"For a year post weight loss surgery, I kept looking in the mirror at myself and thinking that I was losing the weight to look a certain way, and I wasn’t looking that way. I looked at myself in the mirror and say a 90 year old’s body on a 29-year-old woman. I was disgusted and depressed and started taking its toll on my relationships with Jeff (my fiancée), my family and my entire life, work and otherwise. I was sick about myself and sick about the way I saw myself.
One day Jeff came to me and told me to start researching cosmetic surgeons and lead me on the path to find help for my deepening discontent with my body. I started taking Prozac, which helped. I searched Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and San Diego counties. I was doing this for 2 months. The research is the most important thing to do because again people tend to want things done quick and now and quick and now means bad after effects and therefore you don’t get what you want. Also you get what you pay for: so cheap and quick is definitely not the way to go. Nobody wants a fly by night doctor who will rip you to shreds and make you look worse than you did before.
So I knew that I wanted to find the best and after researching all over southern California I found 2 cosmetic surgeons and made appointments.
The first appointment was with Dr. Lori Saltz, of La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre.
That morning I walked into the office with Jeff and immediately knew that this was the place. This was the family: the team of experts that were going to help me get the new me done right.
I immediately felt at home, comfortable and welcomed. They are the best in the industry. You can look through their massive books of before and afters and know that their work is top notch. They understood how I felt, what I wanted done, and guided me to what was best for me. They made me feel that I was beautiful and healthy and extremely cared for. They gave me advice, that it was ultimately my decision.
A few months later I had my surgeries:
The procedures I underwent were:
· Circumferential Body Lipectomy, Standard: Reduction and removal of excess skin and fat from my abdomen (belly), hip rolls (flanks), lower back and upper buttocks, coupled with tightening of my front abdominal muscles.
· Brachioplasty, Bilateral: Excision of excess skin and attached fat from my upper arms.
· Standard Mastopexy, Bilateral: Lifting of my breasts by removing excess skin.
The operating room was warm, the table was fluffy and warm and they had a CD I had made playing in the background. I fell fast asleep hearing “It Had To Be You”.
8 hours later I saw my Jeff and my parents and knew everything went perfectly and I had a new me!
It wasn’t easy at all. It never is and they let me know that. They let me know about the long recovery.
It took a good 2 months to feel back in shape and I have to tell you it has been 5 months now and I am absolutely satisfied with everything done. I finally look that way I thought I would look after losing 190lbs plus 8lbs of skin and tissue from the cosmetic surgery!
I know there are a few more revisions to come but I am incredibly thankful for Dr. Lori Saltz, her perfection, her knowledge, and the entire family and team at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre and thank them for always from the bottom of my heart."
"Being that I had an entourage of camera crews, a producer, hair/makeup stylist, agent, parents and family and friends in tow - they were very accomodating - room 613 was my room - the largest hospital room - VIP suite - in the place. Everyone was great - Rose was a gem!"
"8/26/01
<P>Before you read below please let me justlet you know that Alvarado Center for Surgical Weight Control has been the most wonderful group of people I have ever met. They were quick with calls, taking them immediately; Belinda (insurance) quickly processed my insurance approval request; and Dr. Julie Ellner is truly one of my dear friends. I thank everyone there for their quick and timely response to my case.
<P>If you are thinking of coming to San Diego to use Dr. Julie Ellner & Alvarado Hospital please note that they are the #1 group for WLS! (Ok - so I'm partial...LOL)
<P>Good luck in your adventures on WLS! Now on with the show.....Amy K. Suter
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<P>5/24/01
<P>Going to Dr. Wittgroves seminar tomorrow - very excited about it. I have all kinds of things to give them - my application - a letter I wrote to the insurance company for Dr. Wittgrove to send with my authorization packet. I am soooooo ready for this.
<P>I'll keep you posted.
<P>
<P>5/29/01 - Went to visit the Alvarado Hospital Surgical weight loss surgery seminar. It was very intersting - however sometimes a snoozer seeing as though I pretty much knew most of it - but some things were valuable.
<P>My favorite part was when I turned in my paperwork and when asked my insurance carrier Aetna PPO - the insurance ladies said "Oh we don't have trouble with them". Was very reassuring.
<P>The doctor who gave the seminar was Dr. Ellner. She is a pretty, thin, blond lady - but for someone with those characteristics she is sure sensitive and caring. I felt very comfortable with the whole situation. I didn't think that sitting in a room full of people my weight would be a comfortable situation - but it was.
<P>I didn't bring anyone but I knew that my support system would be there.
<P> NEXT STEP - THE WAITING GAME....
<P>
<P>5/30/01 - got a call from Alvarado - they are talking with Aetna PPO for me. Belinda said a nurse will call me. Everything seems to be going well so far... having PPO pays off!
<P> 6/18/01 - Belinda from Alvarado told me that they sent my letter to Aetna!! We'll see what happens!
<P> 6/25/01 - I GOT APPROVED!!! WOOO HOOOO
<P>6/26/01 SURGERY DATE IS AUGUST 31, 2001
<P> Due to filming we have moved up my surgery date and time to August 30th! My surgery and pre/post op period will be documented by ABC/KGTV. So watch for my story to be on the television soon.
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<P>8/14/01 Please visit my website for all the latest http://communities.msn.com/amsterluv
<P>Alvarado Surgical Weight loss is one of the nicest groups of people I know - they have helped me in my financials since I was just laid off - effective September 7th - for insurance purposes they are keeping me "on the books".
<P>8/27/01: I met with Dr. Ellner yesterday. She is incredible. Very caring and suporrtive. I thank God for bringing her into my life. I have to say - I have not had any troubles with Alvarado at all during my entire process. The get a GRADE AAAAAAAAAA!!!!
<P>2 days to go. I'll see you all on the other side!<P>
<P> Please see me webpage for the latest on me http://communities.msn.com/amsterluv"
