Tummy Tuck?

 I am about a year out from surgery and I have lost 170 lbs.  I feel amazing and the best I have ever felt in my life.  I have been exercising faithfully, and I have ran 5K, 10K, and a half-marathon.  Only thing I feel holding me back is my stomach, I have so much extra skin it bounces and giggles when I run, sometimes it hurts when exercising.  Compression shirts only do so much.  Sometimes it feels like the skin is so thin it could tear.

Problem is I can't afford surgery, without lots of sacrifice for years probably.   I have 2 small kids.

This has probably been asked,  but if you could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it.

Does insurance ever pay for surgery?  They were great with coverage of the surgery.  I have federal blue cross blue shield.  

Had mine panniculectomy done today, My insurance UHC didn't cover mine after 3 appeals. all because of a rider to not cover removal of excess skin.... check with your

I think it depends on if you have probelms with the excess skin.  I would complain a lot to my primary care Dr. so they have documentation that it is bothering you.  Then when you go to have a Surgical consult for the TT you will have a trail showing it has bothered you in the past.  Hope this helps good luck

My policy did cover my surgery - all except the vertical cut of the anchor/fleur de lis.

However, it's all in what YOUR specific policy has in it, and in how you meet the qualifications.

Start by calling your insurance, and ask about reconstructive surgery. Do NOT ask about plastic surgery, as most policies (even mine) restrict that as primarily cosmetic.

Then start calling your PCP and ask what documentation he/she needs about your skin issues, and begin collecting it. Consider calling your ob/gyn about issues as well, since sweat collecting in folds may be implicated in infections in a variety of areas. The more medical support you get IF reconstructive surgery is covered for you, the more likely you are to be authorized.

Best of luck getting your surgery covered!

I had BCBS PPO and they covered a tummy tuck if you had lost over 100 pounds and maintained your weight for 6 months I think. I had the anchor cut TT, so paid $1000 for that.  My insurance didn't require any additional documentation of rashes, etc.

You can call your insurance and ask about your benefits. You should ask if your coverage includes abdominoplasty after massive weight loss. They should be able to tell you what your coverage is but if not, find a surgeon's office who works with your insurance and they will be able to find out if it is covered.

Good luck!

Call your insurance company. Mine covered only panni removal, but I paid the extra for a TT.

Contact your carrier.

My insurance has approved everything for me...belly, breasts and arms.

I have never had skin issues or anything like that.

But I have lost 160+ pounds so far.

I think the pictures told the tale! (they took alot!!)

Good luck.

Get a copy of your policy ... that your employer has with the insurance company.    Since you can't afford surgery right now you might as well play the insurance game.   If it's covered when medically nec. get working with your doctor to document any and all skin issues ... back issues etc. that are caused by the weight loss.    Find a good doc that is willing to even submit to insurance.  Many will not.   Then submit and give it a go!  Appeal. 

I went to Mexico to Dr. Sauceda for the works in January and I am very happy.    If nothing is covered by insurance you might want to check out your various self pay options to get an idea.

Join both Dr. S's group here on OH and the Mens Plastics group.   Both links in my siggy.  Good Luck.

Tom