need prayers

Hello,  I am new to this website.  I am from Columbia City and had my bypass surgery in Feb 07.  I have hit the surgeons goal.  I am now at the point where I am having issues with the hanging skin and rashes.  These areas of my stomach, arms and breasts of course.  I have seen Dr. Stephens at Summit Plastics about having this removed.  My isurance states that if this is medically needed they will pay for it.  The doctors office mailed out the photos and letters yesterday.  I have Siho/Lutheran Preferred insurance.  I am really nervous about this for some reason.  My bypass surgery was approved with them in 2 hours.  It was so smooth.  Not a complaint in the world but for some reason I am really worried about this one.  This is really important to me to finish the final step in my journey and without insurance I can not complete it.  I would appreciate any feed back any of you have had with insurance and plastics also all your prayers and wishes will be greatly appreicated.  I live so far away from most of you from what I have been reading but it sounds like so much fun with the clothing exchanges, parties, etc.  I wish there was a group like you wonderful people closer to me. 1 more question I have been reading that most of you were instructed to not take ibprofin or pepto?  I have never heard of this before.  Can you tell me why these are such bad things for a person who has had bypass surgery? Thanks again to all of you and your love and support you have for each other on this site is just awesome!  Looking forward to being in the group.  Thanks,  Keri

Hi Keri,  Welcome aboard!!!   We are so glad you are here.   I was told no ibprophin because it causes ulcers in post-opt patients- I was told by my surgeon that I could do the pepto though when I had the flu. I guess aome surgeons allow it, I don't know. I sure hope you can come to some of our gatherings- you'll find love, support, and fun!! Good luck with the plastics!!!! I don't have any answers there, but others on here do.There is a plan you can get that helps with the plastics- kind of like a credit card you pay payments on. I am going to have to do that route if I do get to have them. Since my hubby reitred and is stasrting his SS. this May, our Ins. has dropped alot of provisions.Wishing you all the best girl!( I am still wanting to see if there is some form of stitch material they can use of me that will disolve so i can have it. My body tends to not dissolve the stitches from surgeries, then I have to have surgery to remove them-again-grrrrrr!) As I said, welcome, and keep posting!!!!!   ((((((((hugs))))))))))) Ellen

Hello and welcome! I had the panni removal done, paid by insurance! I did have documentation and pics of my hanging apron and some rashes! I went through Dr. Grasse her in Indianapolis/Carmel! There office submits everything needed as well as any additional info that you may have from other professionals as well! I cold not afford any plastics on my own either, but am satisfied with the panni removal! I had 16lbs removed in surgery-14.4 was skin! I hope this helps! Good luck to you! Hgz Dawn

Thank you.  Do you have as much drooping and skin in your chest area after panni removal?   Have you had any thoughts of putting through medical necessity papers to insurance for the removal of skin on arms and a breast lift?

I do not believe that I have much drooping skin in the chest area! However, I do get rashes and infections and have had documentation of that as well! When I had my consult for my panni removal Dr. Grasse had stated that when I was ready she thought that I could try for an augmentation and probably be able to achieve approval through all of my issues! I am not sure that I am wanting to go through another surgery though! Hope this helps! Hugz Dawn

Keri, I had my wls surgery on May 21, 2007 and I'm just starting to check out having plastics done. I haven't called any plastic surgeons yet. Good luck Cheryl