CALLING ALL TTers...

Good morning, friends. Can we get a tally of where we're at in terms of pursing plastic surgery at this point? 1. Who has had it already, what were your results, are you happy with the outcome, did your insurance cover it and what is your insurance? 2. Has anyone had to fight their insurance to get coverage? 3. Who has pending consultations with a PS and when? 4. Who has a date for surgery? 5. What are you planning to have done? I'll start. My consult is April 25th; my insurance is BC/BS Anthem and I've been forwarned by the secretary at the PS's office that it will be difficult to get coverage, even though I have recommendations from 3 doctors stating medical necessity and I have graphic photographs of chronic rashes. I think, like Connie, I'm in a situation where the PS doesn't need the hassle, he's got plenty of business from people who can just pay out of pocket. His assistant was very abrupt with me, if not down right rude. Still, I'm prepared to fight this. WATCH ME. I definitely need the TT but am hopeful for a full body lift. Don't know if that will take care of my thighs which are hideous. Definitely want the Girls done and my arms. On another note, thanks so much for everyone's imput about my "tough weekend" post. I can't say it enough; when I find myself floating out in the middle of the sea with no boat in sight, you throw me a life line and I'm saved once again from drowning. As concerned as I am for everyone struggling with this, I know in my heart that we can't fix what we don't own. Let's try to stay aware of how we're doing, how we're behaving and relating to food. Let's stay committed to controlling food, not the other way around. None of us wants to live that other life again. Never, ever again. I'm here for you. Lots of love, Reenie Interested to hear where everyone else is at with this.

I am having my arms done on June 20th. It's self pay though. My TT and thighs will be later. I have BC/BS and they also told me it's difficult to get anything covered but all that they will even consider is the TT. I still have about 23 pounds to lose but the PS is willing to do my arms now because I'm not top heavy. I carry most of my weight in my legs and belly. My arms are nasty. My belly isn't bothering me so much yet but my thighs are also nasty as heck. I can't wear shorts that are more than a couple of inches above the knee because they just look terrible!

I have BCBS and I am in the documentation stage. I am taking pictures and my doctor is documenting. I have no idea how long this will take. My arms and thighs need it as well. I feel like I look like an elephant with the extra skin. I have to sleep with an extra pillow at night to be comfortable and I am very self-conscious of my wrinkles.

Reenie, I am having the lower body lift may 3rd. My insurance is covering the tummy tuck and I am paying $2400 for the rest to get done. I had no problems getting the insurance to cover the front, but my plastic surgeon also said there is no medical necessity for the back. I am getting very excited. I went to the support group meeting today, where the plastic surgeon was speaking. It was very informative, and I am more excited now than I was before. Good luck with your consult. Nick

Hi Reenie I am just a lurker on this board but been here since months before my wls surgery.I had a tt, butt lift,thigh lift and hernia repair on March 9 a day before my 1year anniversary.I have to say it has been the best thing besides wls surgery I have ever done for myself the outcome is unbelievable alot of pain was involved with me because of the amount of surgery I had all at once but even 5 weeks later I can say I would do it again in a heartbeat!Good luck with your surgery and all about to have it done. Lisa

Reenie, I got back from my travels yesterday to find a denial letter from my insurance company. Yippee. I'll start the appeal process now. It took me a year and going all the way to the state insurance board to get the wls approved so I'm no stranger to the insurance fight. I know that there will be lots that I will have to pay for out of pocket so I'm trying to get everything that I can covered by insurance. Connie

Connie, this sucks! I just can't believe the insurance industry -- we can get coverage for Viagra but not for this. I can't believe you were denied with all the documentation and support for medical necessity that you had - what is your insurance company if you don't mind sharing? What's your next step and how long do you think it's going to take to fight this battle? Good luck, sweetie, I am thinking good thoughts for a speedy positive resolution for you. Reenie

I went to see my PS back on Feb. 14, 2005. I never heard anything back from them until March 28, 2005. I was getting so restless with the situation that I was about to give up. Just thinking it was the wrong time to do this. My husband, Bid D, has been really sick and will be going in the hospital so I was just going to wait. Then, all of the sudden I got a call that told me I was approved. I haven't got my letter from the insurance company yet. But I am going in to set my date within the next couple of weeks. I was approved for a TT and BL. I am happy beyond reason. Shannon The Irish Lassie 266/145/140