Step 2

Well, I have a consultation scheduled for May 3rd with a plastic surgeon. I did ask for two referrals. I already know that this particular Dr. does not go the medicare route but I still want to see what he will say. The 2nd Dr. does apparantly do the medicare covered one but figured it doesn't hurt to get 2 opinions.

I am excited about this next stage.

Jet

 That is sooo EXCITING!!!  What procedure are you hoping to have? Can't wait to hear how it goes.  Good Luck!!!

 Do you know what procedure  medicare covers, and is there a difference in the procedure, just wondering if medicare covers a full tummy tuck, or just from the belly button down?

My doctor said medicare will only cover a panniculectomy (apron) only. That is just the excess skin removal and does not go into the stomach muscles so it only removes the sagging skin. Medicare will cover breast reduction too but not in the case of us because we do not end up with large boobs just horribly sagging ones.

Mary is right, Medicare only covers the removal of the apron and only if you have lost 100 pounds , have maintained that loss for a year, and are having problems because of the sagging skin. I intend to have problems with rash....even if it takes the application of sand paper!! 
I was told, second hand, that someone who sometimes posts here, had a consultation with  a plastic surgeon and he said that the tummy tuck and breast lift would cost 4000......I am assuming that it is that cheap because the  apron removal are covered by Medicare- thus the hospital and anesthesiologist are covered by Medicare. I can't wait to get a one way ticket north for the girls!!

I forgot to mention that Jet looks amazing. You would not believe how tiny she is. You can't tell she needs anything done. After a tummy tuck, she will be able to strut in a bikini at Parlee!

You won't need to make up rash if you are anything like me Kitty. On warm days the itching and burning below my apron nearly drives me crazy and I have tried almost everything on it.

Just as bad or even worse is I have 3 abdominal scars that run from umbilicus to mons pubis (pubic bone) and now the weight has gone it folds in on itself and itches and burns and I always want to scratch at it. It is all scar tissue so it gets red and excourated and painful. I hope to get in to  plastics sonner but I already know it will be Aug before I even get the referral from Dr. B.  So I am looking forward to a long hot uncomfortable summer.

Next summer should be a hoot though. LOL

I had a breast reduction/lift (1 lb in one and 1.5 in the other) in March  and the result are amazing. She said that she removed just saggy skin. In June I will have a tummy tuck with scars horizontaly and vertically and little bit a lippo in the sides. I have lost 150 lb since my heaviest. I still weight 195 and with the 15 lb she is supposed to removed from my tummy I will be at 180 and will stay there. My ideal weight should be 150 but at my age (50) I have decided it will be ok.

Mediacre cover these 2 procedures for me.

Why is Medicare covering both? What medical reasons did your doctor give them to get it all approved?

They have to remove a certain amount of weight in each breast to be covered. For the tummy it's so huge and cover the pubic area. Back pain, rashes and discomfort. I'm so happy with the results of breast lift/reduction. They are small but not to much and they are standing in the right place!