Hey everyone! Long time no see....

Hey guys, I hope everyone is doing well. I saw the post about Holly and will be sending positive energy her way. I am definitely going to look up information about that disorder. Where is Jillian's where ya'll are going Saturday night? I sure would like to see all ya'll! I'm trying to decide which insurance to go with during this year's enrollment. Anyone have opinions about which of these three might be most likely to pay for plastic surgery? BCBS POS, Aetna and Kaiser. I have BCBS POS now and they didn't give me much grief about the WLS, but I think they're pretty rough with the ps. Thanks guys! Kelle

Yeah I think so.......... My BCBS stated on my approval letter for surgery that it needed to be understood that they would NOT pay for any ps....so...time to switch again...lol

Hi Kelle, Glad to see you post again. From my experience with insurance companies, Aetna does pay for the panniculectomy as long as it covers the pubic area and you have some follow up documentation from your doctor. I had Cigna and UHC and they paid for my panniculectomy and now are paying for my breast lift as well as a thigh lift. It also depends on who the employer is and if there is a rider to not covering any Plastics related to wls. Out of hte three, I would go with Aetna. May I ask who your employer is? Feel free to shoot me an email and I will try and help you if I can. Take care and again, its good to see you post. Crece Hare

Hi Crece! Thanks for your help....I actually work for Bellsouth long distance. I need to ask about a rider excluding ps. I want to stay with BCBS if possible because they have $15 copay for all services, including mental health (therapy) visits. Aetna charges $60 per session for therapy. I've come a long, long way toward identifying the issues I have that led to my weight problem in the first place, and I don't want to have to struggle to pay for continuing treatment. Kelle

Kelle, While I completely understand the significance of staying with the same insurance due to copays and out of pockets expenses. I know first hand how expensive healthcare alone can be. My whole wls journey cost me and the insurance companies nearly 1.7 million, due to all of the complications that arose from it. There's is a bill thats been introduced to congress that is pending approval for those who have been medically found approved for wls that as long as they meet their own insurance companies requirements that they should pay for some plastic surgeries caused by the approved procedure. My current insurance is NOW with BCBS and they have approved some plastic surgeries that I am personally aware of. My suggestion to you, now knowing, where your mindset is with staying with BCBS that you indeed find out if there is an exclusion for plastic surgery. If at all posssible, do you have a copy of your SPD? This is a break down of all covered and non-covered procedures that Bellsouth has agreed to cover and not cover. You can check with your Human Resources and get a copy of it. If you would like I will help you with the understanding of it. I will also be willing to discuss this, if, you would like. I am glad to help... Crece

man long time ...So how much have you lost ??? i am dying to know ....... Laura

Hey you! I've lost about 260. I'm sitting at about 225 right now, and it's become almost impossible to loose any more. I can't complain though and feel that if I could get some plastic surgery done, I'd be content with this weight the rest of my life. Kelle

WOW that is wonderful ...I wish i could go on Saturday and see ya ....One of these get together i will be there and so will you ...I am dying to see you and how good you look ....So how is the love life going? or is there one yet? Laura

Hey Kelle, It's nice to see you around. I've been approved by BCBS HMO for an abdominoplasty and a hernia repair, they answered very quickly. I think however each BCBS plan is so different. I've yet to get a date or anything scheduled as I'm going for another opinion, but coverage was pretty easy with them. Have you submitted at all with the coverage you have? What are their exclusion about PS? Make sure who ever you go to the write it as reconstructive. Good luck! I wish I was coming to Atlanta to see you guys, maybe soon! Amy

I have BCBS POS and they covered my tummy tuck 100%. My doctor was Bernadette Wang-Ashraf - SHE IS WONDERFUL!! As is her office staff!! Here is her web site. http://www.artisanplasticsurgery.com/ I had lost from 420 down to 250 (after having a baby) and because my extra skin 'hung' so low it was approved quickly and I had surgery within 2 weeks of the approval. Good luck, Emily