Question:
Approved for Plasrtic Surgery in Houston, Texas

Has anybody used Dr. LoManico for there plastic surgery? Is it hard to get your insurance to approve the plastic surgery. I an 13 months post op and ready to have my tummy tuck, tighs and breast lift done. Thank you    — izzywcw (posted on January 23, 2008)

January 23, 2008
where is this Dr. located ? I need a good one too ...
   — Reelbaby

January 23, 2008
Not to sound silly, but isn't this plastic surgeon the one that is featured on the TLC channel show "Big Medicine"? I copied this from the TLC website: Dr. John LoMonaco attended Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and completed his nine years of post-graduate training there as well. He trained at major hospitals in the Texas Medical Center, including Memorial-Hermann Hospital and M.D. Anderson Cancer Institute. During his training, he conducted laboratory research for two years at the Medical School studying tissue healing and helping develop skin substitutes for burn victims. Dr. LoMonaco graduated from a rigorous residency in general surgery, and received board certification by the American Board of Surgery. He then went on to complete an accredited fellowship in plastic surgery, and received board certification in Plastic Surgery during his first year of practice. During his formal training, Dr. LoMonaco participated in over 5,000 surgical procedures. After graduation, Dr. LoMonaco taught plastic surgery for 2 years at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and served as Director of Plastic Surgery at the LBJ Hospital. In 1999, he traveled to El Salvador as part of a medical relief mission to perform surgery on children with facial deformities. Dr. LoMonaco's interests include all aspects of plastic surgery, with a special interest in breast and body contouring surgery. His office is near the Texas Medical Center and is equipped with its own operating facility. He also maintains operating privileges at several Medical Center hospitals, and is a member of both local and national medical societies. I never am sure if the surgeries they do on TV are as wonderful as they seem, but from what he seems like on TV, he's very good with weight loss patients. But as with any surgeon, you need to do a lot of research. Good luck. Hugs....Cheryl (P.S. I live in MN...and am only 3 mos. post op, but know I'll need my tummy, breasts, and thighs done, as well as my upper arms. I dread it...but that's life!)
   — Cheryl K.

January 23, 2008
Most insurances won't pay for any kind of reconstructive surgery needed because of Bypass. Mine didn't. I had to pay out of pocket. Also when my husband got approved for the Gastric Bypass our insurance wrote him a letter telling him that they didn't pay for skin removal or reconstruction so don't even ask!!
   — GAYLE CARMACK-LYONS

January 23, 2008
My daugther used Dr. LaMonico she is 23 and lost 150 lbs and had a breast augumentation and tummy tuck and looks awesome. He truly is a great Dr., his bedside manner is great and explains things so that the average layperson can understand. His staff is also very attentive. Insurance would not approve this. She paid out of pocket and the cost was worth it. She came out on the season premire of Big Medicine and she was able to wear a bikini just three months after the surgery and that was amazing that she finally had the courage to show off her new body. We trust him without a doubt. She used University General Hospital and that also was a great experience and without a doubt a hospital geared to the health and care of baratric patients, before and after.
   — gasadi

January 25, 2008
Yes, I had Dr. LoMonaco for for my tummy tuck. He is a GOD sent. I love him. He is very kind and understanding. His office staff and the ladies at the hospital were all nice. By ALL means go with Dr. LoMonaco.
   — twinshouse