Question:
How do I ask

My surgeon to refer me to have the excess skin removed? My surgeon will not refer anyone to have the excess skin removed until you can maintain weight for at least 3 month. The problem is I have a really bad back problem and its because all of the excess skin in the front as gone down south including my breast, making it hard to stand sit or bend. the chiropractor said that once the skin is removed that I will no longer have lower back pain. How do I tell him I need this to get rid of the pain? 126lb    — Lovett (posted on April 27, 2003)

April 27, 2003
Can you go to your PCP rather then your surgeon? How far out are you? I am going through the same thing, I am in physical therapy for my back from the skin. I have decided until I am a year out though to get the skin removed. I would try your PCP.~StephiAZ 8.5 months -117lbs Open DS 08/12/02~
   — Stephanie B.

April 27, 2003
I would try your pcp....also if you want the surgeons opinion on plastic surgeons just ask, tell him what kind of problems u are experiencing and that you want to start looking into have the tt....remember hon, its YOUR decision, not his to have a tt and when.
   — Deanna Wise

April 27, 2003
Congrats! I see that you're within a couple pounds of goal now, how wonderful!! Considering how long it takes for getting the ball rolling for plastic surgery, especially if you'll be relying on insurance, it doesn't seem too early at all to get started. And that pain makes it medically necessary as well. I'm sure your surgeon will be happy to give you the names of a couple surgeons. Good luck and again, congratulations!!
   — Shelly S.

April 27, 2003
I think you said it well here. Do not assume he/she will turn you down.
   — faybay

April 27, 2003
Referrals depend on the type of insurance you have. IF you dont need a 'referral' to see a specialist. Just make an appointment with the plastic surgeon; YOU dont need the blessing of your WLS to get/receive plastic surgery. If you need a 'referral'.... go to your PCP for one... Who in MOST cases of insurance referrals IS THE PERSON you have tohave referral from. Your original surgeon did the WLS he has NO CONTROL over the PS. BUT, the plastic surgeon will ask how much more weight you plan to loose; generally they DO NOT want to do surgery (we are the tummy part) until you have maintained/and have stopped loosing. But still; since you are having pain NOW... they might change - course if they did some now - you might end up with 'extra' tho less in the future. Check your requirments on referrals... then go ahead thats what consultations are for anyways.
   — star .