Tummy Tuck

Hi everyone -
I think I remember seeing something here about TT surgery...but can anyone tell me what the deal is with surgeons in the province of NB who are doing the surgery, and having it covered by Medicare?

Thanks! :)

As I recall, the criteria is-
-lose 100 pounds or more
-keep it off for a year
-get referred by your doctor

Since I had my lapband, I think they add-
-you have to have medical issues (like a rash) that does not respond to other treatment.

The province does not pay for a complete TT. It does not pay for any liposuction or anything above the waist.  Just the part below the waist. Many plastic surgeons do not want to do just what the province will pay for because it is not as aesthetically pleasing as a complete TT with lipo to smooth the "dog ears" (that's the name the plastic surgeon has for a bump created over the hip bone by  not doing the upper part of the TT) . I have no idea how common dog ears are.

Sorry but you're not right.
I had a complete TT with a little lipo for free. I know other 2 people who had about the same surgery with different doctors and they paid nothing too.  I have lost a lot of weight but not all the weight and I had the surgery. So it's individual and case by case. Ask your doctor.

Thanks, Moulikow -
I read another of your posts after I wrote this...I'll have my dr. send in a referral to one of the 2 surgeons you mentioned.  What was your wait time to get in to see them?

WOoHoO! Congrats Anita! I remember you WAITING for the surgery and look at you now :) How much have you lost total? Congrats!

Hi, Krista -
Thanks!  I've lost 145 pounds, and have about 35 pounds (65 pounds if you go strictly by the BMI chart, which uh, I am not) to go.  It's been a long journey - not altogether pleasant one, but perhaps the ends justifies the means in this regard!!

Sorry to hear it wasn't the easiest journey for you but the results? Out of this world :) SO SO SO happy for you!

The policy doesn't say that you have to lose all the weight, just the 100 pounds. I have been told that some doctors refuse to do an incomplete TT & manage to convince Medicare. If my turn ever comes up , I want a referral to one of those doctors.

Thanks MM.  Nah, I'm not in any hurry.  I still have some weight to lose, and I honestly think that I can take care of some of the "residuals" myself with exercise.  Not ALL of it, but a great deal on toning can happen I think.  In the meantime, I wait :)

 mm - you may already know this but I thought I would mention that you can ask to go on a cancellation list. That may get you in faster.