Skin Issues...Ugh!!

 

Just wondering how long people waited to consult with a plastic surgeon regarding leftover skin.  I am about 2.5 lbs. aways from my goal and have lost almost 100 lbs., and it's really tough knowing that there is a much smaller person underneath all the loose skin on my stomach.  I wouldn't trade it back, but it is hard to deal with, as well as it being uncomfortable when I exercise. I know it could be worse had I been bigger, and wonder if my insurance would cover it, but am seriously considering a tummy tuck and I never thought I would.  I would love to hear how other people handled this.  

Thanks & hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Soo

I lost about as much as you and my panni was really annoying. I am lucky that my WLS doc does tummy tuck too. I got approved for panni a little more than a year out and had the surgery about 1 1/2 yrs out. I was not and still am not at my goal but it made a huge difference in how my clothes fit and my comfort. The doc who did mine is a real sweetheart and even though I paid for panni he did a tummy tuck for no extra charge and he did an excellent job. I think I have before and after pics on my profile but if not I send u some.
Good luck and hope that helped!

Seems most insurance will pay for a panni but not a tummy tuck, medical necessity stuff.  My insurance in the approval letter stated clearly they would not approve removal of excess skin but said nothing about with or without medical necessity. 

I have BCBS and they will approve a panni but only if it's medically necessary- you have to have documented things like reoccurring skin irritation, rashes, sores, stuff like that.

I think the general rule is that you wait 18 months after surgery. I think to make sure you are at a stable weight.
Good luck.

The difference between a panni and a tummy tuck is that they tighten the muscles not only remove the skin. I had no idea he had done this until my 2nd post op check up...the PA asked my muscle soreness was...I was like...OhHHHHH no wonder it hurt so bad...I still have like a lump in the middle of my stomach but having the excess skin gone is great. I have BC/BS and they required 4 months of visits to MD and they took pics at the first one. After the 4 month I had no problem getting approved> I don't think you have to wait a certain amount of time. It is a good idea to start checking NOW with what your insurance will cover and not so you can start doing what you need to. My doc did tell me if I had any infections or serious irritation to come in and have pics taken. Otherwise at each monthly visit I just said...YEP STILL BOTHERING ME ....just a hoop to jump thru. Every insurance has their hoops.. I would first check with your WLS to see if they do the surgery..It is by far the easiest cuz they know the insurance hoops pretty well.
Good luck!