Kathy's Story
My search to improve my appearance began when I decided that I was tired of being one of the boys. I have spent 17 years in the military and I have always been treated as one of the guys because I really do blend in with them. When I put my uniform on there was no obvious physical traits that set me apart. I had no breasts. After 4 pregnancies my body was exhausted. Between all of the physical training and the pregnancy weight fluctuations, my breasts were flat and my tummy was hanging down to my legs. I kept loosing weight but the more weight I lost, the more skin I had.The option of surgery was not even a real one to me. That was something movie stars did. I really needed to try something; I was very depressed with my body image and nothing I did seemed to help. I decided to schedule a consultation.
The first thing I did was search the Internet and the BI411 locator directed me to Dr. Alfred Speirs. I felt comfortable because the site had recommended him. When I went to my consultation appointment, I was unprepared for the wonderful treatment and non-judgmental attitude of the entire staff. They completely and quickly put me at ease and provided so much information I realized that this procedure really was for ordinary people like me.
Dr. Speirs was absolutely the best. He took personal interest in me. I was not just another number to him. He listened to all of my concerns and genuinely understood, he was not at all condescending. That was a real fear for me going in. I was worried that there was no way a male doctor could understand what I was feeling about body image. I was wrong. He performed a complete body analysis and explained that he could make my tummy flat again by removing the excess skin and fixing the muscle. He walked me through the procedure step-by-step. Next we decided together that I was a perfect candidate for Breast Augmentation based on tissue available compared to lack of current size.
Dr. Speirs was very honest and informed me of the risks associated with surgery and possible complications that could occur during the healing process. When he was sure he had answered all of my questions I was introduced to another member of the team to assist me with paperwork and resources. The first thing that was recommended as a resource was the BI411 Forum. They wanted me to read about and share other experiences to further educate myself. What a find! The information and support I received from the gals on BI411 was priceless. I was able to make an informed decision because of the information and support I received from BI411 and Dr. Speirs and his staff.
I scheduled my surgery for 26 April. I scheduled a Tummy Tuck and Breast Augment. I went from a 34A to a 34DD and my tummy was flat for the first time in 17 years! I could see my abs! Dr. Speirs is a true artist.
The journey did not stop there. Dr. Speirs assisted me every step of the way while I was healing and the information available on BI411 stopped me from calling him in the middle of the night to ask questions (not that he would have minded).
I am now 6 months post and the confidence I have gained from this entire experience is invaluable. I can honestly say I will never be mistaken for or feel like one of the boys again! BI411 continues to be a source of information and support that I could never do without. Dr. Speirs and his staff are always available and I highly recommend them to anyone even considering cosmetic surgery.
