What is a WLS Graduate?

I am 8 and a half years post op, and I still would not consider myself a graduate.  I see myself more like an alcoholic living in recovery.  I lost a total of 200 lbs, and have had very few complications.  I am about to have some body contouring, and found myself back on this site to see if anyone has had any success with insurances for plastic surgery coverage.   I found this web site to be invaluable when I first had my procedure.  At that point it was brand new.  I spent many an hour in the chat room seeking solace and answers. Cassandre

A graduate is someone more than a year out.  Others are welcome to post though.  As a year or more out, we seem to have different problems from newer post-ops.  This board is just one more place to post.  You're more likely to get an answer to a problem that is specific to people a year or more out here.

Oh my gosh, Cassandre! You'd be a wealth of information to us all...I'm 15 months post op and have often wondered what life will look like 8 years out...Actually even just two years out.. I also consider myself a food addict..Recovering food addict...We all have those issues and for some of us they are more real than others. Thanks so much for being here! Can we ask you some questions? Dawn

Funny, I, too, consider my disease just in remission. 13 yrs. My tummy tuck was covered as reconstructive back in 1995. I've seen others who are still able to get it covered as reconstructive. Because of the lower insurance payment, some plastic surgeons will notaccept insurance assignment or may not be willing to ask. If they just blow you off as "ins won't pay", just move on down the road to another.

My WLS did my TT, so it wasn't as pretty a scar, but it's way, WAY tighter than a PS woulda done it. Shop around.

I'm 5 years PO but consider myself a recovering "foodie" still... lol!  I think I'll always be recovering, just like an alcoholic.  But , saying that...  I love to cook and still do even thought it's a much healthy version of what I used to cook.  I still bake with my Nephews and do Christmas "stuff" for the family and friends, but I don't crave those goodies after smelling the sugar baking in them - yuck! Blah!!!   I have gained about 20 lbs back after my hysterectomy 2 years ago but I'm on the loosing track again, thank GOD!  After I get back down to my goal I'm going to start searching around for a PS also.  I don't think insurance will pay but heck I'm going to give it a good shot!!!   Have a great night!  I am very happy to have found this site, it has saved me in more ways than I can explain!!!  Enjoy your night!  

Nice to meet you Cassandrem! I had a TT along with muscles tightning, labia recontruction, and a pelvic hernia replaced. Insurance covered it all. My OB/Gyn did it and it turned out great. Now I would like to have my side boobs replace and my others lifted back up. We'll see how far I get on that one! It would just be nice to be able to wear a button down blouse for a change without having to go up 2 sizes so it will button! Diona