The Dragon-Slayer strikes again!!!

I have been in the appeals process with my insurance company since January to get approved for reconstructive surgery. I wanted my panni removed and I was going to pay the difference for a full lower body lift.  I didn't post about it, because I really didn't know if I would win.....after fighting for an RNY I couldn't believe that I had to go thru this whole appeals process again.

It's been a slow process. Since my weight stabilzed over a year ago I began documenting itching and rashes with my PCP at EVERY SINGLE VISIT. (I wanted to document a history of rashes) Then I went to get a consultation with Dr. Kent, a fabulous plastic surgeon in Orange who is covered by my insurance plan.

My first request was denied and I went back to my attorney at Obesity Law (the same group who helped me get approved for my RNY).  I did another round of doctor visits, had pictures taken of my belly that were gawd-awful!! What did the trick was my last visit with my PCP who went into great detail explaining that the rashes and itching were not going away, they were aggravated by sweat when I exercised....and that I could not stop exercising to make the rashes go away. She very logically laid out the argument that this procedure was MEDICALLY NECESSARY.

So today, I got my letter. I'm APPROVED!!!!!  I'm having a lower-body lift on August 28th!!   I WON MY APPEAL! I once again am a dragon-slayer!!!!

So, please any advice from those who have been sliced & diced is greatly appreciated!

 

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I've been sawed in half and put back together... feel free to ask away!

Kim

Tell me the Awful Truth....what do I need to know about recovery?

Recovery is not easy... usually everyone has at least one mild complication... the swelling is not a joy ride. I had multiple procedures... so I looked and felt like a crash test dummy... it all passes though. You'll need someone to REALLY be there to help. And get good compression garments after the binder is off. Spanks saved me...

Kim

Congratulations, Monica!

Awesome Monica!!!  Congratulations!!!

Woo-hoo!  I bet a lot of celebrating is gonna go on in your house tonite!

Jeni

Awesome news hun!!! Congratulations!!! xoxoxo

Fantastic!  Great news . . . good for you!

Chris

Congrats Monica!

Congrats to you!!!!!!!  I am so very happy for you. 

I didn't have a lower body lift but I did have my arms, legs, and tummy done at the same time.  I think it was 13 1/2 hours in the OR.  Honestly, the worst thing about the whole experience is having to stay at home and become bored to death!  I was not one to want to be at home during that time in my life.  That was when the beginning of the end of my marriage was happening.

There is pain, no doubt about that, but I found it to be very tolerable.  I have a high threshhold for pain so take that into consideration.  I am guessing that you do too, though.

One thing that I was told is that the arms hurt the worst by far.  I was prepared for that, but I guess I got lucky because my arms were just about totally healed in less than two weeks.

One other thing that you need to consider:  I was about 165 when I had the plastics done.  Several months later, I started losing again and lost 40 more pounds so I again had loose skin, no where near as bad, but still loose just the same.  You might want to make sure that you are happy with the weight you are, and if you still plan on losing more than 20 lbs more, consider waiting until you get there.

Wow!!!!  I am so excited for you.  Again, a BIG< HUGE
Isn't Dr. Kent the one that did everyone's bubbies and they were so happy?  I am pretty sure he was the one.


Jillie