X-Post- Excess Skin Removal...APPROVED!!!!!

Just out of the mailbox...

Excess skin removal from hips, legs and thighs...APPROVED!!!!!!

I've got until the end of January to work out the kink of getting another surgeon on board.   I got a letter this week from the original surgeon, saying that he's retiring December 31st.  Tried to convince him to make me me his absolute last pateint...no luck.

If I can't find another surgeon, I'll be living with the skin.  This was the eighth time I've attempted this, and I absolutely cannot go through this again, if this doesn't work out.

I'm sure some doctor will be willing to do it. They don't have to get insurance approval , THE HARD PART.CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK

Wow.  Congrats on the approval!  Way to go!  That is the hardest part of this, the approval. 

Finding someone to do the surgery will be the easier part.  Even if you only do parts and not the whole package.

That's the thing, jashley; the way the skin hangs, it's an all or nothing surgery.  If they leave out a certain part of it, none of it works well. 

Ethically, I think not doing part of it would fall under the "First, do no harm" part of the Hippoctaric Oath, in terms of the surgery.

CONGRATS! That is awesome!!!!

Congratulations to you!  Persevere, you will find the right surgeon.

What type of insurance do you have? I didn't think insurances paid for skin removal there. I know it's proven medically necessary for the belly apron, but not the legs, thighs, etc.  How did u get them to do this?

I had documented proof from my PCP, Rheumatologist & Dermatologist in the form of records of the number of times I had been treated for cellulitis and other skin infections.  Each wrote a letter with their opinion as to why I needed the surgery.  Mobillity came into play, as well as hygiene. Copies of the records of each and every infection treatment , including my own diary notes, were sent to the insurance company.    (No, I didn't go around smelling like a funk bomb, but I did have to take extraordinary cleansing measures.)  I also believe there was Divine Intervention.

*I repeat* -  This is not a cosmetic issue for me.  It is purely medical.  That said, I don't think the surgeon is going to hack me up, but is going to try to do as good a job aesthetically as he/she can.  Approval for skin removal is not routine with insurance where I live, jashley, that's true.    Actually, I think it's pretty rare anywhere, unless it's medically necessary. 

BTW- I checked, and once it's approved, doesn't matter who the surgeon is!

Talked to the surgeon's office recommended by the original one, who is retiring.  I will meet the surgeon December 4th. Hope he/she is willing/able to do it.  This is my last shot.

Are you in TX...My Dr. Clayton Frenzal will work with you. He is great about stuff like that esp if your approve. He is dual fellowhip trained in baratric /plastic surgery.

skibunn2004-

Unfortunately, I don't live in Texas. 

I have a lifelong friend from college who lives in Texas, but I wouldn't want to put the post-op recuperation on her...she's got parents with dementia and MS living with her, so she's got her hands full.  She's a very successful lawyer, so she can afford hired help, but she still has to deal with the drama when she gets home.