Plastics Consult today

I just wanted to let you all know that I am looking into plastic surgery. I am 20 lbs from my goal weight. I saw the plastic surgeon today. We are retired military so I am going through our military hospital for the surgery. I initially thought I would have to fight for what I want done. Typically Tricare will only pay for a panniculectomy (tummy tuck). But my doc wants to do a lower body lift on me. He feels very strongly that this is what is needed. They will do a circumferential (sp) panniculectomy and hopefully have it paid for by Tricare. They want to cut all the way around my waist, doing the tummy tuck, lipo the outer thighs/hips and under my buttocks and then pull up and cut away the excess skin. I don't know if that will happen for sure but we are going to try. I am so excited. They want me to keep working for the next 3-4 months to lose to my goal (21 lbs to go!). I am to see them again in April/May to discuss schedules and insurance. I will have two docs working on me to keep the time in the OR down. I can't believe they are going to try this for me. I sure hope that it will be paid for, or at the very least, mostly paid for. I have a call into the case manager to talk about getting approval from Tricare and finding out what costs there will be if any. I hope she calls back soon. I want to know so that I can plan for this. I really hope this happens. I am two sizes bigger in my hips than my waist. This make it really hard to find clothes that fit and don't have to be altered. I am currently altering all of my pants because the waist is 4-6 inches too big if they fit through the thighs/hips. I also told the doctors that the loose skin in my legs and buttocks is really uncomfortable when I am running/walking/biking or other exercises. When I do the abs class and we do planks on our side, the blob of skin hanging is so embarrassing and gets painful. I don't get rashes but it also hasn't been warm yet so I don't sweat a lot. Thanks for letting me share. I'll keep you posted if this is going to work out. Hugs, Robin

Hi Robin, I will keep my fingers crossed that TriCare comes through for you. Gee...I think I might need to learn a new language to keep up with the plastic surgery terms. Congrats...and good luck, Dave

HI Dave. The termonology takes some practice. I'll take all of the crossed fingers/prayers/good wishes I can get for this one. Have a great weekend. Robin

Hi Robin I am keeping my fingers crossed for you. Hopefully it will work out and they will cover it. I understand the uncomfortable part. My inner thighs are really showing the loose skin. allthought no one else can see it I can and it doesnt make you feel to good to see it hanging. well hope you have agreat weekend and see you soon Kelly

Thanks Kelly. I'll miss y'all this weekend. But I will be busy and having fun with my girls. Enjoy your weekend. Robin

Hi Robin, I will be praying that Tricare covers all of it for you.... I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. hugs, Cira

Hi Robin!!! Wow! That's awesome and I will keep you in my prayers that Tricare come through. You have done an amazing job in less than a year and you look amazing even without the plastics but I can understand wanting it done. I'll be right where you are by the end of the year. Never thought we would be excited about having surgery, did you? I know I didn't! We'll miss you on Saturday but you'll be with your girls and I know that is something you truely enjoy! Take care and hope to see you soon! ~Heather

Hi Robin! WOW Tricare has come a LONG way! hehehe I can't believe they'd cover just a tummy tuck, but a whole LBL blows my mind. WOOHOO for you! I was thinking do ins companies cover any of the surgeries if you don't get the rashes or yeast infections???

One option to consider is to go to a teaching hopsital. That helps to reduce the fees etc a lot of the time. I know you will get this. Aime

Hi Robin, I'm only just catching up on Saturday morning here, so you probably won't see my reply until Monday, but that is just great news! I'll be keeping my fingers and toes and all other crossable body parts crossed for you! Hugs, Mo