Question:
TUMMY TUCK AND AETNA

I'M SIX YEARS OUT GASTRIC BYPASS I HAVE CONSTANT BACTERIA INFECTIONS. I LEFT IT ALONE BECAUSE MY WEIGHT CHANGES IT SEEMS BY THE SEASON THIRTY POUNDS ON AND OFF AGAIN. BUT SUMMER IS HERE AGAIN AND ALL THE SHOWERS, ALCOHOL AND CREAMS ARE MAKING IT UNBEARABLE. MY GYNECOLOGIST ASKED ME IF I PLAN ON DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT AND NOW I AM CONSIDERING IT. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS AND WILL AETNA PAY?    — ANNAJEAN (posted on July 16, 2009)

July 16, 2009
I am approved for a panniculectomy/abdominoplasty thru Aetna ins. for surgery on August 10, 2009. I have lost a lot of weight over a long period of time and have a pannus which hangs down to my knees. It makes it difficult for me to walk, drive, walk upstairs etc. Rashes and hygiene are difficult. Basically I look like the michelin tire woman, completely deflated. I have been seeing a plastic surgeon for over six months now and when he submitted the paperwork and pictures to Aetna, I expected it to go pretty quickly however it took almost a month to get approved and the reason was I found out was that the pictures went to a imaging center in a different state from where the paperwork went. I kept calling and as a result of that they found the error and I was approved very quickly and immediatly. I think you have to meet certain criteria and I suggest you call Aetna and see what they tell you. Make sure you have documentation from every doctor you have ever seen that notes problems you medically have due to the hanging apron/stomach area. This along with pictures needs to be submitted for approval by your doctor or plastic reconstructive surgeon. Keep me posted!
   — Sarah B.

July 16, 2009
I had a bypass 9/07 and an extended tummy tuck with Lipo I am so happy it was the best money I ever spent. I have Empire they would only pay a small amount. I have been going to the gym 5 days a week for about a year and my stomach looked just awful but the surgery made the differenc. My pants fit was much better and I went down 2 sizes. Hang in there it is so worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!
   — clperag

July 17, 2009
You might want to check out the forum on plastic surgery. they say gettin it approved is all about having your problems documneted. Pictures, medicines, and trips to the doctor.
   — trible