Question:
I started at 397 lbs, i am at 239 lbs., ins. changes in December, new ins. wont pay

I have Blue Care Network, who paid for my WLS and i hear are fairly good at paying for the Reconstructive skin removal. I have to change to HAP in December. My doc says that HAP wont cover or will give me grief, do it now before i change. I am 5'9" and have 40 lbs to go to goal. I need feedback on whether i should wait or have it done now, thanks    — Kimberly Felan (posted on June 21, 2002)

June 21, 2002
If you have until December, why not wait until November and get it done? I would wait as long as possible. You could easily lose 30 pounds by then- that's 5 months away. Shelley
   — Shelley.

June 21, 2002
Absolutely get it done in November or thereabouts. Double check your dates to get approval, etc. so you don't wait too long. You are lucky to have an ins. that will pay for reconstructive. Kaiser told me pre-op that I'm on my own as far as that's concerned. And it's as expensive as heck! Just work your butt off to get all the weight off that you can beforehand. Good luck and hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 21, 2002
I would say get it done before changing insurance. You have several months to really work and excercise and getting off as much as you can, but you have lost enough to where a tummy tuck at this point would be very necessary. Those last few pounds wont have as much extra skin as your nearly 160 lbs that you have already lost. Good luck and congratulations on your wonderful success so far.
   — Dell H.

June 21, 2002
Kim, we have an Hospital called University Hospital in Cincinnati,Ohio it is a Hospital that also teaches. It's a good Hospital, as far as Hospital's go. People can get a tummy tuck for far less than regular means. My Doctor told me about it, just in case I need to use them. My Husband is retiring next year & I dont know what insurance I will have or if they will pay for my tummy tuck. Good luck on whatever you decide. I had my RNY on 5/14/02
   — Janet C.

June 22, 2002
Waiting until November seems like good advice. However, if I was faced with the decision I would get it as soon as possible. What if you wait until Novemember and you get the flu? Or if the surgeon goes on vacation? Or any number of reasons for delays that "sometimes" happens. I know it would be nicer to lose all of the 40 pounds you can, but what if something happens to delay it from November? You could end up not having the surgery at all. Just a thought.
   — Danmark