Question:
Anyone who started out a lightweight and having tummy tuck?

I started 5'2" 230. Down 66 pounds post rny-don't think I'm going to lose that much more and need a tummy tuck. Anyone out there have a similar experience and get insurance to pay for the tummy tuck? Thanks. Carla    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on January 15, 2004)

January 15, 2004
i started at 236 lbs and am 5'5"- am now weighing 140- went to a consult today with the plastic surgeon and he said there was no way the ins would pay- he is going to send in the paperwork just in case but he said not to count on it- so i am saving like mad- tt and arms will be about $12,000- ugh- totally worth it though- good luck!
   — Jannie N.

January 15, 2004
I'm in the hospital as I type post op TT. I started at 222 and got down to 128. I went back up and then down to 145 day of surgery. I told the insurance I'd lost 95 pounds. From highest to lowest that was correct. I got approval through BC. Never let a doctor tell you no. Go ahead and apply for preapproval and let the insurance tell you yes or no. Good luck. S
   — sherry hedgecock

January 15, 2004
A word of advice, Janey, from someone who's been-there-done-that. When a doctor tells you that there's "no way it will get approved", then my experience is that they aren't going to really try very hard to go-to-bat for you. I would be sure you stress the importance of including in their request your history of WLS, rashes underneath the apron as well as in your sagging belly button. I actually had a pretty flat stomach post-op RNY, but told them I get red in the belly-button from it being saggy/closed-up (which was indicative of yeast infections), and this was enough to get approved by my ins. co. I'd suggest typing a letter to the insurance company yourself detailing any problems/concerns and why you feel it is medically necessary! Have the doctor submit it with his packet/request for pre-approval and send it to the ins. co. yourself also. If his office does not want to do this for you to really make a good case, find another surgeon! Good luck to you!
   — Lynette B.

January 17, 2004
I was 5' and weighed 248. I had my tt done when I got down to 140. I DEFINATELY needed it. He cut off 5 pounds of skin - no fat. My insurance covered the procedure. Take a side view picture with you pulling out your stomach as far as you can. This way the insurance company can see how much skin you truly have to remove. The tt made a WORLD of difference in the way I looked. It was the best prcoedure I had done.
   — Patty H.

January 19, 2004
I started out at 246 and I am 5'4. When I got down to 146 I had my Panni done. The surgeon took photos and explained that I had WLS. I also had an incisional hernia as well. It was totally covered. I was 1 year post op. Good luck, and if this doctor won't help and fight the insurance company for you, find another that will.
   — Dawn H.