Its a go! I have my date for TT

I have my insurance approval and my date scheduled for a hernia repair and tummy tuck,  I am nervous-excited.  Its for Dec 19th so Christmas will be close to home.  Probably my couch.  I am spending Thanksgiving with my family but just plan on staying home with my sweetie and take care of me for the Christmas Holidays.  My doctor thinks I can go back to work after 3 weeks but the nurse said it probably will be more like 4 weeks.  Nurse also said he does not give you a  binder and you dont wear a compression garment.  I see alot of postings here about people using them.  Not sure if that is good or not.  I dont have a recliner but I already bought and angle pillow and round pillow for my bed and a set riser for the toliet.   I plan on giving the house a good cleaning and am thankful for my rumba christmas gift last year to help wiith the vac*******  I pray all goes well and I am back to work in no time.  I am ready to start the new year right!  I am curious on how much will be taken off.  My starting weight was 350 and I have lost 190lbs.  I also wonder how my thighs will look afterwards and I already know I will have to do something with my upper arms next year.  I just had to share so thanks for listening!
~Sharon

How exciting to have insurance cover it too!! Congrats on your awesome weight loss success!!!

Let us know how it goes!

Happy Holidays!!

Denise

Denise,

      Thank you so much!  I will!  And if I have any questions at all I know where to come.  ;-)  Happy Holidays to you and your family!  ~ Sharon

Did you have a lot of problem getting your insurance to approve that? I also have a hernia and want a TT but I was denied the first time.

Julie

Julie,

     No, not really. I was ready for a big long fight but it didnt happen.  My doctor took pictures and I think it depends on how much you have hanging over which is quite alot for me after a 190lb weight loss, plus I had documentation that I have had issues because of that for a number of years.  It took about 2 weeks and my dr office called and said I was approved.  Shortly after I got a decline letter and then 2 approval letters.  I think it has to do with how the doctor submits the request and has to prove its medically necessary.  I would not give up.  I think some doctors have more experience in getting these approved especially for WLS patients.  Hernia needs to be repaired and its a good time to get the TT done.  Is your doctors office resubmitting for review or did they just give up?  You may want to go for a second opinion Also it depends on your insurance and what they are willing to cover.  Everyones plan is different.  Did they say why you were declined?  Some plans will not cover any plastic surgery period even if it has been deemed medically necessary or not.  I hope it works out for you too!  I truly believe every WLS deserves at least a TT once they reach their goal.  I hope it works out for you! ~Sharon

Sharon,

Thanks for responding. Just got my rejection letter today and I'm real bummed about it. I know most insurances do this and we are going to fight it but still..

My insurance does cover it if it is a medical necessary. They said he pannus doesn't appear to extend below enough, doesn't show stable weight for the last 6 months,  and not enough skin problems.

Julie

Did you ever complain to your regular doctor about the skin issues/irritation?  If so you can get that documentation to help as well.  It sounds like all is not lost, you will just have to provide them additional information over some time and prove your weight has stablized.  It looks like you have lost a significant amount of weight, I dont see why it could not eventually get covered.  Did your doctor take pictures?  I think what helped with me is I actually lifted mine up as well as just standing there.  Its a beautiful site. ;-)   I am sure your doctor has the experience working with these insurance companies that are quick to decline these claims.  Hang in there I truly believe you will get an approval eventually.  ~Sharon

Who did you use?? looking for one now,, that is used to wls patients...and what insurance?

Dr. John Alexander who also did my wls surgery.  He also specializes in the reconstructive surgery.  I have seen his work first hand with a friend of mine and he does nice work.  I wanted a surgeon who has worked with wls patients before and understands their needs.  So I am comfortable with my decision.  Plus he knows me the best!  My insurance is with Aetna.  Doctor Alexander has a website at http://www.drjohnalexander.com/abdominoplasty.html  Hope that helps!  ~Sharon

Dr. John Alexander who also did my wls surgery.  He also specializes in the reconstructive surgery.  I have seen his work first hand with a friend of mine and he does nice work.  I wanted a surgeon who has worked with wls patients before and understands their needs.  So I am comfortable with my decision.  Plus he knows me the best!  My insurance is with Aetna.  Doctor Alexander has a website at http://www.drjohnalexander.com/abdominoplasty.html  Hope that helps!  ~Sharon