Jeannie K's Story
“After losing 130 lbs. following gastric bypass surgery in June 2005, I was left with a lot of excess skin on my behind and my thighs and my breast. This left me feeling self conscience, I have been overweight my entire life, even though I had lost the weight and I was smaller than I had ever been in my life the skin made me feel as if I was heavy all over again. I began researching plastic surgeons that specialize in reconstructive surgery of bariatric patients. I interviewed several plastic surgeons. Most of them did not take the time to listen to what I was saying or they only had one way of doing things, none of them gave me answers that I was happy with.From the first consultation meeting at Dr. Katzen’s office, I was very at ease and Dr. Katzen explained and answered all of my two pages worth of questions. He made me feel very comfortable. My husband was unable to go to that first consultation but he knew when I came home from that appointment that I had found the Dr. that was right for me. Dr. Katzen did not lie to me about anything he was very straight forward with what to expect and what was reasonable, he also gave me the option of deciding how I wanted things done, he was not limited in his ability or adaptability in his craft.I had been having severe problems with my breast, I had to go back to see my primary gastric surgeon to talk about a double mastectomy. After talking with Dr. Ali (my gastric surgeon) I let him know that I was going to be having work done by Dr. Katzen, he gave him a glowing review and told me that he was 150% comfortable with him performing the double mastectomy at the time of my other surgeries. This gave me all the more confidence in Dr. Katzen (as if I needed it). I had, as my husband would tell you, made up my mind, and I am not a person that goes into anything without fully investigating every detail. (I am sure Dr. Katzen would agree with my husband).
On January 26, 2007 I proceeded with a circumferential body lift, a double mastectomy with a reduction and lift of my breast.
On February I had reconstruction to my breast as well as a medial thigh lift (crescent moon). Dr. Katzen did such a great job on my circumferential body lift that my skin on my legs changed so much I was able to get the result I wanted from the “crescent moon” instead of having a longitudinal thigh lift. It was a journey for me and most defiantly my family, with all the surgeries, but a road well taken. With out the support of my husband and Dr. Katzen I would not have made it through the whole process. Dr. Katzen is one of the kindest people you will ever meet. He has an extensive knowledge of the special needs and conditions of bariatric patients. This, combined with his superior surgical skills and kind bedside manner, results in a surgeon of the highest caliber. I could go on for days about how wonderful he is, but you will just have to meet him for yourself, and if you already have met him then you know what I am talking about. I would not hesitate to refer anyone to him.
Thank you Dr. Katzen, for giving me a person that I can stand to look at in the mirror for the first time in my life, I like the person who is looking back at me.”