Have been to two consultations today

Ok so you're probably wondering why I'd be going on consultations when I'm over a year post op. A friend of mine (user name Jodielou - sure she'll get round to posting eventually!) is at the research stage (she's having a full uplift and ba plus a tummy tuck) and I agreed (ok I jumped at the chance) to accompany her on her consultations.

She's done her research really well (the consultation notebook [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] has been invaluable) and didn't really need me there for anything other than a bit of moral support.

From my point of view its been so interesting. When I was pre ba I went for one consultation, saw my surgeon - in fact I'd already booked my date before I met my ps I was that impatient! So going back and doing it retrospectively on behalf of someone else has been great.

Firstly we went to HMG. First impressions, lovely reception area, a nurse was coming out of the building as we came in, held the door open for us so we could get the buggy in with a big smile. Receptionist was the same. Very friendly, asked Jodie to fill in the usual forms then we were called to a consulting room by a lovely nurse called Beth. The consultation was really thorough, all three procedures were explained really well and Jodie was given booklets and written quotes for everything in a professional looking envelope. We were told that next step was to see a surgeons which would cost £100 redeemable against the cost of surgery. My friend was given the names and CV's of a number of surgeons who work with the group to research. The nurse said she would follow up by email.

Next we went on to Mya's offices at Holborn. Complete contrast. Different atmosphere, less "medical" (I thought it was a bit like a recruitment consultants' office). Lots of pics on the wall of "celebs" who've had breast augs through them. We were kept waiting a while (but to be fair we were a little late anyway). Taken through to an office by a lady I can only assume to be a pcc (she didn't introduce herself with her job title). Again, a very thorough consultation although some conflicting info was given with regards to the tummy tuck. Jodie had all her questions answered and was given an information pack including CV's of surgeons the pcc considered to be suited to the procedures Jodie was interested in having done. Next step was to book an appointment with a surgeons - no charge for this and if needed it wasn't a problem to see more than one surgeon.

My friend isn't looking to have the surgery until the end of the year so we've plenty of time to see all the other companies and make an informed decisions. Next stop Transform and MyBreast so watch this space. I've had a great time today "researching" on behalf of someone else. Whilst it wasn't me asking the questions, it was fun to find out how its done and going to the offices of each of the big companies.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with both the consultations. I thought we'd get the "hard sell" on both counts which wasn't the case. All I could say though is first impressions really do count (Jodie and I both agreed on this!)

Will report back after our next visits xxx :thumbs:

aw sounds good Sally, and what a helpful friend your being :thumbs:

Good to know you both arent getting the hard sell, hope Mybreast are the same...
let us know how your friend gets on, exciting isnt it?! xx

You're such a lovely person Sally helping your friend in this way.

Good to hear about the consultation from a 'spectators' point of view too, I don't think you're ever able to take everything in when you're there for your own consultation are you, so it's great to get an unbiased view. xx

Thats so lovely of you hun.

Sounds like 2 good consultations there, both informative and no hard sell. Deffinatly keep us posted. xx

Sounds interesting! You can be our own BJSF mystery shopper, checking out all the clinics ...
Looking forward to the next instalment
A x

How interesting to get a view of all the clinics against each other! I'll be looking out for future posts.

This will be so helpful to those still in the early consultation stages of their journey.

Annie66 wrote:Sounds interesting! You can be our own BJSF mystery shopper, checking out all the clinics ...
Looking forward to the next instalment
A x

That's actually not a bad idea Annie. The nurse at Harley Medical asked how I'd found out so much about the procedures and I gave her details of the site. She seemed really interested and wrote dow the web address! Hi Beth if you're reading.

I think we're going to see Transform, The Hospital Group and hopefully MyBreast on 22nd June but don't worry I will keep you all in the loop.

Next step will be meeting the surgeons too which I'm really looking forward to. Off the top of my head I can't remember their names but I'll ask Jodie and either her or me will post in the surgeons section.
!!
Fun day all round. Hoping to factor in some shopping next time too!!!

*Sally* wrote:Fun day all round. Hoping to factor in some shopping next time too!!!

Oh wow, i wish I'd taken you with me on my consults now, they were a bit of a chore for me!

I'll make sure we stop somewhere nice for lunch next time and you can pop along xx

*Sally* wrote:I'll make sure we stop somewhere nice for lunch next time and you can pop along xx

Yay!
You're so close by me anyway, it'd be fun!

Well we've got Transform at 11am next tuesday and THG at 12pm. Not sure if she's gonna try and squeeze MB in as well but I'll let you know. Do you work in the City or West End?

I'm in CW hun, i'll PM you x