Just wondering

A little over 3 years out. Lost about 130 lbs. Had 2 babies since surgery and still have about 30lbs that I would like to loose.

I am ready to look into plastic surgery. I would like a brachioplasty because of my wings and I am soooo sick of slicing my arms every time I shave. Would also like my stomach skin removed (forget the term for it) because the back and hip pain is starting to become unbearable. Makes my posture so bad and when I am holding my babies it hurts so bad.

My question is:
How do I start the process?
Do I go through my surgeon or PCP?
How long is the recovery after surgery for either?
Does health ins. cover any of this? I know all ins co are different but did your?

Thanks for any help you can give me!!

How do I start the process?
I started by looking at various procedures and before/after pics.  Then I started looking at the "find a plastic surgeon" search here.  I looked at his site and started web searching other ps' in my area.  When I was ready to schedule a consult, I started with the ps I found here.  I met him, liked him from the start and scheduled surgery.   You don't have to go with the first surgeon though, if you leave the office with more questions than when you went in and you didn't feel the click, keep looking.

Do I go through my surgeon or PCP?
I contacted my ps directly.

How long is the recovery after surgery for either?
Arms would be probably two weeks.  The panni might be two weeks too, I had an LBL so there might be a difference.

Does health ins. cover any of this? I know all ins co are different but did your?
It's not a matter of the insurance companies being different.  It's policy itself where the difference is.  I have UHC, someone else may have UHC too - mine wasn't covered, but the other person's could be.  My ps did file the paperwork to get at least the panni covered.  It was denied because unless it is for reconstructive surgery for breast cancer, plastics were just not covered. 

So for insurance, check your policy.  If it's not clear, call your HR pereson or call the insurance company.

Since you are having back and hip pain from the belly skin you should start with your PCP. Make sure he documents that you're seeing him because of this. Most insurance companies won't cover plastics unless you can get a doctor to say it's medically necessary, and your back pain could qualify.

Read your policy or call your insurance company (actually do both) and understand if they will cover anything at all. If they do, then you have to find out what will qualify, like back pain or rashes, and how long you have to have the problems before they will cover the surgery.

My Ins. covers medical necessity, but I didn't have any "problems" that qualified.