Question:
All you who have hanging skin...help!

I am almost 10 months out and down 118 lbs. I have lots of skin and am within a stones throw of my goal. BUT, I have lots of hanging skin and have one documented yeast infection in the folds of skin. Any one know how many it takes to get a TT or a complete lower body lift? I am not sure about the technical terms used either....HELP!    — Brooke B. (posted on September 19, 2003)

September 19, 2003
I saw the plastic surgeon a few weeks ago and am waiting for preauth. I have lost 105 and am 25 lbs from goal I am almost 9 mos out. I hope to lose the 25 before surgery. I took pictures all along. before and after my RNY. just to back my plastic surgery. the doctors office only took 2 of my pic's and took a few of there own. just make notes of what problems your having. I did, and they wrote it all down.I have friends that got it done with out there own pic's it all depends how the doctor writes it up too. take a lot of notes. good luck.
   — Joan W.

September 19, 2003
Hi Brooke: Congratulations on your success! Each insurance have different requirements. According to the plastic surgeon's assistant I just talked to, unfortunately it also depends on who happens to be looking at the pictures that particular day. There's a group on yahoo that is devoted to plastic surgery you should check out. Good luck getting your approval. S
   — sherry hedgecock

September 23, 2003
Brooke~I am 10 months post-op and down 114 pounds, at goal~ 5'4" and 141 pounds. I figure with plastics I will lose about 10 more pounds. I have lots of hanging skin and just yesterday had my second and last consult with my plastic surgeon. I have a surgery date for a Belt Lipectomy or Lower Body Lift on 12-9-03 at the University of Iowa with Dr. Cram and Dr. Aly. I could not get insurance to cover the belt, with letters from my PCP, physical therapist, bypass surgeon, plastic surgeon, pictures showing rashes in folds, and a letter from myself explaining all this is causing in my own words. After a second submission and still denial, we submitted for a panniculectomy (tummy only) and within 48 hours that was approved. So, I am paying the difference of the two myself and going for the whole shabang! Can't wait...if you have any other questions please feel free to e-mail me personally.
   — Carol V.