Question:
I have lower back pain and get a numbness between my shoulder blades,

Can it be from too much hanging in the front? Need tummy tuck and Breat lift. A friend of mine has almost the same thing and is being approved for surgery, I have a navy Dr who knows nothing about GB surgery. Can someone steer me in the right direction about this pain being associated with the hanging skin??    — Gina T. (posted on January 19, 2005)

January 19, 2005
It would be best to see a doctor and make sure nothing is going on with your gallbladder. The American Academy of Plastic Surgeons do say, in the position stsement on abdominoplasty, that 10 lbs of hanging skin puts 100lbs of pressure on the lower back. Be sure you have this pain documented medically - it might be helpful if you need it to get your abdominoplasty or panniculectomy approved by insurance.
   — koogy

January 20, 2005
I am going for my tummy tuck on Monday. It was approved by insurance after the first try since I've been experiencing lower back pain for several months. Definitely see a doctor to help you with your pain and for a proper diagnosis, but also so they can document your symptoms and possibly get your tummy tuck paid by insurance, too, if this is what the cause is.
   — Yolanda J.

January 22, 2005
Hello Gina, I too have a Navy Physician and the best thing to do is have him write a referral for you to see an orthopedic doctor so that your pain is documented and evaluated. After the ortho doctor makes his report request a referral to a network plastic surgeon and have him request approval for your tummy tuck. This is the easiest process and it "should not" take more than a month. Not only am I a military dependant but I work for TRICARE as well. You can always request the referral to the plastic surgeon first but depending on your region the approval department may feel that there hasn't been an eval of your condition. Hope this helps .... Tiffany
   — Tiff's On a Mission