Question:
panniculectomy surgery

Hi I have lost nearly 250 lbs. My surgeon said I can have a paaniculectomy, and so I am waiting insurance approval. He said it is difficult to get that approved. One question is anyone have BCBS of Illinois and how was it for approval? Second question is following panniculectomy, how much pain did you have and how long were you out of work? Thank you for all of your help. Holly H    — Holly H. (posted on November 24, 2004)

November 23, 2004
I have BCBS of IL and they very readily approved a panniculectomy. My Dr submitted the reqest, they did ask for pictures to be sent from my surgeons office. (I could not submit the pics my self, they HAD to be directly from the surgeon) they approved almost immediately. I had lost 130 # and the skin did hang over my pubic area. I paid the extra to have a LBL, muscles tightened, and arms done. I had considerably less pain than I expected, But everyone is different. My profile has details of my surgery, It is kind of long.
   — **willow**

November 23, 2004
I had Anthem BC/BS - Trigon out of Virginia and once they got my pictures and medical necessity letter, I was approved immediately (I lost 125 pounds). I had an abdominoplasty with muscle tightening and I was able to stand upright the next day. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate the pain about a 4. The Lap RNY was by FAR more painful. I took 3 weeks off of work but could have easily have went back after 2.
   — Patty H.

November 24, 2004
I have BCBS United of WI and they approved a full extended abdominoplasty done in two stages. My waist was very anchored down and all of the skin could not be loosened and pulled down in the first surgery. They could tell just by looking at the pics that this was accurate and approved both surgeries from the start. I paid additional to turn the first surgery into a LBL and have extensive leg lipo with the 2nd surgery in preparation for the medial thigh lift I had 2 weeks ago. <p>I went back to work 1/2 days about 2-1/2 weeks after my LBL. I could have gone back to work after a week, at least part time, after the 2nd surgery but ended up getting a horrible cold from my husband and was out 3 weeks. I went back to work 10 days after this last surgery. I've worked at least a 1/2 day each day this week and expect to be back full time next week. The pain sucks at first but it only improves each day. Whatever the pain and discomfort it is worth it for the end result. So just keep your eye on the prize if you start to feel sorry for yourself.
   — zoedogcbr

November 24, 2004
One other thing. If you truly need an abdominoplasty then make sure that is what they submit for. Many docs assume that insurance won't pay for more than a panni, but you don't know if you don't ask. BCBS never even questioned the need for a abdom. over a panni. Many who have lose sizeabke amounts like you and I have (I'm down 252 lbs), need more than just a panni to get the right results. In my case it may not have even been an issue because my whole approval was built on my low back degenerative disc disease problems. So tightening the muscles and getting rid of all loose skin that would pull on the back only made sense.
   — zoedogcbr