Belt Procedure scheduled

Ken, If you send me your e-mail address, I'll send you the appeal. I suggest you get a copy of your benefits and exclusions from your insurance company. It usually takes a while to get it so you'll want to request it early. Connie

I'm really happy for you Ken! Can you explain how a person can lose as much weight as you have and have nice arms??? Forget about the bumcheeks, I can cover those up pretty well...I want to know your secret about your arms, my friend! Also, care to share what the quote is for your belt lipectomy (cost without insurance)? And I love this battle of the wits between you and Dina! What great fun!! Maureen

The Dr. charges 5K and then there is a two night stay at the hospital plus the operating room. My bet is we are looking at 15K total here. However, as I said I think the hospital and OR will get covered because of the hernia. How do I have nice arms? Well I think a lot has to due with gender. Plus I lift a lot so I think I have gained enough muscle to cover what skin issues I had there. What I didn't share about was my breasts. And yes, that is what they are. My Dr. seems to think that if I continue to work out that I will have less excess skin there and that surgery isn't needed. He said the surgery isn't that great and it wouldn't make me feel anymore comfortable with my shirt off due to scars. So, I continue to pump the iron and hope that he is correct.

Congrats on the procedure...but congrats even more about having your buttocks look fabulous...and I'm sure there are plenty of WOMEN who agree with your doctor! Joanie

Well, thank you. All that running is paying some dividends other then helping health wise. And yes, other women must like them. The other night I was working our State Fair. It was quite hot and humid, so walking around the fairgrounds in a poly shirt and body armor can work up a good sweat. The other deputy and I decided to hit backstage knowing that they have ice cold bottled water at all times. Also, one of the few benefits of wearing a badge is that it becomes an all access pass. Anyway, as we were passing through the crowd I got my bum pitched. I turned to see a 30 something women with a big grin. She had quite a bit to drink, so I let it go and pointed her out to crowd control to keep an eye on her.

Ken, Congrats!! You are too funny. The mental image is priceless. December seems like a long time to wait, but you have gained so much in such a short time I am sure you don't mind the wait at this point. That's right around my birthday, so your surgery is my present. Go Figure!! We will be there rooten for you all the way when the time comes you no that Right!! Marilyn, the Bearlady

We only have one Dr. in my area that is suggested by those in the know. I have a couple Dr's in my family, and my Dr. is known not only for his great work, but he is known for his care and safety. The earliest I could have gotten in was November anyway. I'm waiting because of several reasons. First and foremost is that I have season football tickets for the University that I played for, and I don't miss many games. Second, my work load slows in December. And last, as my wife is a teacher, she gets out of school for Christmas break, so she can be around to help me out.

Hey Ken; I wish you luck in your dealings with the insurance paper pushers. I know for sure that my insurance will not cover my proceedure. I just don't flap in the breeze enough to satisfy them. I'm going to wait until next year so that I can build up some more sick time on my job. I've noticed that some of my loose skin has tightened up considerably as a result of exercise. I'm hoping that I can get away with just a TT and not need other proceedures. I'd love to lose the "Man Boobs", but I don't know if the cure is worse than the affliction. I have noticed that upper body workouts plus kayaking seem to be shrinking them somewhat, so maybe there's hope!! As for the "Buttock Question"...... I'm going to steer a wide path around that one pal!!!!!! Just one piece of advice.......Beware of who you turn your back on!!!!!! LOL Mike

Thanks Mike. I really have no true expectations from the insurance company, so I'm not sure what will happen. Like I said, due to the hernia I will be in having surgery again. If I have to flex out the fee for the PS, I'll do that. Make no mistake about it, working out does help a ton. My PS made it very clear to me that my running and lifting have allowed problem areas for most not to be problem areas for me. I do abs too, but unlike the butt, arms and legs, there is only so much muscle that can be added there to fill the void. Plus, I had to back off some ab stuff because of the hernia. And as far as the butt comment goes, I have no problems with you staying away from that one. One guy making a comment is enough for me.