Wondering about stomach surgery.

I'm 21 months post op and am now ready to begin the "plastic surgery" portion of my transformation. I have insurance and cannot have the surgery unless my insurance (Cigna) pays for it as I have no $$$$ (We just now got done paying for the surgeon). I want to have my hanging belly skin removed (perhaps I can make a skirt out of it? LOL j/k) and am wondering if anyone out there in cyberland can give me some magic buzzwords to help expedite getting the approval. Also, any recommendations for a plastic surgeon (Nashville and surrounding areas) would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Carol, I just wanted to wish you luck! From what I've read and heard from many people, it is SUPER hard to get approval for plastic surgery through ANY insurance company. Also, alot of plastic surgeons have such a hard time dealing with insurance companies that a lot of them don't even bother with going through insurance. It's pretty hard to get weight loss surgery approved through cigna..much less plastic surgery. Oh and another thing, insurance companies don't like it being called plastic surgery...but reconstructive surgery. I don't want to sound so negative, but I don't want you getting your hopes up. You may want to call Cigna and ask them about the requirements for approval of reconstructive surgery from massive weight loss, start documenting your skin problems through photos (rashes, infections, etc.), get your PCP to do this for you in specific detail about your problems and failed treatments, reoccuring rashes and infections, etc. Good luck! April

document any problems you are having that are related to the excess skin. EVERYTHING! Skin rashes or irritations, maybe you have a lot of moisture below the hanging skin that causes problems where it is touching, also emotional or relational issues stemming from the excess skin. Back pain, etc. If you can relate anything to the skin, do it! Have a doctor document your concerns. Every little thing! I know of a few people in the Nashville who have used Dr. Lois Wagstrom in Nashville for reconstructive surgery. She has had a number of post WLS patients. It's important to have a plastic surgeon with experience in reconstruction after massive weight loss. Once I've lost my weight, I'm thinking of going to Brazil for any/all of my reconstructive surgery that isn't covered by insurance. Often, people can get coverage for the tummy tuck ESPECIALLY if you need hernia repair. If you have an incisional hernia,that is a GREAT lead into getting approval for the tummy tuck. Anyhoo... insurance may pay for stuff like that but odds that they'll pay for breast life, brachioplasty (arm lift) lower body lift, etc are slim. That's why I'm considering Brazil. Best of luck to you! Document, document, document! I've heard good things about Dr. Wagstrom. I think she has a great website. Just google her.

Carol, click on the left side of the board or at the top of the page and a list will appear, several are in Nashville. Call them regarding your insurance, it has to be submitted as reconstructive surgery not plastic surgery. I agree with the others, make sure you have every thing documented. Mine has been for sometime. I continuely get yeast infections below my breasts and below my stomach. I have major wings, thighs that are so flabby they are starting to hang over my knees causing major joint pain, and pressure on my spine. Just start making calls and find one who works with Cigna. Best of luck and May God guide you on this new journey. Love Kathy