Need some input from Kaiser PS patients...

So, as some of you will remember, I had a consult with a Kaiser PS that was none to helpful in trying to get insurance to cover any of my needed PS.  I have fibromyalgia and have a considerable amount pain when I work out...so much so that I hurt for days after and have pretty much quit getting any exercise because of how much it hurts.  

My OB/GYN believes that I warrant coverage but has no real say in the matter and has agreed to refer me to a different PS in the Kaiser system for another consult.  I know there have been some folks that recommended Dr. Hop Le.  What I need to know is anyone who had PS through Kaiser in NorCal where it was covered, which surgeon did your surgery?  I need a surgeon that is not afraid to make a recommendation that insurance pay based on the merits of my weight loss, the pain issues and the infections.  

Thank you for all replies in advance.  Any info you have will be greatly appreciated.  If I can't get it covered here, I am headed to Mexico and that will be at least a year down the road and I really do not want to have to wait that long to be able to exercise again.

Have a great day everyone!!
 

Document, document, document your issues, including photos. Start working with your PCP to document all your health related issues. Fibromyaglia isn't related to excess skin, but rashes, back pain, infections are.

Water exercise is appropriate for just about everyone and some of your difficulties could be relieved by exercising in the water. There are a few gyms close to you that have pools. You may not be able to exercise intensely, but I have a friend with fibromyaglia who is able to do light exercise.

gail

My problem is that when I get moving, the excess skin moves at a much faster pace and it is slapping back and forth at such a rate and force that is when it becomes a problem.  That is when I have the pain from and where the fibromyalgia becomes a factor.  I have pain when I am touched and a BP cuff is like murder, so you can only begin to imagine the pain that I have when the excess skin is put through the ringer when I walk on my treadmill.  I use a treadmill to ensure that I get a consistent workout and because my knee surgeon says it is what I need to do for my knees. 

I would love to do hydroaerobics but I have very sensitive skin and breakout at the simplest of things.  The chlorine in public pools is usually so high that I cannot tolerate it and that is why I have not looked into local gyms and do my workout at home...not to mention that it is much cheaper and safer...the gyms near me with pools are not in the best of areas and gang activity is high.  

The PS I saw told me point blank that rashes are not enough to get a panni covered by Kaiser.  I do not have back pain...my boobs nor my panni are big enough to cause pain.  That is why I need someone that will help me fight on the merit of the pain inflicted and worsened by the fibro, coupled with the rashes.

I hope there is one out there that will see that coming from 450 pounds to 160 something is really worth the fight when added to the real issues I have.  Thanks for your reply and suggestions.

Are you sure you want Plastics? The pain from this recovery has been a challenge for me.. If I had fibromyalgia I not sure I would want to got through this. I am 5 weeks out and its sucks how slow the recovery is..


Michelle

I am sorry to hear that you have had a rough time with the recovery.  But, I am sure that I want to do this.  I have never really taken pain meds for my fibro.  I have had it for as long as I can remember, but I thought it was normal to hurt until after a crap load of stress, sleep deprivation and excessive weight gain (when I actually hit the max of 440 on the scale).  I had no idea that it was not normal to be uncomfortable when someone touched you until I got so bad I actually said something to the Dr and that was when I was diagnosed.  So, once I got out of the job I was in and got back to a normal sleep pattern, the fibro seemed to kick back down to a tolerable level.  Once I lost 100 pounds, it is barely noticable...until I lost so much weight that she skin started flapping on my arms and thighs...then I was reminded, rudely I might add, that I have fibro.  I am sure that if I get the plastics that I will be good to go (after the recovery, of course) and can get back to being healthy on every level with much less pain.

I sincerely hope that your recovery takes a very positive turn and you are back to normal in no time.