Time to consider Plastics

Hi Eveybody, I guess the time has come to start thinking about doing something about this skin.  At first, I told myself I wasn't going to worry about it because I am so happy to have lost the weight.  The skin serves as a reminder of where I came from.  I am beginning to re-think the whole thing as I see how much sagging is going on.  The arms and breasts are the worst, with the upper thighs and belly skin follwing a close second.  When I was heavy, I had alot of skin problems in those areas, i.e. skin tears, boils, and a history of hydradenitis superativa, a chronic infection of the apocrine sweat glands.  There is alot of scarring from all of this and the old scars often become irritated and inflamed or infected.  Fortunately, most of those scars are in the areas that have become loose and saggy, and can be removed by plastic surgery.  I know I should wait until I have reached my goal weight and see how things look then, but if how it looks now is any indication, it's going to be a bigger problem than I anticipated. My issue is this:  I started receiving social security disability and medicaid in November 2005, with evaluations every year because they believed my condition would improve and I could go back to work.  Last year of course, I was still considered disabled but this year when they evaluate my health, I know they will find me able to be gainfully employed again.  I will lose the benefits, which isn't a problem, but losing the medical coverage will hurt.  If I am going to have plastics to get rid of the skin infections, I need to get it moving ASAP. What do I need to do to get things rolling, and is there even a plastic surgeon that takes medicaid?  Because of the constant irritations, the plastic surgery is most likely considered medicaly necessary which is a requirement before medicaid will cover procedures.   Can someone tell me about their experience with PS and medicaid?  I sure can't afford to self-pay. KathyG

Kathy,     Unfortunately I'm not far out enough to consider my plastics, but I did go to a seminar about them through the St Francis Bariatric group.  Dr. Danyo who you can usually find on the DE homepage as a featured PS gave the speech along with his associate (I'm sorry I can't remember her name).  I suggest you could call them and get some information which is absolutely free.  Of course not knowing where you live in DE not sure if they would be your best pursuit, but it's a starting point.  I know that they specialize in PS for patients who have lost weight through surgery, and they came in with alot of information and question and answer period after each procedure.  They didn't sugar coat it either, which I liked.  I like to hear exactly what will happen, what to expect etc.  So maybe they can help or at least point you in the right direction. Good luck!!

Kathy, Your best bet is to call and ask the Dr's office if they take it. Dr.Swire in Lewis did work on my husband and is very good. I had a tummy tuck with Chris Saunders before I had WLS. As far as I am concerned he is the best but he is near Chistiana Hospital. Make your calls real soon. See you lighter. Joanne

Kathy, sounds like your would definitely qualify for medically necessary plastics.  I'm sure your doctors have documentation in your file.  Call Dr. Jonathan Saunders.  He is wonderful.  I'm schedled for a breast reduction and stomach skin removal Nov. 12th.  I've seen his work with my best friend.  Call them and see if they accept Medicaid.  I had to appeal my insurance's decision (Aetna), but my doctors wrote more letters and I received my approval last Saturday.  I could not afford to have it done on my own. Call Jonathan Saunders and see if they accept Medicaid.  Good luck to you. Diane Savage