Question:
How do I find a surgeon that would do hernia & TT at the same time?

I went to my ob/gyn and she thinks I have a hernia. She wants to refer me to a surgeon to have this looked at. I have heard that sometimes the insurance company will approve a tummy tuck with hernia repair. My question is, do I have her refer me to a general surgeon, a plastic surgeon or do I need both. Thanks for your help. Lynda Open RNY 2/11/04 244/115    — Lynda D. (posted on September 18, 2004)

September 18, 2004
my plastic surgeon did both at the same time, and I had 3 hernias, and she also did muscle tghtening too. You will need to get a letter of medical necessity from your pcp, stating that a tt would be medically necessary, to correct any problems you may be having, due to the excess skin on your apron, and the ps will take pictures and submit a letter of approval also. Many times a ps wont feel comfortable doing the hernia repair, so they will have a general surgeon step in and do the heria repair, then the ps will step in and do the tt. Good luck.
   — wizz40

September 19, 2004
'REFER' depends on YOUR insurance. I have Aenta PPO we require NO referral... as far as hernia/TT - I had 'two' surgies. One did my hernia repair; then when he was finished my PS took over. If your only going to have 'one' surgeon; then you'll want a PS who'll do the hernia repair. If you already have a PS in mind; as him if he will do hernia repairs; or give you a 'name' of someone he works with that will do the hernia repaire. You dont want a general surgeon doing your TT.
   — star .

September 19, 2004
Im going in this thursday (sept 23) for a hernia repair and complete abdominal plasty, it's all being done by a plastic surgeon.
   — Amy Hoffman

September 19, 2004
My plastic surgeon was the one who found what he thought was a hernia whe he examined me. My PCP also felt it. When he went in, he found not a hernia, but extremely stretched out muscles, which he had planned to tighten anyway. Be aware though, that just because the hernia is approved, does not mean your TT will be. Mine was denied twice, and I had to appeal to the state insurance department. As others have mentioned, many plastic surgeons do hernias with the abdominoplasties. Good luck!!
   — Fixnmyself

September 21, 2004
I was told by my Doctor that a plastci surgeon can repair the hernia and to the TT at the same time. Which is what I am going to have done. I am waiting on my referral now. good luck to all.........
   — cjbranim39

September 24, 2004
Many PS have their boards in both general and plastic surgery. As such, I am comfortable and actually PREFER to do the hernia as I can do it without plastic mesh and can shape the abdomen better that way. Check the ASPS website, you local support group, or WLS doc for reputable PS in your area.
   — DrL