Question:
wls and skin removal at the sametime

anyone 250-300 pounds have the loose skin under their stomach removed at the same time as wls? my insurance will only pay to have this done at the sametime as wls. which is kinda crazy to me. and if it needs to be redone they will do it because they did it the first time with the wls...sooo weird. but i would like to know results of ppl who had this done this way. thanks    — k K. (posted on February 9, 2003)

February 9, 2003
Are you sure you are reading the provision right? It just doesn't make any sense. Pre-op you are not going to have any loose skin. I don't have any loose skin. You only acquire the loose skin after weightloss when the fat is lost. <p> Take Care, Be Well, and Be Happy!
   — John T.

February 11, 2003
Sounds like someone gave you misinformation. You should request this in writing. At the same time, I've been in contact with several ladies from this site who had their tummies removed (a pannilectomy sp?) at the same time as their WLS in order to facilitate their mobility and improve weight loss. Maybe you could check the library to see if you can find anything from them? Their situation was not just skin removal but skin and fat, removal of the entire pannus. Hope you find what you're looking for. But I'd definitely check again with your insurance and ask for their requirement, including later surgeries being based on this, in writing.
   — Shelly S.

February 11, 2003
I know that some of the information I came across in my research of the surgery included that Dr. Flancbaum in New York City routinely performs a panniculectomy in all patients over 450 - 500 lbs to facilitate mobility post-op. So it's not unheard of. You can read and view interviews with him on the subject at www.healthology.com, and then go to Beyond Dieting.
   — Becky K.