Hello to all

I am rapidly approaching 18 moths since my surgery. I have lost a total of 294 lbs. so far. I am trying to get the insurance co. to pay for some surgery on my thighs and around the middle. If anyone has any experience with that please respond. Energy level is through the roof!!!

Wow, James.. I was proud of my little 130 lbs loss.. you are doing so great.. AND I just thought I may have skin issues.. I guess everything depends upon perspective.. anyway.. I see our Jan 04 message board decreasing more and more as we all get closer to our goals and begin to think about other things besides our weight.. do you have the cooperation of your PCP in getting the plastics? A good letter from him/her should help you.. anyway.. congratulations.. and good luck, Jan

Thanks for your reply. We lobbied the insurance co. (Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North Carolina) and were turned down the first time. I got a letter from the gastric surgeon, the plastic surgeon, my PCP and the physical thereapist that I was working with and we turned it all in last week. I didn't have any complications from the bypass, but back in the 80's I had some surgery and the wound was closed with mesh. So we had to do that this time also and I ended up in the hospital for 3 mo. and then 2 mo. in rehab to get my leg strength back. When I got home I could not get out of bed without help. I am now doing all of the house work, shopping, laundry etc. (paying my wife back) for the year I was incapacitated. It has been worth it though. I started out at 650 lbs.. I have such a large amount of tissue on my upper thighs, that when I walk they "bang together" and it causes me to feel like I am losing my balance. The Ins. co.'s answer was " there doesn't appear to be any rash associated with the excess skin" so it doesn't qualify as "medicall necessary". Go figure. Thanks for your help and suggestions. Good night and God Bless. Jim

Most of us end up paying for our own plastic surgery. Most of the people I know who got insurance to pay simply lied about having the rashes. I'm not sure that would work with all insurance companies. Some went so far as to keep calling their doctors for medication for the rash, then trashed it. Personally I'd rather pay than lie. To each his/her own though. I hope you find the right solution for you. I can imagine how bad the hanging skin is since I've lost 195 lbs and have a lot on my tummy too.

Hi Pat, I received a call form the ins co today. They have agreed to pay for the surgery. The basic problem is that I am having trouble walking any distance because the hanging skin and fat is interfering with my ability to walk properly. They finally saw that and agreed that it was something I needed. Thanks for your reply and I hope all is going well for you. Congrats on your loss. I have found that even more important that what you lose is what you gain after having the surgery. I have LOST nearly 300 lbs., but GAINED self-respect, confidence and the ability to do things I have only dreamed of over the last 30 years of my life.

I had Tricare prime approve my tummy tuck within 7 days of paperwork and i feel great, we have paid out of pocket for my arms and thighs and breast...awesome decision

Best of luck for you! I am waiting to see about a tummy tuck!