Question:
Appealing panniculectomy: will being diagnosed with scoliosis help?

I just saw an orthopedic surgeon today for my back pain that has gotten worse and worse (I am almost 2 1/2 years post-op). He diagnosed me with scoliosis! It completely blew me away! Will being diagnosed with scoliosis help in my appeal for a panniculectomy? We have not discussed treatment yet...I need to have an MRI first. Any help or feedback would be greatly appreciated!    — LaRayne H. (posted on July 15, 2004)

July 15, 2004
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. I have an "S" at the top and bottom of spine. I did have WLS surgery, but NOT due to scoliosis. As far as the panniculetomy and scoliosis for the appeal process - those are two seperate things, back and tummy - I doubt if it will be granted on that. For scoliosis treatment, either back exercises, brace, or surgery are the treatment or this. My sister had the brace, and my sister-in law had the surgery - me, just exercises.
   — Maryjean

July 15, 2004
I've been diagnosed with scoliosis for a long time. It didn't help me with getting approved for wls, but then again nothing did, and I all but threw the kitchen sink at them. I just found out today that my boss was approved (same insurance, same bmi). I think a lot of it depends on who does the initial review. Anyway, I self-paid. As for using the scoleosis to support your claim for a panniculectomy, again, I think it all has to do with the reviewer. I do think a case could be made that a better distribution of weight would help your back. Certainly could help prevent the scoliosis from getting worse. It wouldn't hurt to ask your orthopedist for a recommendation. Katie 207/132/120
   — Le P.

July 15, 2004
A strongly written letter by the ortho doc should go a long ways. My full extended abdominoplasty was covered by insurance strictly because of my low back problems. I have severe degenerative disc disease in L3 through S1. The ortho surgeon clearly stated that getting the excess skin off the front would allow my posture to improve and stomach muscles to tighten and better support the back. And truthfully it has. I have just about no back pain issues anymore yet the damage is already done. We basically presented it as this was a logical way to manage my condition. It would not solve it but would help to delay back surgery and maybe even eliminate the need. BCBS agreed and even approved doing the abdominoplasty in 2 surgeries because the skin above the waist had to be removed in a 2nd surgery. The first one could not get it all due to my anatomy. However, without the great letter from the ortho it won't likely make a ton of difference.
   — zoedogcbr

July 15, 2004
I can't say for sure, but it would make sense that anything that would put pressure on your back might be helpful for the approval. It certainly wouldn't be a negative. Good luck!
   — Fixnmyself

July 16, 2004
I think you have a very good chance if your sciolosis was just diagnosed! Email me and I will send you my appeal letter and the position statements from the Society of Plastic surgeons on panniculectomy and redundant skin. The extra skin you carry in front very much does affect your back!
   — koogy