“Gastric bypass surgery has changed my life in many ways, but most importantly for me has been the increase in energy and the freedom to participate in any activities that I want.
Plastic surgery has helped me immensely with my self esteem and has given me the closure I needed of being ashamed and embarrassed with myself. Even after weight lost, I still had unsightly sagging skin and painful skin rashes that affected me in being able to completely be satisfied with myself.
The best part of being a post op is being able to share my experience with others and hopefully give them the motivation and lessen the fear they might have in going through what I did.” ~Jozef K.
"Dr. Katzen explained the procedure completely to me and answered all questions. He took his time with me and I did not feel rushed what so ever. I had surgery on Dec. 9, 2005. He did a lower body lift along with liposuction on thighs. I spent 4 days in the hospital. I had an On-Q pain pump put in at surgery time. This made a major difference in my recover. This pump delivered a constant line of local anesthetic (a pain numbing medication) and delivers it through a small specially-designed tube directly into the surgical incision site. The medication is delivered continuously and slowly for up to five days after surgery. When I checked out of the hospital Dr. Katzen re-filled the pain pump. So I had another 5 days of constant pain control without the narcotic effects of oral pills. I have visited Dr. Katzen every 7 days since surgery. He has been available via phone the entire time. I have found his office to be helpful and informative. Moreover very understanding of the emotions and physical needs post surgical patient." ~Dr. Monica G.
"After loosing 200 lbs. I was left with what felt like multiple layers of hanging skin. Dr Katzen has taken my body and sculpted it into something I thought I would only have in my dreams. He is the most amazing talented surgeon and I recommend him to everyone!" ~Rhonda G.
"I met Dr. Katzen about three years ago when did the first of several procedures for my step-sister. He greeted me very warmly as if he had known me all of his life. At each of the procedures I had contact with Dr. Katzen, and his bedside manner was excellent.
When it was time for me to have my “Tummy Tuck” there was no question in my mind who would be the surgeon for my procedure. Dr. Katzen was very professional through every stage of the process. After my Tummy Tuck last February he spent no less than 30 minutes (in the hospital) with my wife and me, answering all of our questions.
He has surrounded himself with a professional support staff, which is important to me. They cleared the procedure with my insurance company with no problems what so ever.
I would recommend Dr. Katzen to anyone in need of his services." ~Pastor Ken D.
“I am very proud and honored to say that I have been a patient of Dr. Katzen for nearly two years. The dramatic process of extreme weight loss and rediscovery of your body is one that requires a lot of caring and support as well as trust and confidence from the professionals that you choose to help you through this journey. I was very fortunate to have found all of those qualities in Dr. Katzen.
I had a very difficult recovery from my Gastric Bypass (4/29/03) and did not have much desire to subject myself to more medical procedures. However, I am so thankful that I forged ahead and consulted with Dr. Katzen, hoping that the completion of my weight loss journey would be an easy, less painful experience than my bypass.
I can tell you, after three procedures with Dr. Katzen over a six-month period of time, it was not easy, and there was pain, but I always knew I was safe and in the hands of someone who truly cared for me. His skill as a surgeon goes without saying, but it is his ability to make his patients feel at ease and as if they are the only one in the world at that moment, is invaluable. As an obese person, I always felt ugly, guilty and anxious when seeing a doctor. Now, thanks to Dr. Katzen I have a renewed faith in the medical profession.
No one can ever prepare a person for all of the changes that you go through as a bariatric patient, but you can be smart and responsible about the decisions you make. I am fortunate to say that I was and by being so, I have had the opportunity to not only feel comfortable in my own skin, but have made a true friendship with a very special surgeon who has the ability to always make me feel special and beautiful. Thank you Dr. Katzen for everything you have done for me and know that I will faithfully support your vision as long as you are practicing.” ~Katie B.
“So, how do you get to be 393lbs and not play professional football? I also forgot to say that I was a 22 year old woman. I made the decision to have gastric bypass surgery and have not been the same person ever since. After losing 248lbs in a short period of time I found myself with a BIG problem, way too much skin.”
I was referred to this doctor that turned out to be a saint, his name is Dr. Katzen. I have had a number of surgeries and lost over 18 – 20 pounds of skin. You know about 80 quarter pounders. The procedures include; Breast lift with augmentation and implants, Brachioplasty (upper arm lift) and a Circumferential Body Lift. I still have one more procedure left, a Thigh Lift. I would not think of going any where else but to Dr. Katzen.
Why Dr. Katzen? He is an intelligent, patient and caring doctor that makes you feel like you are his only patient in life. He is a tireless professional that you can call in the middle of the night when you are in pain. He never has a bad day when it comes to dealing with patients. He said he would make me a new person and he did. It is nice to turn heads.
Since going though all of this I have made the second most important decision of my life. I got married to the man of my dreams. I told Dr. Katzen that without what he has done for me that I would not have had the confidence to fall in love and open myself up. He gave me that confidence.
I said earlier that I see Dr. Katzen as a saint and you will too after spending time with him." ~Lisa S.
“First of all for anyone who has any doubts about plastic surgery just know that by picking Dr. Katzen is your first correct step. I wish Dr. Katzen was my Dr. for everything. There isn't a nicer Dr. on earth. He has the best bedside manner and your safety is his first priority.
Gastric bypass has changed my life in so many ways. Losing all the weight has improved my overall health ten fold and beyond. It has just made me a happier healthier person.
Plastic surgery has helped me become the person I want to be. I had 11 lbs of skin on my stomach that Dr. Katzen removed in June 2005 and it has really changed my life. I'm not so self conscious any longer and clothes fit so much better. I couldn't be in better hands.” ~Shelley S.
"My name is Cheryl C. I had gastric bypass surgery November 6, 1997. I have lost over 200 pounds. On November 29, 2005 I had two hernias repaired and a tummy tuck preformed by Dr. Katzen. It was the best surgical procudere I have ever had. Dr. Katzen is not only professional, he is the most kind and caring pysician I have ever meet. He went above and beyond his call of duty as a doctor. His bed side manner is wonderful as well as his patient follow up . He called me back late Friday night to awnser some of my questions I had after my surgery. My healing process was fast and almost pain less. My incision looks great. I dont think there is a better or more caring surgeon out there then Dr. Katzen. I would recommend Dr. Katzen to all my family and friends." -Cheryl C.
“I met Dr. Katzen at the first OH seminar in Anaheim. I was only going to have my arms repaired because they upset me the most even though I had more than that which needed to be reconstructed.
Well, I was on the operating table 2 months nearly to the day that we originally met. I have to say what made me switch doctors in midstream and cancel the scheduled surgery with the other doctor was Dr. Katzen himself. He had a very put together presentation that was informative and more so, he was not trying to sell himself in the sense you feel from other doctors. He was offering a service to people who had suffered the ravages of obesity and telling us -look this is what I can do for you. I am not a miracle worker nor am I a "god,"...I am a person who can make you feel good about yourself again or maybe for the first time in your life. He never promised that you would look like a super model. In fact, Dr. Katzen had slides of people who had also been obese in different degrees and ages and showed what the results were. It was dramatic and especially in the sense that they gave realistic expectations.
After his presentation, I spoke with him on the floor of the conference room. Dr. Katzen was personable, knowledgeable and a very kind person.
When I had my initial consultation, I thought I was going to die a million deaths having to take my clothes off, but that was not the case with him. I was not uncomfortable and there was no distain on his face like I had already experienced by other doctors. He explained to me what he could do for me, and I just went for it.
Well, nearly 2 years later and a major body overhaul, I am here to say that Dr. Katzen is an amazing person and surgeon. His skills as a surgeon have by far surpassed my expectations. He is an artist using the human body as the canvas. Another thing about him that has never changed is his demeanor. He cares beyond belief which is not put on nor phony. He makes you feel like you are the one and only.
However beyond that and I must really stress this - Dr. Katzen is one of the most ethical people I have ever met and the integrity he possesses most people cannot hold a candle next to him. Dr. Katzen is a super star in my eyes and I will always be extraordinarily grateful to the man who gave me a gift that I could never put a price tag on. I able to hold my head up high and know how I feel about myself is all because of this gifted man. I have a body by katzen!” ~Janine J.
“Bariatric surgery was the biggest decision I made in my life, I chose weight loss surgery to save my life. Little did I know that was just the beginning. I knew I would need reconstructive surgery but I had no idea the journey ahead. I knew recovery would be difficult, but I would do it a million times over thanks to Dr. Katzen. He gave me the body I’ve wanted since I was 12 years old. His knowledge and sensitivity took away all my fears of reconstructive surgery. Also, he has the most amazing bedside manner of anyone in the world. After every surgery, I awoke to him holding my hand and comforting me saying that I was okay and how surgery was successful. Not only is he an excellent surgeon, he is an excellent human being. He’s kind and sweet, sensitive, good and genuine. Bariatric surgery saved my life, but Dr. Katzen gave me a new life I never thought possible. For this, I am forever grateful to him.” ~Jennifer D.
"My weight loss surgery was at UCLA in February 1997. My highest weight on the day of surgery was 270. Today, 9 years later I weigh 125 lbs. I went from a size 26 to a size 4. Losing weight was the easy part however, just last year Dr. Katzen made me feel young and beautiful again. I had my arms done and a breast reduction. I am 57 years old but I feel like I am a teenager. Having all the hanging fat and skin removed from my arms was like a gift from God. Dr. Katzen and his wonderful team made me feel young and sexy for the first time in my life. Dr. Katzen changed my life and I will be eternally grateful." ~Sandy K.
“I work as a bariatric coordinator for a weight loss surgeon in Phoenix. I underwent my own RNY gastric bypass 6-1-04. My high weight was 285 and within a year was down to 145. I was thrilled with my weight loss, improved health, and basic overall look. I was always getting compliments from friends and family members on how good I looked, but then when I was home, and changing clothes I could see what no one else saw……the excess hanging skin.
During my weight loss process I had always said that I would not get plastic surgery because I would have just been happy to lose the weight. As time went on and more and more weight came off, I found that my original statements just didn’t hold true. I did want to complete the process. I was so proud of what I had accomplished, and I knew that I deserved to have the body that I had always wanted.
Today when people meet me they would never know that I had been morbidly obese, let alone have had plastic surgery. I’m able to wear the kind of clothing that I want to wear, shop where I want to, and I have the confidence in my body that I was looking for.
Thank you to Dr. Katzen for helping me to achieve my desired look. You are the best!” ~Christine S.W.
“I am 19 months post Gastric surgery, 227 lbs. lost. In June 2006, I was researching plastic surgeons. I thought I had made my choice when I attended a seminar by Dr, Katzen. Once I heard his honest, up front talk and met him personally, I knew that my first selection was not the correct one; I decided that Dr. Katzen was the surgeon for me. He seemed to understand the plight of post WLS people.
In August I had the lower body lift and thigh liposuction. Dr. Katzen removed a 25 lb belt of skin and another 11 lbs of fat from each thigh. That was a total of 47 lbs.
I returned to the operating room, with Dr. Katzen for an arm and breast lift. Next year I will return, once again, for a leg lift.
I am so happy with my body contouring results. I am normal. While I was not trying to look like Barbie, I come pretty close. Dr. Katzen is a warm, honest, soft spoken, caring doctor. When I asked questions or expressed concerns, he did not skirt the issue, just told me the plain, simple truth.
Giving your body and in effect trusting your life over to someone else is very scary. I trusted Dr. Katzen completely and I will again.
Thank you Dr. Katzen, for giving me back my self-esteem, a sense of normalcy, and frankly helping me look sexy again.” ~Janet L.
“Dr Katzen did a fantastic job of removing my apron, lumps and the bags on my thighs after I had lost 100 # after gastric bypass surgery. For the first time since I was a young girl I can now tuck in my shirt.
Dr Katzen is wonderful and skilled surgeon. A true delight and joy to work with. I am glad I trusted my body to him to improve my appearance. I would use him again and highly recommend him to others.” ~Kathy T.
“I had gastric bypass surgery by Dr. Fobi in 2002 when I was at a weight of 375 pounds. I functioned daily at my job of more than 20 years always standing and never stationary. Because of health problems I sought out help for my weight with Dr. Fobi. I wanted to live….and live a better quality of life. After having gastric bypass surgery I started losing weight rapidly. In six months I lost 120 pounds. In two years I lost a total of 210 pounds (I shrunk).
Dr. Katzen and I met in February 2005 and at that time we started planning my reconstructive surgery. I had my tummy tuck on May 25, 2006. I now look and feel tight. Dr. Katzen did a great job making me flat and tight. I could not be happier with my results!!! Thanks Doc!!!!” ~John W.
“I had a thigh lift, hernia repair, & lipo of the legs done 2/10/04 by Dr. Katzen. He is an awsome Dr. who takes everything you say to heart & does an incredible job. He has a excellent bedside manner & I felt very comfortable & confindent in everything that he had to say & do. They try very hard to get insurance to cover the cost of the reconstructive surgery for the excess skin removal, which alot of P.S. do not do. I recommend him highly.” ~ Cindi N.
“Dr. Katzen is one of the kindest people you would want to meet. He has an extensive knowledge of the special needs and conditions of bariatric patients. This, combined with his superior surgical skills and kind bedside manner, results in a surgeon of the highest caliber. He has a wonderful team, both in the office and the associated professionals that he uses to complete your care. I have had several procedures done by him and would not hesitate to refer anyone to him.” ~ Sherri C.
“I had gastric bypass surgery 7 years ago in 1999. Dr. Fobi was my gastric bypass surgeon. I have lost a total of 167 pounds and feel good!
I came to Dr. Katzen after meeting him at a support group meeting in Orange County. I was very much impressed with his work, with him as a doctor as well as him personally.
I have the highest respect and regard for Dr. Katzen and his work. His work and results are fantastic. I am so pleased with my results from the surgeries Dr. Katzen preformed on me.
I think that more important to me than the surgeries themselves was the kindness, attentiveness and the caring shown for me as a patient by Dr. Katzen. He makes you feel wonderful, like you are the most important person in the world and his office. I could not be more pleased with my results and the way I was treated by Dr. Katzen and his staff.” ~Brown C.
“Life is a journey that most of all take for granted until a life-altering experience comes into our lives. I had to make a choice and have bariatric surgery on my 40th birthday in 2004, not only for my health - I wanted the next half of my life to be a better one. Although gastric bypass was not an easy decision or road to take, losing 240 pounds isn't a journey to take lightly (sorry the pun).
With the help of Dr. Katzen, the step to have the circumfrential body lift in July 2006 was something I had to do to make me more complete as a person. There has been a few bumps in the road since my body lift, but I've come to the conclusion that it has changed my life for the better. I have a few more steps to take on the surgery highway and the road of life, and I've learned that in life's journey, the decision begins with me but with Dr. Katzen on your side - his higher standards & expertise will make this journey a better one. So ... thank you so, so much in making my dreams come true and believing in me. I owe you my life!” ~Mike S.
“After losing 120 lbs. following gastric bypass surgery in April 2005, I was left with a lot of excess skin especially on my thighs. This left me feeling self conscience and I knew I wanted thigh surgery. I began researching plastic surgeons that specialize in formerly obese patients in order to get the best results possible. I was no stranger to plastic surgery as I have had previous surgeries by another surgeon but did not feel his support of my decision to have my thighs lifted. He felt the scar was not worth the end result. But I knew that I still wanted the thigh surgery as I felt nothing, even scars, would look as bad as my thighs looked.
After a lot of research, especially on Obesity Help’s website, I found Dr. Katzen. I immediately made an appointment for a thigh lift consult and during my consult with Dr. Katzen, I knew I had found the perfect surgeon for my thigh lift surgery. He was extremely knowledgeable, kind, compassionate and he spent a lot of time answering my questions and concerns.
One of my concerns was of scars as I had a very red and ropey scar on my arm from a previous arm lift surgery. Dr. Katzen put my mind to ease and even offered to revise the scar during the thigh lift surgery. Wow, I was impressed! I was also impressed with his office staff as they were also very kind and knowledgeable.
Dr. Katzen performed my medial thigh lift surgery on 10/26/06 and he also revised the previous scar on my arm. Dr. Katzen is indeed an excellent and skilled surgeon! The scars on my thighs look great, not red and ropey, and the revision of my previous arm scar looks awesome.
Dr. Katzen is definitely an artist and expert in his field of practice. I now can’t wait for summer next year so I can wear shorts and swimsuits again without feeling so miserably self conscience. I have so much gratitude to Dr. Katzen and feel so fortunate to have had him as my surgeon. I highly recommend Dr. Katzen to anyone considering plastic surgery. He is the BEST!” ~Sheila M.
“Dr. Katzen is one of the most amazing plastic surgeons I have come to know in my journey for my body transformation. Dr. Katzen and his staff are a wonderful team of very professional, kind, attentive and caring individuals. I highly respect Dr. Katzen as a person and as an exception surgeon.
I had gastric bypass surgery in December 2003 and lost 90 lbs. I had a lot of excess skin and the issues that result from it. I consulted a couple of plastic surgeons before meeting with Dr. Katzen. From the moment I met Dr. Katzen, I knew he was the plastic surgeon that I wanted to help me continue my journey to reshape my body after my dramatic weight loss.
He is one of the kindest people you will ever meet and he makes you feel that you and your health and safety, are the most important thing to him. He has an excellent bedside manner and exceptional surgical skills. I feel his results are amazing. You can tell that he is proud of his work and enjoys giving his patients the desired results we deserve after our weight loss success. His appointments are never rushed and you have his full attention at each meeting. He gladly answers all questions and makes you feel like his most important patient.
I had a circumferential body lift and medial thigh lift 11/29/06, and am very pleased with the results. A total of 28 lbs. was removed.
My results are more amazing than I could have imagined. I am planning on more surgery with Dr. Katzen to continue my transformation.
Thank you Dr. Katzen for believing in me and making my dream of a skinny me come true.” ~ Vickie W.
“I have been well aware of Dr.Katzen's skills for quite some time because he had done my husbands plastics, and when it became time for me to have plastic surgery he was of course at the top of my wish list of surgeons.
When I had my initial consultation, I was sweating I was so nervous and Dr. Katzen made me feel at ease, I like knowing that he has worked with so many other bariatric patients so that I know that he has seen many people with the same issues. Initially, the insurance company wanted additional information and Dr. Katzen got on the phone and personally got my approval, so I packed up and went all the way from Ohio to California.
When I got to Dr. Katzen’s office for my pre-op visit, I was again a bundle of nerves and as soon as he walked in the door, I jumped up and asked him for a hug because I was nervous and he took the time to reassure me that everything would be ok, he was not worried that he had other patients waiting, he took the time to devote to me and make sure all my questions were answered.
The next day was surgery and he marked me before surgery and showed me exactly what we were going to remove, we again addressed any questions and fears I had and then they made me comfortable and put me to sleep, I remember nothing until I was in my room. Dr. Katzen uses the best hospitals and the staff was great. I had my ON-Q pump, so I felt nothing from the tummy tuck, I did feel some pain from my hernia repair, however I hear that this is normal and that pain went away after a few days. I was up and walking around in a few days and my recovery has been a breeze.
Dr. Katzen shared with me before pictures and I was so stunned at what he was able to do with my body, it is totally different, I am so happy, I never dreamed that the results could be this good. Dr. Katzen has given me more than I could ever have hoped for. He is so skilled and removed 22 pounds just from my belly. I will never be a Barbie doll, but when I look in the mirror, the absence of skin on my belly, and the hourglass shape he as given me takes my breath away. I told him THANK YOU; however those tiny words do not seem big enough to account for the change that he as made in my life.” ~Cheryl M.
“I was first introduced to Dr. Timothy Katzen at a support group meeting for Chapman Center for Obesity. He spoke about the possible need or desire for plastic surgery after weight loss. At that time, I was just beginning my journey, but after a loss of 100 pounds, I felt like it was necessary for me to go forward and have excess skin removed.
From the first consultation meeting at Dr. Katzen’s office, I was very at ease and Dr. Katzen explained and answered all my questions. He made me feel very comfortable in such an awkward (to me anyways) situation. I proceeded with three surgeries. I had a neck lift, tummy tuck, torso and an arm lift. It was a journey, with all 3 surgeries, but a road well taken.
Without the encouragement of Dr. Katzen and his great personality, and his office staff, I could not have done this. Also without my family and friends support, it would not have been possible. I am so thankful and blessed to have been able to be taken care of by such a great doctor and staff.
Thank you so much for your care and concerns, and making me feel great about myself.” ~ Tena M.
Two years ago I had gastric bypass and lost over 170 lbs. It gave me back my health but I still felt self-conscious and that my total journey was incomplete because I had so much excess skin on my abdomen, legs, arms and chest. I knew I was going to have to undergo major plastic surgery and as soon as I met Dr. Katzen I knew I had found my surgeon. I instantly trusted him; he was kind, straightforward and answered every one of my questions. Dr. Katzen's staff is also fabulous. I do not live in California and traveled from out of state to have my surgeries. Everyone in his office was extremely helpful and patient in answering all of my annoying requests and questions.
As far as the results, I had an abdominaplasty, brachioplasty, thigh lift and breast lift/augmentation in October of 2006 and couldn't be happier. I think the pictures speak for themselves.I still can't believe this body is mine and keep pinching myself every time I look in the mirror. I am truly grateful.THANKS for everything! ~Jennifer L.
xxx xxx xxx
My experience with Dr. Katzen has been an extremely positive one. He performed breast reconstruction surgery on me because of prior.breast cancer surgery, I had a ruptured implant and pain on the other side (from another doctor). Dr.Katzen replaced both implants so evenly they are 100% better and look prefect. You need that for your self confidence. I can't thank him enough for making me whole again. Also everyone on his staff has gone out of their way to fulfill my request and needs. I am sincerely grateful. ~Louise A.
xxx xxx xxx
My experience with Dr. Katzen was excellent. I had a tummy tuck with Dr. Katzen and it really changed my life. I went through months of rashes and skin breakouts. Now my stomach is flat; I look more pleasant and attractive in clothes. Dr. Katzen is a very educated surgeon and is always caring for patients’ needs. ~Marcella G.