Hiya Jaclyn!

I've been working in plastics for a few years and getting ANY insurance to cover "reconstructive" surgery is almost impossible.   "If" they cover anything at all, it is almost always limited to just the panniculectamy (amputation of excess abdominal skin without any muscle work).  The basic guidelines are:  If while in a sitting position, your pannus (excess abdominal skini) reaches down to about your knees or if you can lift it straight out about 6 inches while standing up....and if you have documentation from a dermatologist, pcp, etc. that you have skin breakdown of some type, deeming it medically necessary....then....you may be considered.  But most are denied!

The other piece is finding a surgeon who is contracted with your insurance company.  Tricare is rare.

I hate to be a Debbie Downer but there are a lot of rumors in the biz.....like if you have a hernia then you get free plastic surgery or  that you can donate your skin to a burn unit for free plastic surgery or that just because we have lost over 100 lbs, we are entitled to coverage for plastic surgery.  Nope.

You may want to check with your military doc and see if he/she will refer you to a military plastic surgeon.  I did hear that they may have some coverage and that one may be at Nellis in L.V. and at Randolph in TX?

Congrats on your weight loss!!!!  Good luck with the next step!  I have seen lives change and people break down in tears of joy over the results of their Post Bariatric body contouring!

As for recommendations....I no longer work for Dr. Mazaheri but "hands down", I consider him the best plastic surgeon in AZ!!!  .....  I totally recommend getting at least 3 consults and make sure you're comparing apples to apples with prices.  The other criteria for selection is to check the medical boards, check for lawsuits and ask around on the boards for other people's opinions on their results.  Make sure the surgeon has oodles of Post Bariatric p.s. pictures to show you and that they have a specialty in working with our types of bodies (extreme excess skin).  Someone can be an excellent plastic surgeon and then totally screw up with our body types.

You're in the FUN phase of the journey!!!!  Enjoy!


BTW....Dr. Mazaheri's # is 480.951.4343  He may give you a discounted consultation if you tell him Joyce sent ya?  LOL!  Who knows....maybe he'll charge you more!

Hi Susan,
Here is her website.
http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/

Deanne

Let's welcome Monika to the loosers bench.  She had her surgery this morning.  All went fine and is now in recovery.  We're here for you Monika.  Look forward to seeing you.

Debbie

Joyce,
 Thank you for your help. I haven't reached Dr. yet but I have an appt with him on Thurs so I will address it with him first! Thanks so much I will keep on trucking!
Jena

I know their Bariatric Coordinator had some medical issues lately but I thought she was doing better.  You can send your complaint directly to Dr. Podkamini, right?  I doubt he'd want you or anyone else to be stressed out and worried.

I know the squeeky wheel gets the oil if the oil is available......y'know?  Does your insurance require a Center of Excellence?  If so, then perhaps that's the delay since i don't think they've finished up their certification yet.

There are a lot of really great surgeons around if you feel like switching but (In my opinion), Banner Gateway and Phoenix St Luke's has the best comprehensive complete program for lifetime follow-up.

How about dropping by B.G. offices on Weds around 4 before their support group begins at 4:30?

Good luck!  Let us know how we can support  you, K?!!!  Hang in there.  It's soooooo worth it!