Plastic Surgery - aka Tummy Tuck and such...

Good morning all! I have a question and I have no idea where to begin. I had my GPS 14.5 months ago. I've lost 197 lbs...and still going. I started out at 396 lbs and now weigh 199 lbs. Happy? You have no idea how happy this makes me! There is one problem...and its getting to be a really big problem. I am reasonably young at 35 and my skin has snapped back somewhat. I'm thinking it should be a lot worse than it is for losing 190 lbs so far. Anyhoo, the loose skin is getting worse and worse, all over my body, but especially in my stomach area, legs and arms. I'm going to need plastic surgery to correct this problem. I just have no idea where to start. I've heard that my insurance (BCBS) covers a tummy tuck, but how do I begin the process? Do I need to go to a plastic surgeon first and have him recommend the surgery or do I request a tummy tuck from the insurance company myself? There is one problem...my family doctor is no longer in business so I cannot get any of my medical records from him, prior to the surgery or even after the surgery. Wow! I always know how to make a short story long! LOL Anyhoo, any and all help would be sooooooooooo much appreciated! All I need is someplace to start. Any suggestions? Thank you, Tammy

Tammy, unfortunately I don't know anything about plastic surgery, but I would suggest calling a plastic surgeon's office and asking them some questions. Maybe they can give you an idea of where to start? CONGRATULATIONS on (almost) making the DOUBLE CENTURY CLUB!! That's a great achievment. It's too bad that losing the weight wasn't your only problem... When will it be enough.I wish you all the best of luck in this process, good luck with the rest of your journey. God Bless, Tiffany.

Hey Tammy, I am so happy for your weight loss. I am not sure about the plastic surgery but I agree that if you find a good doc they can tell you where you will need to start. Or you could call BCBS and ask for the requirements needed to have the surgery and go from there. Wish I could help more. Hugs, Debra =^..^=

I would talk to your PCP. Let him/her document any problems that the excess skin is causing, such as rashes, infections, etc. Once your PCP feels that insurance will warrant the medical necessity, then you get a referral to your plastic surgeon.

Hey Tammy! A couple of gals from Minimees have had surgery or are going through the process right now. They both have the same insurance as you. I can put you in contact with them. Maybe I'll see you outside this afternoon at break and I can give you the info. Hugs, Tonya

Hello Tammy, I don't know much now but this is what I was told from my WLS surgeon when I went on my last visit. I was informed that before approval for Plastic surgery(oh yeah I also have BCBS) that it does need to be medically necessary. I was told that you have to have maintained your goal weight for 6 months with it monitored by your doc. You also need to have documentation of the medical neccesity part. I had them start documenting my burns and rashed under all my folds when I go in. So with 6 months of steady weight and documentaion of rashes and such your good to go... I make sure it's all documented even the creams they prescribe that don't work... FYI NAT