Question:
anyone had about 50 pounds of excess apron to be removed

I weighed 487 before my surgery and now I am down to 238, but you can't tell because my stomach is so huge. I went to a plastic surgeon about the tummy tuck and he said it was so large that he was not sure he wanted to get involved. Can you please answer with someone that has had a large amount to be removed and if you insurance covered it. I have cigna ppo. I would definitely love pictures. Please, I am about to panic!    — tina T. (posted on November 11, 2002)

November 11, 2002
What a jerk that plastic surgeon was and yes with a Apron that large insurance will pay and more then likely for a few different proceedures there are plenty of Plastic Surgeons out there go for many consultations and it is not called a Tummy Tuck to insurance it is called " Reconstruction
   — Kathleen M.

November 11, 2002
My sister-in-law has the same problem. She was about your size 2 years ago and lost a lot of weigh (not through WLS). She got down to 248 and they told her she should lose 50 lbs to be safe. I think (not sure) that removing that much can cause problems. Maybe it has to do with the blood loss or something. I do agree that insurance should cover it though. Good Luck with you journey.
   — Beffy W.

November 11, 2002
Congratulations on the weight loss. Before you settle on a plastic surgeon, make sure they have experience with people who use to be large. So many of them have not. Check with the doctors office who did your surgery maybe they can recommend someone. One of the reasons people who have large aprons removed have problems is the body does not know what to do with the extra fluid ( you will have drains ) If that surgeon does not want to get involved, by all means DONT work with him, heck I wouldn't even recommend him. Research this. Dont settle for second best. Insurance will most likely cover it if it is causing you medical problems rashes, infections, tears, and so on. Have your doctor document all of them. Best of luck
   — domestic G.

November 11, 2002
Yes, I agree with the others. Read between the lines of a plastic surgeon who says he doesn't want to get involved...what he really means is "I have no experience in dealing with people who have lost massive amounts of weight." Run, don't walk from this Bozo. If you can, get a recommendation from your weight loss surgeon or support group. Or, before you waste your time, energy and co-pay on someone you don't know, ask when setting up the consultation if they've had any experience with our kind. Good luck!
   — Leslie F.

November 11, 2002
Tina, I was 324 when I had my stomach removed. I'd ALWAYS had a huge stomach. I saw before & after pics of people near my weight, both heavier and smaller that my surgeon had done. He never batted an eye because he'd had experience in doing it. Also he was thrilled for me because he knew what a difference it would make for me. You do have a lot of drainage but everyone has that. When they did mine they used an incision that went hip to hip and around the backside at my waist (like a beltectomy). So my drains were front and back of each hip. I did have to empty and clean them often, more than once a day as most people do with the type of drain system I had. One set of drains came out at 2 weeks, one at 3 weeks, followed immediately after by removal of the stitches. This is a very do-able thing but I really think you need to find a different doc. He should be able to show you photos of other patients similiar to you and tell you straight up what to expect with the surgery. I knew before surgery what to expect and that I'd have to go back for a "touch up" to get the best result.
   — Shelly S.

November 12, 2002
I just wanted to add that I'd at least respect the plastic surgeon who told you he didn't want to get involved in such a major reconstructive surgery. He did the right thing by telling you. He may be an outstanding plastic surgeon in other areas of the body, as I'm sure not all are skilled in every type of procedure. Nothing wrong with that. Be glad he was honest with you, however, this should be no reflection on his abilities as a plastic surgeon. Maybe he could recommend someone who's expertise is in body reconstruction.
   — Natalie M.

November 12, 2002
hi not sure what state you are in but i have an excellent plastic surgeon i live in ohio he is in cleveland, ohio out of fairview hosiptal his name is dr. catana his number is 216-252-6606 good luck to you rosemary
   — ROSEMARY A.