Question:
Lightweight in need of abdominoplasty

I have FEP BCBS insurance. I'm a lightweight (pre-op 265 5'7") current weight 197. Would like abdominoplasty (hx of TAH, C-Section, appendectomy, Open RNY). Need muscles repaired. Not much of apron - but significant to me. No tone. Breast reduction 13 years ago - would like lift to firm up. Size 38-40C - full. Still have chronic neck/shoulder pain - back pain. Anyone else out there with similiar stats that have had surgery or is hoping to have surgery? I carried my weight from breasts to abdomen so the majority of my weight was in my middle.    — Debra L. H. (posted on April 5, 2003)

April 5, 2003
I have similar stats, and hoping to have surgery also. I had a breast reduc. in '91 and now they are practically non-existent (skin with a nipple, but the nipple is placed nice and perky:) I started at 245, now 140, carried my weight in the middle like you (apple). So with all of the extra skin in the middle, I'm still an apple. I would feel so much more normal if I had some skin work done. My panni isn't bad enough to 'qualify' (did have a c-section), no rashes or infections, but I do get sweaty in between the folds and to me that is reason enough! My girls would like a lift also, maybe be filled out just a tad bit. Don't want bigguns, but want *something*. Until I get something done, if I find a way, I will just keep wearing the padded bra!!
   — Cheri M.

April 7, 2003
Hi Deb, I had the open Oct 01, and had the tt/hernia on June 02, then follow up lipo and scar revision in Jan 03. I had also had breast reduction about 5 years ago. I couldn't be happier, I am 5 5 1/2 started out at 278 and now about 150, varies a few pounds. I never had a flat stomach even when young, but boy! do I now, they tighten my muscles when they did the hernia surgery and for quite awhile I had trouble standing up straight. I still have to remember to stand up straight, I think from years of such a heavy apron out front it pulled me over. My girls are perky, husband says he needs syrup for the pancakes (Ha) but I am so happy to have a lap, cross my legs, so many wondeful things I could never do. God Bless you in your persuit for a healthier body. I had just lost 90 pounds at the time of my ps, then went on to lose 40 pounds more before I had additional touch up ps. Hope this encourges you, Susie (Nancy Meriwether)
   — lostitall

April 7, 2003
I am 5'6 and started at 264, had abdominoplasty when I'd been stable @150 for 6 weeks. My apron wasn't bad enough for insurance to cover (no rashes, etc). I paid $5500 out of pocket, but it was well worth it! I have pics of the tuck if you are interested.
   — Karla K.

April 8, 2003
I started out at 260; I'm 5'8" tall. (Was 5'6" at surgery date - grew 2 inches!! Amazing.) My abdominoplasty, thigh lift and breast lift were covered by UHC as reconstructive. They had a formula for amount of ptosis required for a lift; I more than qualified. The abdominoplasty was covered for muscle repair due to back pain. The thigh lift was initially denied as cosmetic but the denial was overurned by the employer (it was a self-funded policy.) Good luck and don't assume you can't get coverage because you don't have rashes. hugs, Ann rny 9/10/99 260/124
   — [Deactivated Member]