LoquaciousLaura

On a daily basis I wear 3 major things under my regular clothes. First I put on a back smoother bra the one I love is Lane Bryant's they are buy 2 get 2 free right now...hop on that deal!!! http://www.lanebryan...36851/index.pro 2nd I wear Spanx Slimplicity Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit http://www.spanx.com...rentPage=family This is so worth the price but hand wash them and they will last you only draw back is having to take shirts off in order to poo but these have a gusset and you can tinkle in them and no you don't really pee on them but it is something you have to get use to it's kinda yuck at first but now I love the gusset. 3rd I wear Spanx On Top and In Control Essential 3/4 Sleeve Bateau http://www.spanx.com...rentPage=family These give the look of having slender arms. Even in 103 degree weather I wear them and let me tell you, you sweat in these the same as if you did not have them on. The only difference is that they absorb the sweat rather than having your clothes get wet with sweat. LOVE LOVE LOVE these attached is a photo of me without them and with them, you'll be sold on these too Here i'm wearing it with a sleeveless halter dress here i'm wearing the spanx on top and in control 3/4 sleeve by itself with a skirt and a belt, looks like a dress right? hope this all helps!! Lots of insurance companies do cover plastics after weight loss surgery. They must be medically necessary so have your pcp write a referral to a surgeon, Have your pcp document any issues related to the loose skin...rashes (keep receipts for creams too) or neck and back pain, etc. photos of the rashes are very helpful in getting approvals. Do not refer to it as plastics or cosmetic surgery, it is body contouring after massive weight loss. I went to a plastic surgeon Thursday and now waiting for pre-authorization from my insurance co for plastics. Passing along the cpt codes... you can call your ins co and ask if the codes are covered...if you ask about the procedures the operators always say no cause they don't know any better. Mastoplexy (breast lift) "cpt code 19316", Brachioplasty (arm lift) "cpt code 15836", Thigh lift "cpt code 15823", Panniculectomy (tummy tuck w/no muscle reconstruction) "cpt code 15830". Again don't call there and ask "is plastic surgery covered" the operators are not the ones who know...they simply are call center operators that can relay info from your file or their computer and can change pcp, address, etc info in your account. They are not experts they use a intranet to search for the answers to your questions. A middle man so to speak. They do not make the decisions they can pretty much only change your pcp or give you info based on what is in your file. Pretty much all you do is call get a rep and say "i am interested in finding out if some procedures are covered, i have the CPT codes" They will be more than happy to give you the answers because you have done half the work by having the CPT codes ready for them. Let me know how it goes. Be sure to ask the % covered some are 80/20 mine is 100% with a $250 co pay after my high deductible is met which it is my daughters are having their tonsils removed this year. I am pursuing brachioplasty and mastoplexy and my surgeon is going to zig zag the scar in my armpit so he can pull the bra back skin into it and make it one long scar from my inner elbow into my armpit and down under my breast and up to center so it's back breast and arm all at one time. One procedure one long scar on either side which i am fine with. better than 3 different procedures.

Thank You! I know you said "I can't consider plastic surgery for now, probably not ever as I have limited funds." here's some info that can be helpful to you and others as well. Lots of insurance companies do cover plastics after weight loss surgery. They must be medically necessary so have your pcp write a referral to a surgeon, Have your pcp document any issues related to the loose skin...rashes (keep receipts for creams too) or neck and back pain, etc. photos of the rashes are very helpful in getting approvals. Do not refer to it as plastics or cosmetic surgery, it is body contouring after massive weight loss. I went to a plastic surgeon Thursday and now waiting for pre-authorization from my insurance co for plastics. Passing along the cpt codes... you can call your ins co and ask if the codes are covered...if you ask about the procedures the operators always say no cause they don't know any better. Mastoplexy (breast lift) "cpt code 19316", Brachioplasty (arm lift) "cpt code 15836", Thigh lift "cpt code 15823", Panniculectomy (tummy tuck w/no muscle reconstruction) "cpt code 15830". Again don't call there and ask "is plastic surgery covered" the operators are not the ones who know...they simply are call center operators that can relay info from your file or their computer and can change pcp, address, etc info in your account. They are not experts they use a intranet to search for the answers to your questions. A middle man so to speak. They do not make the decisions they can pretty much only change your pcp or give you info based on what is in your file. Pretty much all you do is call get a rep and say "i am interested in finding out if some procedures are covered, i have the CPT codes" They will be more than happy to give you the answers because you have done half the work by having the CPT codes ready for them. Let me know how it goes. Be sure to ask the % covered some are 80/20 mine is 100% with a $250 co pay after my high deductible is met which it is my daughters are having their tonsils removed this year. I am pursuing brachioplasty and mastoplexy and my surgeon is going to zig zag the scar in my armpit so he can pull the bra back skin into it and make it one long scar from my inner elbow into my armpit and down under my breast and up to center so it's back breast and arm all at one time. One procedure one long scar on either side which i am fine with. better than 3 different procedures. Let me know how it goes if you call your ins co.

Hey I'm Laura I talk a lot so people refer to me as "Loquacious Laura" I had VSG April 5th 2010 at Frnaklin Square Hospital by Dr Christopher You. 1 Month before my VSG Holly asked me if I would be interested in being their before and after model for their magazines and brochures. It has been wonderful helping others. I carry the brochures with me I talk about my experience with everyone, it usually comes up. I can not tell you how many people have asked to keep the brochures for them self's or loved ones and since the # to get into the info session is there I let them have it. I also help out the Bariatric Institute at Frnaklin Square by coming to the information sessions for a quick Q & A potential patients and their families can ask me questions and get answers from a actual patient. The nurses and surgeons can tell you from their perspective but have never had it done them self's so I know I'm helping others and it makes it all so worth it. I am also not shy or scared to reveal scars or admit the good the bad and the ugly. I am working on brochures right now, photos and stories of myself as an obese child -adult not revealing how i lost the weight (vsg) but that my weight loss was a result of a program at my hospital lots of dieting and fitness. The brochures will be handed out to students as I talk to them about childhood obesity, I plan to team up with the PE teachers as well as nutritionist and head out to schools around the area. Not many people are willing to face a room full of judgmental and brutally honest kids. I don't know how it's going to go. Hopefully be inspirational. <a href="http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa432/myvsgsuccess/?action=view&current=beforeandafter611.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa432/myvsgsuccess/beforeandafter611.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

On a daily basis I wear 3 major things under my regular clothes. First I put on a back smoother bra the one I love is Lane Bryant's they are buy 2 get 2 free right now...hop on that deal!!! http://www.lanebryant.com/smooth-balconette-bra/p36851/index.pro 2nd I wear Spanx Slimplicity Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit http://www.spanx.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10918464&cp=2992553.11308615&parentPage=family This is so worth the price but hand wash them and they will last you only draw back is having to take shirts off in order to poo but these have a gusset and you can tinkle in them and no you don't really pee on them but it is something you have to get use to it's kinda yuck at first but now I love the gusset. 3rd I wear Spanx On Top and In Control Essential 3/4 Sleeve Bateau http://www.spanx.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4148071&cp=2992556.11249345&ab=app_cat_sec1_4.28&parentPage=family These give the look of having slender arms. Even in 103 degree weather I wear them and let me tell you, you sweat in these the same as if you did not have them on. The only difference is that they absorb the sweat rather than having your clothes get wet with sweat. LOVE LOVE LOVE these attached is a photo of me without them and with them, you'll be sold on these too <a href="http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa432/myvsgsuccess/?action=view&current=flexees-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa432/myvsgsuccess/flexees-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Here i'm wearing it with a sleeveless halter dress <a href="http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa432/myvsgsuccess/?action=view&current=DSC04978-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa432/myvsgsuccess/DSC04978-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> here i'm wearing the spanx on top and in control 3/4 sleeve by itself with a skirt and a belt, looks like a dress right? <a href="http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa432/myvsgsuccess/?action=view&current=DSC04881.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa432/myvsgsuccess/DSC04881.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> hope this all helps!!

Greatly Appreciated

It's really hard to believe that just 1 year ago i was 319lbs & down from 355 & 2 weeks post op. It's an interesting feeling not having spring/summer clothes to pull out and try on to see what still fits you or what you cant wear cause of those winter lbs you gained. I've gifted most of those clothes to fellow patients as needed. Some have been gifted back and gifted twice. I have to go shopping for my spring/summer clothes this year which I can't really afford so I am asking that anyone with sizes 12/14 please see what yah got that you can gift to me. I volunteer and speak at Franklin Square Hospital Center at the Bariatric Institute's Information Sessions telling my story and doing a question and answer session and like to dress up for those it gives more of an effect. When people see you and the thought that you might have had weight loss surgery doesn't even cross their mind and then to see your before and look at you standing their all decked out. It's inspiring so I love to do that. So any dresses spring/summer/cocktail/formal/ evening even or whatever will be most appriceated too. I am working on becomming a self help coach and motivational speaker full time and persuing that full force right now. I have also started Weight Loss Surgery Patients Against Childhood Obesity programs offered to all students 4-24 to avoid or overcome childhood obesity. I promise it would not be going to someone undeserving. I am very passionate and try to do everything I can to help others. Please contact me if you have some clothes to gift. Thanks so much, Laura

Hello I'm Laura Crowe AKA Loquacious Laura, Founder and CEO of Weight Loss Surgery Patients Against Childhood Obesity. I had Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy on April 5th 2010 which has inspired me to make a difference! Join me and other Weight Loss Surgery Patients in our mission to help students avoid or overcome obesity! Once fully operational Weight Loss Surgery Patients Against Childhood Obesity will provide a free customizable weight management program (nutrition & fitness), stylist and self help coach for confidence building, and website with support boards, blogging, and social network profiles. Offered to students ages 4-23 to avoid or overcome obesity. Like us on Facebook