Plastic Surgery

Watching TLC's my 600 lb Life, it got me thinking...is the excess skin surgery covered in Alberta. I remember at my second appointment in Red Deer that Dr. Farries powerpoint dvd mentioned something about it and that it isn't done in Red Deer.  But can it be done elsewhere and covered in the province? I keep hearing different stories from my friends. I hear that the "panni" (stomach pouch) is covered but nothing else.  I have also heard that none of the skin surgeries are covered.  Has anyone had any of these surgeries and willing to tell their story?

The Panniculectomy is covered by AHC and nothing else, the stipulation for this surgery is that it has to be done in an approved hospital and you must spend at least one night in the hospital.  I can't answer your question about having it done outside of the province because I had mine done in Edmonton. 

I'm 6 months out from the fleur-de-lys abdominoplasty, I had to do this type of surgery because I had excess skin above the belly button, I also had muscle repair, lipo and a monsplasty.  I have no regrets except that I didn't do my excess skin on my thighs at the same time.  I have issues finding clothes because I have a tiny waist and larger thighs with all my extra skin.  I recommend anyone that needs to have a panniculectomy or the fleur-de-lys abdominoplasty that you think about your excess skin on your thighs before your surgery because after it they will look huge compared to the rest of your body. 

Needless to say, my thighs are next on my list!

Jill

Hey Jill.

Would you mind sending me a private message and telling me more about what the fleur de lis procedure is like and the monsplasty?  I will need some work done in these areas.  

Thanks for the advice about the inner thighs.

And then I'll have to think about the breasts...which reside in the area of my bellybutton..ahhha!

Hi Jill. Thanks for the info.  Sorry I completely worded my question incorrectly.  I meant can I have the surgery anywhere in the Province even though I live in Red Deer?  To have the "panni" covered do you get a referral from your bariatric surgeon so that it is covered?

Thanks for much for telling me about the fleur-de-lys abdominoplasty.

Our clinic nurse refers us to the surgeon who sees clinic patients.

I'm sure your nurse and doctor can and will refer you for plastics when you are in your maintenance phase! (or close to it!)

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post other websites here but I found this one to be of a great help when I started looking into plastics:

http://messageboards.makemeheal.com/tummy-tuck/

There are lots of before and after pictures and the people there are more than willing to answer any questions you may have about different procedures.

excellent, thank you!

Alberta Health will cover any licensed Plastic surgeon in Alberta. It doesn't matter where you live as long as it is in Alberta. I was just referred to see Dr Toy in Edmonton and was told that it's about a 8-10 week wait time to hear back with an appointment date after the referral is sent.
Like Jill said the panni is covered but if you need upper tummy work then you will need to cover the cost. I've been told by the clinic and other OH member that have seen Dr Toy recently that he will see you then shortly there after you will receive a quote in the mail for pricing and then you can make a payment plan and pay for the work in advance. Once payed he will book your surgery.
I want to have some extra work done but it scares me and excites me all at the same time. It's a hugh set but I know it'll be such an awesome ending to my journey.

Kee.

Thanks everyone for the information regarding plastic surgery after bariatric surgery.  I am far away from plastics since I have only just started this journey but someday it might come up. :)