J. Timothy Katzen Plastic Surgeon MD, FACS

Although Dr. Katzen has not had a life time struggle with obesity, he is compassionate and truly understands his patients’ needs, both emotional and physical. I would have never survived the emotional aspects of recovery without his patience, guidance, and constant reassuring. Dr. Katzen is truly in a class all his own.
Love and admiration always, your truly grateful patient and friend.

As I was researching for a plastic surgeon, I narrowed my findings based on the following: I chose Dr. Katzen mainly because 90% of his surgeries were done for wls people.

Now that I’ve had surgery with Dr. Katzen, I would say he is a very comforting doctor and I could genuinely feel that he cared about me and cared that the results I got were perfect.

He has high expectations and I like that, plus I felt safe with him.

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Cindy. Her name was really Catherine but everyone called her Cathy, which she did not like because it sounded too much like "fatty." Cindy sounded like "slim" and "thin;" so, Cathy became Cindy. Every night Cindy would crawl into bed and pray that when she awoke, she would look like all the other children. "Please, God, let me be thin like everyone else."

Every morning Cindy would wake up and find that nothing had changed. She would have to face another humiliating day in the First Grade. "Moooooo." shouted the boys as they grabbed a hold of their desks and shook them when Cindy walked down the aisle to her seat in the classroom. Escaping from the cruel children meant that lunch and recess were to be spent hiding in the girls' bathroom. Cindy spent many years hiding and praying until her Fairy Godfather appeared.

On December 26th 2002 I had a gastric bypass and lost over 150-lbs., but I was still hiding and praying to look normal like other women. I wanted to wear sleeveless shirts, shorts and a bathing suit; clothing that most take for granted until they have to contend with tucking in massive amounts of skin. With over 50 pounds of loose skin hanging from my body, it seemed that the life I wanted was always just out of reach. When was that Fairy Godfather going to appear?

On May 10th 2007, after interviewing several plastic surgeons, I finally met Dr. Katzen, my "Fairy Godfather." He was very professional and immediately put me at ease. He took his time to educate me on the different procedures available. I was very impressed by his knowledge as well as his character. It was then that I started the process of removing the excessive skin from my thighs, stomach, arms and breasts. Dr. Katzen and his wonderful staff gently held my hand through eight months of reconstructive surgery.

On May 20th 2008 I am now able to say that my prayers were finally heard, and I now have an opportunity to live the life I've always dreamed of living. Dr. Katzen is a living, breathing, walking Angel on this Earth. He sees what most cannot. When he looked at my misshapen body, ravaged by years of morbid obesity, he saw the finished product already standing there. Dr. Katzen is more than a surgeon. He is an artist, a creator, an architect who designs miracles. I'm eternally grateful to him and his gifted skills.

I first met Dr. Katzen at an Obesity Help Convention. After interviewing several surgeons I was most impressed with Dr. Katzen’s demeanor. Although I saw how kind he was with potential patients what caught my eye was how loving he was towards his wife and child. I chose Dr. Katzen not only for his humble, kind and compassionate bedside manner but also for his experience and extensive knowledge of the issues unique to post gastric bypass patients. Furthermore I am also one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and do not accept blood transfusions, Dr. Katzen fully respects my beliefs knowing full well the risks involved with taking me on as a patient.
So far I have had a circumferential body lift and a thigh lift. My recovery as been difficult and longer then I hoped. Dr. Katzen and his staff have been kind to explain and ease my fears, on this journey to redefine me. Dr. Katzen could look at my body and in vision the beauty within. I am very grateful that Dr. Katzen and his staff truly care not only during surgery but also during my times of recovery. The emotional support has been invaluable.

I did it! I lost 150lbs through diet and exercise.
The only problem was I looked worse at 160lbs than I
did at 303lbs. I had so much excess skin between my
legs and at the apron of my belly. I interviewed with
several plastic surgeons but it wasn't until meeting
Dr. Katzen that I felt secure enough to schedule such
a major and elective surgery. I found Dr. Katzen to
be the total package. He offered me both experience
with full body lifts and a warm and caring bedside
manner. I met with two of his former patients and was
confident that he had the skills to remove the excess
skin from my body and re-shape me into something I
could be proud of. It's been three years since my
surgery. In the beginning I gained a few pounds as my
body found its natural set point and remained there.
I was nervous to see Dr. Katzen again because I've had
experiences with doctors being less than kind about
weight gain. But Dr.Katzen was comforting and
assured me that my weight gain was not only minor but
normal. If you are looking for a plastic surgeon that
will offer you a high skill level, a warm heart and
beautiful new body....Dr. Katzen is your man!

I have battled my weight my entire life. I first realized I was overweight in Kindergarten and over the years I had tried every known diet.

My maximum weight was 333 prior to having Gastric Bypass Surgery. Having Bariatric Surgery was one of the best experiences in my life. It was relatively painless and allowed me to get my weight under control. However, Bariatric Surgery was only the first step. After losing over 130 pounds, I had lots of sagging skin and some remaining fat in those tough areas (stomach, butt, thighs).

The key to really feeling like a "normal" person was having plastic surgery with Dr. Katzen. I still am amazed when I look in the mirror. I can not believe what I see is me!

I recommend Dr. Katzen without reservation! Dr. Katzen is very gifted. His talents are amazing. I had been referred to other plastic surgeons but as soon as I met Dr. Katzen and heard him speak at an Obesity Help seminar I knew he was the right Doctor for me. Not only is his work amazing but he is a very caring and genuine person.

I had a circumferential body lift, arm lift and liposuction on my thighs and I am excited to have another surgery (a thigh lift later this year).

I feel very fortunate and blessed to have found Dr. Katzen!

As little as 5 years ago, I never would have thought that I would ever
consider bariatric or plastic surgery, but I am so glad I opened my mind
and heart to the idea. Once I did, after identifying the right
physicians, I knew that I would be successful.

In November 2005 (at the age of 40) I underwent gastric bypass surgery
and lost a total of 125 pounds and have been able to keep it off every
since. For me this was a huge success and I finally felt back to my
younger and more energetic self. I feel that I have regained so much of
my old spirit back and one of my greatest worries in life had been
lifted off of my shoulders. I feel so much more healthy and confident
with a foreseeable likelihood that I will live to actively enjoy my
children growing up and one day enjoy grandchildren.

When I was extremely overweight, I use to stay up many nights worrying
about my health, appearance, and felt guilty about my lack of energy to
enjoy my beautiful three sons (which were toddlers at the time). When I
got to the place where I needed to loose over a hundred pounds plus, I
knew myself and knew that I needed extra special supports and a
plan/strategy that: fit who I was and would meet my needs, worked with
my busy lifestyle, had dramatic timely results, and would force a major
change in my lifestyle habits. Bariatric surgery was certainly the
answer for me.

After shedding my weight and feeling so much better physically and
emotionally, I began to be bothered with my sagging skin from the weight
loss as well as what I call my ¨twin skin¨ from delivering my twin boys
in 2003. Although I was able to strap down in girdles and a drawer full
of every ¨ pick-me up¨ undergarment that existed, I still did not feel
that I had met my full body potential and was not comfortable about how
I looked in my skin. This is when I began my exploration to find the
best qualified plastic surgeon for my transformation. Believe me, when
it comes to identifying the best doctors for my family and me, I am very
diligent and I have never been sorry about any of my decisions in the
doctors I have chosen for medical care as I have done so with caution
and with the goal of identifying the best and safest experience with the
ultimate results medical care has to offer.

I was fortunate to find Dr. Timothy Katzen. After researching his
background, hearing him present on a couple of occasions, and consulting
with him and other plastic surgeons, I made my clear choice. Dr. Katzen
met my requirements and standards in every way. Not only is he
kindhearted and genuinely takes interest in his patients (this is
obvious upon first meeting him), but he is competent, professional,
understands post-bariatric needs, appreciates all body types, is
culturally sensitive, listens to his patients, and hangs with you until
you are healed and satisfied with your results. It is also refreshing
to work with a physician that can lead an effective team as his office
support staff are knowledgeable, supportive, and very helpful to me in
maneuvering through my private insurance hurdles for certification and
coverage.

I felt so confident with Dr. Katzens' abilities and trusted his
expertise. Many of my fears about plastic surgery were subsided because
of his expertise and approach. Of course, I was reassured and impressed
along the way by numerous patients that I had met in his office, by the
hospital staff during my surgery stay, and by various members of the
post-bariatric community. I frequently recommend
Dr. Katzen to people without any hesitation in doing so.





One of the things about having plastic surgery (abdominoplasty, lipo to
the hips/thighs, breast lift/augmentation) by Dr. Katzen that I have
been so amazed is just how much the results have lifted my spirit to
such a higher level. I feel so much more complete and womanly. In
addition, I am amazed with how natural my results have been and how
limited my scarring has been. I have healed quickly with minimal pain
or discomfort. Because of my dark skin color, I was so worried about
keloids and scarring, but I believe with Dr. Katzens' techniques,
abilities, and treatment recommendations, there was no longer concern.
I felt like I was in very ¨good hands.¨

I have talked to other people that have not had the best of plastic
surgery experiences or they have a surgeon that wants to squeeze in as
many procedures as they can in a days' surgery. Dr. Katzen does not
work this way. In my experience, he is methodical with his strategies
and he really takes in consideration what the risk factors and potential
concerns are for each patient.

My husband of eight years never met me in my younger days. He had met
and only knew me during my heaviest of days. He loved me then just as
he loves me now, however now days he constantly comments with a grin on
his face, ¨Wow—look at Mommy now!¨ . My husband has been wonderfully
supportive through this whole transformation. He participated in
meeting with Dr. Katzen and is also quite impressed with his work and
concern for his patients.

Having plastic surgery done by Dr. Katzen has helped me to regain some
of my old spirit back. I feel great, look great, and as a result have
more confidence with everything I do. Never thought I´d get back into
a two piece bathing suit again, but I just bought a few of them and will
be sporting them by the pool this summer!!!! Wow, what an empowering
experience! Thank you Dr. Katzen and staff!!

This letter is written with the highest regards and thanks. Your kindness during my surgery and recovery process was much appreciated. Your professionalism was unsurpassed. You expect your medical providers to be professional but what was unusual was his level of care and concern. My needs were met promptly my questions and concerns were addressed graciously. This was an awesome undertaking me. Even though I waited a longtime for approval, I was apprehensive. All of the office put ease. You gave me medical answers for what to expect. The aftercare instructions were clear and easy to follow. Then I needed help at home you arranged someone for me as well. I could not have asked for a better support team.
Once again I thank you from the bottom o my heart. My family would also like to add a thank you for letting them also be a part of the process. God Bless you all. Please continue the good work.

Four years ago I had gastric bypass surgery and lost a total of 160lbs. Although I was extremely happy about the weight loss, I was very disappointed with the amount of extra skin on my body. I had difficulty finding clothes that fit properly and was actually more embarrassed to get into a bathing suit at 170 lbs than I was at 330 lbs, because of all the excess skin.
I started researching various options and doctors and was referred to Dr. Katzen's web site. I attended one of his seminars and knew immediately that he was the doctor that I had been looking for. I had seen many of his patient's before and after pictures that were very impressive, and met individuals that traveled across the country to attend this particular seminar. Which was all impressive in itself. However, it was our one-on-one consultation following the seminar that really made an impact on me. He explained everything clearly, listened carefully to my questions, and just seemed to understand exactly where I was coming from and what my struggles had been.
Over the past two months, I have had a circumferential body lift, medial thigh lift and a breast lift/augmentation. His whole staff has been incredible. I was able to reach the staff when needed, and even received a call back from Dr. Katzen on the weekend when a question arose regarding one of my meds. Everyone has been patient, understanding, and Dr. Katzen continued to be available and comforting throughout this entire process.
Thanks so much!

I had gastric by-pass surgery four years ago and had and a tummy tuck two years ago. I was unhappy with the results (from another surgeon) and Dr. Katzen was able to revise the area to my satisfaction. He also did my arms (which were covered by my insurance)and the results were wonderful. He treats his patients with compassion and understanding is very kind in all his interractions with not only his patients but his staff as well. My surgey was very long and the recovey has been difficult and his kindness has made it much easier to deal with.