Question:
What kind of

Hi! I wanted to ask those of you that have had a breast reduction and/or lift, what kind of "treatment" did you have to go thru before insurance covered the procedures? I am starting the process and saw my PCP over the weekend and he has me on 2 weeks of Celebrex and muscle relaxers, and if those don't help the neck/back pain, he's sending me to an orthopedist for physical therapy. Anyone else have to do this? and what kind of physical therapy is it? I'm curious as to what others had to do...Thanks!    — lily1968 (posted on July 19, 2002)

July 19, 2002
Any chance your PCP is not thoroughly knowledgeable on WLS? Sounds like the obvious cause (excessive weight loss) is escaping his logic. Then again, maybe he feels you are better treated according to his recommendations. If you have the slightest feeling that he does not completely understand the long term effects (BENEFITS!) of WLS, maybe cut your losses now and ask your surgeon or this site to recommend another one more appropriate!
   — Karen F.

July 19, 2002
I haven't has a breast reduction yet, but am in the process of interviewing plastic surgeons. The 2 I've seen so far both recommended seeing an orthopedist before to help with insurance approval. The more documentation by different doctors you have, the better your chances of approval. So, your PCP seems to be on the right track.
   — Leslie F.

July 19, 2002
I had my BR in 93, 7 years before my WLS. I only weighed 205 at the time, and was wearing a 38-40 DD. All I had to do was show the Plastic Surgeon my breasts (he took pictures for insurance) showed him the grooves in my shoulders and my humpback. Just the size of my breasts alone (and my discomfort) were reason enough and insurance approved- he removed 5 lbs (2.5 each) and I wear a 38 C or D depending on weight. Imagine wearing a five pound brick around your neck- UGH. Any how, the grooves are gone and so is my humpback. Doctors who have since seen my breast said my surgeon did a really good job (Dr. Jellinek from the SF Bay Area). My surgery also allowed my nipples to not be removed- (they remained on their blood supply, were moved up and reattached into new "holes", and the excess breast below was removed, and reduced. So I still may be able to breast feed. I also had my surgery as an outpatient- meaning surgery was done, I went home and he came to my house the next day and removed my drains- I was back to work in 1 month.....
   — Karen R.

July 19, 2002
I had a breast reduction 6 years ago. I went to the plastic surgeon with no major complaints other than the fact my breasts were huge. He took pictures and I was double the size I should have been. He told me on a normal breast when standing straight and hands to your side, your nipples should be about elbow height. mine were literally at my wrists. I had no problem. I wish I would have known about the WLS surgery then, I would have had it instead. My BR was the worst pain I have ever been in in my life. WLS was a breeze compared to that. Good luck...
   — candymom64