The versed is given to erase your memory of going under, as well as anything that you hear during the procedure...our hearing is the LAST sense to go, whether we are having surgery, or in the dying process. My guess is that you don't want to remember the doctor and nurses talking about cutting this, tying off that, stop the bleeding, shove this here, no put it there, change her position, stop that bleeding there, along with whatever personal dish they share over the OR table, like who was fired from the Apprentice, or what was Nicole Kidman thinking with that hideous Tom Ford YSL dress, or who is doing whom in the hospital (actually this is the only thing that I would want to hear while under).

You certainly have every right to not have the versed, but it really makes your experience so much pleasanter, and they reverse the drug at the end with flumazenil (in hospital vernacular we call it REversed!), which basically stops the amensia right there...fun over, and then you have to recover from the general anesthetic (the sedatives, relaxants, and paralyzers you received).

As a patient you have every right to know what drugs you are given, and why, and have the right to refuse any or all...so talk with the anesthesiologist (or nurse anesthetist, who happen to administer more than 60% of anesthesia in the U.S.) prior as this is the person who will handle all the meds you receive during your procedure.

Thanks for explaining all that Nursie. I feel better about it now. It's just so weird.

When I had my tracheal shave (Removal of adams apple and surounding cartiledge) the then soon-to-be retired Dr. Benito Reish used only a local. His nurse handed me a valium just before I lay down on the table (it would take a while into the procedure for it to work) and said to me "What's your threshold to pain like?" I didn't know how to answer. I was dumbfounded. So she increased my anxiety at that point. I was awake through the whole procedure and heard EVERYTHING. "Retract that vein." Scraping noises as he seemed to be planing the bone away, I heard it all. If I wasn't experienced in meditation, I would have had a panic attack that would have stopped the procedure. I have lots of experience meditating on my breathing from my hara while laying on the table getting electrolysis around my lips,face and throat. Lucky for me. Riesh was so totally cold to me. Dr. Shifman was a bit of a troll, but treated me like a human being, and was personable, humorous. I had my brow lifted, nose done, and titties inserted and lips shot up by Shiffman. He did my breasts just before he retired, and really cut the rates. He gave me bargain prices and didn't charge me for the browlift. Dr. Senderoff who will be doing my ass/hip implants is really cold and seems angry at the world. But I trust his skills and I've seen all the others that do this procedure, and he performs more butt implants than anyone else in the city. I've wanted this procedure done for so long and feel like I can't go another year without it. Wh knows how many years I have left in this body. I might as well get as comfortable as I can in it.

Another alternative was/is to go to Margarita Island off Venezuilia (sp). The price and the setting is right, but I was not impressed by their before and after pictures and I also would not be able to get aftercare examinations from the surgeon after I return to the states. At least not so easily.

I'm glad I have two months to sort out my thoughts on this. I have put $500 down for this and do think about backing out. WHen I saw the framed photo of Bush on the wall, I think that I should have grabbed my hat and coat and ran out of there. I also don't know exactly how I'll look after this. That is the worst thing about it. IT better be worth it.

I have been told by the EMG doctor that I have two pinched nerves, one in my neck and the other in my wrist (no carpal tunnel). Will they require surgery?
My doc is out of town till 2/04 and I am anxiuos!

Can we set up your own 'Ask the nurse section" please Randella...

Can I just say after my c-section i was messed up cos I had preeclampsia too and all sorts of combo of potassium in labor, pain meds and antibiotics just put me into a k-hole..apre le birth.. i just remember being in this ICU room (back of NYU hospt on First Av) view of the river flitting back and fro into conciousness..watching the water.. sleeping..waking but just feeling SO restful it was just BLISS - except for those darm nurses who kept trying for me to hold some baby! (I was SOOO fricken out of it)
But whevenever I can't sleep I think of that amazing sleep....
Just got some Ambien from my doctor for when I travel - they sound fab!
Really wanted Xanex (sp) the anti depressants as I tried them one night and Luved em!
Yer valley of the dolls gal...too old to try street drugs..

Many do not, but I love Ambien. Maybe it's just me, but I have found that you have to devote at least 8 hours to it-- no less. Any less, and you wake up feeling crabby and groggy. And since a full eight is not always possible for me, I don't often take that little Ambien "vacation."

And a "Nurse's Corner" topic is definitely an excellent idea, Randella. Why not set one up? Just put a disclaimer in there somewhere, to protect against possible lawsuits.

Hattie... let me know, when you want a 'vacation' ahem... can get yer 'sorted' ..

I like Ambien too...and it reminds me of this past summer when Poison Eve and I flew to Europe...we split a 10mg ambien (but an unscored pill), and I got all the sleeping part and Eve got the inert part with the pleasure of watching me sleep as we crossed the Atlantic.

But I have discovered a new treat- remembering a tip from Empress from a discussion we had years ago, while in Paris two weekends ago, I picked up some Donormyl (doxylamine), and this works like a dream, literally! And Mommy, I picked up an extra bottle for you for the next time I see you out and about.

Been a while since i have posted. been busy

Who is a good surgeon if you cant go to Meltzer for MTF SRS?

Desiree'

*edited by randella since the link went to a page requiring signin

[This message was edited by randella on 02-15-04 at 01:46 PM.]

I fear that Jane Fonda has gone the Marie Osmond route. I saw her interviewed on CNN this week and her eyebrows were yanked halfway up her forehead. Shame too, since right after she divorced TT a couple of years ago, she showed up at the Oscars with a fresh eye job with her enhanced bustline (that she did while married to him) and looked stunningly beautiful in that eye popping gold lame dress. I am afraid that I would not use these words now at all...even if it 'relaxes' in time.

I just saw joan rivers for the first time on TV in awhile....whoa!!! and whats up with meg ryan?...

i forgot to post that i had my eyebrows lifted december 5th. i still look human, a very suttle change. now the brow is not disturbing my vision.

i did have two screws in my forhead for three weeks and ended up pulling one out by taking a sweater off to fast.

I an going to get my bustline enhanced in July.
But Where to go?
Can anyone suggest a good but affordable doctor in the nyc area?
Or let me know of thier experiences?

Thanks!

Amber two chicks in my office just got back from Dominican Rep... real nice work... the doctor does consult in NYC an surgery in DR...

Randella...I think u were right about Streisand.. smth wierd with her neck.. she is always wearing stuff hidding her neck ...so odd.. haven't see marie osmond - what happend... Ms Ford, be careful b4 u go the way of Joan Rivers....!!

Hi Amber. I had my boobs done four years ago by Dr, Schiffman, on the upper west side, but he's retired now. I've heard a lot about Dr. Brad Jacobs, and talked to him and the next time I get my boobs done (to the next larger cup size) I intend to have him do it. He is a favorite among exotic dancers from all over the country, and is know for his breast augmentation work especially.


My experience was quite good with my implant breast surgery. I stopped taking pain killers the very next day. My friend Jimi came to the doctors office to take me home and our car service never showed up and I felt so good that we actually took a train and then a bus home. This was defenetly not the case with my rhinoplasty. That was a real horror story.

It's also important to plan before your surgery. Make sure you're not going to do any reaching for things you'll need. Bring them all down from the higher shelves. Have everything you'll need at an easy reach. You won't want to stretch after the surgery for a while. For some reason, I found tearing things open was difficult on that area, and had to use scissors. Make sure you have a lot of pillows to fluff yourself up on, you'll be on your back for a while, before you can even sleep on your side, and even longer before being able to sleep on your belly again. I also wore tank-top stretch leotard tops for awhile. They supported my girls around the clock.

Your surgeon will let you know when it will be a good time to start massaging. It's important to keep doing that. I've found that regular massaging, with or without a lotion, keeps them soft. OTherwise the muscles in the area around the implants tend to get hard.

I had my implants placed under the muscle, and this keeps them in place and perky looking. I also had them inserted thought incisions made on the lower half of my areolas. Scarring was minimal, and Vitamin E and Evening PRimrose, or Rosehip Seed Oil are all good to fade any visible scars from incisions. I've found this better than the old under the breast incision. They don't need to make a very big incision.

You can visit Dr. Jacobs website at http://www.drjacobs.com/plasticsurgery/jacobs.html
and you can view before and after photos of other women's boobs. Two summers ago, two women came into the Aromatherapy boutique that I work in and we talked at length about out breast implant surgeries. They both had mammoth mams, I forget what size, and were in town to see Dr. Jacobs for yet larger implants. They were both exotic dancers, and toured aound the country dancing at different clubs. Reminded me a bit of Faster, Pussycat, Kill Kill. They were saying how one has to stretch the skin little by little, gtting larger implants each time. I myself was surprised How far I went just the first time. I had little hormone titties that were barely A- and now am a full C cup. I had 360cc of saline in each boob, by the way. I have always regreted that I didn't ask him to go to 400, which would have brought me close to a D cup, and I would probably been happy there.

One last thing I should share is this: Waking up in the middle of the night and feeling them to make sure that they didn't break. I have a phobia of that. I also have to be on guard that my kitties don't jump up on them with their claws out, or my that Jades dogs don't jump up and claw me there. It's been four years now (this coming June) and I still make sure their intact when I wake up, before going back to sleep). I was told not to wear support wire bras because of the puncture hazard. So I don't .

Hope some of this is helpful and best of luck. You should be spectacular, although you already are. You'll just be turning it up that much more.

Thank you so much for all of that valuable information!
I appreciate your thorough answer.
Would it be rude to ask how much I am looking at spending with Dr.Jacobs?

It's not rude at all. I think he charges around $5,000 to $5,500, unless he's raised his fee. I think that plastic surgeons have been feeling the slump in the economy lately like most people and are happy to get clients. Most surgeons are open to some price negotiation at any time though. You'll need to talk to him.

Also don't be afraid to set up consultations with others and shop around. Beware of plastic surgeons that charge a fee for the consultation. THey always say that the fee will go toward the price of the surgery and try to get you locked in that way. Most surgeons don't charge for consultations with prospective clients. You can even try to get the phone people to give you prices. Just ask them for their average or typical fees for breast enlargement. You can save a lot of time that way by knowing that their not going to be afordable ahead of time. Also I would check out Anna Nicloles lead about the Dominican Republic. I have also talked with girls who have gone to Mexico, and paid only $2000 to $3,000. THe main problem with that is after care. Dr. Schiffman had me visit him quite a lot in the weeks after the surgery. If a problem develops afterwards, like one boob sagging lower than the other, the surgeon who actually did the work will be in the best frame of mind to correct it. Post-op care and follow-ups are very important. I say this even though I'm planning a trip to Venezuela for ass/hip implants this summer. I would have done it sooner if for only the fear of potential post-op problems so far away from the surgeon who did the work, but now because so few do that procedure, or do it as well at the center in Margarita Island, off the coast of Venezuela, that I'm willing to take that risk.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Stacy Amber,

Amber honey,
According to AstrologyZone.com, "Venus will retrograde from May 17 to June 29. ... This would not be a wise time to schedule plastic surgery or to spend large amounts of money on clothes, jewelry, spa treatments or other luxuries. Wait until you get to June 29 and the days that follow for those activities." I know you're already planning on July, but don't get anxious and move it up.
xxoo
MM

Oh, I know honey...I have too many bookings and trips in the next month and a half to schedule any surge. July and August are down-times as far as performing in NYC(for me anyways)...So I wanted to use that time for surge, healing and taking it easy...I might do some travelling as well.
I know ALL about Venus in retrograde.
I take close watch on my scopes.
Thanks for looking out for me.
Faux-Beau,You'll make a good faux-husband.
XOXOOXOXOXOXOXOOXXO

"I WANT A FAMOUS FACE"

Has everyone seen this show? The premise is just what the title says: ordinary people who want to look like a particular famous person. In one episode they featured a very pretty plus-size model who wanted to look like Kate Winslet. She'd already lost an enormous amount of weight on her own, but had lots of loose flesh to remove and I think she had something done to her face too (I saw the episode but can't recall). In each episode they show the surgery in fairly graphic detail, something that's becoming common on these plastic surgery-themed shows. However they always offset it with a short five-minute interview with some other person who endured a plastic surgery nightmare, I guess as a way of educating people and showing the dark side of the picture. Anyway, the Kate Winslet wannabe looked very good afterward, but certainly not a dead ringer for the Titanic star. Read the real Winslet's reaction:

quote:

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Breakdown
Kate Winslet reacts emotionally to reality TV
by Kat Giantis
MSN Entertainment
April 28, 2004

There's at least one celebrity who isn't a fan of MTV's plastic surgery makeover show "I Want a Famous Face." Kate Winslet tells the London Times she broke down in tears as she watched a fan named Jennette undergo several painful procedures, including a boob job and tummy tuck, to look more like her.

"I could not believe this girl was putting herself through this because she wanted to look like what she thought I looked like," the "Eternal Sunshine" beauty tells the paper.

"I just felt so powerless."

Winslet says she felt it was her duty to watch the show, but admits within minutes she was "crying in horror." "This girl had collected magazine covers with me on the front," she recalls. "And she was saying, 'I really want to have Kate Winslet's breasts. Just look at how well-shaped they are, pert and soft.' And I thought, No, darling, my breasts don't look like that. I've had two kids. It's a digitally altered image!"

Last year, GQ admitted to airbrushing a cover photo of the fabulously curvaceous Winslet to make her appear leaner. In the interview accompanying the controversial picture, the actress insisted, "I'm certainly not a sex symbol who doesn't eat."

As for MTV's subject, Kate says she doesn't see any post-op resemblance, despite the extreme measures. "I certainly don't have breasts remotely like those she ended up with," says Winslet. "Trust me. She had slabs of her stomach taken out. Liposuction! What the f*** is going on?"

Jennette, at least, has no regrets. "I am more than pleased with the results of the surgery! I feel foxy and ferocious!" she tells MTV, though she adds she has yet to be mistaken for her idol.

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Meanwhile, very recently I've discovered Randella's fave show, "Nip/Tuck". Some people I've met trash it, but personally I think the writing's pretty good and funny, the characters quite engaging. I've been trying to watch less TV lately because the proliferation of reality shows is mind-numbing and sickening (with a few notable exceptions). But there are a few quality sitcoms/dramas still left, and Nip/Tuck I feel is a good example. I prefer to see genuine talent in the form of strong writing, good acting, great performances and good production values, not junk. I've only caught a few episodes but I'm enjoying it. So I hope Nip/Tuck has a good second season.

I just haven't sorted out my own feelings about plastic surgery shows. Do they make me more interested in getting work done, or less? Fascinated or repulsed? I guess a little of both.