Breast Reduction Surgery and Tri-Care

[BroncosGalAndrea 0]

Hello everyone,

I've lost about 50lbs since my surgery. It came off everywhere except on top. I've been large all along, now i'm just large, droopy and disproportionate.

The worst part is that now my back has been bothering me, along with my neck and shoulders and exercising is a challenge and uncomfortable.

My primary doc was able to get my insurance to approve an initial consult with a plastic surgeon, who in turn, said I am a perfect candidate for surgery and for insurance to pay for it.

I have tri-care and really don't see a problem with them approving this. They've been very easy for me to work with (it's a civilian doc, since there are no military facilities close by).

I guess my question is......anyone here who's had the breast reduction and tri care paid for it......how long did the approval take? When I had my lap band done, the gastric surgeon scheduled my surgery THEN did the insurance stuff. The plastic surgeon is doing it the other way. Just curious if anyone knows...

Thanks in advance.

Andrea~~

[rodriguezequal 3]

I heard that it can take anywhere from a week to over a month. I went in to see about a breast reduction (I was a 42J before surgery and I'm 22) and they told me that they wanted me to wait until I get to my goal weight...My boobs have deflated and they look horrible, but I guess I will just have to deal with them until I get to my goal Good luck and let me know how it goes

[mom2specialkids 0]

When I had my reduction done, it took Tri-care 48 hours to approve it. It was very fast. I had no problems with Tricare until I wanted to get lap-band but then all it took was an appeal>

[rodriguezequal 3]

How was your pain and recovery after the reduction? Did you have any drains? I really want to have one done, but I'm scared...more so than before I got my band!

[carolinacarol 5]

It took me two years to get tri care to approve, since we are retired I don't know if that had anything. Documentaion was the key word and keeping them on the phone. Every time you go to the doctor complain about your neck and pain and have them document it all the time they required multiple visits to verify the problem. I do not regret having gone from 54" to a wonderful 42. The neck and upper back pain have ceased and other than the scarring which Bio oil works well it is worth it. It was hard. Read the Book," Less is More " it is the bible of breast reduction. I am hoping to get banded next month and the approval for this 48 hours and a personal call from tricare saying if anything else needs to be done call them/ I know they authorize a body lift after two years...keep that in mind reconstruction fall in that catagory don't ya think. Good luck...Retired Ammo Wife AF

[rodriguezequal 3]

I was told they wouldn't (the surgeon) do it until I lost weight and got to my goal...because they breast will just deflate. I am still around a 42H or so...I am only 22 and they hurt me all the time. I know I would be approved. I just wanted to know more about the recovery. I had a drain after I had my son and it was the most painful thing I have ever had (when removed)!!!

[BroncosGalAndrea 0]

It's funny how different doctors come up with different reasons for recommending/not recommending things to insurance. Mine said if/when I have the reduction and after healing, I'll be able to jump start the weight loss again because there will be a lot more exercises, running, etc. that I will be able to do since it's uncomfortable doing them now. It's all in the perception i guess.

Still waiting for surgeon to submit/fax paperwork to tricare for approval. Over a week now with Friday off for Independence day.

Thank you everyone for your help. God Bless Our Troops - PAST AND PRESENT

[rodriguezequal 3]

Yeah mine just said that I would have to have it redone if I did it before losing a lot of weight because they would deflate more and sag...*sigh* I'd rather wait and have them perky then do it now and have pancakes :smile2: lol

[mom2specialkids 0]

The pain that I had was not that bad. I had no drains. I felt pretty good after a week. I am so thankful that I did it. It was scary but I have never been more happy.

[rodriguezequal 3]

This may be too personal and if it is you don't have to answer, but after the reduction and losing some weight have your breasts changed a lot or are they stayin pretty much the same since the reduction?

[nazzy 1]

my backs been killing me ,even more since ive been losing i guess i need to tell my dr more,id really like to get themn smaller,i wonder if bcbs would approve it,my hubby works for gm

[BroncosGalAndrea 0]

FABULOUS NEWS!!!!!!! I just checked my tricare insurance authorization online and i was APPROVED!!!! LESS THAN ONE WEEK after the surgeon's office submitted the paperwork! YAY!!! I am beyond excited! Now I'll be calling the surgeon's office bright and early tomorrow to schedule surgery and get this ball rolling! Thanks for all your help. GodBless!!!

[RUBALCAVA2004 0]

I am also in the process of waiting for my insurance company to approve me. I waited two weeks and called the docotrs office and they just gave me the lady's name who is reviewing my case. I guess no news is good news???? now it's been about a little over a month. still waiting.... I'm a 42dd and I've lost like 100lbs with my band and I am ready to start "reconstructing" my body!

[BroncosGalAndrea 0]

EVEN BETTER NEWS.......Tricare is covering the surgery 100%!!! My only cost is $25 for hospital stay and prescriptions ($3 for generics). Surgery is scheduled for this coming Wednesday, July 29th at 9am! SOOOOO EXCITED!!!

[rodriguezequal 3]

YAY!!! Good luck! Let us know how it goes! The 29th is my birthday lol....a good day :biggrin: