Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Plastic Surgery Center
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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.
I made a choice after the birth of my first grandchild, battling with weigh loss for over 30 years and not yet having any health problems, yet, to have gastric-by pass surgery. I wanted to be able to get down on the floor, jump rope, ride a bike, etc. with my grandchildren without being out of breath. Weighing 262 lbs. did not make these things easy.
In July of 2003, at the age of 52, I had my by-pass surgery. Three years later and 150 lbs. lighter and still seeing myself as fat, I decided to have my excess skin removed. I knew of Dr. Katzen from the support group I attended. I knew he was the surgeon for me since his expertise was bariatric surgery patients. Dr. Katzen, with his humor made me feel very comfortable, relaxed and confident that I made the right choice in surgeons. I consider Dr. Katzen my personal artist (sculptor).
The first step of the sculpting process was the circumferential body lift in Sept 2006. The results were unbelievable. I had a flat stomach and no more rolls. Speaking of rolls, I was at my computer, pulled down my shirt to cover up those rolls, looked down, and forgot, those rolls were GONE!!!!!!! Funny how it takes time for your brain to catch up to the changes to your body.
The second sculpting was my medial thigh lift and wedge incision in Feb 2007. My saddle bags did not disappear completely with the body lift as hoped, but now they’re gone.
Dr. Katzen has made me feel like part of his family. It is as if I have known him all of my life and that goes for his entire staff.
I hope to have the final sculpting (breast lift/implants) finished by Sept. 2007 and then Dr. Katzen will see his final work completed and I will be flying off to Hawaii with my high school sweetheart (my husband) of 37 years.
I cannot thank Dr. Katzen enough for my changed body, my new lease on life and finally liking who I am.
In April, 2004 I had WLS by Dr. Tanaka. My life changed dramatically as I went from 352 lbs. down to 190 within 1 ½ years. I was a changed woman … free from the bondage of bad food habits and free to be physically fit without the restrictions of my own body.
I attended an Obesity Help conference in Orange County in 2005 in order to learn more about reconstructing my body. How exciting and rewarding it was to hear Dr. Katzen speak to not only my needs, but to my heart as well. My husband and I both felt as we heard Dr. Katzen that he understood the issues of patients concerning cosmetic surgery after WLS surgery. During this past year I have had the following procedures: circumferential body lift, inner thigh lift, breast and arm lift, eye-lid lift.
As I read over the testimonials of other of Dr. Katzen’s patients they all seem the same… he is caring, knowledgeable, patient, kind, etc. etc. etc. But guess what? He REALLY is all of these things and much, much more! Added to all of his strengths as my surgeon are the strengths of his staff. I have enjoyed interacting with them both on the phone and face-to-face.
During one of my follow-up visits with Dr. Katzen I was thanking him for changing my life and making me a different person. He responded with, “Laura, you are the same great person. I was just involved in changing the outside.” For the first time I can contradict him. I am a different person, indeed! I walk in confidence, knowing that Dr. Katzen and his staff have provided me with the tool (a changed body) that reflects the work I have put in through the entire WLS process as I have followed the dietary guidelines as well as the physical exercise plans. My inner self has changed as well as the outside. I walk in newness of life and I enjoy a better lifestyle.
Who do I ultimately thank? I am a committed believer in God and I walk closely with Him. I know that he directed me to the best surgeon for me. I believe He was with Dr. Katzen in the operating room as Dr. Katzen applied his skilled hands and his training and knowledge to my body. And I believe that Dr. Katzen and God make a great team in meeting my needs!
If it wasn’t for Dr. Katzen, I would not have been able to have my surgery done. Dr. Katzen was the only one willing to help me. Over the course of several surgeries, Dr. Katzen has not only been the most wonderful caring doctor, but has become a close friend. Dr. Katzen you are simply the best!
Dr. Katzen and his staff are amazing. I am so happy to have been in their care. Dr. Katzen is an all around AWESOME doctor who is both professional and a personable person who doesn’t give you the “doctor jitters”!
All the great testimonials about him are true! I will surely return for something I’m sure, and I will refer him as the best doctor in town!  Thank you millions!
Dr. Katzen is an unreal, compassionate plastic surgeon. His work is perfection. You can definitely be completely satisfied with him and his talents. What a plus for the medical field
I found Dr. Katzen to be an amazing doctor. He explained all the procedures in detail, letting me know what I could and couldn't expect. I was thrilled with the results...and I'm old! LOL He is a total patient advocate and will fight the good fight for getting you coverage. Something I did not find amongst other physicians. (I interviewed several others.) His bedside manner was impeccable and I never felt ashamed or embarrassed either. My care in the hospital was fantastic as well, including my pain management, which far exceeded my expectations!
I had gastric bypass on Aug 21 2001. I was wearing a 4X top and 32/34 bottoms. I was wearing a size 4 pants the day that Dr. Katzen did my thigh lift and back side. I am now wearing a size 1 or 3 from the juniors department and a size small top. I wore a bikini for the first time in 30 years this summer and loved it because I felt great and knew that I looked great. My husband loved me when I was large and loves me small. His quote is that he now has his trophy wife and did not have to trade me in for a younger model as I am all he wants. He says this as a joke but I know that he loves the way I look. Dr. Katzen is the best doctor anyone could ask for! He is caring about every patient he sees and never treats us like just another paycheck as some doctors do. He will remember you no matter where you are.