Panniculectomy & Ventral Hernia Repair

SandieMc49
on 12/29/09 1:18 am
I just had my panniculectomy in conjunction with a ventral hernia repair (and a new belly button as a bonus) and I have to say - the surgery was a piece of cake!

In spite of the fact that I had 44 staples in my abdomen, I did not have one moment of discomfort.  Rather, I experienced disbelief that I had anything done to me at all.  I never felt like a person who underwent surgery!

A funny moment which will stick with me was when I looked in the mirror.  My first thought was "OMG, I'm deformed!"  Bahahahahahaha, my "deformity" was a brand new belly button located in the appropriate position on my abdomen.  My perceived deformity was a result of it being where it's supposed to be, not where I was used to one being for last 30 years!

So, for anyone contemplating a panniculectomy I say good for you and absolutely go for it.  And if I can answer any questions for you, let me know.

Sandie
VERONICA R.
on 12/29/09 1:53 am - Millcreek, WA
My insurance just approved for me to have a panniculectomy and I have heard pros and cons about having it done without a tummy tuck.  My dr wanted to reposition my belly button but ins wouldnt approve the abdominoplasty so know i don't know what he will actually do.  I just had a abd. hernia repair in Oct and that was not too bad.  Did insurance pay for yours and the belly button?  If so what ins co do you have?  How long are you taking off work?  Do you know how much the skin weighed that he removed?
Thanks,
Veronica
Veronica

SandieMc49
on 12/29/09 6:06 am
Hi Veronica

Interestingly, I could have had a "tummy tuck" (tightening of muslces and respositioning of belly button) with my original paniculectomy at my own expense for the above the belly button part.  But I said "no".  Because if I was going to spend any of my own money, I wanted to have my arms done.

However, the location and size of the hernia necessitated belly-button reworking that will be covered by insurance and in essence I ended up getting the full monte so to speak.  I have BCBS of MA.  I am going back to work this Thursday which is two weeks post op.  I could have really gone back to work the Monday following surgery, that's how good I felt.  But of course that would have been silly as I stil had a drain in and 44 staples in my abdomen.  Rats!  I forgot to ask the surgeon how much the skin weighed - my estimate would be only a couple of pounds.  I think it weighs less than we think. 

Good questions!

Sandie
justaboutkrazy
on 12/29/09 2:49 pm - Pensacola, FL
 You'd be surprised.actually.  I had a panni done a year and a half ago and they removed 16lbs of abdomenal skin. The doc even took a pic of it laying on the surgical table for me after it was removed. Gross yeah, but interesting at the same time...lol


Mary 
execsue
on 12/29/09 2:26 am - Ione, CA
Sandie, congratulations on the surgery, I am happy for you and glad that you did not have alot of pain.

I also would like to know the same questions as Veronica.

I am so ready to get my extra extra skin from my panni removed. I am tired of the rashes. I would love to get all of my extra skin removed but I do not see that happening, so at least the panni. I would also love the girls done.

Sue
Sue 

Obesity Help Support Group Leader!!!!

www.obesityhelp.com/group/success/

HW 308  SW 256  CW 139  GW 145  BMI 23.9


                     
SandieMc49
on 12/29/09 6:18 am
Hi Sue

Thank you. 

Insurance approved my panniculectomy due to the rashes it caused.  Hopefully you have documented your visits to your PCP and kept or obtained receipts for the creams and prescriptions you've gotten.  When you are ready to submit to your insurance for approval of the panniculectomy please let me know as I"d be happy to share my letter that I wrote that went with my surgeon's request. 

As you already know, the panniculectomy involves the skin below the belly button.   My surgeon explained that, for an additionaly fee not paid for by insurance, I could have the belly button repositioned to the correct area and the muscles tightened. 

I thought about it but decided that if I was going to put out any of my own money, my priority would be my arms - so I declined.  My surgeon said that I WOULD STILL GET GOOD RESULTS WITH JUST THE PANNICULECTOMY!

However, the hernia involved my existing belly button to the point where the surgeon said "we couldn't leave it like it was, we had to do this for you".  How insurance reimburses my surgeon for the extra work he did - I don't know.  I just know it's not going to cost me anything.  The surgeon who did the Panniculectomy/Hernia repair is the surgeon who did my gastric bypass.

And, in the future, when I'm in a better place financially, he'll be the one to do my arms.

Go for it - and let me know if I can help further,
  Sandie
special kay
on 12/29/09 6:38 am - Ladson, SC

Did your insurance pay for this? I requested the same exact surgery 2 times and was denied!!

I'm happy you were able to get it done. My next steps are switch insurance companies, pray for a miricle, call dr. phil OR  talk to vocational rehab... I'm feeling desperate! LOL

 

     ~*Kay*~
 
450/388/173/175   
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/Special-Kay/ <~~ Look!! 

SandieMc49
on 12/29/09 6:48 am
Hi Kay

Yes, insurance paid for my surgery.  I didn't leave them any other options other than to say yes!  Bahahaha, I work in health insurance and know full well that all benefits are approved based on medical necessity.  So I set out to prove that the insurance was necessary.

1.  I took pictures of my rash (at its worse!).

2.  I submitted receipts from the prescriptions I had filled to treat the rash.

3.  I listed the over-the-counter medications I had used when I treated the rash on my own.  I also listed the long-term negative effects of using these medications.

4.  I included a letter from the PCP who fully supported medical necessity for the surgery.

5.  I included a 3-page letter that I wrote explaining my weight loss journey and the consequences that arose as a result of the excess skin. 

I don't know what backup material you submitted when you requested approval from your insurance company, but anyone who is even thinking about doing so, needs to have all your information gathered and sent in the first time - so that you only have to do it once.  Also, anyone can get the criteria for approval from the insurance company, either by checking on line or by calling the insurance company.  Contact them; ask them for the guidelines and get whatever paperwork you need to cover those guidelines.  And always include a letter from YOUR point of view. 
VERONICA R.
on 12/29/09 8:31 am - Millcreek, WA
Sandie,
Thank you so much for answering my questions.  i have BCBS of NC and they have approved my panniculectomy because of 3 months worth of documented rashes/sores in that area, they didnt approve the abdominoplasty however so hopefully I will be happy with what I do get.  Most of my loose skin is in that spot so hopefully the "muffin top" won't be to bad of an issue.  Are you still fairly swollen?
Veronica
Veronica

trenton19mami
on 7/24/11 11:14 pm - browns mills, NJ
hello
i am 25 and i have the gastric bypass 4yrs ago
I have atena insurance in nj and looking for a surgeon to do a panniculectomy but keep my belly button i went to one surgeon who say he will just cut me straight across not keeping the belly button
can someone please give me doctors to help me out
thank u
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