Panni and Hernia Repair Tues

Hello everyone. I am a Lurker here but know a few ppl that post. Hi Becky!! I am going for my hernia repair and Panni Tues Morning at 8am. Dr Appel is doing my surgery and I will be at Dekalb Medical Center. Any prayers or thoughts would be appreciated. Also anyone also had this done? Any advice?

Are you a member of Dr. Appel's online support group? Good luck on Tuesday.

Hi Sherry, I joined Dr Appel's yahoo group before my daughter had her GBS in November but the group was so busy I had to go no mail so I haven't been keeping up with them lately.

Hey, my Angel!!! "You are precious in His eyes, and honored, and He loves you!" Isa. 43:4 Same here, Girlfriend! You are on my heart and in my prayers! Love ya' Becky P.S. I started the Triniscon yesterday! Thank you once again!

Thank you Becky! I hope the Trinsicon is much easier on your pouch and raises your iron fast!

I am sorry that I don't have much advice for you, but I do have a question, if you don't mind me asking. Is Insurance covering your Panni? I am sure that they are covering your hernia repair, I have a hernia as well, but I have already been denied once for the Panni. If you are paying out of pocket, would you mind giving me a ballpark figure? Thanks for any help/advice that you can give me, and I will say a prayer for you for a nice flat tummy with a quick recovery! Good Luck, Cathy Martin

Hi Kathy and I never mind questions. Yes my insurance (Tricare) is covering both. Their policy specifically states that post Gastric Bypass they will cover the panni if there is a hernia and there have been skin breakdown or rashes for over a year. Dr Appel took several pictures and submited without any problems and I was approved within 3 days of them sending it in. So sorry I can't tell you what the cost would have been out of pocket. When I get the bill I can let you know. As for advise if you get any rashes be sure to have your Doctor look at it and document where and what treatment. Although I only had to be treated for the rash once I kept using the antifungal/yeast cream and that must have been good enough for the insurance company. Also have you gone to a general surgeon or a Plastic surgeon? When insurance companies see a Plastic surgeon on the submittal they automaticly think of it as elective instead of necessary surgery. And its hard to find a Plastic surgeon to do a hernia repair (not that its unheard of). I was first referred to a plastic surgeon just to find out that they wouldn't do the hernia repair which is the main reason that I want this done. Dr Appel says he only does this for his own Gastric bypass patients but I called and got a referral for the hernia repair and when in his office I brought it up that I wanted the Panni too. Good Luck, Jen

Jen, I just read your profile and got the impression that Dr. Duncan did your by-pass, rather than Dr. Appel. Am I confused? Just wanted to say "good luck", and tell you how much I enjoyed your postings in your profile. Your pictures are great! Be sure to let us know how you come out on your surgery. We'll send up prayers for you, girl. Barb in S. Ga

Hi Barb, Dr Duncan did my Gastric Bypass but he doesn't do the Panni so thats why I am going to Appel for the hernia repair and panni. Thanks for the prayers, Jen

Hope you are still checking your replies. I too am facing hernia repair and panni. I am 3 yrs out RNY laproscopic. How are you doing after surgery? I had gastric bypass and laproscopic hernia repair at the same time but the hernia repair did not keep. Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated!