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Author Topic: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question  (Read 1668 times)

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Kaladin

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I'm in the Bay Area, California.
Cost isn't really an issue for me, I saved up enough.

Are there any well known, respected surgeons who do this procedure in Northern California?

Right now I'm leaning towards going with Dr. Debiparshad in Las Vegas. Looking to do the precise 2.2 method.

btw I've been reading varying responses to this question, so if anyone could clarify I'd really appreciate it:
How long after surgery will I be able to walk/work again? That's my biggest concern, the less time I can take off work, the better.
I've heard some responses say I should be able to walk with crutches 2-3 days after surgery, and without crutches about a month after surgery? is that true?
That doesn't sound right though.. aren't you supposed to be in bed/wheelchair for three months while your bone grows?
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sphenopetroclival

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #1 on: May 15, 2023, 09:17:15 PM »

I'm in the Bay Area, California.
Cost isn't really an issue for me, I saved up enough.

Are there any well known, respected surgeons who do this procedure in Northern California?

Mahboubian or Kandemir.
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Medium Drink Of Water

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #2 on: May 15, 2023, 09:43:37 PM »

Dr. Gay at Silicon Valley Orthopedics is your guy.

How much you lengthen determines how long your recovery will be.
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ballsackoffury123

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #3 on: May 15, 2023, 10:38:37 PM »

I’m in the exact same position as you. Tech multi-millionaire in the Bay Area 26 years old. I ended up with Dr D. Cost “isnt” an issue but doesn’t mean I want to spend an extra $20k cash for something with the same end results. Most of my net worth is tied up in stocks I don’t wanna sell right now anyways. I already lost $80k by selling my stocks back in March to pay cash for the surgery relative to what the stocks would have been worth today.
I chose Dr. D since I just drove 8 hours on a Sunday down to Vegas. Stayed there for 4 weeks total (1 week prior to surgery, and 3 weeks after). Flew my family down for the last week while I did the first 2-3 weeks post surgery alone. And drove up with my mom back to the Bay Area where I’m currently recovering.
Dr D has pros and cons. He’s on par with any US doctor in terms of femur. I mean he’s a Harvard graduate with his own spinal ortho clinic where he does surgery 3 days a week (and CLL only on some fridays). 80% of his patients are non cosmetic patients and his skills does not need any more convincing. The hospital where he does it at is great, your recovery room is also good because the nurse on that floor has seen Dr D patients over the years so they know what you need and know what procedure you just did.
Cons. Front office sucks after you leave Vegas and try to get in touch with questions. Granted you don’t really need follow up questions and most of your “complications” self resolve within 2-3 weeks. But still, just annoying trying to get their attention once you’re back in the bay.

Feel free to ask my any more questions, I paid $70k cash for the whole thing ($60k cash to the office, $10k HSA/credit card directly to the hospital).
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ballsackoffury123

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #4 on: May 15, 2023, 10:45:50 PM »

For your mobility questions. If you are WFH like me, I only took surgery day off (Friday). Granted m
The next 2 weeks , even though I’m working, my productivity was low. But my manager knew I had surgery so she didn’t care.

Depending on your weight and nail size, the answer to your question changes. But if you’re like me (150 pounds, largest nail 12.5mm) you slowly learn to walk with a walker the day of surgery. They have a PT that trains you in the afternoon (surgery in morning). First 2-3 weeks I mainly used my wheelchair. But then when I got back to the Bay Area I stored that thing away and only used my walker. Walking helps the bone heals faster. But I prob walk 0.25 mile every day total. Mostly just walking around in the house. Occasionally going out to eat. But basically after 3 weeks you can walk/drive on your own in and out of buildings. But you need to sit. 0 chance of walking without a walker/crutches until at least 6 months after surgery date.
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Kaladin

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #5 on: May 15, 2023, 11:20:04 PM »

I’m in the exact same position as you. Tech multi-millionaire in the Bay Area 26 years old. I ended up with Dr D. Cost “isnt” an issue but doesn’t mean I want to spend an extra $20k cash for something with the same end results. Most of my net worth is tied up in stocks I don’t wanna sell right now anyways. I already lost $80k by selling my stocks back in March to pay cash for the surgery relative to what the stocks would have been worth today.
I chose Dr. D since I just drove 8 hours on a Sunday down to Vegas. Stayed there for 4 weeks total (1 week prior to surgery, and 3 weeks after). Flew my family down for the last week while I did the first 2-3 weeks post surgery alone. And drove up with my mom back to the Bay Area where I’m currently recovering.
Dr D has pros and cons. He’s on par with any US doctor in terms of femur. I mean he’s a Harvard graduate with his own spinal ortho clinic where he does surgery 3 days a week (and CLL only on some fridays). 80% of his patients are non cosmetic patients and his skills does not need any more convincing. The hospital where he does it at is great, your recovery room is also good because the nurse on that floor has seen Dr D patients over the years so they know what you need and know what procedure you just did.
Cons. Front office sucks after you leave Vegas and try to get in touch with questions. Granted you don’t really need follow up questions and most of your “complications” self resolve within 2-3 weeks. But still, just annoying trying to get their attention once you’re back in the bay.

Feel free to ask my any more questions, I paid $70k cash for the whole thing ($60k cash to the office, $10k HSA/credit card directly to the hospital).


bro I really appreciate the response. $70k is worth it imo, I was expecting to spend closer to $100k.
btw why did you stay in Vegas for so long after surgery? Did you get a room at an extended stay hotel?
Would it be a bad idea for me to have the surgery and then immediately go back home to the Bay Area?
Are you seeing a physical therapist to help with recovery? or are you just doing streches/exercises at home yourself?
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ballsackoffury123

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #6 on: May 15, 2023, 11:29:21 PM »

bro I really appreciate the response. $70k is worth it imo, I was expecting to spend closer to $100k.
btw why did you stay in Vegas for so long after surgery? Did you get a room at an extended stay hotel?
Would it be a bad idea for me to have the surgery and then immediately go back home to the Bay Area?
Are you seeing a physical therapist to help with recovery? or are you just doing streches/exercises at home yourself?

You have to have an in person check up with the doctor 2 weeks after surgery. After that you are free to leave. Also 10 PT sessions is included. So i did 4 the first week and 3 the second and 3 the third.

I did an airbnb about 20 mins away from the clinic. It costed me about $2k for the month and has 3 bedrooms. It was large so I can use my wheelchair around the house. The hotels has tiny rooms and costs more. I'd find a whole house in vegas on airbnb, cheaper, and way more comfortable.

I do stretches/exercises at home myself. I bought all the equipments (massage bed, and all random things on amazon). I do a way better job than any of the PT places lol, I'm not gonna spend $100 for a 30 min PT session in the bay area for them to do what I can do alone at home.
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Kaladin

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #7 on: May 15, 2023, 11:51:58 PM »

You have to have an in person check up with the doctor 2 weeks after surgery. After that you are free to leave. Also 10 PT sessions is included. So i did 4 the first week and 3 the second and 3 the third.

I did an airbnb about 20 mins away from the clinic. It costed me about $2k for the month and has 3 bedrooms. It was large so I can use my wheelchair around the house. The hotels has tiny rooms and costs more. I'd find a whole house in vegas on airbnb, cheaper, and way more comfortable.

I do stretches/exercises at home myself. I bought all the equipments (massage bed, and all random things on amazon). I do a way better job than any of the PT places lol, I'm not gonna spend $100 for a 30 min PT session in the bay area for them to do what I can do alone at home.

That's a good idea, I'll likely do the same with an airbnb.
How long ago did you get your surgery done? how is the growth coming along? Are you able to walk on your own yet?
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ballsackoffury123

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #8 on: May 15, 2023, 11:55:44 PM »

That's a good idea, I'll likely do the same with an airbnb.
How long ago did you get your surgery done? how is the growth coming along? Are you able to walk on your own yet?

2 months ago. Like what do you mean by walk on your own? Like with a walker? sure you can do that after surgery. If you mean walk without any assistance, you wont be able to do that until 6 months after surgery. None of the USA nails are weight bearing. You might want to do more research on this surgery bro, I understand some questions specific to doctors or advanced questions. but a lot of your questions are sort of basic ones that are sorta pointless to answer.
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Kaladin

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #9 on: May 16, 2023, 12:32:06 AM »

2 months ago. Like what do you mean by walk on your own? Like with a walker? sure you can do that after surgery. If you mean walk without any assistance, you wont be able to do that until 6 months after surgery. None of the USA nails are weight bearing. You might want to do more research on this surgery bro, I understand some questions specific to doctors or advanced questions. but a lot of your questions are sort of basic ones that are sorta pointless to answer.

Oh sorry yea I'm still reading up on this, I asked that because I wasn't sure if you were still recovering or how long ago you've had the procedure.
6 months with crutches is gonna make this tough for me since my work requires me to walk around and pick things up.

really a bummer, I need to figure out what to do about the work situation. Really wish I did this in 2020 when I wasn't working for that year..
I started going thorugh and reading your old posts to learn more. gonna keep track of your progress here if you keep posting updates.
Thanks again bro
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Kaladin

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #10 on: May 16, 2023, 12:56:07 AM »

Dr. Gay at Silicon Valley Orthopedics is your guy.

How much you lengthen determines how long your recovery will be.

I'm leaning more towards Dr.D in Vegas but I'll schedule a consultation with Dr.Gay soon to learn more.
I might just go with him but he hardly advertises Limb Lengthening and I'm worried about his experience level
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ballsackoffury123

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #11 on: May 16, 2023, 01:02:49 AM »

Yeah I mean no matter what you do, and who you do it with. Unless you're doing it in Germany. You're not walking without aid for 6 months. And 8 months is the golden standard for walking normally without a limp. And even then you're still slowly recovering your stamina because of muscle atrophy.
If you don't have a desk job for 6 months, this shouldn't even be a consideration.
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Yau

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #12 on: May 16, 2023, 01:05:51 AM »

Why u guys didn’t consider Dr Mahboubian? He is in California. Just curious. ;D
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Kaladin

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #13 on: May 16, 2023, 01:23:52 AM »

If you don't have a desk job for 6 months, this shouldn't even be a consideration.

I might quit working for this tbh
I'm barely 5'5" man. Living life on hardmode
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ballsackoffury123

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #14 on: May 16, 2023, 01:54:32 AM »

I might quit working for this tbh
I'm barely 5'5" man. Living life on hardmode

Yeah being 5’8 will be pretty life changing for you. I was 5’8.5 to start and when im out with my girl friends I hear about how much crap the talk behind the 5’5 guys back. I don’t have trouble with girls cause I go for the 5’4 and under and avoid the smokin hot 5’6. But girls are evil man, even the ones that seem nice has height preferences. Even man to man interactions height is a big thing, not just mentally.
Tip: pull the trigger
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Kaladin

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #15 on: May 16, 2023, 02:25:58 AM »

Yeah being 5’8 will be pretty life changing for you. I was 5’8.5 to start and when im out with my girl friends I hear about how much crap the talk behind the 5’5 guys back. I don’t have trouble with girls cause I go for the 5’4 and under and avoid the smokin hot 5’6. But girls are evil man, even the ones that seem nice has height preferences. Even man to man interactions height is a big thing, not just mentally.
Tip: pull the trigger

I was with an old friend/acquaintance once and he was chatting with a girl to his right. She asked who he was with etc and i didn't hear everything but I heard her refer to me as "your little friend".
They didn't think I heard it, but I did.

In another instance this semi-drunk guy referred to me as "lil bro" as if I'm some non-threat, insignificant child. I was probably older than he was.
so yea, trust me, I know. It hurts every time. You would think after all these years I'd get to a point where I'm unbothered by it. But it doesn't matter how much money I make or how much I workout, the world treats short guys like  .
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ballsackoffury123

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #16 on: May 16, 2023, 02:32:47 AM »

I was with an old friend/acquaintance once and he was chatting with a girl to his right. She asked who he was with etc and i didn't hear everything but I heard her refer to me as "your little friend".
They didn't think I heard it, but I did.

In another instance this semi-drunk guy referred to me as "lil bro" as if I'm some non-threat, insignificant child. I was probably older than he was.
so yea, trust me, I know. It hurts every time. You would think after all these years I'd get to a point where I'm unbothered by it. But it doesn't matter how much money I make or how much I workout, the world treats short guys like  .

Society sucks bro. It's not okay to be sexist, racist, judge people on their gender (which I agree to all we shouldn't judge people based off of the way they are born, except the last one, theres 2 gender). But it is okay to judge people on their height.
Most of the guys at my clinic are in their 30's and 40's who has it done. It's crazy it still bothers them THAT much at that age. But they couldnt afford to do it younger. People in their 20's only gets to do it in the USA if they want to take a huge loan, parent's money, or in tech.
5'5 -> 5'8.15 will be so great for you trust me. This is 6 month of sacrifice for the REST OF YOUR LIFE. Literally until you're 65 you prob wish you got that 3 inch. And after that you wont really care about height anymore.
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Kaladin

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #17 on: May 16, 2023, 07:10:42 AM »

Why u guys didn’t consider Dr Mahboubian? He is in California. Just curious. ;D

I've actually read a little bit about him too. But I'm leaning more towards Dr.D because he's asking $70k while Dr. Mahboubian estimates more like $90k.

Society sucks bro. It's not okay to be sxxist, racist, judge people on their gender (which I agree to all we shouldn't judge people based off of the way they are born, except the last one, theres 2 gender). But it is okay to judge people on their height.
Most of the guys at my clinic are in their 30's and 40's who has it done. It's crazy it still bothers them THAT much at that age. But they couldnt afford to do it younger. People in their 20's only gets to do it in the USA if they want to take a huge loan, parent's money, or in tech.
5'5 -> 5'8.15 will be so great for you trust me. This is 6 month of sacrifice for the REST OF YOUR LIFE. Literally until you're 65 you prob wish you got that 3 inch. And after that you wont really care about height anymore.

only short bros understand the struggle.

btw you met other patients? Do you mean during physical therapy?
I just assumed DR.D did maybe one surgery for one patient every 1-2 weeks but anyway that's cool that you met guys in their 30s-40s doing it. I'm not surprised that they still want too. The way we feel and how we're treated based on our height won't change much in our 40s. Even if I somehow have a wife/kids by then, the world will still be unnecessarily hard all because I'm super short.
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ballsackoffury123

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #18 on: May 16, 2023, 08:03:11 AM »

I've actually read a little bit about him too. But I'm leaning more towards Dr.D because he's asking $70k while Dr. Mahboubian estimates more like $90k.

only short bros understand the struggle.

btw you met other patients? Do you mean during physical therapy?
I just assumed DR.D did maybe one surgery for one patient every 1-2 weeks but anyway that's cool that you met guys in their 30s-40s doing it. I'm not surprised that they still want too. The way we feel and how we're treated based on our height won't change much in our 40s. Even if I somehow have a wife/kids by then, the world will still be unnecessarily hard all because I'm super short.

yeah mostly in PT. He does 1-2 a week on average. Theres prob around 10 guys in the Vegas area recovering and you'd get to meet some of them depending on your PT schedule. Most go back home after 2-4 weeks though thats why not a lot of people are in the Vegas area.
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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #19 on: May 16, 2023, 08:04:37 AM »

Dr. Gay at Silicon Valley Orthopedics is your guy.

How much you lengthen determines how long your recovery will be.

why do you recommend him? am strongly considering dr d (in process of scheduling) but having someone reputable this close would be a game changer
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ballsackoffury123

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #20 on: May 16, 2023, 08:15:06 AM »

why do you recommend him? am strongly considering dr d (in process of scheduling) but having someone reputable this close would be a game changer

I think he's like 100k in fremont. not worth the 30k price tag imo. get in vegas and get out after 3 weeks.
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Kaladin

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #21 on: May 16, 2023, 08:17:12 AM »

I think he's like 100k in fremont. not worth the 30k price tag imo. get in vegas and get out after 3 weeks.

yea and there's not a lot of info on him and his experience level, especially for the amount he's asking
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ballsackoffury123

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #22 on: May 16, 2023, 09:24:25 AM »

I did surgery with dr d 2 months ago. Recommend you both just pull the trigger and get it done so you’ll be good to go by new year. His surgery team is top notch. You’re in good hands. I have cons to say about his front office, but that’s like the least of your worries. You’d rather the surgeon have good skills beyond all and a good price tag lol
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sphenopetroclival

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #23 on: May 16, 2023, 10:06:55 AM »

Dr. Gay at Silicon Valley Orthopedics is your guy.

How much you lengthen determines how long your recovery will be.

There are more performant LL physicians at Stanford healthcare. Can’t say I’d recommend the Gay LL ortho bro. Have you actually been to Stanford for a consultation?

https://cap.stanford.edu/profiles/viewCV?facultyId=18185&name=David_Lowenberg
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Medium Drink Of Water

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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #24 on: May 17, 2023, 06:28:14 AM »

why do you recommend him? am strongly considering dr d (in process of scheduling) but having someone reputable this close would be a game changer

Location.  OP wanted a surgeon in the bay area.  The U.S. isn't like Asia where there are disreputable doctors open for business with impunity.
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Re: Overwhelmed with trying to pick a surgeon. + basic question
« Reply #25 on: May 23, 2023, 08:30:02 PM »

I’m in the exact same position as you. Tech multi-millionaire in the Bay Area 26 years old. I ended up with Dr D. Cost “isnt” an issue but doesn’t mean I want to spend an extra $20k cash for something with the same end results. Most of my net worth is tied up in stocks I don’t wanna sell right now anyways. I already lost $80k by selling my stocks back in March to pay cash for the surgery relative to what the stocks would have been worth today.
I chose Dr. D since I just drove 8 hours on a Sunday down to Vegas. Stayed there for 4 weeks total (1 week prior to surgery, and 3 weeks after). Flew my family down for the last week while I did the first 2-3 weeks post surgery alone. And drove up with my mom back to the Bay Area where I’m currently recovering.
Dr D has pros and cons. He’s on par with any US doctor in terms of femur. I mean he’s a Harvard graduate with his own spinal ortho clinic where he does surgery 3 days a week (and CLL only on some fridays). 80% of his patients are non cosmetic patients and his skills does not need any more convincing. The hospital where he does it at is great, your recovery room is also good because the nurse on that floor has seen Dr D patients over the years so they know what you need and know what procedure you just did.
Cons. Front office sucks after you leave Vegas and try to get in touch with questions. Granted you don’t really need follow up questions and most of your “complications” self resolve within 2-3 weeks. But still, just annoying trying to get their attention once you’re back in the bay.

Feel free to ask my any more questions, I paid $70k cash for the whole thing ($60k cash to the office, $10k HSA/credit card directly to the hospital).

You did not mention he will charge another $15k to remove the IM nails....
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