Insurance Coverage

[lessofm3 0]

I am only 2 1/2 months out from my surgery, however, I am positive I will need PS mainly a Tummy Tuck, and possibly breast reconstructive surgery. Has anyone been fortunate enough for their insurance company to cover this? As I said I am positive I will need PS however, I really don't think I can afford it.

Also, I know it is still too soon to EVEN think about another surgery right now, but I like to look at options for the future.

[ParrotheadCathy 0]

I was told not to plan any PS until I had been at goal weight for a year .... this gives your skin time to recover as much as it will ever recover. Panniculectomies may be covered if you have issues with skin breaking down, getting infected, etc. where skin touches skin. But I'm thinking you will have to document that (regularly) with your PCP to even have a chance of getting insurance to cover the surgery. That means, not just once saying "I have this problem" but repeatedly.....that's my plan, LOL.

[lessofm3 0]

Cathy,

Thanks for the info, your plan is the same as mine. I figured I would start talking to my PCP even though I still have a long way until I'm at a year.

[potatie 5]

Hi lessofm3, I was just approved for a panniculectomy and a mons lift. I am paying out of pocket for the upper abdominalplasy. I kept documenting that I had skin issues every time I went into a doctor's visit. Every fill this was documented. I even had a perscription that was powder. I also had it documented that I was unable to run due to the excess skin and unable to perform certain yoga poses. I told the complete truth even the part that I do not feel good about myself because of the excess skin. I was approved within a week. That was when the clinical and pictures were sent in. I was 17 months post op with 148lb down when I saw the ps. Now I am down 158lb with hopes of another 10-20 before surgery on November 6, 2009. Good luck.

Right now I would worry about the weight loss journey and when you get to the point that YOU feel that YOU need PS you will know and go from there. :mad:

Katie K.

[Sue Magoo 71]

Hi:

I was able to get partial coverage for my Tummy Tuck. My insurance approved coverage for a panniculectomy as I had rash issues under my excess abdominal skin. Both my lap band and the plastic surgeon had photo's of my rash (way way embarassing, but worth it). The plastic surgeon submitted to my insurance and they came back with approval for an abdominoplasty. Then I had to pay for the difference between a panniculectomy and the tummy tuck. I'm very pleased with the results.

Best wishes to you with your band and also with the plastic surgeon. You should probably look into plastic surgeons that have dealth with post WLS patients. Ask around for recommendations and ask if they were able to get coverage with their insurance or not.

I love my band and my new flat tummy!

Sue