Some questions about Plastics

OK, my weight has been very stable for the last few months - I'm thrilled with how much I have lost - of course would like to lose more but not sure that's going to happen. I'm healthier (and happier) than I've ever been and that was my main goal going into all this.

I am having some issues with the excess skin on my legs now - my legs were huge when I was at my heaviest and hey are my biggest problem area now. Yeah, I have batwings, but I was never a tank top type of girl anyway so I can live with them - my back is not flabby at all so that's good - the belly has loose, saggy skin but again, its not bothering me much right now.

My legs, however, are starting to cause me real problems - one of them is the excess weight of the skin weighing down on my knees - I have bi-lateral knee replacements and they're starting to ache again - not when I'm walking or working out, but usually at night and I think its after the strain of all that excess skin and weight thru-out the day. Its also throwing my balance off terribly anymore - my 20 lb dog almost pulled me off my feet the other day when he saw something he wanted and yanked on the leash - I lost my balance when he did it and almost couldn't catch myself. And people are constantly asking me if my knees hurt because of the way I walk - they don't - and I thought I was walking pretty good but I think its because my legs are so weird now.

So here's my question(s) - I have discussed this with my PCP and Dr Boe - I would obviously love to have insurance cover this surgery but am concerned about using just a regular plastic surgeon since its more medical than cosmetic (trust me, with my knee scars nothings going to make my legs pretty again). Does anyone know how I have to document this for insurance (I have Aetna)? And my second question is I notice a lot of people going to a surgeon in the Poconos? Are you happy with his results? Why did you choose that particular surgeon?

Sorry this was long but am really just thinking about starting this process and not sure how to proceed,

As always thanks in advance for any input you guys can provide!!

Hi Kathy, I can't give you any info on the surgeon in the Poconos as I haven't seen him yet.  I did meet with Dr. Skalicky (through Barix calling me - he operates at Barix as a location).  He and his office "greeter" (meets with you before he does and gives you background and is LOVELY to speak with) told me that for insurance coverage on any of the plastics insurance companies want to see 3 or 6 months (depending on the insurance) of documentation.  Go to the doctor, they log it in and offer a treatment option, it either resolves or causes a problem again.  Then, you go again and document, and follow that regimen and so on until you have the quota (3 or 6 months of documentation).  Then insurance will cover a portion of the plastic surgery needed to resolve the issue/problem.  Definitely start this sooner rather than later, especially due to all the discomfort you are experiencing.  Hope this helps......take care of yourself.

k

hi i used dr herman in the poconos because he treated me well, acted like this was a medical issue and not a spa treatment. The other drs i went to would not even try and bill insurance.
With the help of dr herman and my PCP I got my tummy covered.
I am very happy with my results and the care i got