Hi, Spotz! I did not wait the recommended time. Although I dont advocate doing it as early as I did, I dont regret doing it that way, either. By 7 months, I knew I had a major problem (at that point, I was about 130 lbs from my heaviest Id lost 100 + since surgery). I did get some referrals from my GB surgeon and started interviewing plastic surgeons at 8 months. I talked to a total of 4 of them. I went with a plastic surgeon who did not specialize in major weight loss patients. Instead, I chose a surgeon with an artistic eye who did a lot of procedures on what I call ladies who lunch the Scottsdale crowd. I had my first plastic surgery at 10 months (I was 9 lbs from goal). We decided to stage the surgeries for maximum effect. My first surgery was a tummy tuck combined with a breast lift with implants. I waited almost a year and had a posterior circumferential belt lift (basically a butt lift, but it also pulled up the outer thighs). Two months later I had a brachioplasty (arm lift). Five months later, I had a thigh lift. That is all I am planning. However, if I had the money, Id probably have my neck fixed, but that is probably just being vain.

I could have combined more of the surgeries, but I think I got the best results and easiest recovery time with the way we chose to stage them. I really, really recommend doing the tummy tuck at a different time than the butt lift. If you are cut all the way around, the surgeon cant pull the skin as tight without separating issues. If I had combined additional procedures, I would have had to spend the night in the hospital rather than being outpatient.

Insurance didnt cover any of my plastic surgeries. My understanding is insurance will only cover the skin removal surgery if you have to have repeated infections or major interferences with your life - and it still takes lots of fighting. I used Carecredit basically a credit card for health costs. My monthly payments are equivalent to a car payment. I decided to go with payments rather than paying cash because I knew the younger I was the easier time I'd have recovering.

JJ

@ jj

Thanks so much for your reply, it really helps me out...a lot! I doubt that BCBS NC will cover anything. I have had one yeast infection where skin folds over skin...yup. TMI. Anyway, I had heard about Carecredit.

As far as the work goes, I'm still 21 pounds from my surgeon's goal for me. I think I will call anyway and ask for the references so I can begin my hunt. I was hoping the 'tuck and 'lift could be done at the same time. I assume that is up to the individual surgeon though.

You are such an inspiration for those of us coming along after you! Thanks for being here and willing to share your experience with the rest of the journey!

Blessings,
Spotz

Hi Spotz. I can't answer all your questions but I know that if you have documentation that you get skin rashes (yeast infections) all the time and have to use a prescription daily to help it, sometimes that will help. Good luck. debby

Hi debby!

I guess I'll just strategically "bird bathe" and see if I can cultivate some more rashes! lol I don't think only one will qualify!

A good place to start is just call your insurance company and ask them what's covered.

Mine will cover a panniculotomy (belly flap removal, but not tummy tuck) and breast reduction if there is documented medical necessity..

I went for the surgical consult at one year post bypass, knowing that I wouldn't do any skin surgery until 2013 after the birth of my second child..

The plastic surgeon recommended I see a chiropractor and a dermatologist. We need significant documentation to get this stuff paid for.. So my insurance wanted me to be at least 18 months post op and have maintained weight loss for at least 6 months..

Hope this is helpful..

Spotz..I noticed you said, your surgeons goal weight.

Why is it determined to be his goal weight and not by the weight scales set by the Department of health folks?

@BBonnie,
I'm not sure. Perhaps the surgeon takes age, gender, body structure and composition into account when he suggests a goal weight. I don't know how it's figured. My personal goal is 13 lbs. lighter than my surgeon's. In reality, who knows when my body will be comfortable and stop losing. I do know that in my past efforts, I've never been below 166. I'm 5'4".

U might be surprised i have checked my insurance already and haven't had surgery yet. but mine will cover it after 18 months out from GBS surgery. So be sure you check it out. Might just surprise you.

@@Spotz...I'm 5 ft 7...want to weight 168 which ironically is about the same difference you specificed....12-13 lbs....interesting....

If your having any back pain issues my Chiropractor said she was able to make a case for another patient to have the skin removal surgery covered by insurance due to chronic back pain issues. She noted them for about a year. She said the lady tried prior to a year of said notes and was denied but after the Chiro's year of documentation it was approved.
However I was told that if the insurance company does pay for the surgery it is NOT done with cosmetic appearance in mind. It is strictly done for the medical purpose intended meaning the scarring may be not as pretty as a cosmetically performed skin removal surgery. There is also a difference in skin removal surgery and a tummy tuck. Tummy tuck involves pulling tight the muscle. Skin removal does not.
Just some food for thought.
Good luck!!

Dang ladies...you're awesome!!! I have learned a lot just trying to get a plan in place! Thanks for all the info:)

Thanks for the good info JJ. I was wondering about how long I would have to wait to start looking into that. How long was your surgeon recommending that you wait? I'm trying to think about this NOW, even though I haven't yet had surgery so clearly don't (and may not, who knows) have saggy skin issues. By nature I'm a total type A planner, and ideally I would LOVE to be able to get at least part of it out of the way before I start my nursing job next fall, since I don't know how else I would get the time off to recover. Anyways, good food for thought. Thanks!