panniculectomy

 My surgeon has given me a referral to a plastic surgeon to see about panni removal. It's not imminent of course because of the long waiting list and I still need to lose more weight but I'm down more than 100 in just over a year (half prior to surgery and half since).
I'm wondering if anyone else is doing this or has done this and if they have any thoughts on the surgery itself, whether and how it might be paid for by BC Medical, etc. My doc says he believes it is covered but I'm wondering if that's only if you have horrible problems with it. I hate it and so far I have had some rashes but, what with it being winter, they have not been too bad. I do worry about the coming summer months of course when I do often have such rashes and I expect them to be much worse now with so much overhang.
Anyhow, hoping some of you out there have some experiences/information you can share with me.
Cheers,
Lynn

I believe that it is covered, but it may have to meet certain requirements to qualify (like rashes, skin infections).  There is a woman in our support group here that had hers removed just before Christmas and it was covered.  I am hoping to have mine done once I get to goal and keep it off for awhile.

Congrats on loosing 100lbs, that is fabulous!!!!!

A friend of mine had surgery recently she is over 3 yrs post
op rny. She saw Dr. Guichon in Surrey. She had a lower body lift-tummy tuck. It tightens the ab muscles, lifts the bum
and lower thighs and smooths your back. The incision goes
from one side of waist to the other. It cost her $8000 + tax. and private hospital fees of $2660 at Eagle Ridge Hospital.
total is aprox. $11 600. She said there are alot of doctors
but there are few surgeons that specialize in surgery for
patients with major weight loss. I know it is more work than
a panni removal, but I hope that info helps a bit.
Rhonda

 Thanks for the info. I've been referred to Dr. Reid, one of the plastics guys who works with Nguyen, Sampath. Right now it's very prelim of course as I'm only six months out and still have a good 80 more pounds to lose but I guess since the wait for surgery is so long, nothing wrong with getting started.
I get some rashes etc. under the belly, always have, and I fear this summer will be even worse. I wish i could afford the proper lift surgery but I know that all I will be able to manage is the panni cut assuming it is covered. Well, maybe one day... guess I should start buying lottery tickets. I feel more like a winner now that I'm down 100+ pounds over the past 13 months!
Lynn

Hi Lynne,

Congratulations for losing over 100 lbs, it must feel great!! I see you have the same surgeon as me, Dr.Nguyen he is fantastic!

I just got the news that my surgery will be April 10th and I am so very excited!

I have actually looked into the tummy tuck, I couldn't find any info on the BC Medical web page so I wrote a letter to Premier Christie Clark. I asked why the "RNY" surgery is covered but not the "after" surgery. I actually received a response back and she referred me to someone who knows the answer.....it can be. The only problem is you have to be pre-approved so you need to get a form and have the surgeon fill it out stating that it is not for cosmetic reasons but rather health reasons. If you like, I can forward the e-mail he sent to me so you know too.

I am hoping that this time next year I too can say I am down 100lbs!

Thanks for the inspiration!

Karen

Yes, I like Dr. Nguyen a lot ... he has been very helpful and always seems ready to answer my questions.
Your surgery day is the day before my birthday so when I am blowing out the candles on my yoghurt that day, I will think of you...lol.
Yes, please do send me whatever info that you have. It's always good to have the most info possible.
If you are getting the RNY, I am sure you will soon be down that 100 lbs. I had the sleeve and am very happy with it. It doesn't seem to have the quick dramatic effects of RnY but it has been working well, I have no health or other problems with it so I am very pleased.
Take care and best of luck in your surgery and the amazing journey that follows it.
Cheers,
Lynn

Hi!

I see a lot of you are interested in the info so I am going to post it here. I have written another letter with a few more questions and am awaiting a reply. Just so you know, the first link doesn't work but the second one does (that is one of my questions!). I have see a few other blogs that say it may be covered soon under MSP in the future (we'll see about that!!) lol

Here ya go! I hope everyone has a great week!

Thank you for your email of May 25, 2011, regarding skin reduction surgery for people who have lost a substantial amount of weight. Your email was forwarded to my office from the Honourable Christy Clark, Premier, and I am pleased to provide a response. The Medical Services Plan (MSP) is governed by the Medicare Protection Act and Regulations.  This legislation stipulates that only those services considered medically necessary may be insured by MSP. The preamble to the Medical Services Commission Payment Schedule indicates that surgery to alleviate significant physical symptoms, or to restore or improve function to any area altered by disease, trauma, or congenital deformity is, normally, a benefit of MSP. You may view the preamble at:  http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/infoprac/physbilling/payschedule/pdf/1.%20preamble.pdf.   Medical procedures which are obtained not to improve or restore function but solely to alter appearance (cosmetic) are not generally eligible for coverage. In order for coverage to be considered, the physician or specialist involved in a patient’s care must submit a written request for payment authorization to Health Insurance BC (HIBC). The request must provide details as to the nature of the condition, including why the procedure is considered medically necessary for the patient. I suggest that you consult with your physician or specialist involved in your care and discuss if surgery is an option to resolve your problems. If your specialist writes to HIBC and provides information that a procedure is medically required; the services would be reviewed and may be considered for coverage on an individual basis. I have attached the application for pre-authorization of payment surgery for alteration of appearance form for your information. This form can also be found on our website at: https://www.health.gov.bc.ca/exforms/practitioner.html#2769.   Your specialist can send the request to: HIBC Provider Programs
PO Box 9480 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria BC  V8W 9E7   I hope you will find this information helpful in clarifying the extent of MSP coverage.  Sincerely,   Tim Woolfrey Director Priority Initiatives

Hi,

 

would you still have that email/form available I would appreciate a copy to ensure my claim is approved.

Thanks,

Candace

Hi...I too have lost over 90 lbs and am extremely interested in the address for BC MSP to cover the panni surgery. Could you send it to me as well?

Thank you,

Jodie

Karen! Good for you contacting her! Could u fed me the email too ? [email protected] ? thx!