My first Plastic Surgery

I haven't posted in a while and I haven't been able to attend the meetings on Saturday because I've been working a 2nd job. I miss many of you - especially Annie and Barb.  I can't say I miss Dalton because I get to see him everyday (hehehe)- though he's on vacation so my buddy is missed rightnow.  But I just got off job #2 and I wanted to share something (I'm also wishing there was a meeting tomorrow because tomorrow is my 1st Saturday off in over 3 months)

Well, I've lost just over 200lbs. From 467 to 265. 

I'm still "obese" and even borderline morbidly obese. It's very frustrating being 2 years out and not anywhere near goal.   But I have a painful problem that keeps me from doing what I need.  My panus is really large and weighs on my back.  For me exercise has become a - exercise day 1, heating pad and tylenol day 2 and 3.

So I went to see Dr. Schwarz and I'm scheduled for the panus removal on Sept 1st.  Even better? Insurance is going to pay.  (BCBS - NC). I didn't even get a fight out of them.  NOw, having said that, I'm noticing that my company provides a "Cadillac" plan that most people don't have.  However, BCBS had 6 criteria to meet. I met all 6 (just barely) and they didn't even argue. We had an answer in 2 or 3 days.  And it was only that long because they wanted 1 doctor office note to back up the Letter of Medical Need commentary - so I faxed it 2 days later and they responded with an approval that same day.

So it can be done! 

This will only be the basic panus removal. I don't feel I'm ready for anything more than that since I'm still overweight. But I had to do something so that I could get back up and get moving to get the rest of the weight off.

Dalton had wanted to come to the last meeting to share this with you all since I was working that day, but he ended up on-call and couldn't make it.

I"m sharing it because I wanted you guys to know that it is possible to get insurance to help and cover the panus removals for those of us who need them. You just have to know in advance what they expect and play their game and gather it all upfront.

You are an inspiration to me... God Bless and I can't wait until you feel better soon...

Congratulations on losing 200lbs! Amazing! Good luck with your surgery and recovery. Jackie

Hi Jenn OH WOW what great news how cool.
Imagine the possibilitys for you.
You know I had 21lbs removed and they made a new belly button for me this was before wls this was after the first 300lbs.
If I had one MAJOR regret and you need to address this with Dr. S make sure he does the mons when he does the pannis.
In fact I am glad you posted about your surgery and delighted to know you are having it done with Dr. S this gives me a little encouragment to go see him.
I hope to see you at a Meetup when you can join us.
As for Dalton and Rose and Gabby I do hope they are having a great time at Disney.
Personally I dont know if I could do Disney in August. LOL
                                                            Annie

Hey Annie!  I did talk with Dr S about the mons and he said that is something he automatically does.  I'm going on Aug 18th for my 'pre-op' appointment and I will address it again, but it is very important for me (that area).

He did mention insurance doesn't pay to have the belly button re-made.  But that we'd see LOL.  I'm thinking it might be kind of neat (especially with my personality) to NOT have one. I could tell people I'm an alien and was hatched and show I don't have a belly button to prove it *snicker