I had this done :)
Recovery is long but worth it!

what insurance and on what basis did you get approval - most insurances say its cosmetic and won't cover it - if you don't mind sharing - what circumstances made them accept you as a viable candidate?

One other question for Karauto - you said recovery is long but worth it but not how long - could you give some idea on how long it takes to recover for future reference please

CONGRATS!!

JJ has had it done.... She has photos showing her journey. I *think* she also has some journals about the process... She looks AMAZING!!

Every insurance is different. Mine required two rounds of antibiotic treatment for skin rash. I have blue cross.

Who is JJ Becca?

Lucky you! My insurance considers it cosemetic surgery and won't cover it. I will have to pay out of my own pocket to have it done. I am looking into and will ask my WLS program at my post op one year apt. They won't refer anyone for plastics till after a year out and maintaining the weight loss for 3-6 months I think. I made surgeon's goal in Nov 2012 and am under my own personal weight goal also. I guess I will be either cashing in a 401K that is old or raiding my savings account to pay for it!

I have an appointment with a plastic surgeon in May for a consultation to plan the work I want. I am 115 lbs down from a high of 300 lbs. last November (less than 6 months). I seem to be approaching my goal of 150 faster than I expected, but I believe my plastic surgery will wait until Nov of 2013.

I checked with insurance (Aetna) and they will cover a panniculectomy if I can show skin irritation for 3 months, which will be easy to do. I have confirmed with the plastic surgeon's office that he can take the money for a panniculectomy and just charge me the difference between that and an extended Tummy Tuck or lower body lift. That will help a great deal since it will cover the hospital and anesthesia. I also have 6 weeks of leave accrued at work.

I am getting VERY frustrated by the excess skin and can't wait to have it off. My doctor said I could probably wear clothes 1-2 sizes smaller if I have the surgery and it might be 10-20 lbs of excess skin.

Has anyone had a brachioplasty, and how bad are the scars?

Yes, I had a tummy tuck and had my arms done, too (the arms were a separate surgery).

I had a breast lift with augmentation the same time I had my TT. Recovery for me was 4-6 weeks. I was off work for 4 1/2 weeks but allowed full activity at 6 weeks. If you are getting the full TT and not just a panni, they will be repairing muscles so it is more painful than most of the other plastic surgeries.

I had my brachioplasty (arms) a little over a year later. It was the easiest of my plastic surgeries. I was working out again 3 weeks later. There are different placements for the arm scars. I highly recommend the newer posterior placement. Surgery is easier and the scar is much better looking (no pucker at the elbow).

I'm willing to answer any questions!

JJ

Congratulations! I am almost 4 years post-op and I will have to pay for the surgery myself. I am hoping to have this surgery in December.

For those of you that work, were you able to use short-term disability? I don't think my boss would approve of me taking a month off. I am determined to have this surgery. I also will be taking money out of my 401k.