Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Excess Skin Removal with Tri-Care



Recommended Posts

Alright so Ive lost 124 pounds, Im below my goal weight, and now Ive got all this excess skin just about everywhere you can imagine,I have a huge pannus, and carry a lot of skin above the belly button too. my PcM sent me to a plastic surgeon for my initial consult last week. He was such a d-bag, he kept taking out his phone and looking at it, and wouldnt listen to a thing I had to say. I have googled and researched skin removal with tri-care until ive been blue in the face and its 50/50 about the skin removal.Quite a few forums i came across are from woman that had WLS and Tri-care approved them for a full abdominalplasty. Have any of you been dealt with this issue, and how did you go about getting it aprroved. My WLS Surgeon and my PCM both say it is medically Necssary, but the plastic surgeon didnt even want to try and get it approved.

(btw I am going for more of the excess skin removed without the muscles being tightened from upper and lower) Also I have really bad infections on my thighs.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Do you have to stay with this surgeon? If he's not listening to you now, I'd be concerned we won't work to give you as close to the results you want as possible. For the price I'm paying now (and what I'm planning to get done in the future) I interviewed 8 surgeons before I committed. Cosmetic surgery may be routine for some people, but it's not for me. I waited to find a Dr that gave me "warm-fuzzies", listened and answered all of my crazy questions, and a front staff who was attentive and followed-up. I have surgery scheduled 8/27, so we'll see if my patience paid off!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree. Don't go with a surgeon you don't feel comfortable with. Sounds like you would qualify for a panniculectomy covered by insurance. Keep looking for a doctor that will work with you and your insurance company, and that you feel comfortable with.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Alright so Ive lost 124 pounds' date=' Im below my goal weight, and now Ive got all this excess skin just about everywhere you can imagine,I have a huge pannus, and carry a lot of skin above the belly button too. my PcM sent me to a plastic surgeon for my initial consult last week. He was such a d-bag, he kept taking out his phone and looking at it, and wouldnt listen to a thing I had to say. I have googled and researched skin removal with tri-care until ive been blue in the face and its 50/50 about the skin removal.Quite a few forums i came across are from woman that had WLS and Tri-care approved them for a full abdominalplasty. Have any of you been dealt with this issue, and how did you go about getting it aprroved. My WLS Surgeon and my PCM both say it is medically Necssary, but the plastic surgeon didnt even want to try and get it approved.

(btw I am going for more of the excess skin removed without the muscles being tightened from upper and lower) Also I have really bad infections on my thighs.[/quote']

Sounds like you should see another surgeon. Its so important that you have someone who is genuinely concerned for your wellbeing and who wants the very best for you. This guy sounds like a rude, unprofessional a##hole and I certainly wouldn't feel that I could trust him. You deserve so much better xx

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm wondering what response you got after this. I had a panni done through tricare in May, and it was completely covered. As long as you have lost 100 lbs, it's considered medically necessary. Right now I am trying to talk tricare into covering my arms and thighs (they say they won't...). I was approved for a breast lift, but tricare doesn't cover the implant I might need (there's barely any breast left). DM me if you'd like.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Any update? Tricare standard here would love feed back

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm wondering what response you got after this. I had a panni done through tricare in May, and it was completely covered. As long as you have lost 100 lbs, it's considered medically necessary. Right now I am trying to talk tricare into covering my arms and thighs (they say they won't...). I was approved for a breast lift, but tricare doesn't cover the implant I might need (there's barely any breast left). DM me if you'd like.

really? as long as 100 pounds loss? this gives me hope..

can you tell me the steps you used to have this done...documentation you did/needed....i have tricare prime north

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

panniculectomy is what u need to do a search on i read most insurance will cover this. Panniculectomy is a body contouring surgical procedure that removes hanging fat and skin, typically after massive weight loss. It may be performed as a standalone procedure or combined with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).

Panniculectomy candidates may have recently experienced significant weight loss after bariatric surgery to treat obesity or a post-pregnancy complication resulting in inordinate amounts of fat below the belly button.

Candidates may have fat extending as low as their knees, over their hips, genitals and around their back. This hanging pannus can cause a host of health issues including back problems, the breakdown of skin, rashes, ulcers, or skin disorders. These conditions may interfere with everyday life, and walking, standing, or sitting may become difficult.

Ideal panniculectomy candidates should be at a stable weight for at least one year.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×