February 4, 2002

Dear Dr. Fodero:

As you can see by the date of this letter, it has been almost two months since my breast reduction. Not only do I look great but I feel great. As you know, over the last eighteen months I lost a total of seventy-six pounds through proper eating and a daily exercise regimen. However, my body image was not at the place where I wanted it to be. My weight loss caused my breasts to become quite pendulous, and at 32 years old, it was not the preferred look.

I first met with you over a year ago for a breast consultation and you advised me to keep losing weight and then we would discuss a breast reduction. When I told people that a plastic surgeon wanted to delay surgery until I was at a better place, they were amazed. The fact that you are the type of doctor who truly thinks of what is best for his patient is astounding. Then when I came to you in April to again discuss a breast reduction, you told me that it was clear to you that I had done everything possible to improve my body, and now it was time for the surgery. You assured me that it was the right choice and that the timing was perfect. Again, this was just another example of the type of doctor you are and how you care about your patients.

Your genuine caring and concern is reflected not only in your demeanor, but the tone that you have set with your office staff. Dee guided me through every step of the financial aspect and assured me that everything would work out. The day that my insurance approval came through she called me at work and she shared my excitement for being that much closer to reaching my goal. Jasmine was and is always willing to work with me in order to deal with my various scheduling issues. Then there is Lynn. I cannot say enough about her. She was there with me every step of the way. As my surgery date approached and I became more afraid, she embraced my apprehension and assured me I was in great hands. She calmed, understood me, validated my choice for surgery and, above all, listened to me. The day of my surgery she came to see me before I was taken down to the operating room. She held my hand as I was being wheeled down the hall toward the operating room and told me everything would be alright and to rest easy. She was there for me at my worst moments and she shared my tears of happiness the day my bandages came off.

My pain and discomfort were minimal, my recovery was smooth, with the exception of a few little incidents, my body was transformed through your hands and I am proud to say that today when I look in the mirror, I truly love what I see. My new beautifully sculpted breasts will be with me for the rest of my life, and for this, you have my thanks and my everlasting gratitude, but what will stay with my even longer, is how my doctor and his amazing staff helped me reach my goal and how you, Lynn, Dee and Jasmine share the triumph with me. For this, all of you will always have a special place in my heart. Doctor Fodero, not only are you a phenomenal surgeon, but you are an incredible man.

Thank you again,

T.L.