khath0620

I just had my TT last week and insurance would only pay for the panniculectomy, not the tummy tuck part. I had well documented rashes due to the overhanging skin. The panniculectomy is where they remove just the overhang where the abdominoplasty (a.k.a. tummy tuck) they release the skin up to your sternum and pull it down as well as tighten your abdominal muscles. The panniculectomy was medical, the abdominoplasty is cosmetic. I did have some out of pocket expense for a portion of the surgery. You can look into CareCredit loans or, as I did, did a balance transfer to a 0% credit card and will pay it off in 21 months. I hated to burden my family with that expense but it was well worth it both on an emotional and a physical level. good luck, Katie

So, my plastic surgeon took off 4 pounds. She only expected 2-3 so I figure this is a win! I am still very swollen, lumpy and bumpy so I can't wrap my head around what I will eventually look like. Feeling pretty well though so far. Take care, Katie

So I am home and doing well. Took 4 pounds of extra skin off. Took my 1st shower today and feel a bit more human. The pain is very manageable too. I check in with the surgeon on Wednesday and will hopefully get a clean bill of health and one of the drains removed. Thanks for all your support!

I am so flooded with emotions right now....nervous, anxious but still very excited! I am a planner by nature so I have cooked tons of band friendly, high Protein foods and froze them, done all my laundry, done grocery shopping, filled my prescriptions, etc. I am now just waiting, waiting, waiting. I just want this behind me now so I can just recover and look forward to a fun summer. I am not sure if I will have the courage to post before pics because I HATE my saggy, floppy stomach right now. Maybe I will get the courage to post some after ones....wish me luck! Katie

Thanks, everyone! I will definitely keep you all posted! Thank God for all my LB peeps!

Woo-hoo! It is exciting, isn't it??? I am scheduled for a TT NEXT Thursday! I am getting jitters now! Congrats!

I do exercise regularly and find the warmth factor a perk, other than that I am cold all the time!

None of us got to being overweight because we were "normal eaters". We all have some sort of food addiction. For me, anything with flour or sugar is a huge problem so I have to avoid things that have it in it like it was poison because if I start I CAN'T stop. The holidays have been really hard this year. The voices in my head say I am down like 93 or 94 pounds I can have a little of that pie or a piece of dessert. The truth is that I CAN'T, I am just letting down my defenses again. This food addiction never leaves us, we just find a way to be in better control of it. You already know what to do. You need to do Protein first and then veggies and, only if there is room, a small bit of complex carb. Also, do you need to go in for an adjustment? re-visit the nutritionist? Do you have a food scale and measuring cups? You CAN do this! You have the strength and the knowledge! You just need to start with 1 day or 1 meal or even 1 hour. Keep it simple and build your confidence back up. You are not a failure, you are human. Good luck and happy holidays, Katie

My insurance also paid for my band 100% and is going to cover the cost of a panniculectomy (removal of excess skin) from my abdomen because of chronic, well documented rashes by my primary care doctor and my dermatologist. I have to pay extra for the cost of the abdominoplasty (where they tighten the muscles) even though I have what is called a rectus diastasis, or a separation in my abdominals, and my "guts" are somewhat exposed beneath the skin. I guess it is common with people who have gained/lost a bunch of weight as well as for pregnant women. Good luck!

spoiltmom, First of all you look amazing!!! I am so happy for you! I am having my TT Jan 19th and only hope that it comes out that good! Second, you don't need to explain yourself to Sanction or anyone! This is a forum of support, not criticism. You posted to show us all how far you have come and where you are at in your journey. I truly HATE when people "forget" the point of sharing such personal stuff! In any case, have a wonderful day with your family. You look great! Sanction - its the holiday season so please have a peaceful and healthy holiday and remember to be kind to others.....

I am just curious about this whole process too....it sucks away the fat but the skin is still there. I have "batwings" as well. Will the smart lipo get rid of the skin too???

Ended up getting unfilled which, of course makes me sad BUT, on the otherside of the coin, I am SO much more comfortable now. I have heard home remedies like cola, meat tenderizer and Water, pineapple juice, hot tea with lemon, and several finger down the throat. I can always get re-adjusted at the end of next week so, as always, I will live and learn. Now I know reheated microwave salmon IS NOT my friend. I am going to take it easy for a few days with solids. Thanks for the advice!!! Katie

I need advice.... How long should I wait before I call the doctor? I have been feeling stuck for about 2 hours now. I have "slimed" quite a few times and am still feeling pressure in my chest/stomach. I had microwaved a piece of salmon from last night and apparently it isn't going down (or up for that matter)! I have been slightly stuck before but it hasn't lasted this long in the past.... Thanks, Katie

You NEED a certain number of calories just for your organs to function including your brain, heart, lungs, etc. You can find that number out - google "Resting Metabolic Rate calculator" and plug in your height/weight, etc That is the MINIMUM number of calories you should be getting in order to just sit on a couch and breathe. If you are more active, that number can be adjusted. For instance, I am 5' 8" and weigh "X" pounds (sorry, can't share that number) so I need around 1600 calories a day. If you are concerned, I would speak to your nutritionist about it. I think 690 is really very low and so your body is going to start attacking itself and you won't have any energy at all. Good luck.

My insurance company is paying for part of my TT because I had "medical necessity" with the rashes.

Hi, For anyone who has had a abdominoplasty/tummy tuck, are there any compression garments for post op that you would recommend? My surgery is not until January 19th but I figured I could pick some up with all the holiday sales right now. Thanks, Katie

I am so excited to announce that I FINALLY heard from my insurance company today and they approved my panniculectomy. I have been dealing with these rashes and stuff for over a year now and now am going to be able to have the chance to have a flatter tummy. I am going to have the full abdominoplasty and TT (extra cost) but if I am going to do this I only want to do it once! I am filled with a sense of excitement but also REALLY nervous about going under the knife. I have a choice at either the end of December or the end of January. SO many feelings running through me right now! Katie

It is going to cost an extra $6200 but, from what I read from everyone, it is well worth the money.

Yay, NYDad!!! That is so great! You will do awesome! Your kids will be so impressed! Congratulations on your success!

I don't have that type of insurance (I have HP) but from the research I have done, any rashes or skin irritations that are documented by a physician would make the removal of the extra abdominal skin a medical necessity and then they would pay for a panniculectomy. That is just the hanging skin. They do not cover the cost of a full tummy tuck (a.k.a. abdominoplasty) which tightens the muscles and deals with the upper abdomen. Good luck, Katie

Thanks, Ross. I am in pretty good shape. I work out regularly, even job 5Ks (2 coming up in the next couple weeks). I do, thankfully, have a recliner and a few books I am looking forward to reading. Congrats on your newest accomplishment! Katie

Plastic surgery in for insurance approval....it's all up to them now! I will be biting my nails for an approval. The PS office said Harvard Pilgrim may take a week or two! Oy!

Hi there, How did your consult go? Are you going to have the work done? What did they say about the 17#? Just had my appointment yesterday and it was mortifying but productive. Should have my paperwork into the insurance by the end of the week (hopefully). Thanks, Katie P.

I just had my plastic surgery consult yesterday. I am having a terrible time with rashes under my tummy. The PS said that if the insurance were to pay for anything it would be a panniculectomy (removal of the hanging skin) but not a full TT (where they would tighten the whole abdomen and suture the abdominal muscles for a tighter appearance). So now my PCP, dermatologist and PS are going to submit info to my insurance company for approval. I have a years worth of paper trail and now photos. My PS said it was good that I had a "rip roarin' rash" because that is what insurance wants to see. It may take a few weeks for approval so I am pretty anxious. Good luck and congrats on your new life with the band! Katie

Hi there, Going for my PS consult next Tuesday. I have some significant skin issues and so am hopeful insurance will pay for a panniculectomy however I am hoping I can see how much extra a TT will be. I figured if I am going to have surgery then I am going to do it right and ONCE! Just wondering, for those who have undergone plastic surgery, how did you finance it? Were there any special credit cards, loans, programs that helped with the financing? I can't pay an "all at once" cash fee but could probably manage to pay over a couple of years. Any advice? Thanks! Katie