to get right with this, time is ticking, my date is less than 1 month away!
My experience: when we arrived at the LIOPS we were greeted by the sweetest person, Dr. Lee's assistant Zhanna. She reviewed the info she gave when we were on the phone, gave me paperwork to complete, and took the consult fee, which would be taken off the procedure price if I decided to have Dr. Lee do my surgery(s). Points for excellent customer service!
After I was done with the paperwork Zhanna took us to a nice exam room with a tv (and 3 different types of implants to play with, er feel) and instructed us to watch 3 videos relating to the procedures I had inquired about. The videos were very professional and informative. After they were over, I was instructed to remove my clothes except my skivies, and put on a paper gown-open in front. Dr. Lee and his assistant came in a few minutes after and gave us thorough explanations about the procedures, including the risks. He answered each of my questions and both of them did a great job at helping us to feel at ease-I mean, I was sitting there pretty much naked with two strangers and my hubby. He showed me what the different lift procedures would do for me, as well as the tummy tuck (with muscle tightening and lipo). Toward the end, I threw him for a curve, asked him since I was having all this done, could I possibly have some lipo done on the outside of my thighs (to decrease the saddle bag look), or was that a procedure I should come back for. He was completely honest in telling me the pros and cons, depending on what type of lift I was getting as it could lengthen my surgery and recovery. He was also very honest about the different breast implant types, fully discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as stats, and how they look and feel in the body.
After the consult with the dr, (and I got dressed) we were led into a room and left to review pictures of people who had procedures similar to the ones I was considering so Zhanna could create some estimates. When she returned, we asked a few more questions, then reviewed the estimates. My husband was completely comfortable with the dr and his staff, facility, the fees, and so was I. They never once tried to upsell me-as a matter of fact, even after throwing in another procedure, the cost was less than the original phone quote. We felt that if we made a connection and were comfortable with the information, cost, etc. we should proceed.
Sooo I scheduled the surgery(s) and gave a deposit of $500 to hold the date. Only problem is: how do I approach this with my boss to get the time off? what do I even say, how much should I share? did we make too hasty of a decision? do I even deserve this amount of $ being spent on elective surgery?
What's your take on this? Do any of you have similar experiences? Should I be questioning myself and my decision? I need to get right with this, time is ticking, my date is less than 1 month away!
karefulme's provider
UPDATED FROM karefulme
21 days pre
From mammogram to maniac
I'm turning 40 this year-eeks! During my consult my PC said I'd need to get a mammogram so there'd be a baseline to compare it to after I got my implants and started getting mammograms on a yearly basis. I was able to quickly get in, and because there's a history of breast cancer on my moms side (my great grandmother had to have a double mastectomy) she said my insurance would pay for it prior to me turning 40. May not seem like a big deal, but with the cost of my procedures and the after care, the $'s count.
My appointment was Friday, 5/23. The technician was really nice, she explained the procedure and that the scans often (somewhere near 50%) require patients come back to repeat the mammogram or get a CT scan because there can be something that's "nothing" and it's better to know for sure. That made me a little nervous, but I was already there half naked with my breasts out-not the time to freak out about returning I assume; I just needed to get the 1st (and hopefully last) round out of the way. The process was awkward as the tech had to manipulate me, my breasts, and the hard plexiglas machine to get the images. Yes, it was also pretty uncomfortable physically getting my breasts squeezed like pancakes between two pieces of super heavy duty plexiglass, but no worse than the other type of exams us women require on a regular basis. I honestly thought it'd be worse, I guess my flat saggy breasts made both our jobs easier!
Fast forward to today, 5/27. I called Radiology this afternoon to find out the requirements for having my results faxed to Dr. Lee. I hadn't thought about that part before my mammogram or I would have signed a release before I left. I typed up the release/request and faxed it to their records department. Didn't have time to check to see if the fax went through so when I got a call from UCD I thought they would tell me they received the request, would or wouldn't fax the results to Dr. Lee for some reason or something related to that. I had no idea it would actually be my PCP's nurse calling to tell me they'd found a spot on my left breast and I needed to return to get a CT scan, that Radiology would be calling me to schedule it and if I didn't hear from them by the end of the week I was to call her and she would call them and expedite it. Now that's a call to make you shiver in your shoes!
Yes, as I mentioned, I'd been forewarned it might happen by the tech in advance...but crappola it still scared me and made me nervous. So here I sit, waiting for Radiology to call so I can get the spot checked out. All this (hopefully) before my pre-op this coming Monday, 6/2 so I know where I stand.
Have any of you experienced the same or anything similar? My head is saying chill out, it'll all be fine. But when I look at my beautiful daughters and husband my tummy gets a little twisty. I hope they call soon, waiting sucks. :/
My appointment was Friday, 5/23. The technician was really nice, she explained the procedure and that the scans often (somewhere near 50%) require patients come back to repeat the mammogram or get a CT scan because there can be something that's "nothing" and it's better to know for sure. That made me a little nervous, but I was already there half naked with my breasts out-not the time to freak out about returning I assume; I just needed to get the 1st (and hopefully last) round out of the way. The process was awkward as the tech had to manipulate me, my breasts, and the hard plexiglas machine to get the images. Yes, it was also pretty uncomfortable physically getting my breasts squeezed like pancakes between two pieces of super heavy duty plexiglass, but no worse than the other type of exams us women require on a regular basis. I honestly thought it'd be worse, I guess my flat saggy breasts made both our jobs easier!
Fast forward to today, 5/27. I called Radiology this afternoon to find out the requirements for having my results faxed to Dr. Lee. I hadn't thought about that part before my mammogram or I would have signed a release before I left. I typed up the release/request and faxed it to their records department. Didn't have time to check to see if the fax went through so when I got a call from UCD I thought they would tell me they received the request, would or wouldn't fax the results to Dr. Lee for some reason or something related to that. I had no idea it would actually be my PCP's nurse calling to tell me they'd found a spot on my left breast and I needed to return to get a CT scan, that Radiology would be calling me to schedule it and if I didn't hear from them by the end of the week I was to call her and she would call them and expedite it. Now that's a call to make you shiver in your shoes!
Yes, as I mentioned, I'd been forewarned it might happen by the tech in advance...but crappola it still scared me and made me nervous. So here I sit, waiting for Radiology to call so I can get the spot checked out. All this (hopefully) before my pre-op this coming Monday, 6/2 so I know where I stand.
Have any of you experienced the same or anything similar? My head is saying chill out, it'll all be fine. But when I look at my beautiful daughters and husband my tummy gets a little twisty. I hope they call soon, waiting sucks. :/
Replies (0)
UPDATED FROM karefulme
13 days pre
Mammogram madness is over and I can still have surgery! Yay
So that was scary-as I mentioned I had to go back for a second look at the spot they found on my mammogram results. I woke up with a very severe migraine early that morning and was pretty sick the entire day.
Unlike my migraine, getting the ultrasound of my left breast was fairly scary, albeit painless. The tech asked me a ton of questions, made several measurements, and left telling me the doctor would review the scans and return to do his own.
She returned with the doctor a bit later and with another woman in tow. The other gal looked like one of those health advocates, no joke. That's when I got scared(er). The doctor introduced himself and told me women usually get cysts, but I had several. Was he trying to panic me, before he even did the scan?
So in that moment of panic, while he was scanning me and making measurements of the "several cysts", a big ol tear dropped out of my right eye-the one I had laying on the pillow. I was trying to be brave and hid it as he gave me a towel and told me to wipe the jelly off and sit up. I really didn't know if having "several cysts" was bad, or really really bad. But it sure didn't sound positive that's for sure.
Thankfully, he told me that although I did have several cysts, they were just "normal" ones and didn't require any further action other than a yearly follow up mammogram. WHEW!!! Now I was really glad I hid that tear because it was for nothing (well-it was for stess and fear).
When I left the hospital, I went to my truck and just sat there in the parking lot for a few good minutes. I let loose a couple relief tears then started my truck and took off like the champ I was trying to be. I was glad I went alone, I was afraid to let my husband or mom come in case I received bad news. If I was going to break down it would be privately and I'd spare them that grief. Luckily-there was no need.
On to the next step!
Unlike my migraine, getting the ultrasound of my left breast was fairly scary, albeit painless. The tech asked me a ton of questions, made several measurements, and left telling me the doctor would review the scans and return to do his own.
She returned with the doctor a bit later and with another woman in tow. The other gal looked like one of those health advocates, no joke. That's when I got scared(er). The doctor introduced himself and told me women usually get cysts, but I had several. Was he trying to panic me, before he even did the scan?
So in that moment of panic, while he was scanning me and making measurements of the "several cysts", a big ol tear dropped out of my right eye-the one I had laying on the pillow. I was trying to be brave and hid it as he gave me a towel and told me to wipe the jelly off and sit up. I really didn't know if having "several cysts" was bad, or really really bad. But it sure didn't sound positive that's for sure.
Thankfully, he told me that although I did have several cysts, they were just "normal" ones and didn't require any further action other than a yearly follow up mammogram. WHEW!!! Now I was really glad I hid that tear because it was for nothing (well-it was for stess and fear).
When I left the hospital, I went to my truck and just sat there in the parking lot for a few good minutes. I let loose a couple relief tears then started my truck and took off like the champ I was trying to be. I was glad I went alone, I was afraid to let my husband or mom come in case I received bad news. If I was going to break down it would be privately and I'd spare them that grief. Luckily-there was no need.
On to the next step!
Replies (8)