Question:
I think my doc simply forgot to replace my bellybutton..what should I do?
I had RNY in July 2001, textbook case, no probs. I went back and had my tummy tuck and hernia surgery in November 2002. After removing the bandages, I discovered that I had no belly button. I asked my surgeon, and all he had to say was, "Well, you can come in outpatient and we can make you a new one." I had distinctly remembered he had told me presurgery that I would have it reconstructed at the time of the tummy tuck. I didn't want to create a scene, so I let it go. Time has passed, and I thought I was okay living without the unnecessary belly button. But after enduring a summer of endless questions and being called a freak, I feel like I was cheated. This may sound petty to some, but I feel like he just forgot and was trying to make me think he didn't. I know my insurance isn't going to pay for me to get a belly button (as he suggested, outpatient), so what should I do now? I haven't been back to him since my postop removal of drains. I like him and feel grateful that the surgery he did (RNY) saved my life, but I am embarrassed about the bellybutton (or lack thereof). What should I do??? — Jeannie B. (posted on July 31, 2003)
July 31, 2003
I don't have an answer to your question about what to do (I sincerely hope
someone does!), but I was really disturbed that someone would call you a
freak! How horrible for you. Regardless of any abnormality we may have,
people need to learn to be kinder! Good luck to you!
— [Deactivated Member]
July 31, 2003
I don't have the answers either, but it sounds like he made the mistake and
doesn't want to fix it. I don't think you should have to pay extra for
something he forgot to do in the first place. I think you should stand your
ground and demand he finish the job he started! I hope that helps!
— Denise D.
July 31, 2003
I think you should contact your surgeon, explain the situation and how you
feel as calmly as possible. I agree, it sounds like he forgot. I've never
heard of anyone having to go back to have one created for them. I was sure
it was done as part of the tummy tuck procedure too. I'm sorry to hear
that anyone would call you names over this. People can be so unkind at
times.
— [Deactivated Member]
July 31, 2003
I'm sorry this happened to you. I'm not sure what you can do this long
after the procedure, but your story is a good warning to all of us to get
the details of any planned procedure in WRITING before it happens. That
way any "mistakes" like this one can be corrected without
additional cost. Maybe he will negotiate a discounted rate for you because
of the situation.
— Amber L.
July 31, 2003
Jeannie: I would really try to see if this could be considered a
'revision' of any kind..... You should express your concern and desire for
a belly button. I did before my abdominoplasty. I was afraid the button
might have been involved with my hernia (it was right above the belly
button). So, I told my surgeon I absolutely HAD TO GET IT SAVED if
anything occured! He was really surprised when he went in and the belly
button's blood supply was involved with the hernia. So, he made a 'new
one'. It is not the same as a real belly button, but it is a formidable
indentation. ASK YOUR SURGEON to clarify --- I don't think creation of a
belly button would be inpatient anyway. Perhaps he could bill it as a scar
revision or apply for it as reconstructive. I would press for this and be
assertive. All the best, Teresa
— Teresa N.
July 31, 2003
Too bad the doc can't just say, "Geez, you're right, we *did* talk
about this pre-op, and I'm sorry, I blew it -- do you want it fixed
now?" Unfortunately that probably won't happen, though....<P>I
don't mean to make light of this, but I once saw a post in which somebody
reported telling their doctor to leave the belly button *off* after a TT --
and then she went out and got a small smiley face tatooed in its place. I
always thought that sounded fun. Worth considering?
— Suzy C.
July 31, 2003
Are you kidding me??? Girlfriend, don't you DARE pay extra for a mistake
HE made. You tell him that you came in his office with a belly button and
you want a belly button when you leave!!! It sounds like he made the
mistake and he doesn't want you to file a lawsuit against him. Call your
PCP or insurance company and let them know what happened.
I just had a Full TT w/ muscle repair on July 8th and I would have thrown a
fit if my surgeon forgot my belly-button. Sorry but that's just sloppy
work.
— Jeanette D.
July 31, 2003
Uh, first, if you pay for this you're out of your mind. This might be me
talking as a lawyer, but this is called malpractice. He can be sued for
your damages including the cost and pain of a second surgery, time out of
work etc. Alot of things. Fixing it quickly and freely is the least he
can do.
— gary viscio
July 31, 2003
hon, you need to have a belly button if it means that much to you i know i
insisted mine be replaced and it was...tell him exacly how u feel, most
likely he will replace it without charging u his fee however you have to
pay the hospital and anesthesiolgist (sp) fee...i am going through a
simular situation however i am just not happy with my tt results and told
my surgeon how i felt and that i wanted him to fix it and he said he would!
good luck to you
— Deanna Wise
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