RE: ? ABOUT PLASTICS

Hello Everyone: I was just wondering this and since some of you has had plastic surgery, I would like to know if your PCP recommended you to the PS. My lower back is starting to hurt some and I was wondering if it was hurting due to the excess skin around my middle. I have Atena HMO and probably will need a referral. I also wonder how they know you might have a herina if you have excess skin around the middle. I need to have this taken care of by the insurance and was wondering if the insurance will approve it with back aches, etc. Thanks for your information and I hope all of you are all doing well. Mary

Hi Mary. I had a tummy tuck, arm lift and breast lift 3 months ago. I have Aetna and they wouldn't pay for any of it. You need to go to their web page and read what they require. I think for the tummy tuck or panni you have to have skin hanging down below your pubis area and you have to have documentation of rashes. I didn't meet their requirements so I had to self pay. I highly recommend Dr. Ashraf for plastic surgery. She does wonderful work and is so caring. Her web site is www.artisanplasticsurgery.com. She works with a lot of WLS patients. I hope this information helps. If you have any questions regarding plastics I will be glad to try to help. Take care.

Hey Bonnie how much was it for you to have your arms done? i really really need mine done, i also need panni done, i am hoping insurance will help pay for that one. my stomach looks horrible! i have many different rolls.. that looks ugly! i have heard alot of good things about that surgeon you have used. Love Tammy

Tammy, I noticed that you had your surgery in December 2005...please check with your WLS surgeon about how far you should be out before having plastic surgery. I just happened to mention to the nurse in WLS my surgeon's office in June that I was considering having some plastic surgery done later on that month, and my surgeon said...'NO, NO, NO...you need to be out at least 18 months before having plastic done!!!' So, like a good lil patient, I am waiting. Mind you, I was only 20 pounds from my goal...but guess what...he was right...now that I am taking B-12, I have started losing weight again!!! I have lost another 3 pounds in the last 1.5 months, and I am still shrinking in my pants!!! I know that you cant wait to get started on plastics, but please be careful...OKAY?!?!?! Norma

Hi Mary If you can come to the Fort Lauderdale OH Conference you will have a chance to hear my plastic surgeon talk about how to choose a plastic surgeon. It is very important. During Q & A you can ask him all sorts of questions. He will also be talking on body contouring for WLS patietns. Dr. Bernard Shuster is listed on the OH listing of PS. He is fantastic. Try to come to the event. You will learn a lot and it will be great fun. Paula