6 month follow up

Okay, here's the scoop.  Dr. Chapman was very pleased.  I'm down 110 pounds!  It's such a relief to have that part over with.  I guess we can chalk my nervousness up to my head not having caught up with my body yet.  Also, my blood pressure was down to 116/66 as opposed to 140/85 3 months ago.  That in itself was phenomenal! We also talked briefly about plastic surgery.  He says that I have a large amount of excess skin that will have to be removed.  He said that I will probably have 25-30 pounds of it to take off!  Wow!  He refers his patients to a PS at 1 year, but they usually put them off another 6 months to make sure they've stabilized.  That would put me having it around this time next year.  How exciting!! Anyway, that's all I know.  Thanks for putting up with me. Take care. Ellen

Oh Ellen, that is just fabulous!  See?  I told you he would be pleased! Will your insurance cover the PS?  What do folks do when it doesn't?  How much does that cost? Congratulations on your success!

It'**** and miss, mostly miss, as to whether or not insurance covers plastics.  If you have some other reason you need it, you're more likely to get approved.  I am a little disfigured from a previous surgery and need to be reconstructed from that, so I think I can get something approved.  The question is how much.  I am praying that by then insurance companies become more well informed, or somehow grow a heart, and start covering it. As far as cost, I'm hearing 22,000 for a full body overhaul, 5-7,000 for the TT.  Those figures are just what I've read from others, not directly from a surgeon.  I would like to have my stomach, thighs, butt, arms, and boobs done, so I'm looking at the higher figure.  Come on Med-Cost, you can do it!!! Take care. Ellen

Hey Ellen, I want the TT and the breast enhancement.  I don't know about insurance as we are switching Jan 1 from UHC to Highmark BCBS.  The company I work for is saying they have better coverage.  Scares me, but you never know, I may have a better chance.  If not... 2nd mortgage time.  I know a lady that had the TT at Chapel Hill and she paid $7,000.  My arms and legs are ok (thank you for the genes Mom & Dad), however, I would like a butt enhancement, chin lift, boobs and TT.  That's all. Hugs, Diane

Look out world the brand new and improved Ellen is right around the corner. That is an awesome BP what a good thing that was and not to mention you weight loss you go Ellen.                                      Annie

Thanks Annie!  I was excited about the BP too.  I was teetering on the brink of having to take high BP meds for so long that it's a relief to be in the clear. Take care. Ellen

Ellen, "Thanks for putting up with me." My goodness why would you say that when you are so kind and good to all of us?  I go for my six month checkup on Oct 22.  I am hoping to be down 100 lbs by then.  I want to surprise my doctor!  I've heard 18 months is standard for the tummy tuck.  I was hoping for January, but I won't know until I see Dr. Farrell or Dr. Overby on Oct 22.  We will undoubtedly have those surgeries together too! Congrats on the wonderful progress.  We love you! Diane

Thanks Diane.  I can't wait to see how you fare as well.  I'm sure your doctor will be very pleased too.  I am so ready for the tummy tuck right now!  Patience is a virtue, just not one I've got in large quantities. Take care. Ellen

Look at that new pic . Love the new look your doing great. BTW baby is doing well and that makes me so delighted. Stay tuned for new baby pics.                                              Annie PS I found out I can eat pickles again. Tonight Lee wants soft taco's so I am going to try the filling on some lettuce with a few pieces of tomato.

Thanks Annie.  I'm so glad the baby is  doing well.  It's so nice of you to care for it like that. Good luck with the taco salad.  I actually do okay with that, much better than with chicken.  I cannot eat chicken at all! Take care. Ellen