NOLA anybody travel from out of state?

Hi GP. I have a friend who went there and loved them. She's also thin, but had a double DIEP (I think that is the term) and it worked out great. I know her appointments were all via Skype but when I see her tomorrow I'll try to get some more info. She stayed in a lovely hotel across the street from the hospital for a few days.

Editing with more: Her initial appointments were via Skype, and when she needed tests done she had them done here and results were faxed to NOLA. Her surgery was in two steps, so two trips to New Orleans. Her post-surgery visits are with a provider here, with lots of email communication throughout the process. Again, she LOVED her experience with them. Hope that helps until others chime in.

I'm a NOLA girl and traveled from central NC. Yes 1 hr phone consult followed by sending pictures front, back and side view from neck to upper thighs wearing panties if you wish to move to the next step. Photos and health history you gave during phone call are reviewed and they let you know if you're a candidate. If you want an in person appointment for a consult you can do one but most of us don't. All your questions are answered in the phone consult pretty much and they can see what they have to work with in the photos. If you opt for moving forward after photos reviewed they'll run your insurance and tell you how much you'll owe and if you agree then they go ahead and schedule you. If you opt for in person consult they are typically a couple months out and surgery won't be scheduled to til after the consult and insurance review.

Traveling was not an issue. NOLA has someone that can help with travel arrangements and they have special discounted rates with many area hotels. A minimum of 10 days in NOLA is what you need to plan for for stage 1. 1st day is pre-op (it's a 1/2-3/4 day affair). Day 2 is surgery day. Days 3-5 are hospital. Day 6 is discharge day, day 9 is post-op visit and Day 10 is travel home (if desired). The nurses train you and your caretaker on how to care for the incisions, what to do/not to do, what to watch out for. Most major complications (if they're going to happen) occur in the first week to 10 days. So you're typically still there. Any minor complications are handled via phone /email including photos. A nurse calls you weekly to follow up/check in and you are encouraged to call anytime (even after hours) with any concerns/questions. Stage 2 is around 5-7 days depending on what you're having done. If you're flying, request wheelchair service from the sidewalk on the return flight thru the airline. I found that if you look too well/happy/energetic in the wheelchair at security you're more likely to be searched as it looks suspicious. If they offer you a hand to help you out of the chair take it. And don't wear anything sparkly or with metal accents that could set the metal detector off.

I would not change a thing about choosing to go to NOLA. Best care I've ever received in a hospital (it's how healthcare should be but sadly isn't). Results are phenomenal. I had my first breast MRI since the diagnostic one I had last January yesterday. The tech said, “I just have to ask who did your recon because I've seena lot and I don't see any scars at all on you!" If I ever had a doubt about their work, her question would've taken it all away. Feel free to PM me or ask additional questions you may have here.