BEFORE SURGERY

BEFORE SURGERY

AFTER SURGERY

Patient Stories

Story 1: I Feel Good About Me

"I am a 36 year-old 5'2'' woman who has been struggling with my weight since I was 11 years old. I remember weighing in at 160 lbs before I reached junior high school. I spent a great deal of time feeling like an outcast and developed a lifestyle limiting myself from regular everyday life, causing me to drop out of high school at age 14 (freshman year) because I felt so different from my peers. And while I had some kind of social life, it was not as I desired. While my friends were developing relationships with boys, driving, shopping, doing sports and going to parties, I didn't even try to do the normal activities that my friends were doing. I stayed at home a great deal of the time and occupied myself with things around the home.

In my early 20's I lost 75 lbs in a year's time with diet and exercise. I do not remember the numbers but I do remember not feeling fat anymore, and I finally had a social life and the ability to work in a job requiring physical labor. My stomach was still flabby and my thighs still needed to be compressed with garments. I wore stockings or tights under my pants and skirts so my thighs would not rub together and I could walk more comfortably. I was better able to maneuver through my life and have some pleasing relationships but I was still particularly uncomfortable with my body in some situations.

About 2 years after that weight loss I began to gain weight back rapidly as my life changed. I began drinking alcohol daily which was something I never cared for, and I was deeply depressed. I wouldn't even approach my scale. In what was maybe just one year's time I had reached an all-time high, weighing in at 274 lbs! I was an outcast once again; however, this was the turning point in my life that led me here.

I started dieting again, this time using the Atkins plan and limiting my drinking. It was a 5-year-long process of yo-yo dieting with some exercise. I did see the results but I would always struggle because as I lost weight, it began to seem endless and my skin became saggier. I was still flabby with a sagging belly and breasts, not to mention those awful thighs and arms! I had lost a little more than 75 lbs (finally breaking 200 lbs!!!!!) but continued going up and down on the scale. I think I broke 200 lbs at least 5 times. For the next 3 years I was constantly on some fad diet but was only able to keep off another 20 lbs or so, sometimes using the NutriSystem plan. Even though I felt better about myself, sometimes even sexy because I looked presentable in my clothing with the help of tight undergarments, I would easily get frustrated because I was still flabby and large in most areas. I bought clothes that I couldn't fit into yet or that would fit but didn't look good on me. I filed these away as my "one-day clothes." I began to think about plastic surgery but I didn't know much about it; mostly what's in the media, and mostly the negative stuff. I still thought, however, I could reach my goal with diet and exercise and general healthy eating.

Plastic surgery seemed out of reach for the average person like myself. I had it on my mind but I didn't know where to go or how to get started until an acquaintance contacted me after recently having a tummy tuck. Her information was crucial. I contacted The Waldorf Center in July 2008. I was excited but scared of the unknown.

Upon arriving at The Waldorf Center, I felt comfortable and at ease in the calm and friendly atmosphere. I first met with a staff that talked to me about what I would like to accomplish through surgery. Shortly thereafter, in walks Dr. Waldorf, a petite woman with a professional but friendly manner. She got right down to business and I was impressed with what she said she could do and the confidence that she displayed. I then met with the financial coordinator who explained the cost for the desired procedures, and I made my down payment right away and scheduled my surgery. I thought, wow, that was so easy and really accessible. I was given instruction by Dr. Waldorf on preparation for my surgery which entailed quitting smoking and the reasons why this was so important. All things were explained to me, which really made me feel at ease. I then met with the other supporting staff like Colleen Phillips, the physician’s assistant, and the nurses and everyone made me feel so comfortable. I was treated like an individual every step of the way by all the wonderful staff at The Waldorf Center, and this made my nervous feelings easier to deal with and I felt confident of the unknown.

I had two procedures in late August 2008; a circumferential lower body lift with liposuction to my flanks and love handles, and a breast reduction with a lift. When I looked down at what was just 5 hours before a large, flabby stomach and found my belly so tight and flat I was amazed! And my breasts were no longer sagging to my belly!!! I returned 10 weeks later for two additional procedures to complete my desired look, a thigh lift and upper arm lift.

As most things in life, there were some difficulties and worries, but the staff at The Waldorf Center always worked with me through every step of the way whether night or day. The doctor, her surgical assistant, the nurses, the anesthesiologist, and all the fabulous women there at The Waldorf Center have been there for me through every step of this process and continue to do so. They are always professional, but most important to me, the staff have always been friendly and there to support the whole me. My results are wonderful. I now look symmetrical and in a size I never thought I would reach. I went from a 12/14 to a size 8, sometimes wearing a size 6. I went from a size 34-36 D to a size 34 C, and I now wear a small-medium top. My results far exceed any expectations, and I can honestly say I feel great! I'm currently down 25 lbs with surgery and natural healing, and I'm still striving for higher heights. I would recommend The Waldorf Center to any and everyone near and far!

With heartfelt gratitude I thank you so very much Kathleen Waldorf, Colleen Phillips, and the entire staff at The Waldorf Center. I look forward to continuing to better my life and my health with you. I am now coming to the Spa at The Waldorf Center for facials, massage and other cosmetic treatments that keep me on the right track both mentally and physically. Now I am received by others in a normal and healthy manner and I feel my personality and the way I feel about myself finally match the way my body actually looks. The Waldorf Center is a place where I have been able to improve the condition of my life and health; a place where I will continue to enjoy bettering myself with attention to my needs and caring support. I feel good about me and now I am free!"

Patient Procedures included:
Circumferential Lower Body Lift | Liposuction | Breast Reduction | Breast Lift | Thigh Lift | Upper Arm Lift