Thomas B. McNemar - Bariatric Plastic Surgery: A Guide to Cosmetic Surgery After Weight Loss

An Addicus Nonfiction Book

Copyright 2008 by Thomas B. McNemar, M.D., John LoMonaco, M.D., and Mitchel D. Krieger, M.D. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. For information, write Addicus Books, Inc., P.O. Box 45327, Omaha, Nebraska 68145.

ISBN 978-1-886039-92-6

Cover design by Janice St. Marie

Typography by Linda Dageforde

Illustrations by Jack Kusler

This book is not intended to serve as a substitute for a physician. Nor is it the authors intent to give medical advice contrary to that of an attending physician.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

McNemar, Thomas, 1962

Bariatric plastic surgery:aguideto cosmetic surgery after weight loss / Thomas B. McNemar, Mitchel D. Krieger, John LoMonaco.

p. cm.

An Addicus nonfiction book.

Includes index.

ISBN 978-1-886039-92-6 (alk. paper)

1. ObesitySurgery. 2. Surgery, Plastic. 3. Weight loss. I. Krieger, Mitchel D., 1962- II. LoMonaco, John, 1963- III. Title.

RD540.M4257 2008

617.43dc22

2008024785

Addicus Books, Inc.

P.O. Box 45327

Omaha, Nebraska 68145

www.AddicusBooks.com

Printed in the United States of America

10987654321

To my wife, Cindy, and my children, Mackenzie and Kelsey. May you always follow your dreams.

Thomas B. McNemar, M.D., F.A.C.S.

To my family for their understanding and support, especially during my long absences. To my father John LoMonaco Sr., whose indomitable spirit exemplifies perseverance and drive.

John LoMonaco, M.D., F.A.C.S.

To my wife, Colleen, for your love, support, and understanding. To my father, Jerry Krieger, for your love and for the example you have set for me. You have provided me a moral compass with which to guide my life. To the memory of my mother, Barbara Krieger, who ignited my love for medicine, and whose courage and tenacity remain an inspiration to me.

Mitchel D. Krieger, M.D., F.A.C.S.

A book of this type requires many different talents. I would like to thank Rod Colvin and Frances Sharpe for bringing the book together. I thank my two colleagues, Dr. Krieger and Dr. LoMonaco, for their insights, and I acknowledge my staff, Danielle Hall and Tiffany Pederson. I would like to thank all my patients, past and future. I also thank my family, Cindy, Mackenzie, and Kelsey. I am blessed to have them.

Thomas D. McNemar, M.D., F.A.C.S.

T his book would not have been possible without the concerted efforts of my colleagues and the dedication of all my staff. It is our patients, however, who have inspired us. To them we owe the greatest thanks. Their confidence in our abilities is the reason we are here.

John LoMonaco, M.D., F.A.C.S.

T he support of many individuals have made this book possible. First, I would like to thank my wonderful and talented wife, Col. Colleen Shull. Your enthusiasm and love for your soldiers is truly inspirational. Our country is fortunate to have someone so talented to lead our troops and provide an example for those around her. I also would like to thank my family for their encouragement and unconditional love. Ive journeyed down many paths throughout my career, always returning home to find their support and love unwavering.

I also would like to thank my staff for their dedication and efforts to provide the finest care possible for our patients. Each day is a collaborative effort, and I am truly grateful for their contributions. I wish to thank Frances Sharpe for her editorial support and for our many enjoyable conversations. Finally, I would like to thank my patients, who never cease to amaze me. Your remarkable capacity to support and love those around you is astounding. I thank you all for bringing me into your community knowing that the relationships I have developed with you will last a lifetime.

Mitchel D. Krieger, M.D., F.A.C.S.

C ongratulations! Youve succeeded in losing a great I deal of weight. This is no easy task, and you should be proud of your achievement. Whether youve lost weight thanks to a bariatric procedure or youve done it the old-fashioned way with diet and exercise, it takes a strong commitment and a healthy dose of willpower. By shedding those extra pounds, youve probably noted countless changes for the better in your health and in your daily life. For instance, you may have experienced improvements in your blood pressure or with diabetes, two health problems commonly associated with being overweight. You also may have significantly increased your physical stamina and your ability to enjoy an active life. Now that youve reached or are nearing your weight goal, you deserve to feel good about yourself and your new shape.

Unfortunately, losing large amounts of weight can sometimes create other troublesome body issues. In particular, loose and excess skin may prevent you from fully enjoying the results of your weight loss efforts. Excess skin that hangs from your body can cause skin irritations and rashes. In addition, loose, hanging skin can keep you from seeing your bodys true new size and can force you to continue wearing larger sizes of clothing. A visible reminder of the weight you used to carry, excess skin may even leave you feeling a bit blue.

Take heart that you are not alone. Excess skin affects many men and women who have lost large amounts of weight. The good news is that there are a number of plastic surgery procedures that address the problem of loose skin after weight loss. In fact, the demand for such procedures has grown dramatically in the past few years. And plastic surgeons have answered the call with refinements in techniques and innovative procedures that can help you achieve a more pleasing shape.

This book is designed to help you understand the various procedures available and to answer some of your questions about what to expect from plastic surgery after weight loss. From choosing a surgeon to recovering from surgery at home, Bariatric Plastic Surgery: A Guide to Cosmetic Surgery after Weight Loss will help guide you on your journey to an improved body shape, better health, and an enhanced quality of life.

I f youve spent years battling excess fat, you should feel very proud of yourself for losing a large amount of weight. But shedding all those pounds may not have given you the body contours you desire. In fact, your massive weight loss may have caused a new problem you hadnt anticipated, namely, excess skin that hangs in folds on your body. This sagging skin may be preventing you from seeing your slimmer new shape and may actually make you feel disappointed with your new look. You may feel that the loose skin is an unpleasant reminder of your former self or that you still feel overweight when you look in the mirror.