PS Consult Monday - Let's Try This Again!
Well I'm not sure what happened to my nice long post last night so here goes again. Maybe I'll be succesful in condensing it this time. haha
After MUCH procrastination on my part I finally went to see a plastic surgeon Monday. I've been carrying around this huge panni and muffin tops for way to long and I'm ready to get something done about it. Why did I procrastinate? 1-Anticipation of the battle with insurance to convince them I actually do need this surgery from a medical standpoint, not cosmetic. 2- My out of pocket costs even when insurance approves. We work so hard to stay completely out of debt (except the normal car and house payment) that I hate the thought of possibly have a credit bill again. 3- Was afraid the local PS did not have enough experience with severe cases like mine and that I'd have to travel to Atlanta. 4-Never a good time to be away from work.
But...now is the time. When you know it you know it. I went in thinking I would be the worse case he had ever seen (I was NOT) and also that I'd need a full LBL (and I DONT) He recommended the panni removal and TT and thats it. He said I didnt have enough fat or skin on my back side to do the full LBL. This is a good thing because since we won't be adding a non-insurance covered procedure my out of pocket wont be as much as I anticipated. He had 2-3 reasons for not doing my thighs at the same time and they all made sense to me so I'm convinced. I'll do that later in his office OR suite because that will be completely private pay. (I have the thighs of an 90 year old...seriously)
Funny thing is at first the Dr was asking was I sure I didn't want to loose any more weight before we did this blah, blah, blah....but then had he undress so that he could examine my flab. When he came back in the room and I opened my gown he was like...Nope, you don't need to loose weight, you will be skin and bones when we get rid of that panni. Hey...He called me skin and bones!!! Do you know how that feels to a former fat girl?? hahahaha He said I carry my weight very well and he would never guess I weighted 200 lb.
Next step - they are sending in all my documentation along with a letter of prior approval request to the insurance. Within about 5-6 weeks I should have a response back. Both the Dr and the insurance lady was impressed because I had my latest lab work from a recent checkup, documented rashes and other skin issues with my digital camera and also had documentation of going to the Dr for treatment, and even had a pic of the anti-fungal cream that had been prescribed a while back. I'm believing God for an approval first time around with no appeal necessary. I may have to pay for the TT part but he even seemed to think there was a posibiity the insurance would cover that. We'll see. I'll have it either way.
If any of you who've had PS have any pointers I'd love to hear them! I am starting to get a little excited about the possibility of having a flat tummy for the first time in my life!
I love you all and appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
After MUCH procrastination on my part I finally went to see a plastic surgeon Monday. I've been carrying around this huge panni and muffin tops for way to long and I'm ready to get something done about it. Why did I procrastinate? 1-Anticipation of the battle with insurance to convince them I actually do need this surgery from a medical standpoint, not cosmetic. 2- My out of pocket costs even when insurance approves. We work so hard to stay completely out of debt (except the normal car and house payment) that I hate the thought of possibly have a credit bill again. 3- Was afraid the local PS did not have enough experience with severe cases like mine and that I'd have to travel to Atlanta. 4-Never a good time to be away from work.
But...now is the time. When you know it you know it. I went in thinking I would be the worse case he had ever seen (I was NOT) and also that I'd need a full LBL (and I DONT) He recommended the panni removal and TT and thats it. He said I didnt have enough fat or skin on my back side to do the full LBL. This is a good thing because since we won't be adding a non-insurance covered procedure my out of pocket wont be as much as I anticipated. He had 2-3 reasons for not doing my thighs at the same time and they all made sense to me so I'm convinced. I'll do that later in his office OR suite because that will be completely private pay. (I have the thighs of an 90 year old...seriously)
Funny thing is at first the Dr was asking was I sure I didn't want to loose any more weight before we did this blah, blah, blah....but then had he undress so that he could examine my flab. When he came back in the room and I opened my gown he was like...Nope, you don't need to loose weight, you will be skin and bones when we get rid of that panni. Hey...He called me skin and bones!!! Do you know how that feels to a former fat girl?? hahahaha He said I carry my weight very well and he would never guess I weighted 200 lb.
Next step - they are sending in all my documentation along with a letter of prior approval request to the insurance. Within about 5-6 weeks I should have a response back. Both the Dr and the insurance lady was impressed because I had my latest lab work from a recent checkup, documented rashes and other skin issues with my digital camera and also had documentation of going to the Dr for treatment, and even had a pic of the anti-fungal cream that had been prescribed a while back. I'm believing God for an approval first time around with no appeal necessary. I may have to pay for the TT part but he even seemed to think there was a posibiity the insurance would cover that. We'll see. I'll have it either way.
If any of you who've had PS have any pointers I'd love to hear them! I am starting to get a little excited about the possibility of having a flat tummy for the first time in my life!
I love you all and appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Phyllis
HW 314, SW 287, PS Weight 198, CW 181
Panniculectomy/Anchor TT 06-10-09
7.4cc in 10cc band
HW 314, SW 287, PS Weight 198, CW 181
Panniculectomy/Anchor TT 06-10-09
7.4cc in 10cc band
I agree with Mrs. Mary - the worst part was the drains! Recovery was a breeze...surgery on Tuesday, and was back at work the following Wednesday. I could have gone sooner, but didn't want to lug those drains around! Just be very careful with the lifting & such, and you'll have no problems.
Here's hoping for a speedy APPROVAL!!!!
Here's hoping for a speedy APPROVAL!!!!
WOW Lisa, was that for a LBL or just the tummy surgery? I was blown away when he told me I'd be back at work within 14 days. I will probably work from home the first couple of days back just to get back in the groove of things.
I'm not looking forward to those drains but know thats part of it. Having the band, I didnt have them when I had WLS so this will be something brand new to me.
Phyllis
HW 314, SW 287, PS Weight 198, CW 181
Panniculectomy/Anchor TT 06-10-09
7.4cc in 10cc band
HW 314, SW 287, PS Weight 198, CW 181
Panniculectomy/Anchor TT 06-10-09
7.4cc in 10cc band
Ok, first of all.. I am hurt that you did not tell me about this... 
but then i am soooooo extemly HAPPY that you have finally decided to do this! i told you last time i seen you that once you had it done you would be soooooooooo skinny! I love ya! and i hope one day you can take a weekend off and lets get together!
I love Ya, and tell Rich and the fur babies hello from me!
but then i am soooooo extemly HAPPY that you have finally decided to do this! i told you last time i seen you that once you had it done you would be soooooooooo skinny! I love ya! and i hope one day you can take a weekend off and lets get together!I love Ya, and tell Rich and the fur babies hello from me!
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