Plastic surgeons in MO

Good morning,

My name is Jessica.  I had my gastric bypass done 4 years ago in LA when we were stationed at Ft. Polk.  I lost 114lbs and went from a size 22 to a 10.  I put on about 30 lbs because I got lazy and complacent.   I've gotten back on track and have lost 16 lbs by exercising and getting back to basics.  I'm happy to say I can fit back into a size 12 and look forward to fitting in those size 10s again. 

 I'm seriously considering getting a panniculectomy done sometime this coming year.  When I was a size 10 (which I will be again)  I probably would've been able to fit into an 8 if it weren't for my what I call my "bloopy belly".  Since Tricare (military health ins) paid for my gastric bypass they will most likely approve me for this surgery.   I also would love to get my upper arms done, but I will have to pay for that out pocket.  Anyway, have any of you had recontructive surgery here in MO?  Who do you recommend? 

Thanks!

 Hello Jessica, 

        I am so right in line with you on this same situation.  I have officially reached my 2 year anniversary (today actually) since my RNY Gastric Bypass.  I lost 150 lbs since then, but I too have regained about 20 or 30 lbs.  I am beginning my search for surgeons now, but Tri Care referred me to a Surgeon in Jefferson City who told me that Tri Care would not cover my surgery.  --- Supposedly I do not have enough excess to have it covered (in her words).  I do know there is a surgeon that my Gastric surgeon (Dr. Hornbostel in Sedalia, MO) recognizes and I think he is out of Lake Ozarks medical.  - Unfortunately, He is not currently listed under Tri Care.   I am hoping to find out if there is some way to get him added to tri care and see if he can do the surgeries.  If you find someone let me know, please.  

      It is always good to hear someone else in the area with similar experiences.   I also know that there is a 'support group' started in Waynesville but I have been so busy lately that I have only been able to attend one of them.  

Good Luck to you and keep up the good work! 

Tammy Krzysik
Waynesville, MO

If you end up being self-pay you might want to investigate KU Medical Center Plastic Surgery Residency Practice. Dr. Dass up there did my tummy tuck and the total including surgery center and anesthesiologist was $4200. About 1/2 of every other quote I got. Good luck. Oh, the arms quote was about the same.
Hugs,
Lana

Thanks.  That's good to know just in case Tricare won't pay for it. 

 Tricare sent me to two different plastic surgeons and paid for the visit but refused to cover the surgery unless I was having another abdominal surgery at the same time. Believe me I tried hard to get approved. I wound up going to a resident program since I had to pay myself and can recommend KU in Kansas City ,Ks. I am about to check out Washington U in St Louis for another surgery since its closer. I say try to get approved you never know it could work but don't count on it. they will at least pay for you to consult with a plastic surgeon.

Hello Jessica,

My name is Mary, I had my bypass done March 2009, tried to get the plastics done this past March and was denied by TriCare, we had one of our support group meetings tonight on post at ACS.  There was a gal there who was approved & had her plastics done & her surgeon apparently told her she was one of the last on the list that Tricare was going to pay for. I dont know how they figure it or dont honestly.

Anyway, If you are interested in attending any of our local meeting we are having 2 a month now.

We always meet  the first Thursday of each month at ACS  @ 6 pm  and the third Thurs of each month @ 9 am at Pulaski County Library in Waynesville.  I try to send out reminders before, I dont get on this site much anymore but if you want to be added to my distro list for the local meetings please message me with your email address and I will add you.

You and any of your support system or loved ones are welcome to attend any of our meetings. We are extremely casual and tonights group was an AWESOME group. Not too  big, as we are still growing and getting the word out but it was still a very  good night.

If you figure out the tricare loops please share, I know there are a few of us on here who would like to know how to look normal again. :)

Have a wonderful weekend.