I have a question....TT/Masteopexy/Plastic Surgeon

Dear fellow losers, Here's the lowdown: I'm going to be 11 months post op on June 19, 2006. In May 2003 I weighed 310, pre surgery-pre op consult I was at 239, I now weigh 164. I carry Blue Cross/Blue Shield of MI -Comm Blue PPO. I have seen 1 plastic surgeon (ugh) who told me it was a waste of my time and insurance wouldn't cover the "masteopexy" because I don't have enough skin/tissue. (500 cc is what he told me I had to have). Prior to surgery I wore a 46DDD - Now I can barely fit into a 36DDD. Those are hard to find so I slam into a 36DD. My WLS ok'd the PS for my 'chest'. However he said I need to wait until I'm 2 years post op for a tummy tuck. I'm 47 and not getting any younger, and by then I'll be 49. My WLS is one I listen to - follow his instructions, and I have regular meetings/consults with him/his office to weigh, have a brief visit to discuss my post op care, and blood work is done every 6 months like clockwork. I almost feel like I have to get his ok to get a consult with a PS about a TT. If you were in my shoes, 47, have a ton of excess skin hanging around your belly and cannot jog ...(and you love to!)....what would you do? I'm thinking about meeting with him this month and talking to him to re-evaluate this TT issue. And one more thing; HOW DOES INSURANCE DETERMINE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A TUMMY TUCK? IS IT BY THE WEIGHT YOU'VE LOST AND HOW LONG YOU KEEP IT OFF? BECAUSE SOMETIMES I GAIN WEIGHT, BUT AM LOSING FAT AND FAT MASS AND FAT PERCENTAGE....MUSCLE WEIGHS MORE THAN FAT----SO WHAT IS THEIR CRITERIA??? thanks!!!

I have BCBS Comm Blue PPO also, and the only criteria I needed for a tummy tuck was to be out 1 year after WLS and to have lost at least 100 lbs. There was no criteria as to whether you floated up or down a few pounds. The only thing that was not covered in the tummy tuck was the muscle tightening of the abs, etc. That cost me $1,000 out of pocket, but I felt it was worth it. Otherwise you can just get the skin removed. Things may have changed some since I had it in Jan of 2005... But I had no trouble at all getting approved. I think it was like in 2-3 weeks I got pre-approval and the Dr. set the date! Good luck to you! Theresa

It's all about money. I don't have a thousand dollars....so I guess having WLS was the wrong choice for me...Now I seriously regret this. I can't afford this crap. I can't afford to throw away 100.00 for Dr. DiNick's office/consult visit, and I can't afford out of pocket expenses. I am just sick about this. Just sick.

Sorry for that last post. I'm just having a "bad" emotional day. I'll be fine in a few hours when I get out of work and can go walk .... That always lifts my spirits! Not really regretting this.........just having a pfffffffffffffffffffffft day. Stacey

Stacey! You DON'T have to have the muscled tightened. It is a "luxury" that you can have done if you can afford it! It is not required! You can still have your TT done without the muscles being tightened. If the rules still stand then you only have to loss 100lbs and be 1 year out from WLS. But make sure you really read BCBS ruling because I think some of it might be changing! Take care, it will get better and NEVER wish you had not done your surgery!